Page 53 of The Comeback Tour

“Isn’t it funny? There’s so much we don’t know about each other. Yet, I feel really close to you.”

“I know what you mean,” Jax says. He stops to brush the morning scruff of his upper lip against my cheek. “So much I need to learn about my girlfriend.”

“You know, I didn’t officially accept your girlfriend offer.” I like teasing Jax. It’s my new favorite activity.

“I consider you agreeing to eventually go public with me as your acceptance.” Jax slips his arm around my waist, like it has always belonged there.

“Have you ever had a normal girlfriend before? Someone who wasn’t famous?”

“Since I became famous? No. That’s why you’re so refreshing. You care about things besides vanity issues. If anything, you’re quite the opposite. You’d rather keep things private, when others will do anything for attention.”

“So, I’ll be your first?”

“Does that mean you’re agreeing to be my girlfriend?”

We pause our steps and I turn to look Jax in the eyes. “Yes, Jax. I’ll be your girlfriend. Do I get to wear your varsity jacket, too?”

“You’re something, else.”

Smiles break across both our faces and without worrying if anyone is watching, Jax gives me the most romantic kiss. I feel like I’m in a movie scene where there has just been a big declaration of love and everyone in the audience is swooning. Except in the movie, our big moment would not be interrupted by my stomach growling.

“I have to feed my girl.” Jax points to a café across the street. “Let’s check this place out.”

We dash across the street to the café. As soon as we open the door, we’re greeted by swirls of cinnamon and coffee floating through the air. Mismatched velvet couches and wooden side tables with scattered newspapers and magazines draw me near. I’m instantly feeling cozy and famished.

A few baristas shoot each other looks when they see Jax approach the counter. It’s obvious they are subliminally freaking out because Jax Slater is at their coffee shop.

Jax must be used to this because he turns up his charm. I don’t know what he is saying about having anxiety when going out in public. I’ve seen zero evidence. “Good morning, ladies. Can you tell us the best items on the menu?” In between words, Jax holds my hand. One of the baristas stares at me. Guess I’ll have to get used to this.

The barista with long, blue braids in her hair and chocolate stains on her apron shares her favorite pastries and drinks with us and we decide to go for it all. Jax and I sit next to each other on a small purple couch against a corner wall. The table beside us has the morning paper open to the Help Wanted ads and a section has been carefully torn off the corner. Our thighs are pressed together and Jax rests his arm around my shoulders as we lean back and wait for our order.

“What’s your hometown like?” Jax asks me.

“It’s the best. I grew up in a small lake community and spent my summers swimming. Our neighborhood was full of kids, so we were always outside playing and running back and forth to each other’s houses. Our parents were all friends. It’s just the childhood I would want for my kids.”

“That sounds really special. I grew up in Florida, as you probably know. But things were a little different for me growing up with a single mom. I guess we got left out of a lot of things that groups of families did together. But she had her own support system and we were happy.”

“And you had your grandma, right?”

“My grandma was the best. She watched me after school while my mom worked. And she took me to the beach every weekend so I could surf.”

“Do you still surf?”

“Occasionally, but it’s harder in LA. I can’t go anywhere, even the ocean, without paparazzi. Kinda ruins the zen of it all.”

“That must be really hard. Do you like living there though?”

“I bought my place there because I thought I was going to be with Maxine forever and she would never leave LA. But since the breakup, I’m just stuck in this big empty house. I feel like I’ve been living in a fish bowl, on display for everyone to watch. I spend most of my time writing songs, which is why I decided to make a solo album.”

“Seems like you’re not stuck on LA as home then?”

“I’m open to new beginnings,” Jax says. He puts his hand on my thigh and heat surges up my leg. Just as he leans towards me, our food arrives.

As we devour our food, Jax and I continue conversing about all the things couples usually discuss on a first date. And then, also the things divorced women unfortunately have to discuss on a first date. Men are naturally curious about the marriage, why it ended, how we feel now, and if we still speak to our ex.

I make a mental note to post about this in the Trash the Dress Group. Gosh, everyone is going to freak out once they hear this news. I want to interact with my tribe, but I also will need to keep the details of my relationship private. Luckily, I know that group of women are trusted confidants. They share intimate details of their lives and everyone respects each other’s secrets.

Jax and I discover we are aligned in so many values and goals, despite having two drastically different lives. We also balance each other out in the ways we are opposites. I know he has a rebellious streak and I’m wholesome, so I can ground him when needed. He’s already made me more adventurous, just by the fact that I am out on tour and putting myself in the public eye.

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