Page 8 of Jet

“What’s the verdict? Did Caleb love the idea or shoot it down? I’ve been pacing ever since I came home last night.” I can just picture him running his fingers through his hair while pacing. See, this is exactly the reason I called instead of texted.

“Just the opposite. He really liked the idea, Jet, but it might take a few days before we have an answer. We both need to be understanding, and give them the time to make their decision.” Yeah, I can hear the loud puff of air that he’s been holding in.

“I guess that’s a good thing, right? If he didn’t think he could make it happen he’d have said no from the get-go. Thanks for believing in my cause and proposing the idea to him.”

“You’re welcome, but we need to be prepared for both outcomes. He told me upfront that he didn’t think the board for Morris Music would go for it, but he has contacts he’s going to get in touch with. We might not hear back until next week, but no news is good news, right?”

“I suppose. But we could get ahead of the game and start planning just in case. It couldn’t hurt and we are on vacation so it’s perfect timing.” My heart squeezes when I hear the hope in his voice. I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard that from this melancholy guy before and it breaks my heart. Yes, we have the time, but I think it would destroy him if we start something and then it doesn’t happen.

“Stupid idea, I know,” he adds after a beat. “We could go through all the BS and then he pulls the rug out from underneath us. I’m sure you have better things to do with your time off than plot and plan with an asshole like me.”

There are a few things on God’s green earth that just slay me. One is hopelessness and the other is abandonment. But I have a gut feeling that Jet Turner is going to destroy me before all of this is over. Being the empath that I am, I say, “Sure, it couldn’t hurt to get the ball rolling.”

Sloth

“That destructive siren,Sloth, is ever to be avoided.”

Horace

JET

I’mashamed of myselffor judging Quinn the way I did when we first met. Don’t get me wrong, I still don’t like her and damn if I can put my finger on why. But she pulled through and for that I’m grateful.

I jumped at the chance when Quin invited me over to brainstorm. For hours we jotted things down and came up with a great plan. We figured out some of the bands we’d like to invite. The ones we thought would jump at the chance for exposure and because they thought it was a great cause. Unfortunately, I should have known there was a hidden agenda. There always is.

“Let’s take a break,” she says. “We both could use something to eat. I don’t know about you but when I stare at the computer screen for too long everything becomes blurred. I have greasy leftover pizza. Are you game?”

“Sounds perfect. Thanks.” I wander into the kitchen with her, only because I need to stretch my legs. Sitting in the same position isn’t good for my arthritis. Yep, one of the many gifts I have from sleeping on the ground. “Need me to help with anything?”

I’ve been around her long enough to know it’s not a good sign when she bites her bottom lip. “Nah, it’s all good, but this might be a good time to start on that interview that you owe me.” Yep, and now I’ve lost my appetite.

“You’re persistent, I’ll give you that, but I’m afraid you’re going to be very disappointed. My personal life is my own, so be forewarned that I’m only going to share what the public already knows. I’ll take my secrets to the grave with me.” I’m not even aware that my hands are running through my hair. A sign that I’m as uncomfortable as it gets.

“Fair enough, but can I ask you something that I swear will never go further than this kitchen?” Now I’m curious.

“You can ask, but I can’t promise you that I’ll answer.”

“Okay, but I’m asking anyway. Why were you doing dishes at theHungry Dog Diner, which, by the way, is the coolest freaking name I’ve ever heard.”

“Just helping out an old friend, is all.” Truth right here.

She’s quiet as she busies herself with plates, forks, and something for us to drink. Both beers. I like her style. “By saying ‘old friend’ are you referring to their age or someone you’ve known for a long time?”

“That’s for me to know and you to find out.” With her tenacity, I’m sure she would, too.

With the pizza heated, we sit down to eat. I lied, I’m starving, and I think I could evade these questions for the rest of my life—even if I’m uncomfortable.

“Your turn,” she smiles. “Ask me anything, and no it’s not an interview.” I’m taken aback because, truthfully, I’m not used to this laid-back Quinn. The one I know is all brash and business. With that said, I still don’t trust her. Hmm, maybe that’s what’s bothering me so much. Friends close and enemies closer.

“Any brothers and sisters?” I ask. I’m not afraid if she asks me this one since my answer would be no.

“No sisters, but I do have four older brothers and one younger one. Yes, it was hell growing up. Still is. The lot of them are very protective of their only sister.”

Holy shit, I might feel a little bit of sympathy for her right now. Just a little. “Wow, that’s crazy, but I bet the holidays are fun.”

“They used to be, but it’s difficult getting together now that they’re all married with children living all over the country. I might be the only one who goes home, since I’m the single one.” She looks sad and I’m not sure if it’s because she’s single or something else. I shouldn’t give a shit but I do.

“You’re too young to settle down. Especially with all the traveling you do. Not many men could handle an independent woman such as yourself.”

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