Never Let go

by Darling, Lucy

  Never Let go

  Lucy Darling

  “Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.”-Aristotle

  Contents

  Summary

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Epilogue

  Epilogue

  CONNECT WITH ME!

  Also by Lucy Darling

  Summary

  Bunny

  Performing. That’s my entire life. It’s the one thing that gives me some sort of independence from my father. So, I do it. Without fail. I get up on stage because I don’t really have any other choice. My life consists of me acting as though I’m a living doll whose strings are pulled in perfect timing. Lately, my performances feel the same. Night after night, I dance and play for a crowd that will never know who I really am. Being on stage should give me a buffer, make me somehow safe. But it doesn’t. Danger comes in the form of a supposed admirer, one who seeks to own me, to make me his real-life doll. I fear that’s all I’ll ever be until a stranger intervenes and encourages me to be who I really am.

  Jameson

  The arts and dancing aren’t exactly high on my list of priorities, but my mother loves ballet and music. Being the loving son that I am, I take her to the finest show that’s ever come to town. At first, I’m bored, the same way I usually am when I’m around wealthy crowds. I’m not one that likes to flaunt what I have. My time is much better spent on my ranch, taking care of my land. My boredom comes to an abrupt halt when I see the star of the show and realize right away she’s more than that—she’s the star of my life. But loving a woman like Bunny Rose isn’t free of complications. Her sweetness attracts far too many wasps, and I’ll crush any who seek to sting the soft, naïve dancer who stole my heart.

  1

  Jameson

  “Stop fussing with it.” My mom smacks my hand away like I’m a child.

  “It’s fucking choking me.” I pull on the bowtie, letting it come undone. She rolls her eyes at me.

  “Watch your mouth.” She scolds me but there’s no power in her tone. A few people turn to look at us. I don’t care if they stare. I am here for one reason and one reason only. My mom wants me here. She’s the only person in the world that could get me to come to a ballet.

  At least that’s what I think it is. It could be a musical. I almost groan out loud, thinking about how boring this shit is going to be. It doesn’t matter, though, because either way, I am going to sit and watch it because it’s what my mother wants. I’ll just have to hope I survive being bored out of my mind.

  “I just can’t wait for you to see this. You’re going to eat those words about this being boring. Then you’ll get all pissy about the lack of shows Bunny Rose puts on.” I don’t think I’ve ever been pissy about anything in my life. Especially about someone with a ridiculous name.

  “Wait. Is this a burlesque show?” With a name like Bunny Rose I’m going to guess yes. The last thing I want to do is sit through a burlesque show. Especially since I’d be watching it while sitting next to my mom in the front row. This night is starting to sound worse by the second.

  “What! No.” She smacks my chest, shaking her head at me. “People are listening to us. You’re being ridiculous.” She raises her glass of champagne to her mouth, taking a sip. People are looking but that’s not abnormal for me. I am what they call new money in a world full of old money.

  The wealth of Dallas doesn't much like that I don’t fall in line with the rest of the wealthy. But they have no choice but to rub their elbows with my dirt covered ones. Except for tonight. I cleaned up before I took my mom out. Even though I like to give her a hard time, she knows that I’ll do anything for her. I can’t say no when it comes to her.

  “I don’t care if they stare.” I throw back the rest of my scotch, wondering when they are going to let us into the theater. I wouldn't mind sitting for a few hours. I’ve been on my feet all day. At least I won’t have to worry about my phone or anything else. I can use this as down time, zone out a bit and try to relax. I snag another champagne glass, handing it to my mom. She takes it from my hand as I drop her empty one down onto the tray.

  “Ms. Price, how are you this evening?” Samuel Johnson takes my mom's hand, kissing it.

  “I told you to call me Rebecca, Sam.”

  “I should have known you’d be here.” He smiles at my mom. I’m still not sure how I feel about Sam. You’d have to be a few beers short of a six-pack to not pick up on that.

  “I reckon you’re here because you thought she might be here.” Sam doesn't flinch at me jabbing him.

  “Maybe so.” He kisses my mom’s hand again that he’s still holding. I notice my mom’s cheeks pinken and I know I’ll be getting an earful later. The lights overhead start to flash, letting us know it’s time for us to head in. The doors open for everyone to pour inside. “I’ll see you after the show, Rebecca.” He lets my mom’s hand go before stepping back. Both my mom and I watch him walk over to a young girl. I’m pretty sure it’s his granddaughter. It better fucking be.

  “Wipe that ridiculous look off your face. It’s his daughter.”

  “He’s sweet on you.”

  “Who wouldn't be sweet on me?”

  I chuckle at how forward she is. “You’re right.” I offer her my arm.

  “He’s scared of you.”

  “He should be.” He didn't seem to be scared when he strolled over here and began kissing her. I’m not sure if I’m flattered that he fears me or not. I guess if he did, I’d have to give him points for still coming over. If he wants a chance with my mom he better be willing to work for it. If he isn't then he doesn’t deserve her. Anything you want in life is worth fighting for. That’s how I look at things anyway.

