Page 14 of Jet

One of the first things we did after eating last night was clear the air. Lucas explained his reasoning behind setting me up with Quinn, and I get it, I do. But I also reminded him that I don’t warm up to people the way he does. It takes me longer, if ever, to feel comfortable with someone. We made each other a promise to stay out of each other’s business from now on, and I’m thinking he agreed readily since I had tons to say about his engagement. Too soon is what I wanted to preach, but I know he doesn’t want to hear it. Besides, it’s not my place. Whether friend or foe, no one’s going to change his mind on this one.

Don’t get me wrong, I like Abby. And I’m thankful she chose him since he’s had his share of women in the past. If anyone can tame him, she can.

Last night we stayed at Trevor’s just like in the old days. Funny, it does seem like years ago when in truth it was only a few months ago. Quinn left after the engagement festivities and I was relieved when no one asked her to stay. Yeah, I’m an asshole, but even after all these months I don’t feel comfortable when she’s around. Maybe it’s because she’s constantly staring at me. I feel like she can see right through me and read me better than any book out there, and it makes me uncomfortable. Always has and always will.

So, for today, we’re going to kick back and chill and just play catch up.

Lucas and Abby are stretched out on the leather sofa, while the rest of us are sitting on the floor in a semi-circle. Listening to all the funny shit that went down in Aruba with these two. All you need to do is visualize high tide, hot sand, and rough seas while they’re naked. Yep, spells disaster. They’re damn lucky they didn’t drown.

“I swear Abby’s still finding sand in all her girlie—” Lucas stops short as a quick smack lands across his shoulder from Abby and we have a good laugh. “On a more serious note, Jet, fill us in about this benefit concert you and Quinn are trying to put together.”

“We’ve been brainstorming a ton of ideas, and I think we have it all figured out. As soon as we get the greenlight from Caleb, we’ll contact as many bands as possible to join. Then, if every band sets up a campaign page and sells online tickets, they can reach tons of their fans and die-hard concert goers. We could also sell T-shirts with a special logo on it for the benefit. I’m sure one of us can come up with a cool slogan and add the band names with dates. I don’t know, but I have a million thoughts running through my brain to the point where I can’t shut it off.”

Abby’s so excited, she sits up and leans her elbows on her knees. “With careful planning, this has the potential to be an amazing fundraiser for a very worthy cause. I’m sure we’d have tons of bands wanting to donate their time.”

“Exactly,” I respond, “and I don’t care if they’re big or small, if they’re willing to give up their time, I’m more than happy to let them join. Hey, we all had to start somewhere. This could be the big break they need to be seen and heard.”

Questions are coming in left and right, and it’s hard for me to keep up with all of them. “Okay, Quinn and I don’t have all the answers. One of the biggies is what venue would be able to pull this off. Another thing for us to figure out is how long can we keep this gig going. A day, a weekend? How would that play out?”

All of a sudden Trevor gets an epiphany. “Hey, speaking of Quinn, why isn’t she here today?”

“Right? I’ll call her and see if she’s busy. If not I’ll ask her to come on over.”

I quickly stop Willow from making that call. “I’d rather you didn’t. It’s our vacation and all we have is a few more days before going back on tour. Seriously, Quinn is just an organizer and I’d like to keep it real just for a little longer.”

“Bro,” Lucas says, “it’s time we had another chat. Alone. Follow me.” Is he fucking serious? Lucas stands over me, and for a split second I feel like I’m back in that trailer and it’s hard to breathe. “Jet, it’s me. Lucas.”

When my vision clears and I notice him squatting down in front of me, I feel unhinged. Shaking it off, I push him away and stand of my own accord. On wobbly legs, I rush out the front door. My long legs carry me forward as Lucas calls out my name.

“Jet, I’m sorry. Wait up, please. I wasn’t thinking.” Damn straight he wasn’t.

Bending over, with my hands plastered against my thighs, I try to shake off the fog from my brain. I haven’t had a flashback like that in years. Lucas knows not to touch me, so he just stands in my peripheral with his hands in his pockets.

“Do you want me to grab a pint or a bottle of Jack? Tell me what you need.”

“For everyone to leave me the fuck alone! I’m so damn tired of everyone pushing Quinn down my throat. I can’t tell you why she rubs me the wrong way. I wish I could, but the last thing I need is for my friends to play matchmaker. Or to force me to do something I’m not comfortable doing. Yes, we collaborated and I stopped over at her house and she stopped over at mine, but it was because I fucked up big time and I’m not going into that right now. Please, I just can’t right now.” I storm off in the opposite direction and I’m well aware that my car is parked in Trevor’s driveway. Right now, I really don’t care.

He doesn’t try to stop me and that’s a good thing since I don’t want to be stopped. I’m feeling like I’ll lose my mind at any minute, and if I do, I don’t want my friends to witness me falling apart.

So, I keep on walking. And walking. Until a familiar sight greets me.

My solace, my home.

My sanctuary.

* * *

QUINN

Since I haven’t heardfrom Caleb yet, I decided to go for a walk to burn off some pent-up energy. My mind wanted to visit a plush green park with children playing, laughing, and having fun with their families. Sadly, my feet had a mind of their own when I found myself walking down the alley beside the diner. The exact one that Jet mentioned that night. Now, I can’t erase the tragedy that unfolded before me. Children of all ages hiding in cardboard boxes, wearing tattered clothing. Innocent faces that bartered for money, doing anything that would get them a hot meal to fill their empty bellies. I spent every last dime I had on me, granting them what they begged me for. I wanted to take them home to bathe them and let them sleep in a warm house so they felt safe. Even if it was for a few hours. Someplace where they wouldn’t need to hustle or try to steal for themselves.

Deep down inside, I’d known this was happening. But, like everyone else, I guess I turned a blind eye. Always thinking that someone would take care of them. I was so damn wrong. Most of the people passing by that alley avoided looking down there at all costs. Pretending it doesn’t exist. All of these kids are falling through the cracks. As adults, it should be our mission to make sure that they’re being taken care of. I can’t and I won’t just look the other way or forget that I’ve seen this any longer.

As soon as I got home, I did the unthinkable. I called Caleb. “Since your first call wasn’t an emergency, is it safe to assume this one could be?” he asked.

“I took a walk down the alley between Fifth and Ninth on Main. Homeless children line the walls, living in cardboard boxes, begging for food, selling their bodies, Caleb. Anything so they can eat—”

“Quinn, I’m well aware of that spot and it’s not happening just in the city of New York. It’s worldwide, and unfortunately one concert isn’t going to fix the problem.”

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