“I’m okay. Just a little bruised. I can hold the baby for a few minutes so you can talk to him.”
Jace reluctantly gives in and hands her to me. “Be right back.”
The cop returns to ask more questions, and from the far end of the room, I watch Jace quietly talk to his manager.
At first, Frank looks at Jace like he’s crazy. Then his eyes bulge, and he starts yelling. “There’s no way she attacked Rory! Are you insane? What the fuck, Jace? Why would you say that? My Susan would never do that.”
My eyes sting, and I hug Layla. Even though Frank switched the buses at his wife’s request, my heart goes out to him. It’s obvious how much he loves her. Maybe he was as snookered by Susan as we were.
Then Jace plays the recording for him. As Frank listens to it, his face falls. By the end, he has to sit down. Frank replays the video, the whole time shaking his head in disbelief.
When it ends, he starts sobbing.
Once he composes himself, Frank leaves to go to the hospital to be with Susan, and Jace pulls me and Layla into his arms. “That sucked. He said he’s sorry and hopes you’re okay.”
“It broke my heart to watch him.” I sniffle and lean my head against his chest. “Do you think he had any idea his wife is a psychopath?”
“No, and he was so upset, I didn’t ask him about Susan stealing from our merch sales or getting him to switch buses.”
I squeeze his arm. “Leave it for now. He’s dealing with enough.”
Jace gets us a new room since this one is part of an active crime scene. We’ve just moved into the new accommodations when someone knocks. Jace answers it while I stay on the couch, curled up with Layla.
It’s Cooper, Shane, and Derek. They head for me with a huge bouquet of flowers, balloons, and candies.
Cooper rubs the back of his head. “Sorry I’ve been an asshole. Glad you’re okay.”
Shane points to Cooper. “He’s been the worst of us, but I could’ve been nicer. Sorry.”
Derek nods. “What they said.”
I chuckle and lean over to sniff the flowers. “These are beautiful. Thank you for the gifts.” I eye the candy. “Is it safe to assume those aren’t chocolate-covered cherries?”
They snicker, and I grin and hold out the box. “Please take some.” When they have their mouths full, I use that as my chance to talk. “I’m on your side, guys. I want this band to kick ass, and I’m sorry if I’ve ever given you an impression otherwise.” I take a deep breath to gather the bravery to say the rest as I glance at Jace. “It’s been tough to navigate a relationship with Jace on this tour, but I love him with my whole heart and soul and want to support him however I can.” I turnback to the guys. “You’re stuck with me now, so I’d like to make the best of it.”
Like a fog clears in my mind, I suddenly remember Jace telling me he loved me last night while I was in the trailer.
Cooper nods and shoves another piece of candy in his mouth. “We’re cool. I’ll tone down my partying and try to be nicer.”
“Thank you.” Yes, he’s been a dick to me, but I almost died twice in the last twenty-four hours. I could use a fresh start, and if Cooper is willing to turn over a new leaf, I’m willing to accept it.
I finally glance at Jace, who’s smiling, his eyes twinkling. He points at me. “You love me.”
“Yes.”
“Like, a lot.”
“So much.” His friends start making gagging noises, and I laugh. “Get out of here so I can make out with my husband.”
“Nah,” Jace says as he stares at me with so much love in his eyes. “They need to hear it from me. Hear how much I love you, Aurora. How awesome you are. How much you mean to me.”
Cooper chuckles. “Now you’re just being an asshole.”
Jace’s expression grows serious. “Actually, you’re the asshole for not coming with me to find my wife last night.”
His drummer looks down. “Not my best moment. I’m sorry.”
“Stop being a dick to Rory. I mean it. If you’re a prick to her again, I’m gonna fire your ass.”
