MoreJade_LPavlov-eBooks

by Pavlov, Laura

  She changed three times before we left. She was nervous to meet my mom. I didn’t know why. She would be lucky if they spent ten minutes with her because they’d be in party mode. She wore black leggings, a white turtleneck sweater, and tan lace-up boots with fur coming out of them. Her hair was down, and she looked stunning.

  “Don’t be nervous. But keep your expectations low. They’ll be consumed with the party, and probably drunk by the time we get there,” I said, glancing at the clock on the dash. It was noon—also known as cocktail hour at the Winslow’s.

  “I don’t care. I’m just looking forward to meeting your mom and actually speaking to your dad since we were so rushed the last time we met.”

  I shook my head. She thought they were normal. Her dad stopped what he was doing when she arrived. He wanted to hear about her day, her classes, her life. My dad didn’t give a shit. He never had. Mom was iffy. If she wasn’t numbing herself on the latest prescription cocktail, she might show Jade a little attention, but it would depend on her current mental state.

  We pulled in the long driveway and Jade looked at the house before turning to face me. “This is your house?”

  “Yes.”

  “Wow. It’s so big. Did your parents ever leave you and Lennon home alone here?” she asked.

  “Sure.”

  “I’d be scared to be in a house this big alone, you know? Think of how many beds you’d have to look under before you could go to sleep.”

  It was so Jade to think of that. Most people just cared about the size. The money. Not her. She didn’t care that the necklace was from Tiffany’s, she just liked the hearts. The meaning behind it.

  I laughed before getting out of the car and reaching for our bags. “I never thought about it. There’s always staff here, so you aren’t really ever alone. You ready?”

  “Yes,” she said, and I led her inside.

  “Come here, my sweet boy,” Clara said when I stepped inside. “Did you two have a fun week in Park City?”

  She’d worked for my family since I was a baby, and I’d spent more time with her than either of my parents.

  “Yes. Clara, I want to introduce you to someone.” We shared a quick hug. “This is my girlfriend, Jade.”

  “Hi, Jade. Cruz has talked quite a bit about you and Lennon has been singing your praises the last few days as well. The girl who finally captured this boy’s heart. I’m pleased to meet you,” Clara said, taking my girlfriend’s hands between hers.

  “I’ve heard so much about you as well. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

  “Please, come in. Your parents are floating around here somewhere, and Lennon is in the game room. He’s been bored, so he’ll be happy you both are here,” she said.

  Jade fidgeted with the two hearts resting between her collarbones. I took her hand and led her through the house. We stopped along the way and I introduced her to Sabine, who was Lennon’s nanny most of his life, and still worked for the family, organizing events and gatherings for my parents. That was one thing I’d give my dad. He never let go of any of his employees. We had several people who had been employed by my father longer than I’d been alive. I introduced Jade to Diego, my father’s driver, and Brad, who provided security for the large events at our home.

  “So many names to remember. I like them all so far, but I really like Clara and Sabine a lot,” she whispered as we made our way toward the game room to find Lennon.

  “Cruz,” my mother called from behind me.

  “Hey. I thought you’d be in your room,” I said. She’d always been a striking woman. She modeled for the first few years after she met Dad.

  “Well, I wanted to come meet this special girl of yours,” Mom said.

  “Hi, I’m Jade. It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Winslow.”

  “Please, call me Juliette. Aren’t you gorgeous? Lennon told Steven and I so much about you last night, and I couldn’t wait to meet you. It’s difficult to get much out of this one,” she said, flicking her thumb in my direction.

  “I told you about Jade,” I said, rolling my eyes.

  “Yes, but you leave out all the fun details. Lennon told us how brilliant she is, and I understand you want to be a doctor, is that right?”

  “Yes. I have a long way to go, but that’s the goal,” Jade said.

  “My father was a doctor. He studied at Northwestern as well.”

  “Yes, Cruz shared that with me. He sounds like an incredible physician, too.”

