In the end, they told me what I already knew, the terms of my trust fund. I could do whatever I wanted, but I’d have no support, financial or otherwise, from them.
After that, I spent a few days at the beach. I woke up early, slipping out before I had to face anyone, and stayed in the sun until it started to sink below the water’s edge. Then I’d hide in my room until I fell asleep. I stayed, hoping they’d reconsider or I could think of another angle to approach them with, but came up with nothing.
After a painful but short delay at the airport, I make it home in time to shower, change, and head straight to the bar where the band is playing. I’m excited to see Penn’s face whenhe sees me. I didn’t tell him I was coming back early because I wanted to surprise him.
Ellie wasn’t home, so I’m on my own tonight. I’m sitting at a small table with a sweet tea, hoping no one bothers me. My plan is to stay in this corner and attempt to go unnoticed until it’s over, then sneak back and surprise him.
I bounce in my seat, nervous anticipation filling my veins, ready to get to him. I couldn’t believe how much I missed him this week. We talked every night on the phone, but I missed sleeping next to him. I thought my bed was comfortable, but being able to cuddle up to his warm body lulls me into the best sleep I’ve ever had. It could be the multiple orgasms he pulls from me before that, though.
When the guys stride on stage, my heart swells. Penn’s wearing the gloves I made him again even though it’s a million degrees in here and his hands are probably sweating. I’m jittery the entire time, unable to contain the ripple of excitement coursing through me.
Once the band clears off the stage, I start making my way toward the back. There are a couple of bouncers around, but no one stops me. I pass the bathroom, turning a corner, then freeze, my whole body stiffening.
The breath is knocked from my lungs and blood drains from my face.
Penn stands ahead of me, arms wrapped around a dark-haired girl. Her face appears to be buried in his chest, as he holds her tightly. I flatten myself against the wall, my heart hammering in my throat and my stomach churning as I watch them. He’s far enough away that I can see him, but he doesn’t see me, and I can’t hear what they’re saying.
When they finally part, he steps back, staring down at her.
Smiling.
A real smile. One he doesn’t give away freely. I want to rip his lip ring out for giving one to her.
When he places a kiss on her head, my chest caves in, and a painful scream tears at my insides.What the hell!
He wraps his arm around her shoulders and ushers her down the hall.
I stand, plastered against the paneled wall, dizziness making my head spin. My heart thrashes like it’s trying to burst from my chest. I suck in a strangled breath and spin around, heading in the other direction on shaky legs that feel like they’re going to give out any second.
I should follow him and see what the hell is going on, but I don’t. God, if only Ellie were here, she’d have the balls to do it, but my feet carry me out the door, to my car.
When I get home, I kick off my heels and bury myself under the covers, fighting the urge to scream or cry. What the fuck was that? It can’t be what it looked like…can it?
No, he’ll call me. Anytime now, and explain everything.
I check my phone, making sure the volume is up. For a while, I stare at the screen, willing it to light up with his name. My eyes burn with jet lag and tears that I refuse to shed.
It’s not what it looked like.
Eventually, I pass out with the phone in my hand.
When I wake up, there’s still no message. My stomach rolls. The lack of food mixed with the tidal wave of emotions swirling around in me is making me physically ill.
It’s nothing. As soon as he calls, he’ll explain, but the fact that he hasn’t so much as sent me a text is telling. Sometimes he’s tired after a show. Maybe he went home and passed out.
He always sends a good night text.
I shush that little voice. Everything isfine. We’re not dating, but we were exclusive. He said that.
I’m still in bed later when Ellie makes it home. She has noidea I came back earlier than planned and have been hiding in my room.
She lets herself in. “Hi! I’m so glad you’re home.”
I flip the covers off my face.
She’s standing beside my bed, and her smile falls when she sees me.“What’s wrong?”
“I think I’m sick.” I cough to sell my lie.
