Chapter 25-Leila
My heart swells with the love I feel for this man. His admission causes my body to sag against him like I am suddenly boneless. He is everything I ever wanted. Caring, kind, gentle, funny, romantic, passionate, sexy…all my wants and needs rolled into one perfect man. This seems too good to be true. How could I have gotten so lucky?
I clutch him without wanting to let go. I’m afraid that this is all a dream. Our embrace is a symbolic culmination of what we have been stupidly holding back from each other.
Jack bends and kisses me again, probing my mouth open with the tip of his tongue, and I allow him complete access. When he pulls away, the sudden space between us causes me to want to sob.
“Leila, I am overwhelmed by this.” A slow smile spreads across his face, causing me to suck in a breath from his beauty. “I’m never letting you go.” He crushes his lips to mine, transferring his emotions through his kiss.
I have one nagging thought that I can’t ignore. This man just confessed love to me, how am I going to bring up my concerns with his past? Being dishonest wouldn’t be fair to me or to him. I need to admit how much I worry about him cheating on me. I could not handle that again. And I refuse to be put in that position.
Pulling away, I gulp and venture, “Jack, can we talk about something else?”
“Anything.”
I take a deep breath and try to begin but I can’t seem to get the words out. I’m not sure if it’s fear, or I’m afraid by voicing my fears they may come true.
He squeezes my hands and wills me to continue with apprehension etched into every line on his face.
“Jack, you know Matt cheated on me. What I haven’t told you is that I actually walked in on him with a mutual friend of ours from high school.”
Realizing where I’m taking this conversation, Jack sits quietly until I continue.
A vivid image appears in my mind as if it happened yesterday. “I stood frozen, unable to move. When they finally realized I was standing there, I felt sick to my stomach. He made me look like such a fool. I defended him over and over to anyone who tried to convince me Matt was cheating on me. It was pathetic how much denial I was in.
“What I’m trying to say is if you have any reservations of being faithful, I need to know now. I will not, ever put myself in that situation again. I’m not asking for a signed contract stating that you’ll never cheat. I’m not dumb enough to believe that would be reality. I’m asking if you think you’ll cheat, please end it before you actually do.”
Jack sits quietly, somberly returning my gaze. “Leila, I’ve had only one girlfriend in my life. I was in a two-year relationship during high school. I thought it was love. Now that I know what love actually is, I see that we weren’t even close. I did care for her, maybe too much. She cheated on me several times during the course of our relationship. I don’t cheat.”
“Thank you for telling me that.”
“I love you. I want nothing but to be with you and be completely committed to you in every way.”
I pull his face down to mine and kiss his gorgeous lips over and over and over.
He stands and holds his hand out for me. As we walk towards my bedroom, the anticipation I feel is different than all the other times we were together. I think it’s because this time, we will truly be making love. All the sex I’ve had up to this point, with Jack included, really was just sex. Once one admits to love someone, a sudden change occurs. The physical act is no longer the focus. I want to connect to him like we’ve never connected before.
Jack undresses and then slowly removes my clothing. “You are gorgeous...inside and out.”
He bends to kiss me passionately. I am one huge nerve ending and I feel the sensations in every cell of my entire body. He stares at my exposed chest before pulling my erect nipple in between his lips. My fingers find the hair at the nape of his neck, as I arch my back, forcing myself further into his mouth. I throw my head back and slump against him while he kisses and sucks on my breast until it drives me to the brink of an orgasm.
He slowly unbuttons my shorts and then hooks his fingers into the waistband to pull them down my legs very slowly. As I place my hand on his shoulder, he lifts each leg to release them. Dressing in haste after he stormed off, my bra wasn’t the only thing I skipped over. I also didn’t put on my underwear and am now standing completely bare.
I hear him gasp and he takes a step away from me to get a better look.
“Turn around.” His voice is husky yet soft. I turn, with my back to him and he immediately slides his hands over my belly, wrapping his arms around my body. He finds my ear with those magnificent lips. I don’t think I’m going to make it much longer as he kisses me slowly from my ear down to my neck. I groan while he continues to kiss my neck, using his tongue to lick me in the most erotic way. He skims his hands over my body and slowly slides them down my legs. As he squats behind me, I can feel his lips against the small of my back. It sends jolts through me and into my crotch.
