Here goes nothing.
forty-one
SEBASTIAN
I’d sayI can’t believe my girlfriend is a big-time author, but that wouldn’t be true. I can definitely believe it. After all, I’ve always been Indigo Bloom’s biggest fan. It had been more surprising that shewasn’tsome big shot than to hear she is.
“Wait, wait, wait, you’re telling me that your girlfriend isVioletfuckingQuinn?” Griffin asks, wide-eyed, glass of iced tea halfway to his mouth.
He and the rest of the guys came over an hour ago. Indie’s been on the phone with her agent inside for the past two hours, strategizing about how they should deal with her identity being outed. Once she’s done and has some time to decompress, Lola and the rest of the ladies will head over.
It’s a combination celebration barbecue for making it to the Cup, and a show of support for Indie. The guys got here early to help me prep everything and because I wanted to talk to them without any of the ladies present.
I’m concerned for my girlfriend’s safety, and that’s something that’s easier to talk about with just the guys. Especially since I’m not the first one in our group to havethe unpleasant experience of his girlfriend being put in danger because of us.
Not a club I wanted to be a part of.
“Violet Quinn,” Griffin repeats.
I nod my head, amused at his wide-eyed expression. “Yep.”
“Shut the fuck up. Violet Quinn is one of my favorite authors.” He looks genuinely starstruck despite hanging out with Indie for months.
I laugh when he stares at the house like he can see through the walls and track my girlfriend’s movements. “That’s going to weird her out so much.”
“Seriously, dude, do you have any idea how talented your woman is? Every single one of her books, I laugh, I cry, I pop like thirty boners.” He shakes himself a little. “Probably shouldn’t tell her that last part, though.”
“Probably not,” I agree.
“Still. Her books are so good. The ladies read one of them in their book club, and they couldn’t stop gushing about it.”
“I think I remember,” Ryder says as he stacks logs in the firepit to get it ready for later. “It was a rock-star romance, right? He was her childhood sweetheart, and they made all these plans for their lives and how he’d take her on tour with him, and then when his band hit it big, he left and she had to pick up the pieces. Then when they reconnected as adults, he had to grovel because she was so heartbroken…” Ryder trails off and grimaces.
Welp. Pretty sure I can guess who inspiredthatstoryline.
“Sorry, man.” Ryder makes a comically repentant face. “Didn’t put the pieces together until the words left my mouth.”
“You don’t need to apologize. I haven’t read them yet, but I bought all of them in ebook as soon as I found out. I’m sure that won’t be the only one that has parts that hit close to home.”
“Probably not,” Griffin agrees. “But if it makes you feel better, the main woman and the rock-star character fall back inlove after years apart and end up living happily ever after. She doesn’t kill him off or give him syphilis or anything.”
“That’s a good sign, I guess.” I chuckle, but my stomach also rolls slightly because I know once I do have a chance to start reading her books, I’m going to get a lot of insight into how Indie dealt with the last ten years. Not that the characters are her. But surely her experiences somewhat shape the way she writes, at least on a subconscious level.
I suppose I’ll find out.
“I need to have her sign my books.” Griffin bounces on the balls of his feet.
“Don’t overwhelm her,” Maddox warns. “She’s probably stressed.”
“Yeah, but I bet it will make her happy to find out that her favorite Rogue is her biggest fan.” Griffin chugs the last of his iced tea and throws his brother-in-law an annoyed look.
“You think you’re her favorite Rogue?” Logan asks through chuckles.
“Duh. I’m everyone’s favorite. Including Blair, Isla, Lexi, and Lola. Even Reed thinks I’m the best. He told me one day while you were in the other room. Made me promise to keep it a secret.” Griffin lets out a little shriek when Logan lunges for him, but he dodges the irritated winger.
“I’m going to shove my favorite shoe up your ass, Wright.”
“So violent, Logie. I suggest anger management. Or maybe extensive therapy.” Griffin cackles as he runs away from Logan, who is trying very hard not to show how much he’s enjoying the shenanigans.
