I look up to see him smiling from ear to ear. I run toward him and can tell he’s been crying when he catches me in mid-air. He hugs me so tightly that I can barely breathe. “You were so amazing tonight. I am so proud of you.”
Evan embraces me next. “You were awesome up there. You guys rocked this place.”
“Thanks, Evan. I have never experienced such an adrenaline rush in my life.”
“I’m sure. This tour is going to sky-rocket you right to the top.”
Lori and Alisa grab me next. Lori says, “Oh my God, Lei. That was so fucking hot. You and Jack should totally do it.” I let out a nervous laugh, while catching Evan’s eye.
As the night progresses, our guests are having a great time. Evan and Lizzy are already attached at the hip. As he is introducing her to my father, he sees me watching and winks. I blow him a kiss. I’m happy he is coming around. Lori and Trey are attached at the lips. Matt, Gina, Logan, Alisa and Joe are all drinking and mingling. Matt introduced me to Gina, and she’s a sweetheart. That will not work out.
Jack has been by my side most of the night. “Your outfit has me throbbing.”
If we were alone in this room, I would have him naked by now. Huffing out a breath, Jack looks at me deviously. “You ok? You look a little flushed.”
I mutter bastard under my breath just as his parents walk over.
“Hi, guys,” Jack greets them with a tight hug. His dad whispers something and pats his back while his mom grabs his face and kisses both cheeks.
“Mom, stop,” he complains, as he pulls out of her grasp. It’s so cute and funny. Rock star or not, he’s a momma’s boy.
Jack’s dad pulls me into a warm hug. “You are the perfect addition to this band, Leila.”
“I’m flattered. That is really a nice thing for you to say.”
Renata grabs me away from her husband and hugs me tight. “Leila, I can’t wait to get to know you better when you guys get home. You’ll come to the house, and bring Evan?”
“I would love to.” She smiles and kisses my cheek. I can see where Jack gets it. It’s heartwarming to know that he comes from a very affectionate family.
“Ok, stop man-handling Leila.” Jack scolds. She gives him a look and hugs me tighter.
Our party is going strong. I am having so much fun mingling with my friends, reliving our performance on stage. My face is nearly splitting in two from all the smiling and laughing. That is, until I spot Jack frowning at his cell phone. Hunter is beside him, holding Amanda’s hand and shaking his head. Amanda looks very uncomfortable. Jack says something else and Hunter shrugs. Their conversation looks like an argument. I wonder what’s wrong.
My dad calls me over and forces my attention away from Jack. As I walk over, I worry over what just happened. No sooner do I turn toward my dad, than a gorgeous brunette walks into the room. She looks around, spots Jack, and seductively strolls right over to him. This woman is stunning. She has a tall, killer body and hair like a black, silk curtain. I watch Jack’s facial expression change when he sees her and he meets her half way. He looks upset as he grabs her arm and yanks her into the hallway, while many of us watch. Who the hell is she?
His parents exchange a few words just as Lizzy makes her way over to them, and immediately begin an animated discussion. An obvious hush falls over the room. Plastering a smile on my face, I try desperately to ignore what just occurred, and I’m failing miserably.
I really need to use the bathroom, but I don’t want Jack to think I’m following him. I decide to wait a few minutes before I walk down the hall hoping not to run into Jack or the brunette. I’m so lost in thought that I barely hear Dylan calling my name. Smiling wide, Mr. Harvard walks toward me and is clearly a bit tipsy.
“What so funny.”
“I’ve been wanting to get you alone all night and it figures it’s when we both have to pee. Go and meet me back right here.” He says and takes off. He is most definitely drunk.
A few minutes later I come out of the ladies room to see Dylan leaning against the wall waiting for me. As I walk over to him, he turns his body so I am now against the wall and he is in front of me. I’m really not in the mood for Dylan right now.
“Dylan, I want to get back inside.”
He doesn’t speak. He just bends and kisses me. It’s soft and sweet and I instantly feel guilt.