Without standing, he slowly turns me until his face is at the apex of my thighs and then plants a kiss low on my abdomen. He is so beautiful as he knees before me. Running my hand through his silky hair, I feel my heart will burst from the emotions he triggers inside.
“I want to make love to you for hours, Leila.” He says smiling while looking up at me.
I smile back at him and simply say, “I want nothing more.”
Jack stands and lifts me into his arms, placing me dead center on the bed.
The journey he makes down my body with his lips causes pulsing sensations to spread through me like a slow smoldering fire. He stops at my breasts, kissing and suckling them, caressing and holding them, taking his sweet time. The sensation is now unbearable.
“Jack, please.” I gasp, trying to pull him back up to my face.
“Not yet.” He smiles against my skin.
The next stop is my belly button, where he torturously dips his tongue and it feels unbelievable. I relax back onto the bed and try to accept the slow torture he is determined to unleash on me.
He slowly moves one hand down to lightly stroke me, and then his lips follow as he kisses his way down my body. When Jack reaches his target, I lose all conscious thoughts. Relentlessly, he licks and sucks me in the most perfect of ways. I immediately come and come and come and come. It’s doesn’t end. He lets me ride my wave, and then he starts all over again. He takes me in between his lips, his hands spread on my inner thighs while his thumbs trace patterns close to where his mouth is.
He repeats the entire process again. As he slowly slides two fingers inside me, he laps at me in very long, slow strokes. He is a master at oral sex. I feel my body clenching around his fingers. He pulls them out and replaces them with his tongue. The wave of ecstasy goes on and on as he makes love to me with his tongue.
Only after the last spasm subsides does he then slowly make his journey back up my body.
“Jack, my God.” I say, as he once again sucks on my nipple. He moves up my neck, and kisses his way to my mouth. I pull him over me so we are flush up against each other. I feel every muscle of his body pressing against mine with the most important one pushing into my thigh.
He starts to kiss me slowly, while his hands are on either side of my head. Staring into each other’s eyes, he reaches for my hands and laces our fingers together and shifts so his erection is positioned at my entrance.
He slowly sinks into me as I close my eyes from the intensity of the overwhelming emotion he is causing inside my heart.
“Open your eyes and look at me.”
I obey, although it’s hard to do so. I only want to close them and relish these sensations. The intimacy between us is overwhelming. We’ve done this plenty of times before, but this time is different. I know he feels it too.
We move together over and over, until I feel the familiar tightening. He kisses me, pushing me over the edge and then he releases seconds after I do. I can see every emotion he is feeling cross over his features, and in his dark grey eyes.
“I love you, Leila.” He assures me while our bodies are still connected. Neither of us wants to break the connection.
“I love you too.” I say losing myself in his eyes.
***
“Can we talk about something?” He asks while sipping his coffee. He spent the night, and we have a few hours before we need to be at the arena.
“Sure.”
“Can we tell the guys?” He watches me closely and waits for my response.
I move into the kitchen to refill my mug. “It means a lot to you that they know?”
He comes to stand with me, taking the mug from my hands and placing it on the counter. “It means I can love you the way I want to.”
Well when he puts it that way…
“Leila, we are all going to be together night and day. I understand you aren’t ready for the world to know. But to keep this from the guys would be torture for me. I want to be able to hold your hand, kiss you, love you without hiding it in front of them.”
He’s so romantic…and loving. How can I deny him something so profound? “Ok.”
“Ok?”
“Yes.”
He crushes me to his chest without warning. “Jack, I can’t breathe.”
“Oh…sorry.” He releases his hold, but only slightly. “Leila, you have no idea how happy I am right now.”
“I know exactly how happy you are.” I subtly stroke his excitement.
He shrugs sheepishly. “It has a mind of it’s own.”
Jack loves me over and over for the rest of the morning. In the kitchen and in the shower and in my bed.
“I’m going to have a limp on stage tonight.” I tease as we get dressed and ready to leave.
