by Kacey Shea
My cheeks flare with warmth as I chance a look across the stage at Leighton, and then the rest of the guys. “I’m still learning all of this.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re a natural.”
Trent tips his chin. “Austin and Leighton taught her how to play, but she’s incredible, yeah?”
“Yeah! I want to write a song with you. I mean, if you want.”
Emotion tightens my throat, but I swallow it down. “I would love that.”
She wraps her arms around me in a tight embrace. “I’m so damn proud of you. You know that, right?”
This moment feels perfect. Sacred. As if all the years we spent apart no longer matter, because we’re here now.
“So, hate to break up the party, but we really need to run through the set.” It’s that sound guy again.
“Sorry,” I mutter at the same time my sister whispers, “Oh, fuck off.”
“Yeah, ladies! Stop stealing the show,” Austin hollers from his place on the stage, his devious grin in place.
Lexi rolls her eyes and grabs my hand. “We’re going, we’re going.” We walk off stage but before I take a seat, she turns to me. “Hey, can we talk?” She glances at the band before adding, “Somewhere private?”
I nod, apprehension building in my gut. I don’t know why, other than her expression is hard to read.
Lexi leads the way out of the studio and we push inside the ladies’ room. She checks each of the stalls and then turns to meet my stare. There’s concern and worry in her eyes.
“Is everything all right?” Does she know I lost my virginity? Is that obvious? God, I’ll die of embarrassment if she lectures me on Leighton.
“It’s fine. I mean, it’s not fine.” Her smile falls and she shakes her head. “Look, I should have told you this last year. But . . . but I didn’t know you then. I didn’t even know whether you were telling the truth. And I had to be sure . . . that you weren’t just looking for a handout.”
“Lexi, I’d never—”
She holds up a hand. “I know that now. Which is why I feel even worse. Look, there’s no nice way to say this. Our father left a large sum of money along with property when he passed.”
“Oh.” I don’t know how to feel, other than disappointment for a man I never had the opportunity to meet.
“And rightfully, that should be split between us.” Her lips pinch together and little lines crease her forehead.
I shake my head, not wanting her to feel guilty. “Oh, you don’t have to . . . He never even knew I existed.”
“But it’s the right thing to do. If he had known, he would have insisted.” She reaches for my hand and squeezes lightly.
My gaze falls to the floor. “You don’t know that.”
“I don’t, but Opal, I can’t live with myself any other way. I don’t need all of it. Hell, I haven’t touched any of it. We both got the short end of the straw when it comes to parents. I want to share this. I’ve already had my lawyers work up a trust, that way you’ll always be taken care of. Because if something ever happened to me, I’d hate myself forever.”
Tears spring at her words. Even the thought of losing Lexi—after I just found her—is enough to force a sob from my lips.
“Opal!” Concern laces her tone and she pulls me into her arms. “Don’t cry. This is supposed to be good news.”
“I’m sorry.” I tuck my chin and try to slow my sobs, but her comfort only brings more tears.
“Don’t apologize, Opal. I should be the one saying sorry. Is everything okay?” She pulls away and meets my stare as if she’s trying to put together the pieces.
“Yes.” I nod, then shake my head. “No.” I swipe at my face with the palms of my hands to clean the tears. Releasing a shaky breath, I try again. “I don’t ever want to lose you.”
“Lose me?”
“I’ve lost everyone I ever loved.” The admission reverberates off the walls.
“Oh, Opal. No.” She levels me with a stare. “You’re stuck with me. Always and forever. I’m not going anywhere. Well, except for tours and all that shit, but you’ll come too. I won’t leave you alone. Ever.”
“How can you say that?”
“It’s a promise. I’m your big sister. I won’t let you down.”
“But I’m worried I’ll let you down. That I already have.” She asked me not to tell anyone we were sisters, yet I told Leighton. I should tell her.
“You haven’t done anything to disappointment me, Opal. You couldn’t.”
