Page 102 of Derailed
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Sean
The next weekflies by in a blur. We don’t have a chance to grieve properly because we really do need to hit the road. Since Iz doesn’t have family, we take care of arrangements for his remains and decide to scatter his ashes at a later time. Bedo’s able to delay the tour a few days, rescheduling the first shows to the end, and he hunts down a professional musician to play drums until we hire someone permanently. We all put feelings aside to get the work done because for now, that’s what’s most important. There are thousands of fans across the country counting on us and no one wants to let themdown.
Trent’s really distant. Iz’s death hits him hard. I think he feels guilt for not making peace with him while he had the chance. It’s no surprise to anyone when he flies out to stay on the road with Lexi for a fewdays.
I spend that time getting to know Jess. We talk. A lot. Sometimes until two in the morning, but she doesn’t share my bed again, even to sleep. I can’t say I don’t wish for it, but there’s something special about exploring our friendship with sex off the table. It’s really difficult not to kiss her, though. Those lips tempt with every word, laugh, andsmile.
Two days before we take off for the summer tour, I finally convince her to join me for a run. With a day of practice and meetings, I’m squeezing in all the time I can. I go slower than my usual pace and she tries to keep up, but I can tell it’s not her thing. We head back at an easy pace and I promise to make it up to her withbreakfast.
“You do that? Every day?” she demands as soon as we’re back at the house. Her skin shines with a sheen of sweat and wisps of hair stick to her face from where they’ve come loose from herponytail.
I grab two waters from the fridge and hand her one. “Times ten.” I chuckle because we didn’t even run amile.
“You’re crazy.” She untwists the cap and chugs most of thebottle.
Crazy about you.The words almost slip from my mouth, and I’m glad they don’t because fuck—how lovesick does that sound? Each day we spend together, it becomes harder to hold back my feelings. This “space” thing is a challenge, but one I’m fully committed to, even if it entails pining away for Jess the entiretour.
“How hungry are you?” I pull out ingredients to whip upomelets.
“Sohungry.”
My phone buzzes from where it lays on the counter and I stop to checkit.
Trent: On our way back. Need totalk.
Me: Everythingcool?
Trent: Fine, but I’m bringing back asurprise.
“Good surprise or bad one?” Jess’s breath hits the side of my neck and sends a bolt of lust through my body. I tense so I won’t reach forher.
She steps back shaking her head. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have readthat.”
I hand her my phone and whisk the eggs in a bowl. “I don’t care about that. I have nothing to hide. But speaking of phones I ordered you a replacement. New number, too.”So Coy can’t contact you when he’s released fromjail.
“Oh, goodie! You’re making breakfast.” Austin struts in and bumps Jess on the shoulder, earning a grin from her luscious lips before he takes a seat at the counter. “You get Trent’s crypticwarning?”
I chuckle, tossing a handful of veggies into a skillet. “I don’t think that was hisintent.”
“So, what doyouthink the surprise is?” Jess rubs her hands together. Some people hate surprises, but her excitement tells me she’s not one of those. I pocket that information for futurereference.
“With Trent, my guess is something to do with Lex.” Austin rolls his eyes. He’s probablyright.
“Honey, I’m home!” Trent’s voice booms from the frontroom.
“In here!” I call and finish scrambling the eggs. “Looks like we don’t have to wait to findout.”
“Lexi!” Austin pushes off his seat and captures her in a hug as she comes into thekitchen.
“Did y’all miss me?” Trent walks in next, and behind him a young woman I’ve never seenbefore.
“Who’s the hottie?” Austin murmurs under hisbreath.
“Keep it in your pants, Austin.” Lexi offers a pointed glare and steps around him to give me ahug.
“What? I’m a good guy appreciating a gorgeous woman. And your friend is fucking beautiful.” He nods to the girl and her freckled skin blushes withpink.