“Fuck, that’s sexy.” He says coming behind me to kiss my neck. His tongue slowly traces a line to my ear.
“Jack, we are out of time. We have to go. The cab will be here any minute.”
Sighing he releases me. “Fine. You’re a buzz kill though.”
I walk into my bathroom and call out, “I’ll make it up to you as we pull away from the arena tonight while on my knees.”
His eyes are smoldering as he walks over to me. “Fuck. You can’t say things like that to me.” He kisses me like he wants to leave his mark on my thoughts. It’s the kind of kiss that has me panting and gasping for air.
“You don’t play fair.” I huff as he walks away chuckling at the condition he’s left me in.
Jack helps me lock up my apartment and carries my bag down all three flights of stairs. On the cab ride to the city, I am a bundle of nervous, excited, and over the top happy energy. I can’t sit still, constantly tapping my foot or jiggling my leg. Jack holds my hand the entire time, smiling wide every time he looks at me, clearly entertained by my nerves.
When we arrive at the concert hall, the limo pulls around to the back entrance to let me out first. “I’ll circle the block, and then come in.” He kisses me before I exit. “I love you.”
“Me too.”
Once at the arena door, a security guard asks for my pass. I’ve never been back stage in my life. It’s thrilling to know that some great performers have walked these halls.
A pretty girl with a clipboard and an earpiece greets me, she introduces herself as Stephanie our event manager, and leads me down the hall a large room.
Dylan is the first to see me and walks over to grab my bags. “You excited?”
“Um, yes excitement is somewhere on the list of things I’m feeling now…but I think it’s towards the bottom.” I admit with a smile. “Dylan, I’m sorry I didn’t call you back last night. I got in pretty late.”
“No worries. I just wanted to see if you were ok.”
“I’m fine. Let’s just forget about it, ok?”
“Yep.” He pulls me into a hug. I look over to see Jack walking in time to see Dylan’s arms around me. He smiles warmly and my heart skips a beat.
“I’ll see you before the show?” He asks.
“Yep.” He nods and passes Jack on his way out.
Hunter comes over and grabs me by the waist. “Leila it’s here. It’s finally here.” He says while swinging me around.
I’m laughing at his enthusiasm when Jack orders, “Put her down or she’s going to throw up on you.”
Hunter puts me down and says, “For real?”
I nod and smile, “For real. I definitely feel like I could lose my lunch right about now.”
He immediately obeys and Jack laughs.
Jennifer walks in with a burly middle-aged man. His name is Will Sutter and he’s our equipment manager. There are also five young guys with him who are all wearing Devil’s Lair t-shirts. I am wondering if these guys are fans when Will informs us they are our roadies and will be traveling with us.
He and his staff are in charge of setting up and breaking down the stage and making sure all of our belongings get on the bus after each show. A shy redhead in the back is staring at me as the blonde to his right stares at Jack. Jack and I both notice at the same time, trying to hide our smiles.
We are then all whisked away by Stephanie. She leads us down a long dark hallway that takes us right to the stage. The guys sprint up the stairs all hooting and yelling like they are at the Super Bowl. Jack follows me up and stops when he sees my feet are planted and not moving.
“You know no one is here yet.”
I nudge him with my elbow as I take it all in. The lights are on in the theater, and no one is obviously in the seats, but there are a lot of freaking seats.
Stephanie introduces us to someone named Bruce, who is our sound check manager. He explains what we will rehearse and then leaves the stage to make his way towards the sound booth.
We run through four songs and stop occasionally for adjustments. Bruce then calls out over the PA system that all is a go. From my own ears we sounded really good. Singing along with Jack is euphoric and our chemistry on stage is undeniable. By the look on his face I know he feels the same way.
After our sound check we are then brought back to the holding room where they set up deli platters and drinks. There is no way I can eat so I grab a plain roll and a bottle of water, and I excuse myself to my dressing room. I need to settle my nerves. Jack must know I’m really nervous, as he doesn’t stop me from leaving.
I take my time with my make-up and getting dressed for the show. I decide to surprise Jack and wear the photo shoot outfit he loves so much. I can’t get any more nervous than I already am, so what the hell.
