Page 124 of From Us, Forever

Jay was talking with the boys and their new team.

“I don’t like her,” I muttered as I watched Jay and Lan animatedly talk with Moira while Mikey and Matty were in a deep discussion with Christopher, the band’s new manager, and Ian, their personal assistant. Aimee still worked for Jay but she was taking more of the virtual role while Ian assisted all four of them. I still couldn’t wrap my head around how Katywasn’t the band’s manager anymore. She was still the boss man behind the scenes. But still, this domesticated version of her wasn’t one I imagined for her, yet she was glowing so who was I to say anything?

“I hired her.” Katy’s apologetic tone pulled me away from them. “I thought it would do the band good.” A worried smile lifted her lips as she glanced at me. “Also, she is bisexual and has a girlfriend,” she paused, “and a boyfriend.”

“Yeah, I know,” I groaned into my palms. I wasn’t really jealous of her. I was only finding reasons and excuses for what was really bothering me. “You know what.” I shot up, chugging my drink. “I think I’m fine. Just fine being his girlfriend for the rest of his life. Who cares about labels these days, right? Wife, girlfriend they are all the same thing.”

“Yes, it’s just a name on a piece of paper. No one gives a fuck,” Gabe explained.

They all nodded offering me encouraging smiles but I could see the truth behind their eyes.

One bottle of wine later we had shifted the conversation to Katy’s upcoming due date and Lily’s new manga which sounded a whole lot more exciting than my life.

I felt his presence before he could even speak. “What’s wrong?” he mumbled, holding me from behind.

“Nothing,” I muttered under my breath, already grabbing onto my fresh glass of wine. God, I was so drunk but I liked the buzz.

“Like you don’t know Emmie,” Lily’s sharp voice was directed to her brother.

“I concur,” Katy bit out.

“What the fuck did I do?” Jay asked, taken back.

I shot them all a warning glare not to say another word because I really didn’t want my stupid expectations to cause problems between us.

“Nothing, baby.” I turned to his embrace. “I love you.”

“I love you, more,” he said it with such conviction that a lump formed in my throat.

At the end of the day, I loved him and I reminded myself that was all that mattered.

“Fuck, you’re drunk, woman.” Jay settled me under the sheets later that night. It was well over midnight when everyone started to leave and I was exhausted.

“Yeah.” I giggled and moaned when he got up. “No, don’t go,” I whined.

He chuckled. “Let me change.”

“No,” I slurred.

“Fine.” He smiled, sliding in beside me, and I cuddled closer, dropping my head to his chest.

“Are you going to leave me in the morning?”

“Leave you in the morning?”

“I don’t like it when you’re not there when I wake up,” I mumbled sadly.

“I’ll be here,” he promised.

“How?” My eyes flashed to him. “Don’t you have theroutine?”

His gaze softened. “It can wait. If my girl wants me here, then I’ll be here.”

“Now I feel bad.”

“Don’t. I kinda miss waking up with you too.”

I nodded, holding him closer.

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