Lexi punches Austin in the arm before walking back toward the girl. “I’d like you all to meet someone special.” Lexi reaches for her hand. She’s young. Jailbait young. But with a natural beauty that shines through her nervous smile. “Mysister.”
“Huh?” Austin’s eyes leave the girl and findLexi.
“This is my sister, Opal.” Lexi smiles with a genuine warmth that reaches her eyes. Whereas Lex is all kickass confidence with her short hair, red painted lips and charcoal lined eyes, Opal is a sharp contrast. She’s soft, her makeup is light, and her sundress makes her appear as if she’s likely on her way to teach Sunday school. I tilt my head, straining to spot something that binds the two but don’t find the familyresemblance.
“Nice to meet you.” Jess is the first to slide off her chair and offer Opal her hand. “I’mJess.”
“I thought Lex was an only child?” Austin whispers louder than heshould.
Trent steps between us and nods. “Was. Yeah. Half-sister. Apparently her dad knocked up more than just Lex’smom.”
Austin holds out his hand for a high five. “Nice!” Neither Trent nor I give him the time ofday.
“It’s really nice to meet y’all,” Opal says and Austin finally drops his un-metfive.
“So . . . I have a little news for you all.” Trent rocks on his heels and shoves his hands into his front pockets.Fuck. What now?That’s his tell. He only looks this nervous when shit’s about to hit the fan. With everything we’ve already been dealt this month, I’m not sure the band can take muchmore.
“What?” Austin’s gaze bounces back from Trent to Lexi. “Oh, fuck. What? Are you guys pregnant orsomething?”
Lexi’s smile drops and she shakes her head profusely. “Why would you even joke aboutthat?”
Trent stumbles back a step, his face going ghost white. “Fuck! No! Notthat!”
“What?” Lexi’s brow furrows into a fierce scowl that narrows onhim.
“Oh, no. Babe. Ididn’t—”
Oh, fuck.Wrong fucking answer.“Is that really how’d you feel about the conception of our child? I’ll keep that in mind the next time you want to play with the girls. Which are on full lockdown, sabbatical, vacation,hiatus.”
He strides to her side and reaches for her hand. “No, no, no. Baby, I’m sorry. I’d love to have children with you. I’d be fucking honored. Impressed and amazed, even, that you’d let me, considering our child would be like a giant in youruterus.”
“Enough baby talk. What’s the news?” Austininterrupts.
Trent swallows once before his gaze leaves Lexi’s. “Opal’s going to join us on thetour.”
“You’re a musician?” I ask, unable to keep the shock from myvoice.
She doesn’t look the part, especially when she drops her gaze and a blush creeps up her neck and colors her cheeks. “Oh, no. I don’tplay.”
“What the fuck?” Austin drops his hands open wide and turns to face Trent. “What the hell, Trent? Why can’t she stay back here with Deb like Jessis?”
“Deb doesn’t know Opal. Neither does Jess.” Lexi places her hands on her hips, “Trent and I both decided it would be better if she stays with the band until I joinyou.”
“Oh you decided, did you?” Austin leans back against the counter’sedge.
“It’s not gonna be a problem, is it?” Trent lifts abrow.
Austin rolls his eyes and waves a hand. “Oh, no. Perfectly fine. Let’s find a few other girls to pick up along the way. I’m sure it’ll be real cool. All the rock stars are doingit.”
“What’s got your panties in a twist?” Trent runs his hands through his hair and tucks it behind hisears.
“He’s worried about how it’ll affect his game.” I scoff making the joke, but by Austin’s glare I’ve hit the nail on thehead.
“That’s right, Sean. I am. With you and Trent off the market, I’m set to reap the rewards, but not if we’ve got a bus full of women.”Oh,brother.
Trent’s lips twist with a smile, though it holds no humor. “Sorry this interferes with your manwhoring. That was my utmost concern when Opal had no place togo.”
“Fuck you!” Austin throws up his middlefinger.
