by Savana Jade
Once we break, Matt takes the lead like he usually does and walks across the stage with his sticks in his hands. The crowd goes wild. Who knew that our band is this big out here? Drew follows and shyly waves at the crowd as he simply walks to his place on stage. Brennan and Gabe both look at me before running on stage in unison. Of course, the crowd is in hysterics. I still don’t know who they love more since they always walk out together. I think they like to argue about it. But tonight, I think they are all giving a little something more for Gabe, since it’s his night after all. Suddenly he runs off stage towards me. “Gabe, what are you doing?” I ask in shock. He never runs off stage.
He stops in front of me, takes my face in his hands and kisses me deeply with enough emotion that leaves me with goose bumps and the urge to forget about the concert all together and disappear. “Just wanted to do that.” He says grinning. “I love you Angel. And I’m so proud of you.” He kisses me once more before letting go and running back on stage. The crowd hollers again when he presents himself and straps the guitar over his shoulder as I work on calming my rapid heartbeat from his kiss. After he gets all hooked up, he glances my way and winks followed by his secret sexy smile he saves for me.
Brennan cue’s Matt who begins tapping his sticks in the air. As rehearsed, with Matt hitting the bass, Gabe takes his guitar and stands in the center of the stage. He is such a natural at what he does its unreal. I watch from behind and look at the audience. I see his mother and father with his sisters standing in the front row. The looks on their faces is priceless. They are so proud of their son and his accomplishments. And now finally actually seeing his hard work put into place makes it so much more rewarding. Brennan steps up behind him and as Gabe’s solo ends, the song begins.
I grab the microphone on the stand and squeeze it tightly. They decided to begin with my favorite song as our first song, which also happens to also be our first single. Matt begins his set and gives me the usual look and grins. I look up into the sky and smile up at Will. “This is for you Will. I love you” I whisper before running on stage.
We finish the set without a hitch. Everything went better than planned. Of course we were applauded back onstage when we all decided to give them one song from the new album we were working on before we had to leave. This was the song Drew had written while we were in rehab. It was a slower song. And it was a perfect way to end the evening. Gabe and Drew brought three stools up to center stage.
Seated on either side of me, Gabe smiles over to Drew and winks at me. He gives the nod to Matty. He begins with a soft beat and a slow guitar solo begins. As the crowd quiets to the unfamiliar song, the drums slow start to pick up. My eyes trail their way to Gabriel’s parents and they are nothing more than happy. I smile and wink at them just before I bring the mic to my lips and sing.
How do you let go of what never was?
Of what you’ve never had.
Without even knowing, you held my hand.
You helped me see the light.
Through the shadows of the dark, you made my world so bright.
When you walked through the door, you stepped into my heart.
You took up space that wasn’t yours, but it felt right even from the start.
You played with my emotions like a puppet on a string.
When you looked the other way, I knew you would break my heart.
Please walk away and let me go. I’m not sure how to feel.
This love’s forbidden from the start, Give me some time to heal.
Please walk away and let me go, I’m not sure how to feel.
This love’s forbidden from the start. Give me some time to heal.
After we’ve finished putting our personal things in the SUV, we meet Gabe’s parents at the front of the stage. Tears sting my eyes once again when I notice all the love shared between them. Brennan who was holding Ashley under his arm walks over to me and gives me a supportive hug.
“I’m damn proud of you Jenna.” He glances to Gabe and his family. “Hey.” He draws my attention his way. “You don’t need support from a parent to feel the love you feel from them.” He kisses my forehead. “You’ve got me, Gabe, Drew and Matty. Let alone the support and love from their families as well. Sis, we may not have what they have, but we have much, much more.”
Wrapping my arms around his waist, I reply. “We have so much more. We have the best family don’t we. Because we got to pick our family.” he smiles and nods.
“We sure do. And I wouldn’t change that for anything in the world.” He says releasing me as I’m being called over by Gabe. Slowly making my way to him, I take his offering hand and smile up into his eyes. He is so happy right now it melts my insides.