I open my mouth to tell her Leighton knows about us, but then I’d have to tell her I slept with him. Fear that she’ll be angry or look down on me, or that it’ll ruin this connection between us holds my admission hostage.
“Opal. Is there something else?” She cocks her head, and I swear she reads the truth on my face. “Did something happen? You can tell me.”
“I slept with Leighton.” My hand slaps over my lips as soon as the truth escapes. A few more tears fill my eyes and escape down my cheeks. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m getting so emotional. It was only sex.” But it wasn’t. It was the last thread of my childhood.
Her jaw hardens and there’s fire in her gaze. “He didn’t hurt you? Or pressure you? Because I’ll kick his ass.”
“No. Not at all.” Laughter bubbles from my lips and I shake my head. “I think I love him. No, I know I do.” I blow out a deep breath. “Sorry, I think it’s all just hitting me. He’s the first guy I’ve ever had sex with.”
“Oh?” Her surprise is clear.
“Yeah.” I shrug.
“Did you think I would be mad? That you slept with someone?”
“Considering he’s playing in your boyfriend’s band, I don’t know. Maybe.”
“Opal. Let’s get a few things straight. One, you’re allowed to fuck up. Two, you’re allowed to sleep with whomever you want. There’s nothing perverse or unnatural about sex.”
I force a smile to my lips. “I guess I don’t really believe that yet.”
She nods with an understanding I appreciate. “Because of how you were brought up?”
“Yeah, being told something is wrong my entire life, as much as I don’t want it to, it kinda messed with my mind.”
“You don’t have to live up to anyone else’s expectations anymore. As long as you look yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and are proud of who you see, that’s what’s most important. You don’t have to be anyone other than you, Opal.”
“That’s the problem.” I bite at my lip and meet my sister’s eyes. “I don’t really know who I am.”
“Then we’ll figure it out.” Lexi reaches for my hand again. “Together.”
“Thank you.”
“What are you going to do about Leighton? About how you feel?”
I force a smile and shrug. “I was leaning toward burying my feelings and pretending they don’t exist.”
“Opal . . .” Lexi groans and rolls her head from one side to the next.
“Kidding. Mostly. I’ll figure it out. And if I need advice, I’ll come to you. Promise. But for now, could you please not tell any of the guys.” Aka Trent. I hate asking her to keep something from her boyfriend, but really, I can’t deal with the embarrassment. I also don’t want Leighton and my relationship—whatever it is—to affect his status in the band. Something tells me if the guys find out they’ll never forgive him. Or let either of us live it down.
“Fine. I’ll butt out.” She raises her hands and then her gaze softens as she gives in to a smile. “But I’m here for you. No matter what. And tomorrow before we head out, a notary will meet us at load in. There’re a few papers we need to sign, then the trust will deposit a monthly sum into your bank account.”
“Thank you. I love you.”
She opens her arms and I go to her. I savor the safety of her embrace, thankful for her friendship and love. “I love you, too, little sis.”
30
Leighton
Playing for a live studio
audience, one that’s broadcast to millions and then re-watched by millions more, is fucking fantastic. Afterward there’s a party held at a rooftop bar on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and we pile into two town cars for the drive. Selfishly I wish I could grab Opal’s hand and pull her into my lap, but I don’t know how to do that yet without losing my place in the band. There’s a sinking, suffocating feeling that comes with the realization and I don’t know how to push through. How do I keep the girl and this life that I love?
Everyone’s at the party. Celebrities, industry professionals, and several Off Track Records staff—which includes dear old Uncle Bedo. God, I wish he’d go the fuck away. He’s like a poison, infecting everything good around him. All these years I looked up to him, for leaving the family, for making it on his own, but I don’t anymore. He’s only out for himself, and there’s nothing noble in that.
Sipping my water, I stick close to Sean and Austin for most of the party and try not to stare longingly across the crowd at Opal. I smile and make small talk, but I’d rather ditch the event and go back to the hotel with my girl. Tonight’s the last night we’ll have privacy and a bed, and the desire to lose myself in the comfort of her body thrums incessantly in my blood. It’s not only about sex, though. Her sweet acceptance feels like a home I never knew. Even if we don’t fuck I’ll be perfectly content holding her in my arms, kissing those plump pink lips, and talking deep into the night.
