Page 57 of Melody

The only way I know how to assuage my guilt is to make sure Maddie has a wonderful time. Especially since she’s always felt so left out among the four of us. I’m going to make sure she gets a trip she’ll never forget.

“So,” she says, taking another drink, “when do you think these weddings are going to be? I can’t get anything out of Callie or Rory.”

“I haven’t really thought about it,” I say truthfully. “You think they’ll want a double wedding?”

“I don’t know. That would sure make it easier on Mom and Dad. Only paying for one wedding instead of two.”

“Oh, your parents don’t need to—” I stop. “Sorry.”

“Thank you,” Maddie says, smiling.

“No problem. Sometimes I forget to think, you know? I was born into this fortune. I didn’t ask to be, but I was, and I’m grateful. I want to spread it around, Mads. I’m glad you’re letting me help with this trip.”

“Actually…Rory and Callie talked me into that. Since they’re both engaged to Steels, and they can go first class, they wanted me to have the same experience. That’s why I took you up on the offer.”

“Whatever the reason, Maddie, I’m glad you did. I wish Jesse would have taken Brock’s offer.”

Maddie frowns. “Me too. It looks like Cage and Jake caved at the last minute.” Maddie steals a glance backward to the curtain dividing first class and coach. “Jesse’s going to be so tired when we land. There’s no way he’s going to be able to sleep in one of those uncomfortable seats with his long legs.”

“Well”—I take a drink of my bourbon—“he had his chance.”

“True. At least we’ll have two days before he has to sing. He’ll need to get over his jet lag.” She plays with the button on her seat. “I can’t believe these things actually lie flat. It won’t be like my own bed, but it’s going to be great.”

“It’s not bedtime yet, Mads. We have a gourmet dinner to look forward to.” I leaf through the menu. “Did you choose the beef, chicken, or vegetarian?”

“Beef. You?”

“Chicken. The beef would just disappoint me because it won’t be nearly as good as anything my mom can make out of our own beef.”

Maddie wrinkles her nose. “Yeah, maybe I should’ve thought of that. But that’s okay. It’s beef with a balsamic reduction, with asparagus spears and potatoes au gratin. Seriously, like restaurant food on the plane. What do you think Jesse will get to eat?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. But it won’t be this good.”

“Yeah, he probably won’t get alcohol either.”

“Oh yeah, he will. Alcohol is always available on international flights. Sometimes for free, I think. Or he can buy a drink.”

“That’s good. At least he’ll have something.”

“Yeah. Something.”

He could have had me.

But I’m going to have to let him go.

Chapter Twenty

Jesse

Kudos to the pilot. That was one smooth landing.

I’m still uncomfortable as all hell. My back aches, my knees ache, and my head aches. My shoulders are knotted, and so is my neck.

To top all that off, the three girls in the row with me seemed to sleep like babies. At least that meant they were quiet, but now they’re chatting uncontrollably about how excited they are to see London.

“It was amazing meeting you,” Lexi says. “I’ll see if we can get tickets.”

“Like I said, I think everything is sold out. But good luck.”

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