“You aren’t. Trust me. The only thing you gained from him was his height and the curl to your hair. I didn’t mean to be such a downer. I’m happy for you. You deserve a good woman, Trent. I love you, and I will always want the best for you.”
I hope she’s right. But if not, then I really do need to put forth the work. I want to be the kind of man who deserves a woman like Lexi.
“Love you, too, Mom.”
My mother’s soft laughter comes through the line, and though I know she moves her mouth away from the phone or covers the receiver, I overhear her say, “Oh, Tony. You just want all of my attention, don’t you?”
“Mom!” I stand straight up and pace the tiny area alongside the bed.
“I’ve got to run, Trent.” Her voice returns clear and loud.
“Mom, what the hell? Who’s with you right now?”
“We’ll talk later. Bye!”
“Mom! Wait!” But as I pull the receiver from my ear it’s clear she already ended the call. “Fuck!” I shout to no one, frustration filling my chest. I shouldn’t care that she’s with some man, but I’m not used to this. This territory is uncharted, but I’ve always been her number one.She deserves to find happiness, too. The way I have with Lexi. That thought straightens me the hell up. I’m a mama’s boy, admittedly, and I’m more okay with it than I should be. But my mom’s happiness is as important as mine. I only hope this Tony guy is not a fucking prick. He better treat her right or he’ll have me and the rest of the band to deal with.
My eyes flick to the door. I better get out there and face my walk of shame before they harass Lexi. I don’t really know what to say to them. Lexi and I need to figure out so many things. I’m not sorry for going back on my promise, though—the one to keep my hands off her—because last night was worth all the shit they’re gonna give me. I only hope it doesn’t cause problems for us as a band. Lexi’s so chill I don’t see how it could, but there’s always the possibility.
“Sack up,” I mutter to myself and pull the door open. The quiet sounds of movement and hushed chatter echo from the kitchen area and fill the bus. At least they’re awake. With another step forward a sweet, deep, melodic voice comes from behind the bathroom door, and just like that a smile I can’t prevent pulls at my face. I’ve never heard Lexi sing in the shower before. I can’t help but feel responsible for that. My heart fills as quickly as my pride.
“Well, lookie what the cat dragged in.”
“Still got some lipstick on your face.”
“Probably your dick, too.”
I grab a mug and fill it with coffee before meeting their amused grins. “Are we done yet?”
“Not even close. Sit down and take it like a man. We’ve been working on these all morning.” Austin pats an open chair at the table and I drag myself over to face the music.
Another twenty digs and I’m crying from laughing so hard. The bathroom door bangs open and shut, followed closely by the bedroom door, and Sean regards me with an expression that says we’re done with playtime. Iz leaves to get something from his bunk and Austin clicks on a video game.
“Just say it, man,” I urge Sean because his glare doesn’t leave my face.
“Don’t hurt her. Because if you do, none of us are okay with that.”
I let my lips pull into a grin because I love that my friends don’t want to see Lexi hurt, that they’re protective. And even though it’s directed at me, I understand.
“What? It’s not funny, Trent. She’s not some girl you fuck and send back to the store when a shiny new model becomes available.”
“That’s not why I’m smiling, Sean. I’m not trading Lexi out for anyone. She’s a limited edition. Only a fool would do that.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that.”
“You guys are really okay with this? Lexi and me together?” That catches the others’ attention.
“No matter to me. Just don’t hurt her,” Iz comments before tucking a joint in his pocket.
“Only thing that pisses me off is that your dumb ass gets the room again. Nice loophole, by the way.Fuck. That means you’ll weasel your way into taking the room the rest of the tour.” Austin smarts before focusing his attention at shooting up some computer animated bad guys.
Sean stands from the table and pats my shoulder before walking over to the fridge. “If you’re happy, we’re happy, man.”
That I even questioned they wouldn’t understand brings a bigger smile to my face.
“Fuck. Just stop with that.” Sean resumes his seat across from me, bringing his protein shake to his lips to guzzle. I look around, knit my brows, and throw up my hands because I have no clue to what he’s referring.
“Your face. It’s so fucking happy.” He shakes his head and twists his features into an expression of disappointment.
Iamhappy.And it’s too bad if he doesn’t like the new look.
But he better fucking get used to it.
