Page 9 of Jet

“Thanks, but I’m actually older than you, and my biological clock’s ticking like a time bomb. Although, I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to settle down and have kids. Maybe one day I’ll adopt a bunch of them when I’m too old to tolerate the narcissistic rockstars that I’ve been dealing with over the years.”

“Ouch, I think that might have been directed at me.” She almost chokes on a bite of pizza and I’m ready to smack her on the back when she vigorously shakes her head.

“In the beginning, I might have thought that about you, but not anymore. You come off as being standoffish, but you’re just the opposite. I’m slowly learning that you’re caring, sincere, and enthusiastic about what you believe in. All amazing qualities.”

Is she trying to pacify me? As soon as I let my guard down, is she going to pounce like a tigress ready to rip out my entrails for a feast? Maybe, but I’m not sticking around to find out. “Hey, thanks for the grub but I got to head out. I’m second shift dishwasher at theHungry DogDineragain tonight.” Quinn looks disappointed, but I can’t stick around. I just can’t.

“Okay, well I think we covered a lot of ground today so we’ll be ready when Caleb gives us a thumbs up. Don’t work too hard.” She walks me to the door and it makes me uncomfortable. Feels too familiar. Like a date or something, and my mind is suddenly unsettled.

I need to get the fuck out.

The doors barely open when I bolt with a thanks on my whispered breath. This is the reason I don’t get too close to people. I really don’t know how to connect and fully interact with anyone.

I peel out of the driveway like a man possessed. I bet Quinn takes back everything good she ever said about me after that little episode. I wouldn’t blame her. Somedays, I can’t even stand the sight of myself.

Sadly, it’s just another day in the life of Jet Turner.

* * *

QUINN

I’m stunned speechlessas I watch him squeal out of the drive. Was it something I said? It’s apparent he doesn’t know how to accept a compliment. Even after all these years he’s fighting his demons. Understandable, since he’s been on his own for so long. I need to remind myself that Jet is a work in progress. I suppose I would be too if I lived the life he did. Standing on the outside looking in, it’s so easy to think the life of a rockstar is all glitz and glamor. Little do the fans know that it’s not all that and a bag of chips.

I close the door before the dust has a chance to rush in. Everything was going so well and I thought he was opening up to me. Dammit, Jet! Here we go again. I feel like we take one step forward and three steps back. I’m getting dizzy from all this back and forth, but it would all be worth it if we were on the same page when we go back on tour. It would make all of our lives so much easier and cohesive.

It’s too late now to do anything, so I load the dishes and opt for reading a book I started a long time ago. Hoping it will keep my mind occupied and far away fromThe Sinful Seven. My life hasn’t been the same since I’ve taken them on, and, truthfully, I don’t know if it’s for the better. Time will tell, but I still have a long road ahead of me before I can make that call.

Grabbing my book, I head out to my screened-in porch. It’s my little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the world around me. It overlooks my small fenced yard with all its colorful shrubs and perennials. I’m gone so much that it basically takes care of itself. Exactly what I needed when I bought this place a few years back. It’s perfect for me.

Sitting on the chaise, I open my book and get lost inside the pages. Dreaming of perfect men with Adonis bodies and the happily-ever-afters of a romance novel. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last long when I start feeling guilty about the way Jet stormed out of here. Should I send him a text? I hate that I’m the one worrying about what happened when he’s the one who left the way he did. Still, I’m unsettled so it can’t hurt to send him one and let him make the next move.

Me:Let’s get together the same time tomorrow and brainstorm some more. K?

I wait, but nothing comes. I foolishly stare at my phone, and when nothing happens I go back to reading. But my mind is a million miles away now. All I can think about is a thirteen-year-old child roaming the streets of New York. Alone. I shudder to think what could have happened to him.

Now I’m restless, so I grab my phone and google “homeless kids”. What pops up is too much for me to comprehend.

Tons of articles on missing and exploited children, endangered runaways, and a master list of missing children. The list goes on and on. Some articles are more promising than others when I see that there are houses and shelters where they can go for a place to sleep, but I’m sure there’s not enough room for everyone. God, how scared are these kids? Wandering the streets, never knowing where they’re going to place their head at night for some much-needed rest. Not even mentioning how safe they will be when they do.

After an hour of searching for his name, yes I did go there, I find nothing. Did his family not care or is the case too old for them to give a shit? How can I ever look into his startlingly light-colored eyes again and not see the faces that will forever haunt me after today? I’m angry! So angry that we live in the twenty-first century and shit like this still happens. Now I’m more determined than ever to make this damn concert happen.

I’m itching to call Willow and Trevor so I can run things by them, but I hate to interrupt their vacation. Besides, I’ve yet to get confirmation from Caleb that it’s a go. Now I know how Jet feels since I’m desperate to get started. But I can’t just sit around and wait for it to happen.

Grabbing my purse and slipping on my shoes, I stumble to the door when my phone pings. Yes, a text. I’m a little disappointed when I check to see who it’s from. Willow.

She must have read my mind. Swiping, I open up her text.

Willow:I hate to bother you on vacation, but I thought maybe we could have a girl’s day out?? I’m missing you and Abby and I’m kinda bored.

Me:I know how ya feel. I couldn’t wait for this damn vacation and now I’m restless. When do you want to get together?

Willow:Now?? LOL, if you’re not busy.

Me:Nah, I was just going for a drive. I’ll pick you up in thirty minutes.

Willow:Cool.

Two heads are better than one, and maybe—just maybe—we can figure out how to heal Jet in the process.

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