“Jesse, I’m not going anywhere except into the other room to watch some videos, talk some more, then take you and Jane back to the hotel. There I intend to sleep curled up next to you like I plan on doing every night for the rest of my life. Well, when I’m not on tour. Can we stick to that fucking future, please? Because it sounds really damn good.” I giggled at his profane pronouncement. “And your dad gives his blessing. Unless our music is shitty. Then he’s coming to get you.” I snorted and covered my face, embarrassed. Danny laughed heartily and kissed me.
“Seriously, honey. Yeah, I was shocked when we got here, but your mother is an incredibly beautiful woman. She adores you. She seems to really be at peace with herself and her condition. I want that for you. I want to make that happen for you.”
I wiped at my eyes and took in a deep breath. “Will you quit being so damn wonderful? I’m already yours, remember? You can’t get any more fucking perfect in my eyes.”
He laughed again and kissed my hands. “Let me finish the dishes, alright? You go and sit with your folks. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Ok, now you’re going for sainthood,” I muttered.
He smacked my ass and I scooted back out to the living room.
Dad motioned for me to sit next to him. I curled up with him, hugging him tight. He narrated the video for Jane, who was transfixed by the dancers on the screen. It was a video of a performance I did when I was around 16 in a stage show of Crazy for You. I couldn’t sing worth a lick, but I loved performing in musicals. I always made time in my dance schedule to perform in the school musicals each spring, and this one was one of my favorites.
“Jesse, you were so beautiful!” Jane held my hand in hers and squeezed it as she watched.
Danny returned from the kitchen and sat in an armchair next to my mom. My mom had a proud smile on her face. Danny just looked floored. I didn’t see any sadness, pity or disappointment. That did wonders for my confidence in us.
“Jess, come take a look at something with me.” Dad pulled me up gently from the couch and led me to the garage. I don’t even think the others noticed us leave.
“What do you think,” he asked, breathlessly, as he uncovered his latest project.
I gasped and then squealed in delight. “Dad! You finally found one!” My dad had always wanted to restore a 1960 Ford F-100. He had the engine torn apart and spread all over his work area. The interior had recently been restored with beautiful black leather and he told me he was going to restore the pale yellow paint job. I walked around the truck and saw definite possibilities.
“I figured since your mom’s got the scooter now and can get out more, I needed something flashy to drive her around in. I’ve got that 1989 F150 still, and I’m keeping her running, but this baby is going to be perfect. I’ve been working an extra job at the gym a few nights a week, cleaning up, to cover the costs.”
I hated that my dad wasn’t able to do everything he wanted, that he had to work so hard.
“Dad, I’m going to be working part time this year, but I’ll still have money to send to you guys.”
He waved his hand at me. “Jess, I haven’t spent the money you’ve been sending me, and I’m not going to. I’ve been hanging on to it for you, you know, in case you had an emergency. I know you think you need to help us, but we’re really going to be ok. It’s been killing me taking money from you. That’s why I took on this second job. Your mom’s doing better, so it’s ok now.” He was so proud.
“But Dad, I don’t want you working yourself to death either! What if something happens to you? What then? Please. It’s not a problem. Especially now.” I said the last with a frown and he picked up on it.
“Baby, this guy loves you. I threatened him within an inch of his life, tried all my intimidation tactics, and he didn’t budge. I think it would be great if you two got married, if that’s what you want. He can take care of you.”
I could hear in his voice that he was feeling pretty emotional about all this. I stood next to him and leaned into his side.
“I love him, Daddy.”
His beefy arm came around me and he pulled me in close. We both took a deep breath at the same time and laughed. He kissed me on top of the head just as Danny came walking in.
“Damn, Jack. This is a gorgeous truck! You do the work?” The two of them launched into a pretty technical breakdown of all the ins and outs of the F-100 and it became clear they were going to bond on yet another dude subject.
I tried to look interested for a few more minutes and then I snuck back in the house. I was really feeling the strain of the trip and just wanted to be home in bed. Then I giggled to myself. Home with Danny and Jane. In my new freakin’ mansion. I felt a pang of guilt, looking around at my parent’s house. They kept it up nicely, but it was showing its age. I hated that they had to do without. I wished they were closer, too.
Mom and Jane were on the couch together watching a video of one of her performances with the Oakland Ballet. Jane had her face cradled in her hands, her attention completely held by the movements on screen.
“Mrs. Martin, you danced so perfect! I could never do that.”
