Page 96 of The Lost Melody

“I’m so glad we’re going to be neighbors,” Tori says happily.

“I’m sorry,” I blurt out, blaming the emotional ups and downs of today. “You’ve been amazing, letting me borrow Greg for ages, and I just wanted to tell you I’m really sorry for everything.”

Greg glances at me with worry in his eyes.

“I’m overwhelmed by everything, probably hungry, and all of my shit hit the fan just now,” I explain to him with a shrug.

Tori comes over and gives me a huge hug. “I know all about hanger,” she says with a smile. “Chinese or pizza? Also, how do you feel about dance parties?”

Sighing in relief that my outburst isn’t completely out of left field, I hug her back.

“Chinese food for sure,” I tell her.

“As for stealing away my husband, he’s had a burning vendetta for Xav for years,” Tori says, getting into the SUV with me. It’s a tight squeeze, but we all manage to fit. “The way I see it, you’re giving Greg the gift of closure. We will always be here for you, even if we don’t see each other all of the time. It’s just what family does.”

I always thought it was the band and I against the world, but I was wrong. My circle is so much bigger than I thought.

23

ROARK

Iwatch Lennon’s varying mood swings closely, but she looks better after she ate Chinese food with us. The house that Greg bought us is incredible, and even though I agree with Lenny that it’s too much, I won’t insult him by telling him so.

The house is right next door to Red and Tesa and the hoard of men and children that live there. The properties are connected by a vine covered wall, with a pretty wooden door that opens into their front yard. You’d think that they have huge gates, but that’s not the case.

Instead there’s an honest-to-God white picket fence around both houses, and Greg told us about the state of the art security system in place for both houses that is monitored by his security company. We’re as safe as we can be, and finally living in a stable home we can make our own.

I don’t think I’ve had a place to call home outside of our tour buses since I lived in Ireland. It’s definitely humbling to realize.

Lennon spends the night doodling and writing in a notebook while sitting on a window seat, and I watch a football game with the guys. Jordan has already driven back to the stadium whereThe Velvet Escapewill be performing, saying he would see us all tomorrow.

It’s been a busy and crazy day.

“Is this weird to anyone else?” I ask with a small chuckle.

“It is,” Turner mutters. “Have you seen the bathrooms? I almost came in my pants.”

I snort, because that man has always gotten off on a gorgeous bathroom. “Greg once told me that Link is just as obsessed with bathrooms as you are, and he built their home. I can’t believe this house was this perfect when they bought it a month ago. Who wants to bet that they made some upgrades?” I ask.

Derek shakes his head. “I wouldn’t put it past them, it all looks kind of new….” He glanced over at Lenny, who is lost in her own world. “Maybe we shouldn’t tell her any of this. She’s already struggling with accepting this huge, insane gift. I feel like we should just give their kids ridiculous birthday presents for the rest of their lives if he won’t let us pay for this.”

Pressing my lips together, I nod. Damn, I don’t know which angel is smiling down on us right now, but I’m grateful for it. We’ve had a string of terrible luck, I just need some good things to happen.

My phone buzzes, and I glance down at it.

Greg: Hey neighbor, how are you liking the house?

This house is insane! It feels as if it was built for us… Do you want to confess to anything?

Greg: I have no idea what you mean, though I may have shared Jordan’s number with Link a month ago and let him go to town. The old man is great at keeping secrets and playing dumb.

Motherfucker. There’s way more to Jordan Miles than meets the eye.

Orion

My head’s on a swivel as I walk Lennon backstage to a side room to hide untilThe Velvet Escape’sperformance.There are couches in this room, and Roark and Turner join her. Greg sent Derek, another agent, and I to make sure Lennon is safe. The other agent is pretending to be a roadie, since that’s the best way to have eyes and ears out.

Lennon has a secret smile on her face as she looks around the room, and I wonder what she’s thinking. Walking over to her, I squat in front of her.

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