“Jenna that was an amazing job, Tony and I are so very proud of you for going out there and doing that for us. We don’t know what would have happened if you wouldn’t have agreed to it.”
“Thank you Maria. It was necessary.” Her brows scrunch up a bit in confusion so I continue. “It was important for me to have you and Tony see Gabriel’s accomplishments.” She hugs her husband and her smile grows. “He has worked so hard not only to prove his worthiness to you, but for himself as well.” His eyes glisten as they remain looking down, he listens silently.
“No, thank you dear.” Tony says. “You have brought our family back together. That alone… I can’t thank you enough.”
My throat knots up. “There’s no need to thank me. Even though Brennan and I have been on our own, family means the world to us. And my promise to you, is that Gabriel will come and visit as often as he can.” His mom begins to cry as she pulls me into her arms. I hug her back and notice Tony has taken Gabe into his embrace. They hug and kiss us all before calling it a night. We promised them we wouldn’t be out all night since we were to report to church in the morning. Brennan and I chuckle at the thought of church.
We finish up with the fair and meet up at a local bar. It’s an older tavern that feels like home. The guys’ buy a round of shots and we all say cheers to an awesome set. Ashley and I are challenged to a game of pool between Gabe and Brennan as Matt and Drew blow up the jukebox and head over to play a round of darts.
Because we are ladies, we get to break first. Ashley reassures me that I don’t need to worry about her because she is a frequent player. I grin in victory knowing Brennan sucks at pool. She breaks knocking three solid balls in. “Dude, how good is she?” Brennan asks Gabe who laughs and shrugs. “You asshole. She’s good isn’t she?” He turn to look at her. “Oh don’t look so innocent missy. You played me didn’t you?”
She laughs just before knocking another solid in. “You only asked me if I played, I said occasionally.” She winks at him. He takes her in his arms.
“How occasionally is occasionally?” he asks.
Laughing as he takes a drink of his beer. Gabe answers for her. “Dude, she used to be in a league.” He says as I rest between his legs.
“Well Fuck.” Brennan whines.
“C’mon big brother. You aren’t going to be bitter being beaten by some girls?” I laugh.
“You, no. I know how good you are. Her?” he kisses her cheek, she flushes and Gabe tenses before I run my hand over his thigh causing him to relax a bit. “She’s a hustler. Yeah, I’m going to whine.” He says. Then he gets hit in the back of his head with a French fry. “What the fuck man?” he turns to ask Matt.
“Dude, stop being a pussy and play already. You know you’re gonna lose, so suck it up.” He says laughing giving knuckles to Drew. We all laugh and finish the game. The music changes and before I know it, Gabe has me in his arms in the middle of the small dance floor. It’s a familiar song that we danced to back to back at Fires in Washington. Sara Bareilles Gravity.
“This time, we don’t have to hide in a crowd of people.” He says kissing me softly.
I drag my fingers through his hair and remind him. “This time you won’t be waking up alone again either.” His eyes glow as the sexiest smile appears on his fa
ce. We haven’t done “it” since the first time a few days ago. But we have been sleeping next to each other.
He growls into my neck. “Are you sure?” he asks. I kiss him deeper than we should in public and he moans. “Keep this up and we’re leaving now.” I giggle and kiss him again and he holds me tighter and we slow dance until the song ends. I excuse myself to the restroom again, this time Ashley accompanies me.
“I’ve never seen Gabe this happy. You two make the perfect couple. Not like Carmen. All she did was bring him down.”
Not really wanting to know about his past, but curious to find out. I asked her. “What did she do?” She goes silent.
“Um, he hasn’t told you?” I shake my head no. “Oh. Well, he needs to tell you. But I can say she’s a very selfish woman.” I nod in acceptance as I know I’ve already figured that out. I choose not to push the subject simply because I agree with her wholeheartedly. As we walk back to the group I notice my new favorite enemy sitting next to Gabe. With a heavy sigh, we reach the table. Gabe looks up at me with sorrow in his face. Carmen has her arm draped over his shoulder which ignites a flame in my gut.