  “Take me to my seat. I can’t wait for you to see this.” I guide her into the massive theater. I can’t believe that a ballet could sell this place out. My Superbowl tickets cost less than this. “She only does a handful of shows a year. I hear she’s shy.”

  “Shy?” This place has to hold over two thousand people.

  “I guess when you’re the best you can get away with only doing a few shows. That doesn’t mean she’s not shy. Something you know nothing about.” She gives me a playful hit with her elbow to my side. I don’t have a shy bone in my body. If I want to say something, I say it. If I want to do something, I do it. I really don’t give a shit what anyone thinks of me. It’s why being successful is so important to me. There’s no one to answer to but myself.

  I did okay in life before I stumbled upon oil on my land. I struck black gold without even looking for it. I went from a cowboy to a billionaire in the blink of an eye. It doesn’t matter how much money I have, I’ll never stop being a cowboy. I still favor getting dirty out in the fields more than a boardroom.

  “She dances?”

  My mom takes her seat. I follow suit, thinking their chairs are too damn small. It is still hard to believe that someone pays this much to see someone dance. Whether it’s with her clothes on or off, I’m still not interested. I don’t see the appeal but I know saying that out loud will only get me a scolding from my mom so I keep that thought to myself.

  “You can call it dance if you like. You just have to see her. She’s a violinist too. She is truly gifted.” Lovely. There is going to be music too. I feel a headache coming on already. “You better smile.
We’re in the front row. Don’t you dare give this girl that look of yours. Change your face to make it look accepting and open. I know it's hard for you.” My ribs should hurt from all the little jabs my mom has been giving me tonight.

  “What look?”

  My mom rolls her eyes at me trying to feign innocence. “I’ll whoop you in front of all these people. I don’t care.” I know she doesn't. She is better at the whole being social thing than I am. She could run in the inner circles when and if she wanted to.

  “I know exactly who I got the attitude from.” I chuckle, making her laugh with me. A woman in all black works her way down to the front row, stopping to talk with each group of people. The lights overhead blink again but less this time, letting everyone know it's the final warning to take your seat. A few excited squeals ring out in the room from women in the audience.

  “It’s almost time.”

  “I can’t believe we got tickets.”

  “She is breathtaking.” This time it’s a man I hear. I sit up a little straighter, feeling irritated. The woman in all black moves to stand in front of my mom and me. She shifts and I see a badge on her hip but my eyes flick to the gun she has mostly hidden within her suit coat.

  “We request that you not get up during the show. That you wait for intermission.”

  “Why?”

  “That’s fine.” My mom elbows me again. “I read the note on the tickets.” The woman stops glaring at me to give my mom a warm smile.

  “Thank you, ma’am.” She moves on to the next set of people.

  “She stopped touring last year because someone jumped on stage and tried to grab her. It terrified her and now they take extra precautions at each show. It was the only way they could get her to come back.”

  “What the hell?” No wonder that woman had a gun. Not that it’s uncommon here. It is Texas, after all.

  Mom leans over closer to me. “Yeah, she cancelled the rest of her tour, it scared her so badly. Now she only has five shows this year. This is the last. People are saying she might not come back. That’s why the tickets are so hard to get.” More irritation that I can’t explain seeps into me. I lean back in my chair as the lights start to dim. My mom's face turns into a giant smile as the curtains pull back.

  As always she is right. I am going to eat my words.

  2

  Bunny

  I stand backstage wringing my hands. I always get nervous before a show. I should be used to them. But I'll never get used to the people staring. Everyone’s eyes on me, watching my every move. Hanging on every note I produce with the bow on my violin. I always get lost up there once I begin but it’s the anticipation of it all and the silent parts that make me nervous. Even more so now after everything that went down.

  “It’s fine, Bunny.” PJ moves to stand next to me. I wish I had a quarter of her moxie. She doesn't care who is watching her. In fact, she’ll often draw attention off me and on to her when she sees I’m growing uncomfortable. When I’m onstage is one of the only times she couldn't do that. “You’ll get on stage and everything else will melt away.” She pulls me into one of her tight hugs. “I’ve got your back. You’re going to kick ass. I promise.”

  “I know.” I hug her back. I’ve known PJ for eight months now and in that short time she’s become like a sister to me. I don’t know how I used to do shows without her. PJ was hired on the day before the incident last year where a man came rushing on stage. They buffed up my security after I’d gotten some unsettling mail and emails. I even had to change my number.

  One second I’d seen the man charging me and the next PJ had him on the ground. Still it had scared the crap out of me. I went dark for almost a year. My contract has left me no choice but to come back. As they say, the show must go on. That doesn’t mean that I’m comfortable getting up there, but knowing PJ is here helps with that.