I’m so confused and annoyed, it takes me a few seconds to realize what’s happening before I push him away.
“Dylan, I thought I made it clear I don’t have feelings for you.” He steps back and nods. “I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry. I really shouldn’t have done that. I was so overwhelmed with pride and, I don’t know I just got caught up in things.”
“I value our friendship and wouldn’t want anything to ruin it, but…”
He cuts me off. “No need to continue.” Shrugging, he adds, “Leila, I’m dense. It was really a stupid move on my part. I’m really am sorry.” He smiles at me and his eyes are full of longing.
“I need to get back in there.” He nods and motions for me to go first. As soon as we get back into the party room, Dylan heads right for the bar.
I finally see Jack come into the room alone like fifteen minutes later. My heart sinks as I see the look on his face. Where was he? Did he see us? He moves to Hunter and starts talking to him in the same agitated state, as he was earlier.
I continue to search his face but he doesn’t make eye contact with me.
I’m unable to enjoy myself any longer. Something happened to cause him such pain. It’s written all over his face. Our eyes meet when he starts to walk toward me. I close the distance between us.
“Are you ok?” I ask hesitantly. I want nothing more than to ask him who that girl was, why was she here and what did she want. But, I need him to want to tell me. I need to trust that he will.
“I am now.” He steps a bit closer so our arms touch. My skin tingles instantly from his touch. “Is everything ok with you and Dylan?” He looks down at me anxiously. He must have seen us in the hall. Is that why he’s so sad?
“He kissed me again. I set him straight.”
Jack’s posture immediately changes as his gaze flies to Dylan across the room. His glare is cold as ice, and his fists clench automatically. He looks livid until he looks at me, and then his eyes soften immediately.
“Do I need to kick his ass?”
“Please don’t. I don’t want you spending the night in jail. I have plans for you.”
“I love you.” He whispers, so only I can hear him.
“I know.” I squeeze his hand and walk away. I’m disappointed he didn’t open up to me. He may need time. As the party winds down, I’m consumed with theories and speculations.
Saying goodbye to my dad and friends distracts temporarily. I’m exhausted from the continuous goodbyes so I decide to end the pattern. I tell them so, as I hug everyone I love and say that I would see them soon. No more tears.
My dad surprises me and says, “Ok kiddo…see you later.” He hugs me, kisses my head and walks out. Evan and I look at each other stunned.
Lori and Trey try to get months and months’ worth of good-byes in before they separate. Hunter and Amanda are whispering in a corner. Scott is holding a sobbing Patti. Jack is hugging his parents and sister. The merriment we were feeling a short time ago now completely gone.
Once everyone leaves Dylan comes over and says he’ll be meeting up with us in Boston. He reminds me to call him or Cathy if I need anything.
He runs his hand down my arm and offers, “If you change your mind…”
I move away from his touch. “Sorry, Dylan.”
He nods, and walks over to Jack. He says something and Jack’s jaw clenches at whatever it is. Dylan looks back at me and leaves the room.
Jack is very quiet as we make our way to the bus. The guys start sitting around the bus reliving highlights from the show. He takes my hand and walks straight to the back.
“I want to get out of this sauna s
uit and shower. I’ll be a few minutes.”
“Ok…find me when you’re done.”
As I’m getting ready for bed, I can’t shake the feeling of dread that is coursing through my body. Something is very wrong. My concerns are confirmed when minutes later I find him in his bunk staring into space.
“Hey,” I say.
“Hey,” he says back. “Did you have a good time?”
“I did. Are you ok?” I ask.
He shrugs and says, “Not really.” I walk over to his bunk and look up at him.
“You were awesome tonight, Jack.”
He leans forward and caresses my face. “So were you.”
Sitting up he takes my hands in both of his. “Can I talk to you?”
Bile rises, making me feel sick to my stomach. He jumps off his bunk and takes my hand leading me to the bedroom. Once inside, he closes and locks the door.