“So, how about that dance?” she asks just before turning to look at him but notices me standing at the end of the table again.
“How about no.” I say coldly. I can hear Matt and Drew making noises from the other side of the table from her, but this time, I don’t bother turning towards them. I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol talking or the simple fact that this woman has literally gotten under my skin.
“Excuse me?” she says narrowing her eyes at me
“Oh c’mon Carmen, you’re not that much older than I am, I’m sure your hearing is just fine. I said no.” My face flushes with anger as her hand still rests on his shoulder. He takes it and removes it from his shoulder. But she takes his hand in hers as if she is adding fuel to the fire inside me.
“Oh sweetie, you’re not jealous are you?” She says spitefully. My eyes travel down to their hands and I realize his hand is in a fist. Good boy.
“Two things, one, I am not nor will I ever be your sweetie.” This time I have to crack a small smile to Matt who coughs and laughs at the same time. “Two, I am far from jealous. To be jealous means you envy what someone else has. And the last time I checked, I have what I want and he has what he wants. And from the looks of your hand on his, he wants nothing to do with your touch.” She removes it quickly and stands and walks face to face with me. Brennan and Gabe both stand for support to stop anything that may or may not arise between us.
“You think I’m jealous?” She asks with an eye roll.
“Depends, do you envy me? It’s apparent I have something you want.” I smirk. “I think it’s time for you to leave.”
“Gabe and I have history, something you will never have.” She snaps. I take a step towards her so we are nose to nose. The tension increases.
“You’re right. You two do have history. But that’s all you will ever have, history. Something obviously happened that caused him to leave and move far away from you. So sweetie,” I repeat her gesture, “You’ve lost your chance. Now why don’t you pull yourself together, face the fact that you’re not welcome here? Because that look on your face isn’t a pretty one.”
“You think because he’s spent the last seven years with you, that you have this claim on him?” She pokes me in the chest with her finger. Matt and Drew stand now. “I’ve got news for you little girl, you don’t own him. I’m more welcome here than you ever will be.”
“Carmen just go.” Gabe tries to intervene. But I interrupt him.
“I don’t have a claim on him. I never said I did. He made the choice to be with me. He’s not a dog. No one owns him. What do you think he did for seven years? He not only lived with me and Brennan, he’s become our family. We supported him in everything. We were there to make his dreams come true. I know him more than you can imagine. So I’m warning you. Keep your hands to yourself and walk away.” I say poking her back in the chest.
Her eyes look over my shoulder to Gabe who is standing directly behind me. “You didn’t tell anyone anything did you?” Anger flushes throughout my body while I keep my eyes fixed on her. “You’ll never change. You’re such a coward.” I take a step to the side to break her glare at him. Before I have a chance to respond to her, he intervenes.
“I left for the right reasons Carmen. I don’t need to explain to you or anyone why I left.” He says coldly. “Why don’t you take Jenna’s advice and leave?”
She laughs. “Please Gabriel. You think I’m scared of this little blond piece of trash.” And that was it. Immediately my hands rest on her chest and I shove her with all my might. She tumbled back and her ass hits the floor with a thump. Her eyes widened as I charged towards her.
“Oh Shit.” Matt says at the same time Drew and Brennan say “Fuck.”
I take a step towards her and a set of arms are instantly wrapped around my waist lifting me up off the floor. “Brennan get the door” Gabe calls out walking towards the door. Brennan opens it as Gabe carries me outside. “Get her out of here.” He says meaning Carmen. He knows if I had my way with her, I would have ended up needing bail money.
“No problem.” Brennan says as Gabe keeps me in his arms.
“Gabriel, put me down!” I yell as the cool midnight air hits me and I begin to squirm.
“No.” he says holding me tighter. “Not until you calm down.” He says walking us past the SUV. And down the Square.
