Jace’s expression is blank, giving me no indication of what he’s going to do, as he leans over to kiss my cheek.
And then they’re gone.
I pace up and down the aisle. Ozzie sits behind the wheel, reading on his phone, and Edmond lounges on the couch, picking seeds out of an orange.
Meanwhile, I’m going out of my mind. I grab my phone and pull up iTunes and nearly fall over when I see the music charts. “Red Light” is number one.
This isn’t the version with Marlowe. The producer is probably still editing those tracks.
No, this is Wayward Sons’ original version.
That’s why Niles wants to ink the deal tonight. He knows Jace will have more leverage with a number one song.
Does Jace even know he has a number one song? I run up the bus to Ozzie. “Can you hold Layla for ten minutes?”
When I hand her to him, he holds her out like she’s contaminated. “I’m not good with kids.”
I hate leaving her here, but it’s pouring out, and I don’t want her to catch a cold. “Just don’t drop her. I’ll be right back.”
Edmond frowns. “Miss, where ya going?”
“To the restaurant. Jace doesn’t want to sign this, but what if he’s pressured to?” He should have all the facts before he makesa decision like this. I stand in the stairwell. “Open the door, Ozzie.”
He plops Layla on his lap and releases the lever that swings open the door. Thank God.
I run out into the rain and sprint across the lot, but I stumble in a pothole. I somehow manage to stay upright, but I lose my Chuck. I put my hand in the disgusting water to pull it out, but I don’t have time to put it on, so I run with one shoe, hoping I’m not too late.
The rain comes down so hard, I can barely see.
Wait. There. Bright red neon letters glow in the darkness.
“Miss! Wait!” Edmond shouts.
Is something wrong with Layla?
I stop, and he runs up to me. “I’m sorry, Miss Rory, but I can’t let you do that.”
“Do what?” I pant as I wipe the water from my eyes.
“Interrupt this meeting.”
“Watch me.” I turn to run.
But I’m yanked backwards and lifted off the ground.
“I warned you!” he yells.
“What are you doing?” I scream and thrash, but it’s drowned out by the pouring rain.
“Shut up!” He shakes me so hard, my teeth rattle.
Then everything goes dark.
53
JACE
Niles steeples his fingers.“I came a long way to make this happen. All three of your bandmates are on board. If you don’t sign tonight, Jace, my terms won’t be as good.”