“Come on, let’s go rescue Trent.” Sean slaps me on the back.
Trent, Lexi, and Opal stand at a high-top table, chatting to a woman and three men. I don’t know who they are, but by the designer suits and tight posture, they remind me of people my parents socialize with. Deep pockets.
As we cross the room I get a better glimpse at the woman. She’s familiar, like maybe we’ve met before, and the fear that she might know my parents, and in turn who I am, causes me to fall behind Sean. Shit. Why do I know her? My mind races but I can’t place her face.
“There they are! Sean, Leighton, these are the top executives from WMI.” Worldwide Music Industries. Only the largest distributer and producer of music. They’re as big as it gets and they’re talking to us. Trent tips his chin to Sean. “Where the hell did Austin run off to now?”
“Last we saw him, he was at the bar.” Sean shrugs before holding out his hand to the woman. “Sean. It’s nice to meet you.”
The woman shakes his hand. “You boys made quite a splash tonight. It’s nice to finally meet you, Sean.” She turns to me next. “You must be Leighton. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the new Three Ugly Guys drummer, and after tonight I can see why.”
I place my hand against her palm and a sense of déjà vu hits me square in the chest. “I’m sorry, but have we met?”
“Surely not.” She glances over my shoulder before returning my gaze with a bright smile. “I never forget a face.”
“She doesn’t. Vicky is as savvy as she is smart,” one of the suits says.
“Aw, Brent, you don’t have to suck up. I already like you.” She laughs and there it is again. That familiarity I can’t seem to shake.
“We’re going to grab another round,” Lexi interrupts, and my gaze darts to Opal.
Pain. It flashes in her eyes, but before I can decipher the cause of it, the girls are gone and we’re pulled into conversation with the execs. I try to focus. Smile when appropriate. Laugh and nod, too, but I’m totally distracted by the fact Opal isn’t with me. I want to turn around, scan the room and look for her, but I know my uncle’s here, too. Watching and scheming like the shark he is.
I don’t want to make her any more of a target than she already is, but I can’t take it anymore. “Hey, I’m gonna grab a drink,” I say to Sean. “I’ll be right back.” At his nod I work my way through the crowd, but there’s no sight of Opal. Her long red hair usually makes her easy to spot. Fuck. Where is she?
“Hey, Lexi!” I catch Opal’s sister on her way back to Trent. “What happened to Opal? Where did she go?”
“Why should I tell you, dipshit?” She pushes past and practically checks me with her shoulder.
Whoa. I hold up my hands. “Because I need to see her.”
“I don’t think she really wants to see you.” Her hands rest on her hips, and if I weren’t so determined to find Opal I would walk away.
“Why?” I shake my head, dumbfounded as to the reason Lexi’s being so rude.
She raises her brows. “Maybe she’s not keen on the fact you were checking out another woman for like five minutes straight.”
“What? Who? I wasn’t checking out anyone.”
“The CEO of WMI. Vicky, or whatever the fuck her name is.” She shakes her head. “Is Opal just a game to you? A conquest?”
“No!” Is that what she thinks? Fuck. I need to find her. “Look, I care about Opal, a hell of a lot, which I think you already know. I thought I recognized Vicky. I was only trying to remember from where. I can’t believe Opal thought I’d be into anyone other than her.”
She stares me down, long and hard, before she finally relents. “Then go find her. She went to use the restroom.”
“Thank you!” I say, my legs already moving toward the doors. Inside the restaurant, I spot Opal coming out of the restroom near the bar. Her gaze is cast downward and she doesn’t look up until she notices me blocking her path.
“Oh, hi,” she says.
“I want you. Only you.” The declaration flows freely from my lips.
She glances around before meeting my gaze and the question is clear in her eyes.