As I’m just about finished getting dressed, a voice comes on over the PA system announcing that we are on in ten minutes.
Oh my God.
The announcement immediately causes me to break out into a cold sweat.
Frantically, I start pacing the room, fanning myself to cool off. As I’m walking back and forth, over and over, there is a knock on my door.
“Come in.” The door opens and Jack walks in. He looks so good in dark jeans and a tight black t-shirt. His hair is perfect. I forget my nerves as I gape at him. He gapes right back.
“You wore it.” He shuts the door and walks over to where I’m standing.
“It’s an opening night present, but don’t get used to it. I wasn’t kidding when I said this makes me sweat more than necessary.” He laughs and pulls me into his arms.
“I love you so much.” He says kissing the top of my head. He smells so good I would love to just stay in this room and hug him all night.
He pulls back slightly to look down at me. “I love this thing.” He says as he runs a finger down the lacing of my bustier. My pulse quickens from the look in his eyes and the feel of his fingertip touching the skin between the laces.
“I came to wish you luck. You’ll be great, Leila. Just remember this is what you do.” He rubs my arms and then adds, “I also came for a good luck kiss.” He continues to look down at me but he doesn’t move.
This is probably a mistake. Kissing Jack right before having to perform is like an alcoholic taking one tiny sip of wine. His kisses leave me wanting so much more…but fuck it!
I lean up towards him and he meets me half way. Just as always, our kiss starts out slow. He nibbles on my lips. Before you know it, one kiss turns into a full-blown make out session.
I pull away and gasp, “You are killing me.” I reach up and wipe the lipstick from his lips and he closes his eyes and takes a step back.
“Maybe that wasn’t such a good idea.” He reaches down and adjusts himself through his jeans. His hard-on is visible, clear as day.
“Jack, you can’t go out there like that.”
The voice announces that we only have five more minutes and Jack takes a deep breath. “Ya’ think?”
I bite on my lip to keep from laughing and say the first thing I can think of.
“Hunter’s pale ass.”
He looks down and his bulge visibly shrinks before our eyes.
“Brilliant. Thanks.” He moves closer to me, as I take a step back.
“No…no more kisses.”
“Buzz kill.” He sits in a chair as I resume my frantic pacing. He looks so calm and collected like he’s about to walk into a party and not about to sing in front of a few thousand people.
“Aren’t you nervous at all?”
“Nope.”
A two-minute announcement comes over the PA system.
“Let’s go kick ass.” He grabs my hand and tows me out of the room. We walk to the stage where the guys are all assembled, pumping themselves up.
As we wait, Dylan comes up behind me. “Good luck, Leila.”
It’s dark backstage and he doesn’t notice Jack is still holding my hand. But at the sound of Dylan’s voice, I drop his. He looks down at me while frowning. I thank Dylan as he pulls me into a hug before he strolls away.
Stephanie gives us our cue and the guys run up the stairs. Jack waits and holds his hand out for me. I love that he isn’t going to let me go out there alone. We walk on stage together.
The crowd goes wild and Jack drops my hand expertly as the spotlights go on and illuminate us for all to see. I look out into the crowd, not seeing anything but a mesh of faces. I can’t see my friends or dad because the lights are too bright. At my suggestion, my keyboards have been moved up so that my walk to the mic wasn’t as long. Now I wish I were farther back, hidden in the shadows.
Jack grabs the mic and exclaims, “Good evening New York City!” The theater erupts with cheers. He thanks them for coming and tells them we are so honored to start our tour in such a great city. He introduces our first song, which is one of the fan’s favorites, and the crowd goes wild. This really is fantastic. Jack engages them and saunters around the stage like a natural.
We go into our second song without stopping for air. Right before our third song Jack introduces us. He starts with Hunter. Hunter takes the opportunity to do a drum solo and he calls him an attention whore.
Jack tells the crowd there is no need to introduce his next band member. Trey lifts his shades and nods to the crowd prompting ear-shattering screams to erupt. I could swear I hear Lori’s voice among them.
Jack teases Scott that he must have gotten lost on the way to choir practice, and Scott flips him the finger before doing his own solo, prompting Trey to retaliate with a third solo. “I’m surrounded by attention whores.” The crowd loves it and eats up the fun ribbing that goes on between them all.
