Page 18 of Diva Pop

Jett dragged his fingers through his hair, glancing around nervously. The bags under his eyes were like those of an eighty-year-old and this was the first time he’d seen Jett in person without makeup. His outfit, while still fetching, wasn’t as meticulously put together as usual. Silas had already figured out that Jett had been drinking too much, probably going out and clubbing, but he’d been waiting to see if he’d get it out of his system before bringing up the subject and setting him off again.

However, Jett kept getting worse every day and Silas couldn’t take it anymore. He couldn’t stand to see such a gifted man destroying himself.

“Yeah, wow. Sorry.” Jett finally met Silas’ eyes. “Totally overslept. I guess I forgot to set the alarm. It won’t happen again.”

Silas crossed his arms. He was not going to reach for Jett, not going to try and comfort him. Especially considering how inappropriate it was due to their dynamic. But his heart ached to see Jett in so much pain.

“No, it won’t. Let me take you home so you can get some rest. I just need to tell the others when they get back.”

“What? Hold on a sec.” Jett drew his eyebrows together as he surveyed the room. “Where is everybody? Did I miss something?”

“Veronica is no longer working with us. Her exit was rather abrupt, so I told everyone to take a break.”

Jett shook his head as if trying to comprehend what was going on. “Why was Paul having such a fit? I mean, more than usual. He hasn’t openly insulted me since Bob was here.”

“Let’s just say he’s not a fan of the direction I want to take the band in.” Silas arched an eyebrow in emphasis, hoping Jett would pick up on the meaning.

“Oh. Right.” Jett chuckled shakily. “Look, it’s not that I’m not a fan of you, your reputation precedes you and all that…”

Silas narrowed his eyes. Why was Jett blushing?

Jett continued, “But I don’t want to have put up with all this stress and drama, worked my ass off for the past four years to get this far, then have it all snatched away from me.”

“Fair enough. Thank you for being so forthright, Jett. That was very brave, and it’s much appreciated.”

Silas smiled, allowing the genuine warmth he felt for Jett to shine through. He deserved it after making himself so vulnerable. Silas had the sense that Jett wasn’t typically one to share his inner feelings.

Jett’s blush had only deepened. “See? I’m trying not to be a complete pain in the ass.”

“I’ve never thought you were.” Silas smiled again. “Why don't you sit and rest until the others get back. I’ll go grab you a water bottle.”

He was already in motion when Jett called out, “You don’t have to do that.”

Silas glanced over his shoulder, never slowing his gait. “I know.”

By the time he returned, Tory and Sean were huddled next to Jett, whispering excitedly, their hands waving around in an undoubted re-enactment of the morning’s events. As if sensing Silas’ presence, Jett glanced his way, then quickly darted his eyes back to his bandmates. Silas also noted that while Crispin was back and sitting on the sidelines, Paul still hadn’t reappeared.

“Here you go, Jett.”

Silas handed him the bottle. Jett mumbled a thanks, his cheeks flushing again. With a tilt of his head and wrinkled brow, Tory regarded Jett in apparent confusion. It seemed as though his friend had never seen Jett so compliant before.

Silas grabbed one of the folding chairs, then turned it around, perching on it with his arms folded over the back. At that moment, Paul strolled in, pointedly refusing to look Silas’ way before dropping onto a chair. He crossed his arms without a word but with plenty of scowl.

“It’s been quite the morning, hasn’t it?” Silas kept his tone light. “With that said, let’s take the rest of the day off.” Silas considered what the next move might be now that they were back to being sans-choreographer. He brushed his hand over his head. “Let me see if I can get hold of the costume designer. Maybe he can free up his schedule and come in tomorrow instead of next week. I already have Bonnie on call, so between them both, that should give me some time to work on finding a new choreographer.”

Silas rubbed his chin. He was going to have to redo everything. His original, carefully outlined schedule would have to be scratched to accommodate the unexpected turn of events.

Tory raised his hand, both Paul and Crispin regarding him with mocking expressions. Silas glanced at Jett, and noted with satisfaction that he was drinking the water Silas had given him.

“Yes, Tory? And it's not necessary to raise your hand.”

Tori yanked it down. “Sorry. I didn't want to interrupt in case you weren't done. But I was wondering, should we show up to rehearsal tomorrow anyway? I don't mind coming to practice.”

Silas shook his head. “Be ready in case the costume designer can make it. Otherwise, I think it might be a good idea for everyone to take some time to reflect, perhaps consider what it is you want from being in the band.”

Judging from the concerned and questioning expressions from everyone, Silas’ remark was giving them pause. Truthfully, Silas was a bit surprised at himself. He hadn't planned on getting so philosophical, but then again, he hadn't planned on anything that happened that morning.

“Any other questions before we call it a day?”

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