Chapter Twenty-Five
Nash pressed the intercom button at Upton’s gate and waited.
The rain stopped about mile one on his walk leaving the Los Angeles city streets sparkling, appearing as if they were covered in a thin film of glass, appropriate since his heart and soul were shattered.
The throbbing in his leg started around mile two of his walk, but he shoved his hands in his pockets and trudged on.
At approximately the three mile mark, he surrendered, called a car service, and considered his options. He would never return to the cottage, the thought of returning to his apartment suffocated him, and in no world would he taint the miracle happening to Erik and Christine at this moment with the mess of his existence.
He had the car drop him off at the entrance to the private road to Upton’s and walked through the mud and cobblestones.
“Nashville Cinder.” Geoffrey’s voice came through the speaker. “Do you realize what time it is?”
“Something tells me I didn’t wake anyone up.” He crossed his arms. “I need to see Upton.”
After another pause, Geoffrey finally responded, “He doesn’t need any more of your therapy, thank you.”
Nash pounded his fist on top of the damn speaker. “Maybe I need some of his.”
The speaker clicked off and Nash continued to stand there gazing at Upton’s mansion. In the darkness, it looked even more ominous than normal, and only a few lights glowed through the drawn curtains in the house.
Right as he began contemplating what to do if Upton never opened the gates, they slid open.
He limped up the front path, through the overgrown plants that appeared as ghosts guarding the castle in the night and entered the amazing home.
Geoffrey was nowhere to be found and some flickering candles lit the foyer.
“I would have to question what kind of cat dragged you in.” Upton’s form appeared at the top of the sweeping double staircase. “I think one that has questionable taste in clothing.”
“Give me one night here.” Nash wiped his feet and inched toward the stairwell.
Upton leaned over the railing. “Why should I give you anything?”
“Because I’m asking.”
Upton groaned. “Why not go to your best friend? He loves having you under his thumb, go under his roof.”
“He and Christine are at the hospital having the baby.” Only a few hours ago, he would have thought he would be next in line to do the family thing.
“And Uncle Nash isn’t there. Interesting.” Upton’s tone was sarcasm mixed with longing. “What happened to your little shack in the woods?”
Nash closed his eyes. “I sold it.”
“Seems to me that you would have money to do whatever you like then. Do you really need to poach room and board off of me?” The man let out a tired laugh. “Go spend some of that money of yours and go live the highlife and get a hotel.”
No, no hotels. He didn’t want to enjoy himself, be in the public, watch other couples in love. “I just want to be left alone and crash somewhere.”
“So did the girl figure out who you were, saw a broken down rock star and sent you away?” Upton came down a few of the stairs.
He ran his hand through his wet hair. The entire time it took him to get here, all he thought about was Petals.
Upton continued down the stairs until they were face to face. “Tell me the truth and maybe I’ll let you stay.”
He stared the man right in his scarred face and made sure not to flinch or have any reaction. “She knew who I was all along.”
Upton tilted his head. “Perhaps you aren’t as stupid as I thought.”
“Don’t kid yourself, I’m even more stupid.” All the time he and Petals were together she gave him all the clues, all the signs, and he never wanted to see them, recognize she was anything but the dream girl he wanted her to be.
“Do tell.” Upton crossed his arms and leaned back on his heels.
Nash cleared his throat and primed himself to say the next words. “She got engaged tonight.” His voice broke and he shook his head.
They stared at each other.
In a sudden move, Upton pointed behind him. “Up the stairs, turn left, third door on the left and I offer free Wi-Fi. I’ll have Geoffrey bring you some brandy.”
He exhaled and held his hand out to his friend. “Thank you.”
“Get away from me. Go clean up, you’re tracking dirt on a rug that costs thousands.” Upton backed up.
Nash used the bannister for support and ascended the stairs.
“Where’s your cane?” Upton called after him.
He stopped and shook his head. “For a few minutes there, I thought I didn’t need it and left it behind.”
“You always were stupid.”
Nash shrugged. “Maybe we’ll play some tomorrow.”
“This house doesn’t hold music anymore,” Upton growled. “Plus you’ll be gone before I get up.”
“My heart doesn’t hold love anymore.” He waved to Upton and went up to the inner sanctum of the mansion.