Jack moves back to center stage and replaces his microphone. He takes a deep breath and looks around. I’m going to kill him. Standing dead center, Jack continues to scan the masses, allowing the cheers to get louder and louder. While laughing, he shakes his head and then finally says, “So…I’m sure you’ve heard we added a beautiful member to Devil’s Lair.”
He puts up his hand to quiet them down when more noise erupts from the fans. My legs are shaking from the attention.
“We thought we were adding a back-up singer.” There is more applause and more laughing from Jack. “What we didn’t know was we would actually be turning our souls over to her or that she would be owning our asses. We didn’t have a clue that she would become the devil in our lair!” He looks back at me and grins. I know I’m beat red from embarrassment. I shake my head and smirk back.
“I suggest you show her the love, or she’ll own your asses too!”
I wish he would get on with this so we could move on with the show, but it is exciting to hear all these screaming fans are screaming for me.
It’s pretty loud in here but yet Jack still eggs them on, “Oh, I don’t know. You don’t sound convincing enough to me.” The screaming and applause becomes deafening. He laughs and shakes his head.
Turning to the guys he adds, “She took over our fans!” More yelling ensues. “Wow! Ok, ok. I’d like to introduce you to Miss Leila Marino.”
He motions for me to come forward and the crowd continues to go wild. As I approach Jack, he bows down to me, the jackass.
As I pat the top of his head and wave to everyone, he stands up straight and holds his heart. “Didn’t I tell you so? She is pure evil.”
Only after I put my hands on my hips in a threatening stance does he follow up. “Ok, so are you guys ready to be Committed?”
He grabs my hand and pulls me towards his center mic. With a quick signal, Hunter starts with drums. Jack puts a hand on my bare back, and looks into my eyes. During the duet parts, our lips are practically touching as we share the same microphone. I’m completely turned on.
The crowd is eating it up and it sets the tone for the rest of our show. The way they sing the lyrics with us makes it is one huge party. I can see the pride all over Jack’s face. It must be amazing to write a song, and have thousands sing it back to you.
Jack doesn’t believe in taking breaks. He feels the fans pay good money and shouldn’t have to sit around waiting for us to take a rest, so we play straight through for over two hours. By the end of the show I am drenched, exhausted and loving my new job.
After our encore all the guys move forward for a bow. Jack holds me close to him and whispers into my ear, “You were fucking fantastic.” I smile at him as we take our final bow. The lights dim and we make our way off the stage leaving our fans chanting the band’s name. They want more.
Jack stops and looks towards them. “Let’s give them one more…follow my lead.” The guys all run back onto the stage and Jack and I follow. The screaming and cheering has not let up.
“You guys haven’t had enough?” They respond with enthusiasm. “How would you guys like to hear a song that is real special to us? We don’t play it often, so this is a treat for the city we love!”
When the crowd quiets down, he says, “We can’t take credit for this one. One of our inspirations is Aerosmith. This one is called Dream on.”
I’m touched he chose this song to play. He wants to showcase my voice. I smile wide and nod.
Despite how good it was during my audition, it’s a million times better tonight. It was like Aerosmith wrote it for us. He lets me take over and becomes my back-up during most of it. The crowd sings along and he is beaming from the energy in the room.
When we are done Jack says a final goodbye. We all bow one last time. I feel like I just ran a marathon. My adrenaline rush is off the charts. As I come down the steps he grabs me and picks me up and spins me much like Hunter did earlier.
“How awesome was that?” He sounds so happy. I hug his neck as he continues to spin me.
“I know. I had so much fun!” There is nothing like the high I’m feeling right now. The rest of the band all hug each other and Stephanie appears to whisk us back to the holding room.
The minute we all walk into the room, Jack pulls me into his arms and gives me one of his mind-blowing kisses. When I pull away to breathe, I first notice two sets of eyes gawking and Trey smirking while nodding.
Jack starts to laugh, and pulls me to his side.
“Um, so guys, this would be a good time to tell you that Leila and I are in love.” Their expressions change after his admission as if we both just stripped naked.
