Page 18 of Jet

We all shut our mouths as they bring in trays of food and drinks. Once they’ve placed the last tray on the table, the three sneak a peek or two. Hey, I’m used to it, no biggie. Before leaving, Long Legs puts some kind of buzzer on the table. “If you need anything else, just press this and I’ll pop in. Otherwise, your privacy is our main concern.”

“Thank you, Cindy,” Quinn says. “You’ve been a lifesaver. I think we’re good for now.” With a nod, she walks out, but not before I wonder if she’s a screamer or not. Sorry, I’m human after all.

“As I was going to say. His new plan seems fair, and I think once I explain everything you’ll all be onboard. I took the liberty of ordering appetizers and drinks, so help yourself and I’ll explain everything.” Everyone’s too upset to eat, but we go ahead and grab some beers and a couple rounds of shots. I have a feeling we’re going to need them.

“Caleb suggested we add another month onto the backend of the tour.” Trevor grouses as he should, since he’s left his mom alone throughout the tour. Well, technically, she’s not alone since she has a nurse twenty-four seven, but he wants to be there since he’s family. “I know it’s not ideal, but if we agree, then Caleb will book the venues, the bands, and he can do all of the PR stuff. Basically he’d be doing my job so I can focus on the rest of the tour. Everything—tickets, merchandise, all of it—will be taken care of. All the money will go to the homeless in each of the cities we play in.”

I slam my hand down on the table so hard, everyone jumps. “I wanted all the money to go to NYC since that’s where we live. I’ve been donating a ton of money to homeless people everywhere, but I wanted to focus on here.” I really don’t know why I’m feeling like this, but everything is suddenly out of my control.

“Jet, come on man,” Lucas says. “This is an amazing opportunity. If we pass it up, we’ll never get another chance again.” Yeah, it’s easy for Lucas to say since it wasn’t his vision, it’s mine! “Think about it, we can just concentrate on the tour while Caleb and his minions do all the hard work. It’s a win, win.”

Why is everyone looking at me like I’m the only one who doesn’t think this is the best thing since peanut butter and jelly? “Since you’ve already made up your minds I guess majority rules, right?”

Willow shakes her head. “No, not at all. If this proposal doesn’t sit well with you, then we won’t do it. But before you give us your final decision, just think about how many lives will benefit because of this. Jet, we can cram a ton of concerts in one month and that would be bank for a wonderful cause.” When she stands, walks over, and hugs me from behind, I thaw. She’s right, this is so much bigger than me.

Opening my eyes, I’m met with a fiery gaze. Quinn doesn’t look happy that Willow and I are touching. Does she know we’ve slept together? Is she jealous? I highly doubt it, but I do love torturing her for no apparent reason.

Grabbing one of Willow’s hands, I pull her around until she’s sitting in my lap. No, I’m not a big fan of PDA, but if not for this girl right here, I’d have stormed out of this room. “I’m glad to know that I have one person who has my back,” I say. “Tell Caleb it’s a go, but I want to be in the loop since it’s my baby. Got it?”

Quinn hates it when she’s not in control, but she relents. “Loud and clear.”

* * *

QUINN

Willow and Jet lefthand-in-hand right after they agreed to Caleb’s conditions. I can’t figure out if I’m pissed because they were together or because he said to keep him in the loop since it was his baby and had the balls to walk out the door! It didn’t seem to bother anyone else, but I’m sure it’s because they’re used to it. Me, not so much, but it’s none of my business so I pretended like it was no big deal.

The four of us stayed and ate a ton of food while putting our heads together to do some plotting and planning. Now I’m emailing Caleb with all the details. We’ll see if he agrees to our suggestions. I’ve no doubt he will, since PR is what I do best. Besides, he’s always trusted my judgment in the past.

