Page 30 of Diva Pop

“Hey, it’s okay.” Owen gave him a warm smile. “I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

Taken care of. Yeah, he wanted to be taken care of. However, Owen wasn’t the man he would choose for the job.

Jett regarded Owen, his flashing smile less dazzling this time. Suddenly, he didn’t feel like partying, wasn’t that interested in getting sexed up by some stranger -- no matter how handsome he was.

“You’re such a doll.”

How could he get out of this without coming off like a complete asshole? Not that he used to care, but Silas had awakened something inside him. He frowned. Why did his damn thoughts keep going back to that traitor? The truth was, he should probably call it a night, no matter how depressing the prospect of going home alone was.

Jett laid a hand on Owen’s arm, a light touch to prove he wasn’t being a total jerk. Gah. When had he started worrying about that so much? He supposed that his imminent fall from grace had something to do with it.

“Owen, I’m terribly sorry. But I’m afraid I’m quite tired and have a dreadful headache, so I think it’s time for me to scurry off.”

Jett braced himself for the dejected, hurt reaction from Owen, but instead, his brow creased in concern.

“Don’t apologize for not feeling well. I understand completely. A talented and in demand star like you with so many responsibilities must be working night and day. It’s no wonder you’re exhausted.”

Owen patted his hand and Jett tried not to yank it away. The poor guy was being so nice and he didn’t know how affectionate touches made Jett’s flesh crawl.

“Thank you for being so understanding. You’re a total sweetheart.”

“Not at all.” Owen still regarded him with worry, and Jett found himself believing the guy was for real, that he wasn’t just putting on an act. “Anyone who doesn't appreciate how difficult it is for someone of your stature to maintain a busy career, doesn’t deserve a second of your time.”

Jett let out a small laugh. Finally. Someone who had a clue. “You must be in the industry. Most people don’t get it.”

Owen’s movie star smile returned. “I am. I’m a dance music producer and have always admired you.”

Jett tilted his head. “Oh? I’m sorry, but I can’t recall any producers named Owen.”

Owen chuckled. “I’m sure you haven’t. I’m new on the scene, but am getting a lot of buzz on one of my acts. Ever hear of DJ Sphynx from Berlin?”

“Uh… Maybe?” Truthfully, he hadn’t been paying much attention to new music coming out in a while. Yet more examples of how self-involved he’d become. “It’s been a helluva year for me.” He laughed nervously. “You know, non-stop and all that.”

Owen nodded. “Of course, what was I thinking? Well, he’s one of the artists I’ve worked with. There’s already a signing war over him, but he’s thinking about staying indie.” Owen smacked his forehead. “God, I’m being such an ass. You don’t want to hear about some other artist, especially when you’re not feeling well. I apologize, Jett. Let’s get you out of here.”

Owen waved the server over, which threw Jett off. He’d just explained he wanted to leave, yet Owen was acting as if he was going to order them drinks after all. Owen plucked a credit card from his wallet and handed it to the waiter.

“Could you close out the bill, please?”

Jett tensed. “Wait, that’s unnecessary. They always put it on my tab.”

The server paused, but Owen shoved the card into his hand anyway. Owen shook his head at Jett. “I insist. I consider it an honor that you invited me to sit with you.”

“You’re too kind, Owen. That was totally unexpected. And it was great meeting you, too. Maybe we can hang out another time?”

Owen smiled, but it didn’t seem to go to his eyes. Perhaps he was as tired as Jett was.

“I’d love that, Jett. Take care of yourself.”

If only I could. Jett started to rise, then remembered he’d have to call the limo service to come get him. Fuck. This was awkward. He wasn’t about to sit down again after getting the big goodbye out of the way, but he wasn’t about to perch on his pointy heels by the door, either.

“Is something wrong?” Owen’s concerned expression was back.

“I completely forgot I still have to call the limo service.” He tried to laugh it off like it was no big deal. “I hope they’re not too busy. I’d planned on staying out later, you know?”

Owen laid a hand on his arm and Jett fought to keep from yanking it away. “Don't worry about a thing. I can drive you home.”

That was exactly what he’d been trying to avoid. If Owen took him home, he’d be expecting an extra slutty reward for his efforts.

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