Page 29 of I Love Rock n Wine

With that, I nodded. Seeing how hurt he was let me know he wouldn’t listen. I couldn’t blame him. He had fake all his adult life. I wouldn’t want it either. And if the first person I cared for lied to me, it would betray and shatter me on so many levels.

I understood it, but it didn’t mean I liked it.

“I want you to know I really never meant to hurt you,” I whispered, hearing how shakey my voice was from holding back the tears. “I never wanted to be lumped in with those bitches, either.I was never out to use or abuse you.

“But I do understand you wanting to say goodbye tonight. I also understand why you want me off the tour. I’ve had so many great years working for you and such great memories, even prior to the start of our relationship, though those might be my favorite.” I wiped my nose, unable to stop the tears now.

But he still didn’t say anything.

“Heath Scott James Devon, I wish you all the success and all the best. And when you finally win your Grammy, I hope it’s with the love of your life on your arm. Because you deserve nothing but someone strong behind you. And I hope your writing continues because you have such a great ear and these last few pieces have been amazing.”

I gently placed my hand on his armand brushed my lips over his cheek.

“I want you to know I love you beyond reason. And though another man may claim my body, no other man could ever have my heart. It’s forever yours.” I pulled back, gazing into his eyes once more but he stood still, just watching me.With a waterysmile I turned and walked away, knowing that if I looked back, I’d break down.

Chapter 18

~ Heath ~

Iwatched her walk away, my heart in my throat, and my teeth clenched tight. I had listened to Kev talk about her and I heard her speech, felt the sting down in my soul. And though I hated the lie, she was right, she hadn’t set out to use me. She was far from any ex I had in the past. Deep down I knew it.

However, I was worried that one small lie would lead to bigger ones, but I knew her better than that.

And the ass kicker in her whole speech? I mean besides seeing her tears or hearing her heart breaking. That did tell me how sorry she was. Not that I would let her in quite that easily.

But the real kicker? She said another man would have her body. Over my fucking goddamn dead body. No one was touching her as long as I was breathing. And though I wantedTorun after her, it wouldn’t work. Not right now, not without a grand plan of everyone seeing and understanding how much she meant to me.

After all, didn’t she claim to likesome PDA?

“Kev,” I called, walking back into the bar. He was going to help me put things into place to make this right.

Three days later, I leaned against the doorframe to my dressing room, watching Tiffany. Usually before shows, I’m in my room, ignoring all the jokes and camaraderie going on backstage. Maybe that’s part of why they peg me as a dick. I wasn’t going to change, but maybe I wouldn’t be so harsh on them moving forward.

What I did pick up on was how alone Tiffany was. As if she wasn’t part of the group anymore. And I didn’t like that. I also didn’t like the fact that I hadn’t heard her laugh. That was something I claimed to love, something I didn’t want to lose. And what happened?

I lost it.

However, I was going to fix it. Tonight, if possible.

And it was going to come as a surprise to many people. With that, I smirked as I went back into my dressing room to finish getting ready. This was going to be the most epic show.

Two and a half hours later, I wiped the sweat off my brow, smiling at the crowd. From this view, with the bright lights, I could only see the first six or seven rows.But I knew the place was packed.

“Having fun?” I asked, having just come back to kick off the encore. “Me too.It’s a great night, and it’s such a great crowd. I always love coming to Boston.”

The crowd cheered and I beamed. Sure, as an artist, you learn early on what pumps a crowd up and what makes them feel like they’re the most important crowd or person is always the best.

“Fuck yeah. So, for this set, we’re going to do something different, and something I’ve never done before. They bust their asses off for me, helping me to give you all lovely people a hell of a show, and I’ve never once introduced them.”

I glanced at the side stage where both Tiffany and Charlene were waiting. They were dressed for the last number like I had told everyone to be. When the drumbeat kicked in, along with the deep sound of the bass, I waved at Charlene.

“Ladies and Gents, the amazing Charlene.” She did a twirl with a kick and then walked over, smiling yet speaking out the side of her mouth.

“What are you doing?”

“Give me your worst,” I muttered to her, far away from the mic.“This is for the crazy exes that won’t leave you the fuck alone and you wish would!”

I winked before rocking out to the beat and belting out the lyrics, knowing that she would find her own dance to the number.

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