  “He really was. He’s retired now, but he’s still as brilliant as ever. Come with me. Let’s go sit in the living room and visit. Cruz, you can tell Lennon to meet us in there. I’d like to spend some time with Jade before the party tonight,” my mom said.

  The theme song for The Twilight Zone played in my head. Since when did she spend any time with anyone? She took Jade by the hand and led her back toward the living room. I stopped in the game room to let my brother know we were here.

  “What’s up, asshole?” I said, leaning in the door frame.

  Lennon looked up from wracking pool balls. “Finally, douchebag. I’ve been stuck here for days with no one sane to talk to. Where’s Jade? Did she realize you’re an asshole and leave you?”

  “You wish. She’s in the living room with Mom. Come on, let’s go check on her,” I said.

  “Look at you all flustered being away from her for a few minutes.” Lennon laughed as we made our way down the hall.

  “Shut the fuck up. So how has it been?” I asked.

  “Mom’s actually been good. A little more present than usual. Dad’s fine. The same. Busy. But Clara and Sabine stayed up and played three hours of chess with me last night.”

  I laughed. “So, nothing’s changed then?”

  We entered the living room and I was shocked to see my mother so engaged with my girlfriend. They were sitting beside one another on the couch, and my mother was holding Jade’s hand. What the fuck is that about?

  “Hey,” I said, dropping to sit beside my girl.

  Lennon gave Jade a hug and dropped in the chair across from us.

  “Clara, can you bring us a few glasses and a nice bottle of white, please?” Mom said, her voice louder than usual so it reached the kitchen.

  “Of course, Juliette. I’ll be right there.”

  “Thank you, and why don’t you see if Steven is available to join us,” she asked.

  Well this was a first. We didn’t do family pow wows. Never had. But somehow Jade’s presence was drawing everyone in. Hell, she did it to me, I shouldn’t be too surprised.

  “So, tell me about your family,” Mom said.

  I felt Jade stiffen beside me a little and I wanted to jump in, but she squeezed my hand to stop me.

  “I grew up in Bucktown, about thirty minutes away from Northwestern. My father is the captain of his firehouse, and my mother passed away when I was five.”

  Mom gasped. She showed real emotion, and I was struck by her interest. I sat back while they got to know one another.

  “I’m so sorry to hear that. Was she ill?”

  “Not really. We had no warning. She had a rare congenital heart defect,” Jade said. Her voice wobbled a bit, but otherwise she appeared comfortable talking to my mother.

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I don’t know if Cruz shared with you that my mother was taken far too early as well. I was only seventeen when she was killed by a drunk driver in a car accident.”

  Jesus, Mom. Why so heavy? It’s New Year’s fucking Eve.

  “I didn’t know that. I’m so sorry for your loss.” Jade squeezed Mom’s hand.

  “Starting the party without me?” my father asked, and his laugh was loud and rattled around the room.

  Clara poured the wine and handed us each a glass.

  “Come sit, darling. I’m just enjoying some time with Cruz’s lovel
y girlfriend. I know you two met briefly, but we’re looking forward to spending some time with you, Jade.”

  “Thank you for having me. Your home is gorgeous,” Jade said, taking a sip of wine.

  “Are you ready to have some fun tonight? We’ve got a lot of big names that’ll be here, so get ready to gawk,” my father said, ruining the moment.

  Of course, he had to start name dropping and reminding everyone how fucking big time he was.

  “Sounds like it’s going to be fun,” she said.

  “Did you enjoy your flight in? It sure beats flying commercial, am I right?” Dad said, and his laughter led to a coughing fit.

  Karma’s a bitch, jackass.

  “Um, I’ve actually never flown before our flight to New York, so I have nothing to compare it to. But it was very comfortable. Thank you so much for flying me here. Ponch let me land the plane again,” Jade said, and I sensed her discomfort. Dad had a gift for reminding people what he’d done for them. All the fucking time.

  “Don’t give it a thought. We’re thrilled to have you here. Tell me, what did you bring to wear tonight?” My mother changed the subject, and I swore I saw her shoot my father some sort of look that shut him up.