  “Last show,” she whispers in my ear before I let her go. I nod. There have been whispers that this will be my last one ever. I haven't given anyone a confirmation on that. I had no idea when I started dancing how big it would become. I still find it hard to believe. I feel crazy walking away from it. I love dancing and playing. It has always been my escape, but slowly it has become a prison of its own.

  “On in two, Bunny.” The stage manager alerts me as the opening act starts to finish. PJ grabs my violin for me. I shoulder off my robe, handing it to her. She drapes it over my case.

  “You’re going to kill it and then we’re going to order room service.” I laugh because that sounds wonderful. “See you on the other side.” She kisses my cheek before darting off. I never know where she is but I know she’s close. One of the great things about being on stage is it’s hard to see the crowd. The lights are too bright to see anything. I can let myself get lost in the music. Let everything else melt away.

  “You’re a go,” the stage manager whispers as the music starts to fade and everything goes dark. I count my steps out onto the stage. I close my eyes, tilting my head back. I feel the light hit my stage as the sound of the crowd rings out. Slowly I raise my violin, and the sound of the crowd fades away as I start to play.

  I always start out slow at first. I feel the music start to move my body. Others start to join as I pick up speed. Everyone follows my lead as I take over the space around me, getting lost in what I’m doing. Everything around me fades away as I move. Feeling the music down to my soul.

  My body lights up. Something is different today. For a moment I think it’s because it’s my last show but it’s not that. I feel alive. I speed up. One song bleeds into the next. I go off course but everyone else knows to follow me as I shift from one song to another. My creative juices are flowing or it could be my adrenaline. I make up a new song on the fly, letting my imagination run free for the first time in a long time. No one misses a beat as I continue to dominate the stage. My feet are moving faster than they ever have before to the music. Something else is driving me tonight and whatever it is, I want more of it.

  I feel powerful. The stage isn't for everyone else tonight. It’s for me. I take it. I own it. I make it mine and mine alone. I move and play until there is nothing left. Until I’m bare, having left it all on the stage. My eyes open. Everything goes quiet. I feel as though I’m dreaming with how quiet it is. Then my eyes land on him. He’s all I can see through the lights. He has the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. I can’t take my gaze off of him. Something is pulling me to him. In this moment I realize where my inspiration came from tonight. Which is strange because I never laid eyes on him before this moment. How could he inspire me? The crowd explodes into cheers, breaking me from my thoughts. I jump back, causing my violin to hit the floor with a crash. I could care less. The only thing I can focus on is him.

  I don’t budge an inch, my eyes still locked with his. The lights dim, giving me a view of the enormous crowd that’s giving me a standing ovation. Everyone but him. He doesn’t move. His eyes remain on mine. Then I’m pulled from the stage. PJ’s hand locks around my wrist. The last thing I see is him standing as the curtains fall, making everyone disappear. It was him.

  I played my heart and soul out for him. I put everything I had into tonight’s performance and I did it all for him. I’ll worry about why later.

  3

  Jameson

  I’m on my feet the moment the curtain closes, taking her from my view. Everyone else is cheering. I look to my mom, who has tears in her eyes. I’ve never seen anyone or anything like her in my life. I’ve never been left speechless before either. I want her. Fuck that. I need her. Everything in me screams that she is meant to be mine.

  “She played an extra hour. I’m surprised.” I can’t believe she was on stage that long either because it felt like a second. She was here and now she’s gone. She’s not technically gone, she’s backstage. The woman in all black pulled her off the stage and away from me. Her eyes had widened when they locked with mine but she didn't look away. Did she feel it too? My whole world had tipped over onto its s
ide. Everything I thought I knew didn’t make sense anymore.

  “Are you okay?” My mom pulls at my arm.

  “I want to meet her.”

  “Good luck with that.” She laughs. “Oh my. You’re not joking.” She stares at me. “I don’t know how that would be possible.”

  “Everything is possible. You taught me that.” I pull out my phone and fire off a text.

  “What are you doing? Oh God, are you texting Banks?”

  “Yes.” He owns the theater. If anyone can get me backstage it’s him. I’d buy the place but I’m not sure I could make it happen before she is gone and out of the building. It would take more time to track her down. Either way I will find a way to meet her. It would be easier if I could see her tonight. Actually, now works best for me. I’ve waited too long already to have her.

  My phone dings in my hand. I smile knowing that I’m going to get what I want. It may come with a price, but she is worth it. I’ll have to attend two charity events that will be hosted here in the next few months. Maybe I can come with Bunny on my arm. I think anything would be bearable if she was with me. She could light up the whole room without speaking a word—the same way she did my heart. Now that I’ve seen her brightness, I want to bask in all its glory.

  “Mr. Price. If you’d follow me.” A man in a suit motions. “Mr. Banks said you’d like to go backstage. I’ll lead the way.”

  “I get to meet her.” My mom claps excitedly. She’s about to burst. I wish I could say I was doing this for her but we all know exactly who I’m doing this for. Now that I think about it, it is kind of for my mom. I’m introducing her to her future daughter-in-law. I’m basically the best son ever.