“I want to be with her and I’m tired of hiding it. You guys have a problem with that?”
Scott looks shocked. Trey looks like he could give a fuck. Hunter is sneering.
Trey is the first to speak. “Why would I give a shit?”
Scott blushes profusely and shakes his head. It looks like he’s afraid to open his mouth to say anything at the moment.
Hunter starts to clap in a very slow, annoying manner. “Well, it’s about fucking time.”
Jack laughs. “Good. So now that you all know, there’s one more thing. We aren’t going public with it yet. So you are the only ones who know. Keep it to yourselves. Got it?”
All three heads nod simultaneously, just as Jennifer walks through the door. Jack casually releases his hold on me.
“You guys blew them away.” She admits with a wide grin as she hugs each of the guys. She looks even more beautiful when she smiles. She should do it more often. Jennifer makes her way to me. “Leila, you really were fantastic tonight.”
I’m shocked to my core. I thank her and she smiles warmly. This must be an act.
Malcolm appears with two cocktails and hands one to Jennifer. “Hello Leila. It’s so nice to see you again.”
Jack turns towards me with raised eyebrows. Feeling the need to explain, I say, “Malcolm and I met at your birthday party.”
“How are you, Jack?”
“I’m great Malcolm. Fucking great.”
Malcolm throws him a patronizing grin and turns his focus back to me. “So have you given our last conversation any thought?”
What the hell? This guy is pushy and I don’t respond well to pushy.
“No, I’m good, thanks.”
Jennifer slinks an arm through Malcolm’s and takes on a very territorial stance. She can just relax. I want no part of her boyfriend. Thankfully Malcolm clarifies his statement to Jennifer and Jack.
“Jeez, Malcolm. She’s been a member of Devil’s Lair for all of five minutes. Can you back off please?” Jack looks pissed as hell.
“I merely pointed out to your talented back-up singer that she is too talented to be a back-up singer.” Shrugging he adds, “She’s not ready. But I’m patient and I’ll wait.” Focusing on me he says, “You have my card. You know where to find me. I can make all your dreams come true.”
Jack mumbles an epithet under his breath, which Malcolm ignores. “Jen knows how competitive I am, don’t you baby?”
Jennifer doesn’t look upset in the least that her sleazy boyfriend is trying to take one of her clients. That makes me wonder if this is a little plan she hatched up to get rid of me. She hasn’t liked me since day one. “I know baby. You’d steal a client from your own mother. I’m not offended.”
She smiles at her man and he bends to kiss her lips.
This is beyond ridiculous. Ignoring them I turn towards Jack and ask, “Do you want to go get a drink?’
“Yes!”
He drapes his arm around my shoulders. See you guys later. Malcolm, stay away from my band member or I’ll hurt you.”
Giving them his CCDS smile, he steers me towards the bar.
Jack looks down at me. “He’s right, you know.”
“Jack, I’m not going anywhere. I have no idea what I’m doing. This is all so new to me. I really want to tour with you guys. I believe in you and you’re about to explode. I want to be part of that.”
He skims his thumb along my cheek. “I would never hold you back. I just thought we could enjoy you for a while. But I would never stop you from excelling in your own career.”
“I know.” I lean in closer and add, “I love you.”
He smiles warmly. “Me too. Let’s celebrate.”
The room has been set up with food and drinks. The boys take advantage and head right to where Jack and I are standing at the bar. Hunter orders a tray full of shots and I feel a little uneasy when I realize its tequila. Jack laughs at my expression and holds one out for me to take. “Do you want me to order a girly shot for you?”
He winks and downs one in a single quick motion.
“No.” I down mine effortlessly. I’m actually getting used to tequila.
Raising his eyebrows, Jack smiles cunningly. Leaning in, he whispers, “You said you loved me the last time you had tequila.”
“I did not.” His mention helps me to vaguely remember that. “Oh my God.”
“What? It was hot.”
Our friends end our conversation by piling in. My dad is the first one through the door.
“Lei!”
I look up to see him smiling from ear to ear. I run towards him and can tell he’s been crying when he catches me in mid-air. He hugs me so tightly that I can barely breathe. “You were so amazing tonight. I am so proud of you.”
