by J. A. Owenby
“What the hell?” Gemma asked, jumping from her seat. “What’s going on?”
I grabbed her arm.
“You might want to sit down for this,” I said, guilt ripping me in two for not telling her sooner.
Confusion danced across her features while she stared at me.
“You’re fucking with me, right?” Hendrix yelled, his voice carrying through the parking lot.
I hopped out of my seat and made a beeline to the window.
“No, man. I wouldn’t do that. Not over this,” Cade’s voice wasn’t as loud as Hendrix’s, but he was obviously trying to make a point. Although I knew Cade was worried how this would play out, his voice remained even.
“Do what? What in the hell are they arguing about?” Gemma asked, her cheeks flushing with alarm.
“Cade and I are together,” I blurted.
Slowly, she turned toward me. But before she could say another word, a loud thud smacked the side of the bus.
We scrambled to see what was going on, but from what I could tell the guys were directly underneath the window and we didn’t have a clear view.
“You and Cade, huh?” John asked from behind me.
Reluctantly, I turned to look at him. It was hard seeing that I'd disappointed my friends.
“When?” Gemma asked. “Wait, the song. Ohh, I was right, wasn’t I?” Her brows arched up with her realization.
I tossed my hands up in surrender. “I didn’t know at the time you mentioned it. He told me after rehearsal.”
“You son of a bitch,” Hendrix yelled.
“Pierce! Let me out,” Gemma said, running to the door. “He’s going to hurt Cade.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Pierce said dryly. “I can’t let you or anyone else out. Let them deal with it. Once they do, it will most likely be over.”
“If we’re lucky,” Gemma said, glancing at me.
My shoulders slumped forward in defeat. What had Cade and I been thinking? Inwardly I groaned as I realized I’d lost my damned pills in the grass. I sure as hell needed something to take off the edge right about now.
Knots formed in my stomach with each additional sound of the guys' punches. I sighed and sank into my seat, hiding my face in the palms of my hands.
“I know you’re my best friend, but goddammit, I’ve been in love with her for years,” Cade snarled.
My head snapped up. Had I heard him, right?
No one said a word as they stared at me. Even Pierce raised an eyebrow.
Why hadn’t he told me? We could have gone to Hendrix together. If Cade had been honest, it might have gone smoother. Hendrix understood what it felt like to not be with someone you loved. But now, he most likely felt betrayed by both of us, which compounded the situation. By the look of it, Gemma was definitely upset too.
Eventually, Hendrix's and Cade’s voices quieted. As hard as I strained to hear them, I couldn’t make out anything they were saying. Nausea seesawed in my stomach.
“Did you know?” Gemma asked, sitting down next to me.
I shook my head. How had this night turned into shit? This was supposed to be Cade’s big night and first solo performance of the song he’d written for me.
“He only admitted he had feelings for me earlier today. He never said anything about … about …” I couldn’t finish as a tear streamed down my cheek.
“Being in love with you?” She placed her hand on my back and waited for my response.
“Yup,” I squeaked.
“Mac, why are you crying?”
“Because this is fucked up, and I shouldn’t have found out this way. Cade and Hendrix should not be beating the hell out of each other in the parking lot, and instead of everyone being mad at me … Why can’t they be happy we’re together? I need something good in my life right now, and I wish everyone could support us.”
Gemma released a slow sigh. “We need some time to adjust is all. Cade has been such a player. I really think it’s why Hendrix is so pissed. And I suspect he’s also disappointed Cade didn’t ever confide in him. They’re best friends.”
“I know. I’m no better,” I said, peeking at her.
“Did you want to tell me?” Her eyes filled with sadness.
“Omigosh so so so bad. But I couldn’t tell you and ask you to keep it a secret from Hendrix. That’s why I didn’t say anything. It had nothing to do with me not wanting to tell my best friend. It was the position I would have put you in. Please, Gemma. Please try to understand.”
