Page 6 of Jet

For the first time in so long, I purge all of the guilt that I’ve stifled for so many years. My tears are not mine alone but for every girl and boy who is enduring the same fate I did.

Yes, it was my choice to run from my family, but I had my reasons. Unlike others who have that ripped out from underneath them, whether because their parents were divorced, lost their jobs, or just made poor decisions. I don’t want anyone’s pity, but sometimes a hug will do the trick. I’m a grown-ass man blubbering like a child, but Mack holds me close against his chest. For right now, it’s exactly where I need to be.

* * *

QUINN

Today, I’m actually goingto take a much-needed day off. After everything that’s happened with Jet this week and over the last few months, I need to hang out with my girls and just chill out. I want to forget aboutThe Sinful Seven, tours, and testosterone. It might be difficult since they’ll want to play twenty questions, but I just might spend the first twenty minutes or so doing a quick recap and after that, nothing. I want to spend the day catching up with their lives and forgetting about mine for a change. Sounds like the perfect way to spend the day.

It doesn’t hurt that we’re going to our favorite hangout either. The Main Spa. They are the best massage and a mani-pedi place in town, and their delicious fruit smoothies and gourmet dishes are guaranteed to make me relax or I’ll die trying.

I’m meeting my friends there in an hour and it’s going to be an all-day affair. If we have enough energy at the end of the day, we’ll end the evening on the rooftop of theLoco Tequilaand watch the stars while sipping some luscious margaritas. It doesn’t get much better than that.

I’m pulling into the parking garage when my phone chimes. Hell to the no, I’m not answering that ringtone today or any other day. I’m on vacation and Jet can apologize to me when we go back to work. Now that I’m here, I shut off my phone since there’s no one I want to talk to but my girls.

“Girl, you look great! You don’t need a damn spa day!” Nina air-kisses both of my cheeks when I walk into the lobby.

I chuckle, “When’s the last time you had your eyes examined?” An eye roll ensues and we all laugh, reminding me how much I miss my friends. The cons of being on the road for so many months at a time.

“Seriously, working with a hot-as-fuck rock band must agree with you because you’re glowing. Spill your guts, baby girl. Which one is giving you those mind-blowing orgasms? We know it can’t be Lucas since he’s with Abby, so that leaves Trevor or Jet.” Ugh, just the mention of that man’s name has me fuming. If they only knew the half of it.

“I’m their PR agent and that’s all there is to it. It’s a professional working relationship. Now, let’s go play in the mud since I’m dying to find out what all of you have been up to.” When they all start talking at once, I’m grateful that they let it go so quickly. For now.

There’s nothing like a full-body massage, followed by a mud bath and a mani-pedi to make a girl forget about her problems. I’m so loosey-goosey that I swear I won’t be able to walk when my nails dry. And the strawberry smoothie that I’ve been sucking on is pure perfection! The girls swear it’s full of antioxidants and good for me. I’ll take their word for it since it tastes like a milk shake I haven’t had since I was a child. Yummy goodness.

“This was the best idea you’ve had in a long time, Quinn. Although I’m a bit jelly that you were the only one who had a male massage therapist. He was totally hot.”

“I swear I didn’t plan it. It just happened where he was the next one available, not that I’m complaining. If you girls are up to it, maybe we can go to the rooftop and have a bite and dance the night away.”

Traci squeals like a teenager at the mention of dancing. She is such a girlie girl. “Well, it would be a shame to go home alone after we spent all day getting scrubbed and polished, now wouldn’t it?” This girl is just too much.

“I agree,” Alisa chimes in. “I feel too pretty to waste it on all of you. It would be fun to see how many sharks will circle the water when the four of us walk out onto that dance floor.”

“I think it’s safe to say it’s unanimous. After we finish up here, we go paint the town red. Or green or purple,” Nina chuckles and I swear she’s so giddy that they must have slipped some alcohol in her smoothie.

“Sounds like a great plan, but should we go home and change first?” I always carry extra clothes in the trunk of my car for last-minute business meetings and such, but I don’t think the girls do.

“Will you be mad if we tell you we brought another outfit just in case you didn’t want to end the day?” Nina smiles. “Sorry you’re the only one who will get stuck wearing what you had on.” Oh, she of little faith.

“Wrong. I always carry an overnight bag in the trunk of my car for special occasions.”

“Hmm, could it be for all those nights where you do the walk of shame? You can kiss-and-tell and we swear we won’t say a word.” Yeah, not a happening thing.

“Sorry to disappoint all of you, but it’s for business purposes. I never know from one minute to the next if I’m going to have an impromptu meeting. Now, let’s finish up, get changed and go grab the perfect spot to dance the night away.” This right here is exactly what I need. It’s been so damn long since I let my hair down.

An hour later, we’re sitting on the rooftop of theLoco Tequilasipping our delicious margaritas. We were just in time for happy hour! It just doesn’t get any better than this.Loco Tequilais a rooftop tapas bar that has amazing food, and the Spanish atmosphere just adds to the ambience of the evening. This is by far my favorite place to dine in the city. Small portions are the best way to sample as much food as you can. Several hours come and go and so do the drinks. Men of all shapes and sizes buy us several rounds, dance with us, and try to take us home but we stand firm. We’re a bit too tipsy to lower our guard, so we will be drinking water until it’s time to leave.

At one in the morning we all get in our cars to head home. It was a good night and I can’t remember the last time I felt this contented. I had a great day with my friends and there was no drama, just lots of laughs, great food, and dancing. My feet surely disagree but I just might soak in a hot tub when I get home before heading to bed. After all, I can sleep in tomorrow since I’m still on vacation.

Before getting out of the car, I bend over, take off my shoes, and walk barefoot along the path to my house. I hum a tune absentmindedly until I come face-to-face with someone leaning against my front door.

Jet.

JET

Quinn never answeredany of my voicemails or texts. So I decided to go to her place to discuss something that’s weighing heavy on my mind. Not a smooth move since she already accused me of stalking her, but if she had answered her phone I’d be sitting at home or sleeping. Now I patiently wait for her to come home. Erasing any doubt that she might be spending the night with her boyfriend or someone else. I don’t think I ever asked if she was dating anyone. Not that it matters, but I’ll be pissed if I spent the whole night waiting only for her to be a no show.

I’m sipping on a bottle of water when I hear a car approaching, then bright lights blinding me before crunching gravel gets my attention. She’s home. I parked my car in the next lot over, so she has no way of knowing I’m here. A dick move, but I like the element of surprise. She can’t run and hide that way.

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