“Leila, I need to tell you something.” His words cause my knees to give out, and I sit heavily on the edge of the bed.
“Is this about that girl?”
“Yes. She’s my ex,” he admits, watching my face. I wasn’t expecting him to say that.
Pathetically, all I can say is, “Oh.”
I try to shake the thoughts that immediately come to mind. I remind myself he loves me and he wouldn’t do that to me.
“Babe, we need to talk.”
I feel I’m about to have my heart broken. Panic takes hold and it leaves me ice-cold and shaking.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Jack
I was literally on top of the world just a few hours ago. We couldn’t have had a better start to this tour. We were in our hometown, the crowd loved us, Leila rocked their asses off, and even the after party was the perfect way to celebrate with our friends and family.
That is until she came.
When I got her text I wanted to punch something. She is relentless. I didn’t take her seriously when she admitted she would see me after the show. Fuck, she has no boundaries.
Why was she showing up now? Actually, it’s because she smells success. When I was nothing, she could easily fuck me over and move on. Now that she sees us on the climb to fame, she wants in. The news she dropped on me though, shook me to the core.
When I saw her walk in, I dragged her ass into an empty dressing room so fast her feet barely touched the ground.
“Jess, what the fuck are you doing here?” I asked inches from her face.
“Nice to see you too, Jackson,” she replied sweetly.
“Cut the crap. How did you get back here?” She yanked her arm free of my grip and walked a few steps away from me.
“One of the stage hands here is an acquaintance of mine.” She strolled around the room pretending to be interested in it’s décor. “I miss you. You’ve been avoiding me.”
She has got to be kidding. She couldn’t be serious. “I was very clear during our last mistake. I am done. So why are you here?”
“Several reasons, the first one being that I still love you.” She walked closer to me and put her hands on my chest.
I grabbed her hands and she smirked, assuming victory.
I practically spat in her face as I hissed, “Love? You are delusional. You think what happened between us was love?”
Her smile faltered slightly but she recovered quickly. “Yes, I absolutely love you and you love me, too.”
I pushed her away forcibly. “I now know what we had was not fucking love.” Turning my back to her, I attempt to walk out the door.
“You now know? Jackson Lair, you love someone now?” Her words halt me in my tracks.
I neither turned around nor responded. “Oh my God. Jack Lair thinks he’s in love.”
I clenched my fists as she continued. “It’s her, isn’t it? It’s that new singer you hired. I can tell you want into her pants. Or have you already? Is she pulling you around by your dick? Are you confusing that with love?” She stopped to laugh again. “Wait, did she fuck you to get into your precious band?”
I was instantly in her face and she took a step back. “Get the fuck out of here before I have you thrown out.”
She immediately composed herself. Leaning up, she kissed me briefly before I pulled away. “I hit a nerve.” Ignoring my outburst she moved to the couch and calmly sat down. “The second reason I came is to warn you.”
“About what?” I ask through clenched teeth.
“I’ve tried to call and text you, and you’ve been ignoring me. I needed you to know before you left on tour. Regardless of what you think, I do care about you.”
My patience was wearing thin, quickly. “Jessa, just say what you have to say and get the fuck out.” My entire body was shaking. I would never hit a woman, but I wanted to put her through the wall. I haven’t been that angry since high school. Ironically, Jessa was the reason back then as well.
“I ran into Danny.”
“Danny? Danny Sorenson? So?”
“He was pretty upset when he saw me and wanted me to give you a personal message. He said you stole his career and he’s definitely not over it. Jack, he scared me. He looked and sounded so angry. It was definitely a threat.”
What the hell was I supposed to do with this info? Danny Sorenson was the bass player we hired and fired years ago. What Jessa told me sent a tiny prick through my body. He is a degenerate drug addict and he could definitely be dangerous. Danny is a dark person. I sense that he wants what he thinks he deserves, especially now that we are on our way to fame. We could take care of ourselves, but if anything happened to Leila because of that maniac, I would kill him with my bare hands.
