by Ruby Rowe
Zain
Tripp and I wait on Apple and Olivia at the exit door of the venue in Miami. Last minute, the girls decided they needed to pee again, so Nash walked them back to the green room. Why is it that chicks have to go to the restroom in pairs? It’s like some unwritten law.
I can’t stop staring down the long, vast hallway, hoping to see Liv smile when she comes into sight. Nash better return her to me safely.
Tripp punches my arm. “You like this chick.”
Without making eye contact, I reply, “Yeah, and you’re fucking up my Miami plans by taking Apple away.”
“I’m sorry, but I’ve had this house deal in the works for a while. Since we have some days off, it’s the perfect time to take Apple to see the remodel. Until she told me today, I didn’t know how important it was for her to be by Olivia’s side.”
“I guess Liv can hang with Faith instead. It’s not important to me that no one sees us together, but it matters to her. She worries too much about what other people think.”
“Yeah, but doesn’t she have an ex who thinks they’re getting married and also a congressman for a father?”
Finally looking at him, I shake my head.
“God, you sound like her. Olivia needs to stand up to all the motherfuckers getting in her way, and I’m just the guy to show her how to do it.”
“Whatever you say, but I wouldn’t be too pushy right out of the gate, or she may run.”
“You would know a thing or two about bailing.”
“Touché, asshole.” As Tripp swallows what’s left in his plastic water bottle, I notice how his drumsticks are resting in the back pocket of his raggedy jeans.
His dark gray t-shirt is just as worn, and the light brown hair sticking out beneath his ball cap is still wet from where he was sweating during our gig.
I feel like I know Tripp. I mean, we do spend a lot of time together. If he’d only tell me what’s in that damn case of his. It’s the one he sneaks off with at night. I bet Apple knows, and I’ll have to interrogate her about it the next time we’re alone.
Hearing footsteps, I look down the hallway and see Nash, Olivia and Apple walking toward us. While watching Liv, my mouth twitches, the urge to smile at her impossible to resist.
“Baby, walk faster,” Tripp says playfully. “We have a red-eye to catch.”
Grinning, she picks up her pace and is soon leaping into his arms. I stare at Olivia as she watches them. Lifting her shoulders, she drops them, a sigh escaping her lips at the same time. Does she want what they have? Wait–do I want what they have?
After Tripp drops Apple to her feet, she straightens her denim skirt and looks at Olivia.
“I’m sorry again that I’m leaving. Hang with Faith like we talked about, and no one should get suspicious.”
“No worries,” Liv replies, but I see the worry as she drags her teeth over her bottom lip.
“We have to go,” Tripp says anxiously before he tugs on Apple’s hand. They say their goodbyes to us on their way out of the heavy doors.
“We need to get out of here, too,” I say. “There’s a van waiting outside to take us to the beach house I rented.”
“Um, don’t get mad, but since Apple’s leaving, I’m staying at a hotel.”
“What? Nooo.” Damn, that sounded desperate and whiny. “You have to stay at the beach house with me and be at my party tomorrow night. I don’t even want to have it without you.”
That didn’t sound any less petulant, but I don’t care. I’m getting what I want, which is the blonde standing in front of me. “You can’t stay in a hotel room alone. That’s depressing. I’ve invited a bunch of guests I already know, so no one will be paying close attention to what we’re doing.”
“Bullshit. You’re the host.”
Letting my head fall back, I stare at the ceiling.
“Woman, you’re killing me here. I seldom catch people taking photos of me at my own parties. Like myself, most of them have high-profile careers, so they understand the importance of privacy. I promise to keep my hands to myself as much as possible.”
Pulling Liv to me, I duck to look her square in the eyes. Nash is cool and blocks the view of us in the hallway. “If you don’t stay with me, I’m cancelling the party.”
“You’re infuriating sometimes.”
“So is your stubbornness. I know you want to say yes, so stop wasting our time.”
“Fine. I’ll stay with you.” She glances around. “Now, let go of me.”
Frowning, I release her and resist the urge to take her hand into mine. Maybe it’s because I have the urge to make Liv mine.
We get inside the van without onlookers. Staring out the side window, I don’t speak as we ride to the house. I’ve become more pissed at every glowing streetlamp we pass.
Even though Olivia put Ken in his place, she thinks it’s too soon to be seen with me. I can’t help but wonder if she’s ashamed to be dating a musician. I guess that’s what we’re doing … dating.
She entwines our hands. “What’s wrong?”
“If you hadn’t liked me before you met me in person, would you have dated a musician?” I turn my head in her direction to gauge her response.
“If you’re asking if I’m ashamed to be seen with you, I’m not.”
“You said it could hurt your dad’s career.”
“That doesn’t have to do with how I feel about it. I’m only looking out for him.”
“Did you even tell your parents today that you ended your engagement?”
“No. I was too stressed out after talking to Ken. I’m going to call them tomorrow, but even once they know, I can’t be seen alone with you in public for a long time. Reporters would say I cheated or that you broke up my engagement. That’s even bad press for you.”
“I don’t care, and you shouldn’t, either. We know the slimy things Ken did, and that’s all that matters.”
