Page 68 of Mic Drop

“Meant them. I didn’t know Faith too well, considering we only met at your wedding, but she did a fine job raising your wife. I wish we could have gotten to know her better.”

“She was something,” I muse. “She had a great outlook on life, and always wanted those she loved to succeed.” I sip my drink. “Even me.”

Río chortles. “Out of everyone, I think you gave her the least amount of pause. UC’s on the top because of you.”

“Your drums, too.” In a softer tone, I add, “Not to mention Darren.”

Did Faith approve of me as a consolation prize since our original keyboardist is no longer here? Is he the man she preferred for Jenna? Like a puppy dog, my gaze skips through the dwindling crowd, until it rests on my wife—who’s with her little niece and nephew. Does she really want kids? With a fucked-up guy like me?

Unaware of my inner turmoil, Río continues, “Remember what Luke said before we took the stage for our first concert with Tris? He said Darren sent us our new keyboardist. I bet he also sent Jenna to you, to watch over the people he loved most in the world.”

Darrenlovedme? I manage not to roll my eyes. “Yeah, not so sure on that one. He wasn’t the sharing type.”

Río chuckles. “Not with Jenna, true. A part of me thinks, though, that they were headed for a massive breakup. He was too wild for her.With you, she’s found the perfect balance. Keep on loving your wife and everything will be right in the world.”

If only it were as easy as he makes it sound. Two people need to be in a marriage, and right now, I’m getting the vibe she’s not with me.

Joining us, 007 mentions he’s going to meet us in Europe. “Our boy found a mad rental on the Amalfi Coast of Italy.” Río claps our bassist on the back. “That’s right,” 007 continues. “Tris and I are going to rock some models’ worlds while sipping Italian wine and eating our weight in gelato.”

“I heard my name.” Our new keyboardist joins the conversation.

“Telling them about our rental,” 007 explains, his smile wide.

“It’s going to be epic,” Tris replies. “Hey, think they have cool arcade games like Bennett has at his place? I could get into some pinball action.”

“With hot babes lounging across it,” 007 adds, rubbing his hands together.

Coop and Luke surround us, and talk veers toward their wicked plans, which include more booze and babes. Luke’s even heading up north somewhere for some “peace and quiet,” as he describes it. Before Jenna, I would’ve gone with the rest of the band, running away from any problems I might have. Namely my mother.

Now, however, even her call this morning doesn’t register on the meter. My sole focus is on the blonde across the way, who’s talking with the restaurant staff. I can tell the second she finds out I paid for the repast because her eyes form slits and her mouth hangs open.

As much as I want to disappear into the fantasy world my bandmates are enjoying, that’s not where I need to be at the moment. I must get through to the one woman on the planet who doesn’t want anything to do with me. My wife.

When my band finally leaves, I get handshakes and fist bumps, and even a mini pep talk from Luke. Being one of the last people in the restaurant, I know I can’t avoid her any longer. I collect my ego off the floor and approach Jenna, who’s chatting with Court.

I don a positive expression. “I think everything went as well as it could have.”

“I agree,” Court replies. She nudges my wife. “Good job.”

“Thanks.” Jenna’s tone is as listless as her demeanor.

Today was a horrible day. The only things Jenna needs from me are love and support, and not my pussy hurt feelings. “Let me know how I can help.” I suggest. “Take any of the flowers to the car?”

“Nah. Kara and I decided to donate them to the local women’s shelter. I have enough flowers at home anyway.” The ghost of a smirk crosses her face.

“Nice.” I want to pump my fist in the air at this small victory. My woman is in there somewhere. I only need to coax her out again.

My gaze trips through the room, one I want to leave in the rearview mirror. I need time alone with my wife. “What about the cards and guest book?”

“Kara took them home to log them, so we can send out thank you cards.” Her sister and her family left about ten minutes ago.

“Wow. You guys have this all under control.” As soon as the last word is out of my mouth, I realize my error. Jenna’s all about control. My pointing it out is not a good idea.

She folds into herself. “It’s what matters.”

I sigh. It’s going to be a long night. “I think it’s time we head out.”

Court echoes my thought. “Yeah. Let’s give the restaurant back to the servers.”

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