Page 20 of Jet

Everyone starts talking about the shoot and about leaving tomorrow for the second leg of the tour. Me, I just stare out the window, too lost in my own thoughts. Wondering how long it will be before the other ball drops. I should have known that something unexpected was going to drop since things were going too well.

“Is there anything I can do, Jet?” Quinn’s Spidey senses are in overdrive and I hate it. Everyone’s forgotten about the incident but her. Last time I checked, she wasn’t a shrink, a priest, or a friend for that matter. So, I do what I do best.

“Yeah, you can mind your own damn business.” Well, that shut her up.

* * *

QUINN

Clearly he’s upset,which leads me to believe he lied. He knew that man. Why else would they be staring each other down with so much malice and unresolved hatred? And the fact that Lucas handed him a drink and then squashed Trevor’s question immediately. That was all the proof I needed. For today, I’ll let his flippant remark slide off my back. But before we leave tomorrow, Jet Turner will learn to respect me or I’ll be taking the next flight home. I’m done giving him my all, when he gives me nothing in return.

As soon as the limo pulls into the parking lot, Jet opens his door and storms towards his car. Lucas and Abby are right behind him. Abby loves keeping the peace, so she invites everyone to her place. Trying to cover for the scene that plays out not twenty feet away. Lucas and Jet are in a heated discussion which isn’t meant for all of us to hear.

I’ve never interfered with anyone else’s personal life, but if I let this continue, either one of them will start the tour with a black eye. Something needs to be done and I’ve appointed myself the mediator of the group. So the hell with it.

Slamming the door, I stomp over and place myself in the middle of them both. I know better than to touch Jet, so I give Lucas a push with the palms of my hands. “Knock it off, you guys. You’re causing a commotion which will have security here in a flash if you don’t.”

I spin around to confront Jet with my arms crossed so he knows I won’t touch him. His eyes are wild and manic. Whoever this man was in the crowd, it has him frazzled beyond belief. “Jet, you’re upset. Let me drive you home.”

“I don’t need anyone to fucking drive me, I’m fine!”

“Bro, you had a glass of whiskey,” Lucas says. “If you get pulled over you’re fucking screwed and so is the tour. Now either I drive you home or Quinn will.”

He stares off into space and I can see his fortitude crumbling. I’m afraid if he stays here any longer, he’s going to fold. “Have Willow drive me home.”

“No can do. Everyone drank except me and Quinn. Look, if you come home with me and Abby, I promise I won’t bust your balls. Sound like a plan?”

“I don’t want to go anywhere with you. Quinn will take me home.” Well, it’s a start, but now I’m worried he’ll lose control before I get him home.

I use the key fob to unlock my door and sigh in relief when Jet slides in. The slamming of the car door is proof he’s not too happy. Best he’s unhappy in the cab of my car than behind bars for fighting in the street. With his best friend. Before I get in, I turn to Lucas and say, “I’m sure he’ll be fine once he’s calmed down. I’ll text you after I drop him off.”

“Thanks, but I don’t think you driving him home is going to help. He needs to release some of the tension and anger he’s holding back. I wish he would have just hit me to get it all out.”

“Very noble of you, Lucas. Unfortunately, I don’t want any fighting amongst anyone. Talk later.”

I’m silent as I slide in, buckle up, and start the car. I don’t want to play twenty questions, and with our track record I’m truly surprised he wanted me to drive him. Or that he listened and let me.

The drive doesn’t take more than thirty minutes and we’ve been quiet the whole way, other than the music erupting through the sound system. Pulling up to the curb, I park the car and wait. I really don’t know what to say to him. Sometimes it’s best not to say anything since I’ve no idea what transpired between the two. I’m surprised when he’s in no rush to leave, so I wait.

He’s staring straight ahead when he says, “Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course, anything.” I do mean that.

“What would you do if there was someone who wanted to take away the very thing that made you feel alive?” I’m sure he had no idea that I’m an expert on that matter.

“I wouldn’t let them. I’d leave, fight, or do whatever I needed to do.” After what happened today, I add, “Within the law, of course.”

He nods, doesn’t speak as if he’s mulling everything over. I know he’s not drunk, but Lucas was right by not wanting him to drive. Being as upset and angry as he is could have ended in disaster.

“Thanks, I just needed someone to solidify that I’d done the right thing.” Okay, and what the hell is that supposed to mean?

“I know we’ve had our differences and all, but if you ever want to talk, I’ll listen. I’m pretty good at it, just ask my friend Nina.” He turns slightly, but not enough for me to see those sad blues.

“Good to know, but there’s no reason to wake the dead. Nina’s lucky, I bet you’re a great friend.” When he opens his door to leave, I reach over and touch his arm. Then realize what I did. Shit.

I’m surprised when he doesn’t flinch or pull away. When he’s halfway out the door, he says, “Thanks for the ride. I apologize for being such an asshole. See ya tomorrow.”

My throat is tight and dry and I find it hard to swallow. Closing my eyes, I rest my head against the steering wheel. All I can envision are those homeless kids in that damn alley and Jet being one of them. I’m startled when the passenger door opens and Jet sticks his head inside.

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