Olivia turns sideways to face me. “It seems so soon to question you about this, but with the way you’ve been pressuring me to be seen with you, I have to know how you feel about me … about us. Is this only a fling to you? If so, being seen together isn’t worth damaging our reputations or my father’s career.”
“Is that what you want? For this to be a fling?”
“No, it’s not, and you haven’t given me the impression it’s what you want, but with all the traveling you do, I didn’t expect you to want a girlfriend.”
I tighten my fingers around Liv’s, having to hold on for fear of losing her.
“I think about you every second of the day. If you’re not near me, I feel like I’m missing a limb. Yes, it’s happened fast, and I know I’m asking a lot from you this soon after your relationship with Ken, but if you’re not ashamed to be dating a musician, then be with me … publicly.”
She bites on her lip, a crease crackling through her forehead. “Dammit, don’t overthink this,” I add. “Focus on how you feel. What do you want?”
“To be with you,” she murmurs.
“Then I’m yours. I don’t want to be with other women, and it makes me crazy jealous to imagine you with other dudes. I’ve been in the public eye for years, and I can tell you with certainty that you’ll never be happy if you’re always worrying about what other people think.
“Sometimes, I slip and let it get to me, but most of the time, I say fuck it. They don’t know me or my life.” I grab her face. “Say fuck it, sweetheart, and be with me.”
Tears flood her eyes and tumble down her cheeks before she can blink them away.
“You’re right. It’s time I live the life I want.”
“Does that mean you’re mine and I can show you off to everyone?”
Nodding, she smiles through her tears.
“Hell, yes,” I add before I crash my lips against hers and taste her salty tears. Recalling what Tripp said, I fear I’m pushing Liv too soon, too fast, but I’m more afraid of her slipping away due to the pressures from her old life. I’ll help her be brave. O
nce the dust settles, we’ll be old news to everyone.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Olivia
Leaving Zain alone in bed, I put on my pajama shorts and a tank top and tiptoe to the living room with my phone in hand.
I squint from how bright the morning sun is as it pierces through the vast wall of glass that separates us from a wooden balcony that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Aiden and Faith are crashing in spare rooms, along with a couple of Zain’s closest friends on the crew. I think everyone else from the tour is staying at local hotels.
Walking into the kitchen, I eye a note on the counter from the property manager. It says for us to enjoy our stay and how there is breakfast in the fridge. Curious, I open the stainless steel doors, and there are gallons of juice and milk. I also see a tray of pastries and a bowl of fresh fruit.
I bet there are always people ready to please Zain … to cater to his every whim. It’s no wonder he sees no shame in fighting for what he wants the second he wants it.
Do I call my parents on an empty stomach or a full one? I think an empty one. I stroll to the living room, and worried I could wake someone, I quietly slide the doors open to exit onto the balcony.
Mmm… Right away I smell the saltwater and hear the sounds of the waves lightly brushing the shoreline. I stretch out in one of the lounge chairs and admire the breathtaking view of sand and water.
I can do this. I can be honest with my parents, and if they don’t like it, tough. I’ve been doing what’s best for everyone but me for as long as I can remember. I want to be with Zain, and I’m not going to hide it. It’s not the ideal time, but with my family, there never would be an acceptable time.
It’s only seven in the morning in California, but my parents are early risers. I’m not waiting. I want to prove to Zain that I’m committed to him. I hurt him last night, but neither of us had been clear about what we wanted. Now, we know, and I’m going to show Z how serious I am by making this phone call right away.
Inhaling a deep breath of what should be relaxing air, I dial my father.
“Hello.”
“Hi, Dad.”
“Where are you?”
“I’m in Miami. How are you and Mom?”
“We’re eating breakfast and discussing you.”
“What about me?”
“Ken payed us a visit last night. He told us in greater detail who this band is you’re traveling with. You were not forthcoming with information, young lady. I had no idea you were with some wild rock band. Your mother and I, along with Ken, want you home right away.”
“I’m not leaving. I’m sure Ken failed to tell you something more important.”
“Let me put you on speaker phone.”
“Olivia, what in God’s name is going on with you?” my mother asks.
“I’m certain neither of you will approve of what I’m about to say, but you don’t have to. I’m an adult and need to make decisions that are in my best interest. Not what is only best for those around me. Ken and I called off our engagement.” My parents gasp. “We’re not in love, and we’ve been looking for a way to tell you.”
“That’s not the impression we got from him last night. He was angry that you were with this band and wanted you to return home immediately,” Dad replies.
“It’s only because he’s worried that what I do will affect his image, but we’re no longer together. He doesn’t get a say.”
“We damn well get a say,” Mother sneers.
“No, you don’t. You’re not dictating my life any longer. You’re not planning a future for me that I didn’t want in the first place. I’m going to design clothes for a living, and if that means I don’t finish grad school, so be it. I’ve also started seeing the guitarist of Borrowed Faith. His name is Zain Richie, and I’m falling in love with him.”
“Olivia, you get your butt on a damn plane right now,” Mom snaps. “Didn’t you meet this man only two days ago?”
