Page 40 of Something to Believe In
His brows rose. "A pact?"
"Yes. Let's agree to never let others dictate our lives ever again. That means our friends. Our families. And the Laceys of the world."
"I agree to your pact."
He chuckled, and she responded with a chuckle of her own.
He signaled the waitress. She rushed over, and he motioned between them. "We'd like our meals packaged up, please. We've decided to take them home."
"Of course. Just give me a minute to get them packed up for you."
She took their plates to the kitchen, and he sat back in his chair and stared at Mads. "The next time we're here, it'll be different."
She smiled and laid her arms on the table. "In what way?"
"We'll be more famous. After our gig in Tampa tomorrow and the short tour Tony booked for us leading up to the stadiums, we'll be on the road for a while. We won't have the time to get back here."
"Okay. Is that what you're most looking forward to - the fame?"
"Not really. But, in a way, I guess it comes with the territory. We have to get popular or famous to get the big gigs. When the big gigs come, the big money comes."
"That's true. We're doing pretty good now."
He grinned. "We are. I'm surprised you still live in your apartment."
She shrugged. "My rent is low, and I've managed to save a lot of money. Plus, I'm not there that often. And my neighbor has only been playing her music loudly for the last couple of months. She's newer to the building, I think. I'm not there much and didn't see anyone moving out or in, but this behavior is different."
The waitress came back with their meals packaged. "Here you go. Jace and Margo are embarrassed and sorry for the interruption. There's no charge for your meals. I hope you both have a great rest of your evening."
He looked at the waitress and shook his head. "They don't need to do that. We don't blame them at all."
The waitress smiled and stepped away. He took a deep breath and stared at Mads. She had a soft smile on her face. "That was very nice of them. They want to do it, let them. Let's say thank you. We'll come back again and bring friends to support them."
He nodded. "Okay."
He stood and pulled her chair out for her. He took the bag with their meals in one hand and held her hand in his other. They waded through the tables and into the restaurant. Mads led him to Margo, who was at the hostess station chatting with a customer.
Margo turned to see them and smiled. Mads stepped up to her and hugged her. "Thank you, Margo. We didn't expect it."
Margo shook her head. "It was the least we could do."
He leaned in and hugged Margo briefly. "Tell Jace thank you as well."
"I sure will. You two have a great night."
He took Mads' hand again, and they exited the building together. As he backed from his parking spot, he turned them toward his home. Excitement raced through him at the thought of going home with Mads and working together. It was like all his dreams were coming true. He'd always wanted a life where they could write songs and be together without fear of anyone finding out. It was almost too good to be true that they were finally here.
Mads turned to him. "Do you think we can stop by my place and pick up my car?"
"Sure."
He turned onto the road that led out to Mads’ apartment. Something caught his attention in the rearview mirror. A white car passed the car two cars behind him. It seemed far too fast. He inhaled deeply and watched the mirror while also watching the road. The white car passed the car behind him and tucked in behind him. He swallowed as he saw Lacey's blonde hair behind the steering wheel. She was following them and not at all being coy about it.
"Honey?"
Mads looked toward him. "Yes."
"Make sure your seatbelt is on good and brace yourself."