Gemma paused for a moment. “Mac, I do understand. I really do. It was a tricky situation, and it sounds like you two are brand new, so you’re trying to figure out where this is going. If you recall, I didn’t tell Ada Lynn about Hendrix for several months. The only reason you knew is because you were right there through it all.”
“Really?” I asked, a small amount of relief spreading through me.
“Yeah. You and I are good.” She gave me a quick hug and smiled.
John cleared his throat but didn’t say anything, and I looked over in his direction. I couldn’t get a good read on his thoughts.
“Do you think Hendrix will ask Cade to leave the band?” I asked, my fingers nervously drumming on my leg.
“What?” Gemma exclaimed. “No. Is that what you two are worried about?”
“Well, yeah. I mean, we all know Cade’s activities up until now haven’t been what Hendrix would want for me.”
“I wish you would have talked to me. Hendrix might be pissed, but they’ll work it out. You know Hendrix is overall a really fair guy. He and Cade go too far back, and they’re more than friends. They’re family. Just like we are,” Gemma said, soothingly.
“You think?” I asked, cringing with the thought of Cade losing his career.
“If there’s even a murmur of something, I’ll let you know, and we’ll take care of it together. Our guys can be a bit hard-headed sometimes, but I think everyone will adjust to the changes. Plus, Hendrix knows what it’s like to fall in love. All he wants is for you to be with a guy who loves and cherishes you. If Cade’s the guy to do it, I’m in. You have my full support.”
“Really? You mean it?” I asked, gratitude swelling inside me.
“You do remember you’re the reason Hendrix and I are together, right?”
I laughed softly. “I might have encouraged it a little.”
“It’s been a hell of a night, and everyone is on edge after the video and your confession concerning Cade. On top of it, we all found out tonight he’s in love with you. I think we need a few days to settle down. Not to mention you need to process the information for yourself. It’s a big deal. I seriously doubt he’d planned for you to find out this way, either.”
“I’ve been sleeping in his bed,” I confessed, my leg bouncing with yet another confession tonight. “The first night on the road the nightmares started again. Cade made sure I was okay and told me I could sleep next to him.” I fiddled with the hem of my polo shirt, then glanced at her. “He never even tried anything, Gemma. He promised I was safe and to get some sleep.”
“That sounds nothing like Cade,” John chimed in. “Dude must be whipped.” A slow grin eased across his face. “I knew something was going on with him, but I didn’t realize you were the change. I should have known, but I’ve had my head in the music and the tour. If you got this guy to settle down, Mac, it says a hell of a lot about what an amazing girl you are. Don’t ever doubt it,” John said, shoving his hands in his pockets.
“I think I’d have to agree with John,” Pierce said.
Gemma smiled and squeezed my hand. “We all love you, Mac. No one could ever replace you.”
I smiled shyly, overwhelmed with their kindness.
Just then, the door clicked and opened.
Chapter 16
“Holy hell,” I said as Hendrix entered the living area first. His hair was a mess, and he had a good size knot and gash on his cheek. Cade walked in behind him, his eye already sporting a shiner.
&nbs
p; Gemma folded her arms across her chest and stared at them both, her foot tapping against the carpet.
“Are you two finished now?” she asked, displeasure clear in her tone.
My mouth hung open as I shot her a look. Hendrix looked over at Cade and back at us.
“Yeah. We’re done,” Hendrix replied.
“Told you,” Pierce said, attempting to hide his grin.
I heaved out a sigh and slapped my palm against my forehead. Why did dudes have to be Neanderthals to work their issues out? My gaze landed on Cade, and he gave me a reassuring smile.
“Let’s get you cleaned up,” Gemma said, taking Hendrix’s hand. “We’re going to get some sleep, and we can talk in the morning, Mac.”
“Thanks,” I said, my attention focused solely on Cade. I approached him, my anxiety over the situation creeping up a few notches. “Are you alright? We … we heard some of what was said.”