  “I brought some dark jeans and a blouse,” Jade said.

  “Come with me. You’re too beautiful not to sparkle. I’m a bit taller than you, but I have something that I believe will work perfectly,” Mom said, and reached for my girlfriend’s hand and led her out of the room.

  “Looks like Mom is awfully fond of Jade,” Dad said once the three of us were left alone in the living room.

  “There’s nothing not to like.” There was zero humor in my voice.

  “Listen to me, son. I like her. It’s nice to see you settling down a bit. But don’t get sidetracked. Big things are about to happen and there’s no room for flexibility. So, unless she’s on board to join you on tour, I’d cut the cord. Things are happening,” Dad said.

  “Jesus, Dad. Have you ever heard the saying timing is everything? Can’t you just enjoy the moment. Having both your sons here, and meeting Cruz’s girlfriend,” Lennon said, surprising the shit out of me. I was going to rip into my father, but I sat back and let my brother take the reins.

  “I like her. And I’m happy you’re both here. But business is business. How do you think we pay for all these homes, the planes, and all the shit you both love so much? It’s about pushing all the time, boys. And you’re lucky to have an example to look up to.” Dad tilted his head back and slammed the entire glass of wine. Like I said, everything was extreme. “Clara, I need a scotch.”

  “Good talk. I’m going to go find Jade and show her around. Meet you in the game room in a while,” I said to my brother, because I was done talking to my father. He was well on his way to getting drunk, and I didn’t need to be around for it.

  “You cheated. You knocked that ball in with your elbow,” Jade said with her hands on her hips, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Lennon was a full-on cheater when it came to playing pool. In his defense, the kid had practiced endless hours, but he’d just never taken to it.

  “It was an accident. I was taking a shot,” Lennon said, and he didn’t hide the dumb ass grin spreading across his face. He liked that she called him on his shit, and so did I.

  Music came from the front room, which meant the party would be starting soon. The DJ was setting up and guests would start arriving within the next thirty minutes.

  “Oooh, I need to go get ready. Your mom is letting me wear the most gorgeous dress I’ve ever seen.”

  “Meet you out there in an hour,” I said to my brother.

  I led Jade to my bedroom, where Diego left our luggage.

  “Are you sure your parents don’t mind us staying in the same bedroom?” she asked.

  I laughed as I shut the door. “I’m positive.”

  “I really like your mom.”

  “Yeah. She can be great when she’s present. Hopefully she can stay there for the next few days. Sorry my dad is such an asshole,” I said, opening my closet to find something to wear.

  “He’s fine.”

  He was anything but fine, but I dropped the conversation because I wanted her to have fun. Jade and I got dressed, and she was putting her makeup on when someone knocked on the door.

  “Come on, you two. Don’t leave me alone out here,” Lennon whined through the door.

  Jade laughed and let him in. “We’re ready.”

  “Wow. You look beautiful,” my brother said, ogling my girl.

  “Stop looking at her, asshole.” I shot him daggers.

  Jade wore a fitted black sequined mini dress that I was pretty sure my mother had worn as a top with pants before. But Jade was small, and my mom was a tall woman, so I guess it was a brilliant idea. She paired the dress with the black and white checkered Converse I got her for Christmas. It was very Jade to wear a formal dress with tennis shoes and still manage to be the hottest girl in the room. It took zero effort for her.

  “You two are ridiculous. Your parents aren’t bad. I actually really like your mom, and your dad is harmless.”

  “Well, sit back and enjoy the show tonight, because you’re in for a real treat,” Lennon said.

  We made our way out to the great room. There were already fifty to sixty people there. Most of them were decked out in designer duds and each one trying to outdo the next. Jade took in the scene with wide eyes and a huge smile.

  “This feels like one of those famed Hollywood parties you read about,” she whispered.

  Lennon and I laughed because that’s exactly the kind of party this was.

  “Let’s go mingle,” I said, leading her through the room.