Evan embraces me next. “You were awesome up there. You guys rocked this place.”
“Thanks Evan. I have never experienced such an adrenaline rush in my life.”
“I’m sure. This tour is going to sky-rocket you right to the top.”
Lori and Alisa grab me next. Lori says, “Oh my god Lei that was so fucking hot. You and Jack should totally do it.” I let out a nervous laugh while catching Evan’s eye.
As the night progresses, our guests are having a great time. Evan and Lizzy are already attached at the hip. As he is introducing her to my father, he sees me watching and winks. I blow him a kiss. I’m happy he is coming around. Lori and Trey are attached at the lips. Matt, Gina, Logan, Alisa and Joe are all drinking and mingling. Matt introduced me to Gina, and she’s a sweetheart. That will not work out.
Jack has been by my side most of the night. “Your outfit has me throbbing.”
If we were alone in this room, I would have him naked by now. Huffing out a breath, Jack looks at me deviously. “You ok? You look a little flushed.”
I mutter bastard under my breath just as his parents walk over.
“Hi guys.” Jack greets them with a tight hug. His dad whispers something and pats his back while his mom grabs his face and kisses both cheeks.
“Mom, stop.” He says as he pulls out of her grasp. It’s so cute and funny. Rock star or not, he’s a momma’s boy.
Jack’s dad pulls me into a warm hug. “You are the perfect addition to this band, Leila.”
“I’m flattered. That is really a nice thing for you to say.”
Renata grabs me away from her husband and hugs me tight. “Leila I can’t wait to get to know you better when you guys get home. You’ll come to the house, and bring Evan?”
“I would love to.” She smiles and kisses my cheek. I can see where Jack gets it. It’s heartwarming to know that he comes from a very affectionate family.
“Ok, stop man-handling Leila.” Jack says scolds. She gives him a look and hugs me tighter.
Our party is going strong. I am having so much fun mingling with my friends, reliving our performance on stage. My face is nearly splitting in two from all the smiling and laughing. That is, until I spot Jack frowning at his cell phone. Hunter is beside him, holding Amanda’s hand and shaking his head. Amanda looks very uncomfortable. Jack says something else and Hunter shrugs. Their conversation looks like an argument. I wonder what’s wrong.
My dad calls me over and forces my attention away from Jack. As I walk over, I worry over what just happened. No sooner do I turn towards my dad, than a gorgeous brunette walks into the room. She looks around, spots Jack, and seductively strolls right over to him. This woman is stunning. She has a tall, killer body and hair like a black, silk curtain. I watch Jack’s facial expression change when he sees her and he meets her half way. He looks upset as he grabs her arm and yanks her into the hallway, while many of us watch. Who the hell is she?
His parents exchange a few words just as Lizzy makes her way over to them, and immediately begin an animated discussion. A weird hush fell over the room that’s hard to ignore. Plastering a smile on my face, I try desperately to ignore what just occurred, and I’m failing miserably.
I really need to use the bathroom, but I don’t want Jack to think I’m following him. I decide to wait a few minutes before I walk down the hall hoping not to run into Jack or the brunette. I’m so lost in thought that I barely hear Dylan calling my name. Smiling wide, Mr. Harvard walks towards me and is clearly a bit tipsy.
“What so funny.”
“I’ve been wanting to get you alone all night and it figures it’s when we both have to pee. Go and meet me back right here.” He says and takes off. He is most definitely drunk.
A few minutes later I come out of the ladies room to see Dylan leaning against the wall waiting for me. As I walk over to him, he turns his body so I am now against the wall and he is in front of me. I’m really not in the mood for Dylan right now.
“Dylan, I want to get back inside.”
He doesn’t speak. He just bends and kisses me. It’s soft and sweet and I instantly feel guilt.
I’m so confused and annoyed, it takes me a few seconds to realize what’s happening before I push him away.
“Dylan, I thought I made it clear I don’t have feelings for you.” He steps back and nods. “I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry. I really shouldn’t have done that. I was so overwhelmed with pride and, I don’t know I just got caught up in things.”