“I’m not done with that woman.” I pry a hand loose and he drops me on my feet. I begin to run back towards the bar. He runs past me and next thing I know I’m up and over his shoulder. I begin pounding his back. “Damn it Gabriel Gonzales! Let! Me! Go!” I say between pounds. He smacks me on the ass hard causing me to jump over his shoulder.
“Stop acting like a child and I’ll let you down. But I’m not letting you go.” He says swatting me again.
“Fine.” I say still angry and shaking. He continues walking about a block or two away from the bar letting me truly cool down before he decides to slide my body off his shoulder.
“What the fuck was that about?” He asks angry.
“You’re joking right? You don’t get to be angry with me Gabe. Did you see her poking me? Did you hear what she called me?” I argue.
“I heard and saw everything Jenna. Do you honestly think I couldn’t have handled her myself?”
“Well, it looked like you didn’t mind her arm over your shoulder. Should I have given you two some space? Should I have just sat at the bar and chatted with the stranger that was eyeing me all night?” His face turns cold immediately. I knew he noticed the guy but kept his cool because the guy never made a move. “Should I have given you a minute to rekindle your relationship? Maybe give you two some time alone on the boat?” I turn to walk away, hoping I’m making my way towards the house.
“Fuck Jenna, are you kidding me?” He grabs my arm. “If you would have waited just a minute before you snapped, which was kind of sexy too by the way, you would have heard me telling her to leave. Ask Brennan, I told her when you two were gone that she didn’t belong there.”
“You did?” My voice a little softer but still angry.
“Yes I did.” He yells. “I left here because of her. She is relentless. She ruined my life Jenna.” My arms are crossed. I wait for more. “She cheated on me. But the sad thing is I knew…” His face drifts off to what I can tell is a painful memory. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is she doesn’t even compare to you. Not even close.” He takes my hands and holds them to his chest. “I love you Jenna Munson, not her. I thought I loved her, but that was before I knew what love was. I would have figured after seven years that you knew this.” He kisses my hands, my anger slowly dissipates. “Those other girls are nothing. They were just fill-ins. Not because of Carmen.” He shakes his head. “Fill ins from you. I’ve told you this. I’ve only ever loved you.”
Our fingers entwine and I ask. “You
thought my snapping was sexy?”
The corner of his mouth lifts. “I’ve never had anyone get angry like that over me Jenna. I thought it was hot.” He steps closer me wrapping his arms around my waist bringing our bodies together.
My hands make their way around his neck and I rest my head against his. “Sorry.” I whisper.
He kisses my lips softly and looks into my eyes. “Is this the kiss and make up part? Because if I remember correctly, someone told me I would wake up with her in the morning, preferably without clothing.”
I smile and pull his lips to mine and kiss him softly. He groans as I deepen the kiss and before I know it, he grabs me from behind and lifts me on his hips. “Gabe, I can walk.”
He shakes his head. “Doesn’t matter, you were walking the wrong way anyways.” He laughs, reaching in his phone and texts Ashley. He carries me back to the car where the rest of the group is waiting for us.
“What’s up Rocky?” Matt teases. “If I was them, I would have let you brawl.” I roll my eyes at him as we get into the car. We all chat quietly as Brennan drives us back to the house. The vixen isn’t mentioned again that night, which is fine by me.
Once we’ve said our goodnights, Gabe and I walk hand in hand down the hall to his room. He closes the door quietly. He turns and walks towards me as I’m rummaging through my bag looking for my nightwear. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asks resting his chin on my shoulder.
“Getting my clothes.” I answer. He immediately begins to shake his head. “What?”
“You forget so soon?” He turns me in his arms. I rest my hands on his chest. He begins to walk us backwards towards the bed. “Not tonight.” He reaches down and plays a song on his phone. With the volume down just enough that only we can hear it, he takes me in his arms and we begin to a dance to ‘A World With You’ by Jason Mraz. My hands trail their way up his chest and wrap around his neck as we dance under the moonlight coming through the window. His lips rest on mine as we move our bodies to the music, he slowly lifts my shirt over my head returning his lips back to mine immediately before removing his and dropping it on the floor with mine.