“That woman back there, I thought I recognized her. Thought maybe she was someone I knew before. But if she is, I don’t know from where. But I don’t care about her. I care about you.” I lay out my heart and reach to brush my fingers along Opal’s hip. The hardness in her eyes softens.
I take a small step forward, closing the distance between us even more and drop my voice so only she can hear. “It’s literally taking everything in me to not follow you around, hold your hand, and kiss you tonight.”
“I want that, too,” she says.
I nod, take a step back, and shove my hands into my back pockets so I won’t be tempted to reach for her. “Do you wanna maybe get out of here soon?”
“That depends,” she says and flashes me a coy grin. “Are you spending the night in my room again?”
I grin right back. “If I’m invited, yes.”
She nods, her skin flush and smile wide. “Meet you outside in ten? We can share a cab back to the hotel.”
“You’re so sexy when you make plans.”
She laughs and shakes her head. “That’s only because they’re sex plans.” She bites her bottom lip, as if she’s thinking about our time together. She shakes her head. “Okay, I’m going to tell Lexi good-bye. See you soon, rock star.”
“Can’t wait.” A grin is plastered to my face and I turn to watch her go.
Everything about this night is looking up. Until I catch sight of my uncle.
He’s across the restaurant, but his eyes are trained on me. Fuck. He nods at Opal as they pass and I swear to God if he says anything to her he’s going to regret it.
I meet his glare with a cocky smirk and brace myself for whatever shit he’s gonna pull.
“You fucking her yet?”
My jaw clenches but I hold in the surge of anger from his words. “We’re friends.”
“Yeah.” He chuckles. “I have friends like that, too. So, who is she?”
I want to tell him she’s the most kind, generous, and beautiful soul on this earth. She loves with a trust and limitlessness I’ve never known. She doesn’t care where I come from or who I’ve been. She only judges me for the now. Who I am to her.
And that I’ve fallen in love with her. That I can’t imagine my life without her. That I never should’ve blackmailed him for this gig, because I can never tell her I’ve betrayed her trust. Or how I can’t bring myself to regret my choices because without them
I’d have never met her.
But I don’t say any of those things. Instead I shrug, because acting the aloof and arrogant ass is my best mask. “I’m not a PI. Looks like you’re figuring out who she is just fine without my help.”
He takes a step forward, his voice low as he gets in my face. “Cut the shit, Leighton. Don’t try to tell me you have no fucking clue how a country mouse like her ended up as the personal assistant to a rock star as big as Trent.”
This time it’s easy to lie. “I don’t.”
“You know who she is.” He jabs his finger into my chest.
“I wish I could help you, but I can’t.” I shrug again.
“Can’t or won’t?” His eyes hold mine and he narrows his gaze. “You know, this little arrangement has been mutually beneficial until now, but I’m done. It’s time I had a chat with Opal. I’m sure she’ll be more than willing to spill after she learns exactly who you are and how you’ve been using her.”
“Leave her out of it.” The threat flies from my lips and I grip the collar of my uncle’s shirt, twisting the material along with the knot of his tie. Anger reverberates with every beat of my heart. I can’t lose her. Not now.
“Oh. Oh, Leighton. Bad move.” His lips twist with a bitter smile and he peels my fingers open and away from his throat.
He’s bigger than me. Older, too. But I’ll give him everything I’ve got if he threatens to get between the only true happiness I’ve ever known. “I mean it. Leave her alone.”
“This is better than I imagined.” My uncle steps back and straightens his tie. He meets my stare with a hint of laughter on his lips. “You’re in love with her.”
Yes. I work my jaw back and forth to keep from answering. Shit. I don’t even know exactly when it happened. I’ve been attracted to her from the start, but love? That sucker snuck up on me and I can’t even deny it.
“You are. You’re in love with her.” He laughs as though he’s hit the jackpot. Fucker.
“This isn’t about her. This is between you and me.” I need to set him straight. Keep his focus on the prize. “I told you I’d get you info on the band. Tell me what you need. I’ll find it for you.”