  “Jade,” my mother shrieked, and everyone turned to see what the unusual outburst from my soft-spoken mother was about. Mom held both Jade’s hands in hers. “Look at you in this dress. You look gorgeous.”

  “Thank you for letting me borrow it. I hope I didn’t ruin the look with my tennis shoes,” my girlfriend said.

  “Well, if I had a pair of size six shoes lying around, they’d be on your feet. But you actually pulled this look off quite well. Very hip, sweetheart.” My mom took Jade in, and her face beamed. I’d never seen her gawk over anyone like this, aside from my dad.

  “Thank you. Coming from you, that’s a huge compliment,” Jade said.

  “Come with me. I want to show you off.” Mom winked at me and I rolled my eyes.

  So much for staying under the radar.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Jade

  “No thank you,” I said to Steven when he offered me yet another shot.

  I know people liked to go big on New Year’s, but I was sticking to wine and beer after my one and only experience with shots. Cruz’s father wasn’t giving up though, and he continued to push. I didn’t want to get sloppy, not that anyone would notice. This place was crazier than The Dive. People in their fifties and sixties were putting down shots like this was a fraternity party. I leaned against the back of the couch as Steven’s friend, Walker, told me what Cruz was like as a little kid. I noticed people were going in groups down the hallway toward the master bedroom. They’d come out a few minutes later, and no one was the wiser. Cruz had gone to check on his mother, as she’d disappeared a while ago. He seemed hesitant to leave me alone with his father, but I assured him I’d be fine. He returned to my side and was notably agitated. I squeezed his hand and focused on the man speaking to me.

  “He was a no-nonsense little shit, even when he was eight years old. Not Lennon though, he was easier to mess with,” Walker said.

  “Are you fucking kidding me?” Cruz kept his voice low, but his father scanned the area to make sure no one was listening.

  “Relax, Son.”

  “Relax? What the fuck is this guy doing here? After what he did to your son? And talking
about my childhood like you and I were ever friends. We weren’t. And neither were you and Lennon. Stay the fuck away from my brother.” Cruz tugged on my hand and led me out back.

  My heart raced at the awkward exchange, and my arms came around my shoulders when we stepped outside. It was chilly and a cold breeze blew through the patio. The scattered heaters weren’t providing enough warmth at the moment for guests to be outside. Cruz paced along the patio. There were cocktail tables scattered around the outdoor area with white linens, candles, and flowers. Music boomed inside and out, and I placed a hand on my boyfriend’s back to calm him down.

  “What happened in there?” I asked.

  He ran his palm along the back of his head. It was a habit he did when he was angry.

  “Walker is my dad’s—agent, manager, who the fuck knows. He’s been around since I was a kid, and he’s a fucking drug dealer. He’s the asshole who gave Lennon enough prescription pills and coke to kill himself.”

  I gasped and wrapped my arms around his middle. “Why is he here? He still works for your dad?”

  “Yep. Dad called it bad judgment. His son nearly died. And this asshole is invited to a New Year’s party at our house? Lennon left the party and is in his room. And have you noticed my mother is MIA?”

  “Yes. Where did she go? Is she sick? I keep seeing people go back to their bedroom.”

  “Jesus, Jade. It’s so fucked up. I shouldn’t have brought you here. I wanted you to see where I come from, because I don’t want to hide anything from you. But it’s not pretty. Yeah, it all looks shiny and fancy, but it’s all bullshit. My mom is upset that Walker’s here, so she is locked in her room. She’s already downed a couple Ambiens and she’s gone. That’s her current numbing pill of choice. She shuts down. And those people heading down the hallway are going to the laundry room, where my dad has a stash of whatever his drug of choice is stocked in there for them.”

  I searched his gaze and a piece of my heart broke for him. I was so connected to this boy, and his pain had somehow become my pain.

  “I’m sorry. And I’m glad I’m here with you. I’m not here to judge, I’m here because I want to be with you. Your mom won’t come back out?”