I nod and slink from the crowd unrecognized. I may be Lexi’s long lost sister, but these people only want to gush over the star whose latest single broke records. Fine by me. I wasn’t built for the spotlight like my sister.
I get everything I need, a few additional items, too, and pay the cashier before rescuing Lexi. “Sorry, everyone. We’re on a tight schedule today. Thank you for supporting Lexi, but we have to go.” I grab her arm and we exit the store without any issues.
“Look at you, a seasoned pro.” My sister bumps my shoulder as we dive inside the Uber I had the foresight to request.
“Yeah, well, when you live with a bunch of rock stars, you pick up a few things.” I shrug and roll my eyes as I hand over her candy.
“I see why Trent never wants to lose you as his assistant.” She grins and rips open the wrapper.
“Lexi.” I reach out and touch her arm. Emotion surges in my throat, but I swallow it down because I don’t want to cry anymore. She’s shown me what I’ve been missing out on. “Thank you for today.”
“Anytime. We should do this more often.”
I stare out the window. The blur of the city passes by, the way life’s been passing me by. “I’m scared. You know? I made a mistake sleeping with him. Giving him everything. And I want to be happy again, but I don’t know how.”
“You’ll get there,” she says. “You’re stronger than you think.”
The car pulls to a stop at the light, and I watch the pedestrians pass. There’s a man, tall and lengthy, who stands out in the crowd and for a second I think it’s Leighton. It’s not. It never is, and I hate how I’m always looking for him.
“I wish I were brave,” I whisper. “Like you.”
“Bravery doesn’t always appear loud. Sometimes it’s a whisper of courage in the midst of a storm.”
I blow out a deep exhale. “You think?”
“I know. Just like I know you’re going to get through this.” She straightens and turns to find my gaze. “Besides, I have your back, Opal. I won’t let you fall.”
36
Leighton
They saythe truth will set you free.
They lied.
My life, my perfect fucking life, crashed and burned the day the “truth” came out. Didn’t matter most of it was utter bullshit, because one thing was certain. I betrayed the people who mattered most. I lost everything I ever wanted. I lost more than I even knew possible. I destroyed the trust of the only woman I’ve ever loved. Who loved me in return. And this loneliness? This aching pain? I deserve every second of it. After all, it’s all my doing.
I can’t make it right. Hell, the only way to do that requires a fucking time machine. But I’ve spent the last two months working to set the record straight, because when I decide to take control of my life, I do the right thing. Nothing’s going to redeem my wrongdoings, or bring Opal back, but knowing I’m living my life in a way that would make her proud does help me sleep at night.
The first thing I did after walking out of my parents’ home for the second time this year was find a room to rent. It’s nothing special. I share an apartment with three Hollywood hopefuls. Other guys trying to make it as actors, models, and musicians in the City of Angels, just like everyone else.
After that I found myself a job. Yep, the great Leighton James Wellington waits tables six days a week to earn a living. I couldn’t live off money from the band forever. And maybe I should be embarrassed, but those checks are one of the things I’m most proud of since claiming my independence.
Some days are worse, like today when I know Three Ugly Guys is playing just two hours south in San Diego. I want to go see them. I miss everyone. The crew, the guys, and most of all, Opal. But I won’t follow her around like some stalker. It’s bad enough I’ve memorized their tour schedule and call to leave her voicemails every day. When she’s ready to see me, if that ever happens, then I’ll go.
My cell rings and when I read the caller ID, I almost fall over. My mother. We haven’t spoken for two months, and it’s simple curiosity that prompts me to pick up. “I thought I was dead to you.”
“The guest list. The one from your party. I have it if you want.” She’s direct and to the point, but it takes a second for my brain to process.
“What do you want in exchange?” There’s a catch. There’s always one when it comes to her.
“Nothing. You wanted the guest list, and I have it.”
“Okay.” I give her my email address, the free one I set up when I began applying for jobs. “Thank you.”
“There. You can’t say I never cared.” She’s harsh. Abrupt.
I glance at the time and then cradle my cell between my shoulder and ear to tie my shoes. My shift starts in twenty and it’s a ten-minute walk to the restaurant. “I have to go.”
