Page 17 of Jet

“Good, I’m glad we could come up with something solid so all parties could benefit. Once I have your answer, we can get the ball rolling if they agree.” We say our goodbyes and before I get ready to run out the door, I contemplate calling a meeting. Since it entails the band, I need to have them all in the same room and not one-on-one.

As much as I hate to contact Jet directly, I feel the need to reach out since this started with his vision. Taking a deep breath, I start a text, delete, and start again.

Me:I just received a call from Caleb. Since this concerns the band, is there somewhere we can meet?

I stare at my phone waiting for his answer. When it doesn’t come immediately, I’m ready to text Lucas. No need—just as I finish that thought, the phone rings in my sweaty palm. I should have known he’d want to talk.

“Why do we need a meeting? The band already agreed, so what’s this all about?” He’s agitated and I knew he would be. Now I want to talk face-to-face instead of on the phone.

“It’s complicated. We should get together and talk about it, is all.”

“Is the answer a yes or no, Quinn? It really doesn’t get any easier than that. Seriously.” An unintelligible swear comes through the phone. Now I’m getting angry.

“Out of courtesy, I texted you first since it was your idea, but I’m seconds away from texting Lucas so he can reign your ass in. I’m tired of your attitude and your ungratefulness. So, I’m going to pick the place. Meet me in an hour atThe Golden Palace. Be there or not, I don’t really care.” I press “End” and immediately call Willow. After briefly filling her in, she agrees to call Lucas and to tell Trevor. They’ll meet me there in an hour.

I’m the first to arrive atThe Golden Palacesince it’s only three blocks from my house. I’m nervous since the band is coming and I want privacy. “I have some very important people meeting me here today and privacy is of the utmost. Is there a room or a corner of the restaurant where we could be secluded? I know it’s last minute and all.”

“How big is your party?” When I let the hostess know there’s only six of us, she ushers me into a small room off the kitchen. It’s perfect, with just a large table in the center that seats eight. It looks more like a makeshift office or conference room.

“This is perfect. Thank you so much. One more favor. Is it possible to let them in by the kitchen?” Her brows hit her hairline and I feel like I need to explain. “They’re musicians,TheSinful Seven, in fact, and we wouldn’t want to create chaos in your lovely restaurant.”

“Discretion is necessary. I’ll make sure they are escorted to the kitchen entrance. Will they be arriving all together?” Crap, no. I need to text them all to come in on the side instead of walking through the front door.

“No, they will arrive separately. I’ll make sure to tell them to arrive by the side door. Thank you so much.”

I quickly shoot a group message to let everyone know.

Me:Park away from the front if possible and someone will escort you around the building.

Everyone shoots me a thumbs up response except Jet. Well, screw him. I’m done playing nice.

11

JET

I’veno idea whyshe’s being so secretive, but it’s pissing me off. I have a sinking feeling in my gut that whatever her answer is, I’m not going to like it much. I don’t bother answering her text, it’s a moot point. I’m not a child and I can read, so why waste the time?

I’m pulling into the restaurant right behind Lucas and Abby, so I follow them to the corner of the parking lot. Willow is already waiting, and as soon as we get out of our cars a blonde with legs for miles rushes over. No doubt she wants pics and autographs.

“Hi, my name’s Cindy and I’ll be escorting all of you inside. We’re going to use the employee entrance by the kitchen so we don’t cause a scene. Please follow me.” I’d like to say “Gladly”, but that’s the old me. The new me couldn’t care less.

Cindy hurries us through the side door, and we walk through a small break room with a fridge and microwave. We then head down a long hallway before she leads us through a wooden door where Quinn’s waiting for us.

“Thanks, Cindy, you’re a lifesaver.” Long Legs excuses herself and says something about bringing us drinks, but I’m too focused on someone else to pay any attention.

“Just get to the point, Quinn. Did Caleb say yes or no? Is that too much to ask for? Why didn’t he call me instead?” Lucas gives me a look to shut up and sit down, but I don’t take orders from him or anyone else for that matter.

In three short strides, my knuckles are hitting the edge of the table, and Quinn and I are eye-to-eye. “Yes or no?”

A hand lands on my shoulder and I want to punch the fucker who dared touch me, but when I glance over, it’s Abby. My heart races at the thought of almost hurting her.

“Jet, please sit down so Quinn can tell us the answer. Intimidating her isn’t helping anything. Please.” Oh, she’s smart, this girl. She knew I’d crumble.

Yanking off my beanie, I rake my hands through my messy hair and pull up a damn seat. I’m tired of waiting. I just want to know the fucking answer. Is that too much to ask?

Quinn stands and begins pacing around the room, which does nothing for the nerves bouncing around inside of me. Fuck, this isn’t good.

“Caleb called to let me know the board decided against the charity concert.” She holds up her hand when everyone starts complaining. “Hang on, guys. Let me finish. He had another idea and I’m sure we can make it work. Hear me out.” A knock on the door has her backtracking so she can open it. Enter Long Legs and her entourage.

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