“Pardon?” Jess’s stare is apprehensiveagain.
“Deb. She’ll take you out today. We’re not heading down to San Diego until two o’clock for the gala stuff. That gives you plenty oftime.”
“That’s really sweet, but I don’t have much . . .” Her voice trails off and I realize what she must mean. Money. Well, good thing I have a heftysupply.
“My treat. I insist on it.” I can sense the wariness in her eyes and I stop to consider my intentions. Fuck, yeah, I want to play the knight in shining armor. Pick her up and save the day, but it really isn’t my place. She’s not mine. However, Coy’s one of us now. He’s part of the band. Family. And family looks out for each other. Before she can open her mouth to object again, I stand up. “Pick out something to knock Coy’s socks off. Something that makes you feel like the famous girlfriend of a famous rocker. ’Cause that’s what you are now. Play the part, Jess.” I dip my head to the magazine lying open on the ground. “They’re easy to impress. They like shiny and newthings.”
With that I turn and walk away before I’m tempted to say more. Before I insist on taking her shopping myself. God, what I wouldn’t do to wait while she undresses and changes into outfit after outfit. Offering her body for my approval each time. Yeah, that’s not cool and I know it, but fuck if that’s not what I get off to in theshower.
After I’ve washed away my sweat and inappropriate thoughts, I quickly dress and hunt down Trent’s mom to employ her assistance and hand over my credit card. Even she gives me a strange look. She’s right to question my motive but doesn’t refuse, and I know it’s because Jess has already won her overtoo.
* * *
Packedup and on the road by three, we split up into four cars for the ride down to San Diego. Trent’s staying two extra nights because Lexi’s flying into town on a short break from her solo tour. I’m happy they’re making this two-separate-rock-careers relationship work. God knows it has its challenges, but I can’t imagine a world where those two aren’ttogether.
Coy and Jess take off in his Chevy, but I catch Deb’s wink to Jess on their way out the door, along with the shy smile she returns. I did the right thing there. Trent’s mom and Jess were gone all morning shopping. Deb hands me back my credit card once Jess heads out with Coy, then gives me a hug, assuring me I’m a good man. A twinge of guilt, because my motivation isn’t one hundred percent altruistic, but if the end result brings Jess a little extra confidence tonight, that’s enough forme.
Austin’s up to God knows what, claiming he needs to drive his own car to the event. I don’t ask because honestly, I’m good with the space. It’s surprisingly therapeutic to crank the tunes, windows down, while we caravan along the highway. Tonight’s gala is at The US Grant, and we’ve all booked rooms to stay the night. No curfew or house arresttonight!
But it’s not play time yet. As soon as we arrive, we’re given instructions to haul ass to one of the conference rooms for the interviews with local media that Bedo booked for us. It’s only then, in the elevator with Austin, Trent, and Coy that I remember the phone call from thismorning.
“Hey, I forgot to mention. I talked to Iz today.” I clear my throat and prepare for the hate-er-ade.
Trent’s lips pinch together with disapproval and Coy’s brows narrow from beneath hisshades.
“Why the fuck are you still talking to him?” Austin furrows hisbrow.
I knew they’d react like this, but frankly, I don’t give a fuck. Iz was a part of this band, so they can be irritated all they want. “He called. I thought you might like toknow.”
“That’s great.” Trent says, but not like he meansit.
“Dude, I’m standing the fuck here.” Coy scoffs and throws up hishands.
I almost roll my eyes at his mini-tantrum. Just because he’s the new drummer doesn’t translate to cutting off all contact with our former one. I ignore them all and watch the numbers count down from the top floor. I should keep my mouth shut. I get that they’re still angry, but when are they gonna let it go? It’s not as if we didn’t play a part in his addiction, looking the other way for almost a solid year. “He’ssorry.”
The elevator doors part and Trent reaches out to push the button to close them again. He twists around and blocks the exit with his body before any of us can escape. “That’s nice, Sean, but we’re about to go into an interview.With our brand new drummer. This maybe isn’t the best time and place to discuss this.Yeah?”
This time I do roll my eyes. “Whatever.” I’m not exactly sure there’s ever a good time to have thisconversation.
“Not whatever.” Trent says it like a warning. He glances around and gives each of us a pointed glare before the elevator doors slide open again. He takes one step backward so he’s between them. “We only look forward. That clear? Onlyforward.”
I give a curt nod, even though I’m not sure we need to cut Iz out completely. That seems harsh and unnecessary. But it’s clear by looking around at my friends that I’m the only one who feels this way. No matter. They don’t have to make peace with what happened with Iz. Ido.