“I value our friendship and wouldn’t want anything to ruin it, but…”
He cuts me off. “No need to continue.” Shrugging, he adds, “Leila, I’m dense. It was really a stupid move on my part. I’m really am sorry.” He smiles at me and his eyes are full of longing.
“I need to get back in there.” He nods and motions for me to go first. As soon as we get back into the party room, Dylan heads right for the bar.
I finally see Jack come into the room alone like fifteen minutes later. My heart sinks as I see the look on his face. Where was he? Did he see us? He moves to Hunter and starts talking to him in the same agitated state, as he was earlier.
I continue to search his face but he doesn’t make eye contact with me.
I’m unable to enjoy myself any longer. Something happened to cause him such pain. It’s written all over his face. Our eyes meet when he starts to walk towards me. I close the distance between us.
“Are you ok?” I ask hesitantly. I want nothing more than to ask him who that girl was, why was she here and what did she want. But I need him to want to tell me. I need to trust he will.
“I am now.” He steps a bit closer so our arms touch. My skin tingles instantly from his touch. “Is everything ok with you and Dylan?” He looks down at me anxiously. He must have seen us in the hall. Is that why he’s so sad?
“He kissed me again. I set him straight.”
Jack’s posture immediately changes as his gaze flies to Dylan across the room. His glare is cold as ice and his fists clench automatically. He looks livid until he looks at me, and then his eyes soften immediately.
“Do I need to kick his ass?”
“Please don’t. I don’t want you spending the night in jail. I have plans for you.”
“I love you.” He whispers, so only I can hear him.
“I know.” I squeeze his hand and walk away. I’m disappointed he didn’t open up to me. He may need time. As the party winds down, I’m consumed with theories and speculations.
Saying goodbye to my dad and friends distracts temporarily. I’m exhausted from the continuous goodbyes so I decide to end the pattern. I tell them so, as I hug everyone I love and say that I would see them soon. No more tears.
My dad surprises me and says, “Ok kiddo…see you later.” He hugs me, kisses my head and walks out. Evan and I look at each other stunned.
Evan kisses Lizzy and says he’ll see her next week. Lori and Trey try to get months and months’ worth of good-byes in before they separate. Hunter and Amanda are whispering in a corner. Scott is holding a sobbing Patti. Jack is hugging his parents. The merriment we were feeling a short time ago now completely gone.
Once everyone leaves Dylan comes over and says he’ll be meeting up with us in Boston. He reminds me to call him or Cathy if I need anything.
He runs his hand down my arm and offers, “If you change your mind...”
I move away from his touch. “Sorry, Dylan.”
He nods, and walks over to Jack. He says something and Jack’s jaw clenches at whatever it is. Dylan looks back at me and leaves the room.
Jack is very quiet as we make our way to the bus. The guys start sitting around the bus reliving highlights from the show. He takes my hand and walks straight to the back.
“I want to get out of this sauna suit and shower. I’ll be a few minutes.”
“Ok…find me when you’re done.”
As I’m getting ready for bed, I can’t shake the feeling of dread that is coursing through my body. Something is very wrong. My concerns are confirmed when minutes later I find him in his bunk staring into space.
“Hey.” I say
“Hey” he says back. “Did you have a good time?”
“I did. Are you ok?” I ask.
He shrugs and says “Not really.” I walk over to his bunk and look up at him.
“You were awesome tonight, Jack.” I say.
He leans forward and caresses my face. “So were you.”
Sitting up he takes my hands in both of his. “Can I talk to you?”
Bile rises, making me feel sick to my stomach. He jumps off his bunk and takes my hand leading me to the bedroom. Once inside, he closes and locks the door.
“Leila, I need to tell you something.” His words cause my knees to give out, and I heavily sit on the edge of the bed.
“Is this about that girl?”
“Yes. She’s my ex.” He says watching my face. I wasn’t expecting him to say that.
Pathetically, all I can say is, “Oh.”
I try to shake the thoughts that immediately come to mind. I remind myself he loves me and he wouldn’t do that to me.
“Babe, we need to talk.”
I feel I’m about to have my heart broken. Panic takes hold and it leaves me ice-cold and shaking.