“Consider me warned. Now get the hell out.”
Jessa stood and walked over to me. My fists were still clenched. She grabbed one of my hands and pried it open. “In spite of what you think Jack, I don’t want anything to ever happen to you.”
I pulled away. “Thank you. Are you done?”
“No, there’s one more thing.” She paces the room without speaking. When she finally does, my knees almost gave out on me. “I’m pregnant.”
I felt like I swallowed shards of ice.
This can’t be happening. I won’t let this happen.
Recovering quickly, I arrogantly said, “So?”
“It may be yours.”
Letting out a snort, I said, “Yeah, ok. I’m supposed to believe that.”
“It’s true. I’m about three and a half months along. Do the math. I wanted to tell you sooner but you’ve avoided my texts and calls. So here I am.” I wanted to wipe the smirk right off her face.
“We used a condom. It can’t be mine.”
“Not the second time.”
I was drunk that night, but there is no way I didn’t use a condom. “You’re lying.”
“No, Jack. You took me against the wall, while we were in the middle of an argument. I’m not lying.”
I vaguely remember that. Ironically, with everything she just dumped on me, my thoughts go to Leila instead and the fact that I lied to her about always using a condom.
“I want proof.”
“I’ll have a paternity test, although it’s not necessary. You’re the father.”
“Prove it.”
“You have a lot to digest. Take what I said about Danny seriously. I’ll be in touch regarding a paternity test.” With that she strolled out the door.
How could my life go from fucking amazing to fucking disastrous in a matter of minutes?
I can’t lose Leila over this. We are just starting out our relationship.
I had to tell her.
I ran into the bathroom in time to empty the contents of my stomach into the toilet.
As I walked back toward the party in search of more alcohol to replace the amount I just purged, I turned to see Leila and Dylan intimately close to each other.
Her hands were on his chest as she spoke to him. I turned back to the room I came from and grabbed a chair to throw it against the wall.
When I di
d come back to the party, I couldn’t bring myself to look at her. I wanted to cross the room and grab her, claim her, show everyone here she was mine. Instead, I cowardly avoided her. I watched her from across the room. Every so often her eyes would search for mine. She knew something was wrong and kept her distance, also giving me mine.
I walked over to be near her and she took the few steps to meet me half way.
“Are you ok?” She asked with concern evident in her eyes. I’m sure she was curious who that woman was and why we were gone for so long. But yet, she didn’t say a word.
She deserves so much better than me.
“I am now.” I stepped a bit closer so our arms touched. Her skin on mine dulling the crushing pain I felt inside myself. “Is everything ok with you and Dylan?” My stupid curiosity caused the question to pop out. I had nerve to worry about her and Dylan with my situation looming above us like a storm cloud that was about to wreak havoc.
“He kissed me again. I set him straight.”
My eyes flew over to the bastard, standing in the corner. I wanted to cross the room and beat the living crap out of him. I was unconsciously clenching my jaw and my fists with the vision of doing just that.
I looked down at her gorgeous face watching mine closely. I paused and remembered how she reacted the last time I jumped to conclusions. The bottom line is I trust her, completely.
She, on the other hand, had no business to trust me…especially with her heart, because I was about to shatter it.
“Do I need to kick his ass?”
“Please don’t. I don’t want you spending the night in jail. I have plans for you.”
“I love you,” I whispered.
“I know.” She smiled shyly, letting me know with her eyes she loved me to. She squeezed my hand and moved over to be with her friends.
All the success we have will mean nothing without her. My life would be the worst kind of hell if I had to live every day with her within arms’ reach, but not being able to have her.
When the party came to an end, I watched Dylan stand close to her, as he whispered to her. I had to look away when he touched her. To make matters worse, he had the nerve to tell me on his way out, “She isn’t the kind of girl to screw around with.”
What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 7) Page 117