“Oh.” He pursed his lips into a thin line and stared at his feet. After a moment, his eyes found mine. My stomach flip flopped. Even with a black eye, Cade was hot as hell. “I’m not in a rush, Mac. I know my feelings are ahead of yours, but you’re worth the wait.”
I flung my arms around his neck and buried my face against his chest. He placed a soft kiss on the top of my head and wrapped me up in the safety of his strong arms.
“Well, I’ve had enough entertainment for tonight. I’m off to get some sleep,” John said, waving at us before he strolled down to the beds and disappeared behind his curtain.
“I’m going to clean up my eye, and I’ll meet you in my bed. Everyone knows, so there’s no reason to sneak around anymore.”
I hesitated for a minute. “I’m relieved they know. I’m sorry you and Hendrix found it necessary to beat the hell out of each other, but at least it’s out in the open. I felt like complete crap hiding it from them.”
“Me too,” he said, taking my hand in his. “Let’s get some sleep.”
Neither of the guys looked as bad as I’d assumed they would the next morning. After the evening’s drama fest, we all slept in until almost noon.
The conversation was light while we gathered around the table at a local diner for breakfast. Thank goodness the café wasn’t crowded. After the release of Brandon’s video and the knowledge it had gone viral, I wondered if every person that looked at me had seen it. It was difficult enough knowing the people I cared about saw it, much less strangers. Even though Cade and Hendrix appeared back to normal for the most part, the previous evening weighed heavily on me. Not only had Cade caught me before I attempted to end my life, but constant images of Brandon bombarded me as I had lain awake all night.
“You alright?” Cade asked, pulling out a chair for me. I hadn't missed the protective expression Hendrix threw Cade's way and neither did Gemma. She smiled and gently rubbed his back while they sat down. She gave me a discreet wink, and I inwardly heaved a sigh of relief. For whatever reason, Gemma believed in us, and I loved her for it. I needed my bestie right now.
“Yeah, I’ve got a lot on my mind,” I said, gazing up at him.
“I can’t promise you cherries and rainbows, but we’ll get through it.” He placed a kiss on my cheek, then busied himself with the menu. Although Hendrix and Cade said they’d work things out, I’d not had a chance to talk to my brother yet. My heart ached with the thought we were growing apart. There was a time we confided in each other about everything. But since he’d been on the road, things were changing. I couldn’t let that happen.
I grabbed my phone out of my purse, my fingers dancing across the screen.
I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Please don’t be mad at me. I can’t stand it. I already miss seeing and talking to you like we used to. Please, promise me Cade won’t pull us apart.
I stared at it and hit send. Hendrix’s phone vibrated against the table, and he picked it up. His poker face was solidly in place, and it was impossible to figure out what he was thinking.
My phone buzzed with a response. Chewing my bottom lip, I read the message.
Honestly, I figured something might be going on, I just wish you’d come to me first. I’m more concerned about the pills. I should have been there for you. It broke my fucking heart to hear you talk about it last night, and all I could think about was how I’d failed you. Unfortunately, Cade took the brunt of my anger and frustration, but he did it for you. That tells me he’s for real, Mac. He has his issues like we all do. And for the record, nothing in this world will tear us apart. You’re stuck with me.
A ball of emotions erupted inside me, and I released a small cry. I covered my mouth with my hand, willing the tears away, but it wasn’t happening.
“Babe?” Cade asked, confusion flickering in his eyes.
Unable to say anything, I squeezed his hand, stood up, and excused myself. Pierce followed me outside and into the parking lot. He kept his distance, though, which I appreciated.
“Mac,” Hendrix said, approaching me.
Without another word, Hendrix wrapped his arms around me while I snotted all over his black T-shirt.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. You and Gemma are my entire world. I couldn’t stand it if anything ever happened to you. What the son of a bitch did …” Hendrix’s words trailed off as my body trembled against him. “I love you, little sister,” he said.
