Page 46 of Dark Notes, Volume Two

“I miss you.”

“I miss you, too.” I say without hesitation because I’ve been going crazy not knowing what the outcome was going to be. Right now, I have true hope for the first time because he sounds good. Like Jett, only better.

“How are you feeling?” I ask.

He sighs audibly, “I’m okay but some days are harder than others. This therapy bullshit pisses me off at times, but I’m doing what I have to do. I had the worst day I’ve had here a few days ago. Someone I know, brought drugs in and offered some to me. It was a hard test.”

He chuckles quietly, “But I passed. I didn’t use but it was a close call.”

“I’m proud of you, Jett. I knew you could do this.”

I’d really like to know who offered him drugs in rehab. While it doesn’t surprise me, it pisses me off.

McKinley and I stand outside an expensive clothing store. I’ve spotted her staring at a sweater on the mannequin, but she’s been patiently waiting for me.

I hear a voice in the background but can’t hear what they’re saying.

“Angel, I have to go. We only get short calls. I’ll see you at five.”

We hang up, and I clutch the phone to my chest, standing like an idiot when Kins comes out.

“Everything okay?”

I nod while more tears fall.

“Yes, everything is fine. I have to be there at five to have dinner with him.”

Kins laughs, “Jagger was telling me about this place. They have a restaurant and when they are allowed visitors people come and it’s like having dinner like, you know, normal people. Except not normal people because they’re celebrities.”

We walk into the store and McKinley makes a beeline for the sweater she saw on the mannequin. Before she says a word, I know she’s buying it.

It’s hard to buy clothing when you don’t feel comfortable with your body. I swallow down all the negative thoughts and buy a little black dress for my dinner with Jett.

18

Chapter Twenty-Seven

JETT

At four o’clock, I began panicking. Now that it’s almost five I’m nearing a spiral. Mia will know everything about me tonight, and there are things I haven’t even allowed myself to think about. It’s entirely possible that it’ll be too much for her and she’ll have no choice but to walk away. For my sobriety, I’ll have to let her because she has to accept all of me or none of me. These are things I’ve learned after the past few weeks. I didn’t tell her why we are doing this here, but it was Geoff’s suggestion because I’d be in a supportive and controlled environment. His concern was if she reacted negatively I might relapse if I were alone. I’d like to think I wouldn’t, but I can’t be sure.

I walk out of my room with my journal in my hand, feeling nervous. I had Jagger bring me nice clothes so I wouldn’t look like a bum when I see my gorgeous Angel. It took me three days to get the nerve to call and ask her. I only went for it after Jag promised me she had not forgotten me and wanted nothing to do with dating other men. I’m weak when it comes to her, and after what I said, I wouldn’t blame her for moving on.

After taking a seat, the waitress brings me a glass of water and places another in front of Mia’s spot before walking away.

There’s a crystal chandelier over our table with low lighting. This restaurant is like any other upscale establishment with one big difference. They don’t serve alcohol. The tables are all black marble with matching leather chairs.

Mia walks in wearing a black form-fitting dress, clinging to every curve, and suddenly this tie has me feeling like I can’t breathe. Jesus. Did I forget how beautiful she is? My eyes drop down her body, to her gorgeous legs before traveling back up to her stunning face.

The low playing piano music I’ve heard since I sat down vanishes as the corners of her mouth lift into a smile.

Once my brain begins working again, I get out of my chair and walk over to her.

I pull Mia into my arms and hold her tight, like I might never let her go. I don’t want to, if only I could make this moment last forever.

“Baby, this dress looks stunning on you. My sweet angel looks like a sinful temptress.”

Her pale skin fills with a blush when I stand back and look at her. I take her hand and walk her to the table before pulling out her chair. After she’s seated, I scoot her in before making my way to the other side and sitting across from her.