I’m still fuming that the two of them left. It’s not like I didn’t know they slept together since Willow mentioned it to me before. But it was all the proof I needed that he’s no more interested in me than I am in him. I guess knowing and practically seeing it are two different things. I know they have an open relationship, I’ve seen them all take off with groupies a time or two after a show. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I’m used to the whole sex, drugs, and rock and roll stigma. But, I must admit,The Sinful Sevenis certainly different than any other rock band I’ve ever worked with in the past. Other than Jet’s dreadful attitude, they’re a breath of fresh air.

After my last relationship failed, I made a vow to never get involved with another rockstar. Everyone warned me that Zander Stone was too much for me to handle and I didn’t listen. Too blinded by love to see the truth when it was right there in front of me. Did he ever love me? Maybe, but if he did it was short-lived and fleeting. The sexy front man forRebel Riotleft a hole in my heart that will never heal. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that mixing business with pleasure was a fiasco in the making. It lasted for a year and once the tour was over, so was my marriage. Now all I have to show for it is a broken heart and divorce papers to match. Yeah, we were stupid and eloped on a whim and that’s when things started falling apart.

Wow, how did that happen? One minute I’m stewing about Willow and Jet and the next I’m comparing them to my failed relationship. As far as I know, they’re just friends with benefits. I suppose that’s not a bad thing considering they trust each other completely.

Since we’ll be leaving on Sunday, which is only four days away, I need to concentrate on the rest of the tour. I’ve been so preoccupied with the benefit concerts that I’ve put everything else on the back burner. No more, time is ticking and there’s a ton of things I need to do and one of them is going to my parents tonight for dinner. It will be the last time we’re together for, well, too long since adding that extra month on the tour will be four months in total. I’m tired just thinking about it, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was excited.

After stuffing myself earlier today, the last thing I want is to eat a big meal. I’d be happy with a few glasses of wine paired with a charcuterie board. Which is the reason I texted my mom to let her know. This is how that went.

Me:Had a meeting today and I pigged out. I hope you’re not making a ton of food.

Mom:Dad’s cooking steaks on the grill and we’re having baked potatoes with a side salad. Eat whatever you can and take the rest home with you?

Me:I’m leaving in a few days but I suppose that would work. Okay, see you in a bit.

What she’s not saying in so many words is he cooked enough to feed an army, which he always does. If that’s the case, they’ll be eating leftovers for the rest of the week. My brother is a bottomless pit, but he’s not a big fan of reheating food so there’s that.

Before leaving, I send over the confirmation email for the band’s photoshoot tomorrow. I had everything set to go when Jet and I first discussed the benefit concerts. Once Caleb gave me the go ahead, I called to let them know we’re ready. Lucky for us, they had a cancellation for tomorrow. This works out perfectly since we’ll be leaving soon. Now, if Jet and Lucas can behave, we’ll get through it. Sometimes they can butt heads, but at the end of the day, it all works out.

I love how my mom always meets me outside whenever I come over. It’s a tradition that we’ve been following ever since I graduated from college. She claims it’s the only time we get a chance to chat since my dad monopolizes the conversation. Not true, but I indulge her because she’s the best mother in the whole world.

“Hey mom. I can smell that steak all the way out here. Delish.” She reaches out with her arms extended as if she hasn’t seen me in years. I fall right into them and I’m immediately engulfed in love and warmth. Then it hits me like a ton of bricks. Jet doesn’t have anyone to hold him like this and my tears threaten to fall.

“If you start crying, sweet girl, then I’m going to follow. What’s wrong?” I refuse to discuss anything personal about my clients with my family so I shrug it off.

“I’m going to miss having Thanksgiving and Christmas with you guys this year.” I pulled that off the top of my head but now I’m really sad just thinking about it.

“Do you like your job, Quinn? If you answered yes, then that makes all your sacrifices worthwhile. You’re a smart girl, and Dad and I are proud of the career you’ve built for yourself. Holidays are all about family. We can get together when you come home. All we want is for you to be happy. It’s all we want for any of our children.”

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