“I love you, too. I was terrified you’d hate Cade or me. It was wrecking me on top of everything else, and I lost my shit. I haven’t been using pills and edibles very long. I promise.”
“It’s alright. Everything’s out in the open now so we can work through it.”
I shuddered with my last tears and pulled away from him.
“Thank you … for not giving up on me.”
“Never,” he said, smiling at me and tapping the end of my nose with his finger.
Relief washed over me, and I began to settle down. Whether he realized it or not, my brother and our relationship was everything to me.
“Omigosh, I’m fucking starving.”
Hendrix chuckled, and slid his arm around my shoulders, pulling me against him.
“Nothing like a little stress to make my sister hungry, huh?”
I giggled. “Yeah, I think some unlimited pancakes are in order.”
Wiping my cheeks off the best I could with my hands, I attempted to pull myself together before Cade saw me.
“I think I’m going to sneak off to the bathroom and freshen up before I join everyone at the table,” I said while Hendrix opened the door for me.
“See ya in a minute, then.”
I hurried across the diner and down the hall before Cade even spotted me. It was strange I cared. It was even more strange we were together after knowing each other for years, but he was what I wanted. At least I was clear about one part of my life.
Pushing the bathroom door open, I turned the faucet on and let the cold water run. I splashed my cheeks and dried off with a paper towel. Peering into the mirror, tired brown eyes returned my stare. At least Cade and I were no longer hiding our relationship, and I was no longer carrying around secrets that were impossible to manage on my own.
A few minutes later, I slipped back into my seat and took Cade’s hand.
“Hendrix ordered for you,” he said, smiling gently. “I forgot how much you can eat when you’re stressed out.”
Heat traveled up my neck and cheeks, and I fidgeted in my chair.
“You used to laugh about it, but I don’t think you considered that one day we’d be dating and you’d be buying me dinner.”
“Sucker,” Hendrix said, snickering.
The diner filled with laughter as the realization fully dawned on Cade. His focus cut over to me, and a silly grin eased across his face.
“I have a good job, I can afford it,” he said and smiled proudly.
“Do you remember when you used to get the box of fruit loops, throw one at a time at me, and I’d catch them with my mouth? You and John thought it was seriously entertaining.
Poor Mom. She always came home to a wrecked house when you guys were over. Which was like every day,” I said, giggling at the memory.
Hendrix laughed and leaned back in his chair. “Janice wasn’t too happy about the mess we made, but she was pretty cool about it.”
Our food arrived, and Cade took a bite of his pancake. “Hell, we could all eat, and no matter what, your mom always stocked food at the house for us. Since I’m grown, I probably should give her some money for all the waste. I mean, we had multiple food fights when she was working.”
“Gem-ma! They haven’t changed,” I said. “They just do it in public now, too.”
Everyone burst into laughter while we reminisced over breakfast, and shared stories with Gemma. And for the first time in years, I felt like I was finally where I belonged.
The sound of Hendrix’s phone interrupted our boisterous conversation. He leaned over, reading the name that popped up on the screen.
“It’s Franklin. I’ll be right back,” he said to us. He tapped the phone and raised it to his ear.
“Hey, Dad.”
Fear bubbled up inside me. Although I had assumed we’d hear from him today, I dreaded talking to him about the video. Even though it was offline, Franklin wouldn’t let it go. He’d track down the source and use any means necessary, then he’d go in for the kill. He was one hell of an attorney unless he was drinking. Not to mention he had very powerful connections across the country. I’d never want to fuck with him, that’s for damn sure. But when he was on my side, life seemed a little better.
I glanced over at Pierce, who had a protective eye on us as well as Hendrix outside. To my surprise, he pulled out his cell phone and took a brief call. His body visibly tensed when my brother strolled back inside.
Hendrix rubbed his jawline, his eyes locking with Pierce’s. He turned to us, stood at the end of the table, and hesitated.
Shit. What was going on?