“No. We met the night of my engagement party. The one I ran out on, not because I was sick but because Ken and I ended our relationship in the middle of it.”
“You listen to me,” Dad says pointedly. “If you don’t come home today and patch things up with Ken, I’m cutting you off financially. That means no credit cards, no housing and no college tuition.”
“Don’t threaten her,” Mom chides. “Dear, your dad is only concerned for your well-being. I think this is wedding jitters again. You’re acting out, and for your young age, that’s to be expected.
“You’ll be taking on a great deal of stress as Ken’s wife, so it’s understandable that you’d want to have some me-time and be free of responsibilities. I imagine this guitarist you speak of has none.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not going to let you manipulate me. I know exactly what I want, and I’m making it happen. You don’t have to like it, but I’m asking for your support. I’m still your daughter, and you should want me to be happy.”
Hearing a loud boom through the phone, I jump. I think my dad may have slammed his fist on the table.
“I mean it, Olivia Gwen Bradford!” he shouts. “You pack your things, take a taxi to the airport and get on the first flight home. If you don’t, that credit card of yours won’t get you anywhere or buy you a damn thing. You’ll lose your condo and car next.
“We only provide you with those items to teach you valuable life-skills so you’ll behave like an adult, but it’s obviously not working. You have an hour to send me your flight information, and before you land, you better have groveled to Ken to take you back.”
The line goes silent, and it takes all of three seconds for me to burst into tears. No warning. No control. I wail, exhaling years of bottled-up pain. I’m hurt, but it’s fear that’s clinging to me the tightest.
What am I going to do? If my parents cut me off, I’m broke. I have roughly three hundred bucks on me and only two grand in a savings account. That’s all I have since I mainly rely on my parents’ credit cards. To make matters worse, I don’t have access to my savings while I’m away.
Hearing the sliding glass door open, I hurry to wipe my eyes. I look back about the time Faith sits next to me and stretches out. She’s wearing a pair of denim shorts and a snug red tank top. Her dark hair is in a messy bun, her black shades covering her unique, light eyes.
“I’m so sorry I woke you,” I say as I sniffle.
“You didn’t. I was on the patio below.”
Recalling that there’s one off the main level, I cringe. I wonder who else was listening.
“I guess you heard all of that?”
“I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but it was kind of hard not to hear. Sounds like you got the raw end of the deal when the stork dropped you off.”
“No kidding. You don’t know the half of it.”
“It seemed like you were holding your own at first. What went wrong?”
“They’re cutting me off financially if I don’t return home and grovel for my ex to take me back. I guess I’ll be going back, but only to get a fucking job. They can kiss my ass. All of them.”
“Good for you. Cut the cord.”
“I did this so I could be with Zain, but it’s only going to keep us apart.” I cry again, and Faith pats my shoulder.
“Calm down. Richie isn’t going to let you go anywhere. He could take care of you for the rest of his life and never notice a dollar missing from his bank account.”
“He can’t support me. That’s the exact situation I’m trying to get out of.”
“Isn’t Apple paying you well?”
Clearing my throat, I wipe my eyes again. “I don’t know what she’s paying me.”
“What kind of businesswoman are you?”
“I would’ve made her clothes for free. I love it that much.”
“OK, listen up. You need to charge for your skills. Don’t do that shit for free, or it will never have value. I only throw out a freebie with work once in a while. Like, what I did with Z at the b
ar. I’ll do it for charity, too. Otherwise, I’m getting paid. I work my ass off and deserve to be compensated.
“I guarantee Apple spends a fortune on the clothes she buys. If you’re personally sewing her one-of-a-kind pieces, you deserve to make bank. If you can fit it in, make me something, too. I’m thinking I need a long, velvet cape to go with my crowns. A dark purple cloak for the queen. That’s what I want. I’ll barely wear anything underneath it, and our fans will slobber their beers at my feet.”
I laugh. “I wish I was tough like you. That’s one of the things I love about Zain. He owns who he is. Do you know what I mean? Both of you speak your mind and live your truths.”
The door opens, and Zain wanders out.
“There you are,” he says.
Faith taps my hand. “I was serious about the cape, chick. Tell me how much money you need to get the supplies.” As she stands, she whispers, “Don’t go back home. Show those fuckers they didn’t win.”
“Morning,” Zain says to her before he comes around to my chair and leans down to kiss me. He draws back as soon as he sees my face. “You’ve been crying. What’s wrong?”
“I called my parents.” He purses his lips before leaving a peck on mine. Sitting at the side of the other lounge chair, he picks up my hand.
“What happened?”
“Dad lost it, and Mom tried one of her manipulative, denial tactics. If I don’t send my return flight info within the hour and get back with Ken before I land, they’re cutting me off financially. I told them about you.”
“You did?” His expressive eyes and the smile he’s trying to hide only make him more handsome. I want to run my fingers through his thick waves and get lost in his kisses. I don’t want to face what lies ahead. Not yet.
“I did tell them, and now, I’m screwed.”
“Why?”
“I don’t have enough money of my own, so I can’t stay on tour with you.”
“You don’t need your own money. I have plenty to go around.”
“I can’t let you support me. I’d be jumping from one enabling situation to another.”