My mom laughed and squeezed Jane’s knee. “You can do anything you put your mind to, young lady. Don’t you know that? You let Jesse teach you the basics and I bet you’ll be tearing up the stage in no time.” Jane leaned in to hug her and my mom looked blissfully happy to have her in her arms.
Mom knew I couldn’t take the chance of having kids. It devastated her probably more than me. I knew how much she wanted grandbabies. I could also see she was affected by Jane as much as I was. This little girl had done so much to heal so many people.
Danny and Dad came in then talking loudly. “Yeah, you two should come down and stay with us. I’ll take you over to the studio and you can play all my guitars. I’ve even got a 1969 Les Paul I keep tucked away for special occasions.”
I forgot my dad played guitar way back when! He rubbed his hands together excitedly. Until he took a look at mom. He dropped his hands.
“I don’t know, Dan. The drive would be too much for Lydia.”
Danny turned to him and spoke quietly but not too low for me to hear. “Jack, I’ve got shares in a jet. All you’d need to do is get to Oakland or Hayward and on the other end, I’ll have a car come get you. Jesse misses you two. We’d love to have you. The next time you have off, ok? It’s done.” My dad gazed appreciatively at Danny and pulled him in for a hug, complete with loud back pounding.
“Ladies, you about ready to get some shut eye? It’s getting late and we have a long drive tomorrow.” He looked to me to see if I was ready to go. I nodded at him, giving him a grateful smile.
“Oh, thank you so much for coming to visit! I miss you, Jess.” My mother hugged me as tight as she could. I fought the tears at the thought of not seeing her for another long time. Jane hugged her, too.
“No, Lydia. Don’t get up.” Danny came over to give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She flushed again and I shook my head.
“You kids have a safe trip tomorrow.” Dad hugged Jane and looked down at her lovingly. Then he turned to me and I could see he was fighting tears as well. He pulled me in and this time he forgot his strength. He hugged me so tight I saw stars.
“Dad,” I choked out, reminding him I was breakable.
Danny’s hand on my lower back as we walked out kept me together until we got to the car. I wept silently until we got to the hotel. Danny held my hand the whole way. Jane chattered on and on about the videos and how she couldn’t wait to go to dance class and how huge my dad was and how nice my mom was. When we got to the hotel and the valet opened my door, I got out and opened Jane’s, pulling her into a tight hug.
“You are the most amazing girl I have ever known, Jane. Thank you. Thanks for being you.” She looked really confused, but hugged me back with enthusiasm. We got up to the room and she went to take a shower.
We didn’t have a suite this time, so there was just one room
. Danny held me as I got the rest of my tears out of my system.
“I just miss them so much. It’s easier when I don’t see them, because when I do, I’m a wreck.”
Danny rubbed my back gently and smoothed down my hair. “Honey, I hate to see you so sad. Let’s move them down by us! I can get your dad a job at the studio or somewhere close by. We’ll get them a house near us. Whatever you want, whatever they’ll let us do. I’d do anything to make you happy, Jesse. Anything.”
I turned to look into his warm, dark brown eyes and saw his love and commitment there. “You really are the best man I’ve ever known, Danny. I am so grateful for you.” He kissed me lightly and took my hands in his, kissing them and massaging them gently. I was exhausted and they were pretty swollen tonight.
“Why don’t you just get some sleep, honey. I’ll tuck Jane in and be curled up next to you in just a few minutes. I’m gonna hold you all night.”
That sounded like perfection. I took off my dress and threw on his t-shirt and a pair of my sleep shorts. I’m pretty sure I was asleep before my head hit the pillow and I missed out on the all-night cuddle session.
Chapter Fifteen
I drove home the next day, which allowed Danny to sit in the back and hang out with Jane. I had a lot on my mind and Danny didn’t argue.. We missed the traffic and got home in just about six hours. Nora and Legs were very happy to see us. I swear that little puppy doubled in size while we were gone! We were in so much trouble.
We ate dinner and I listened intently while Jane and Danny told Nora all about our adventures. I was overwhelmed and tired, so I excused myself to go to bed. Danny came in a little later and asked if I was ok.
“I am. It was just a heavy week. I’m really glad we went. Thank you for taking the time to take me.” He smiled hesitantly, still looking concerned. “Really, I’m fine, babe. I just need some sleep, ok? I want to be in good shape for the wedding tomorrow.”
“The wedding,” he exclaimed. A devilish grin appeared on his face. “The wedding. I get to see another new dress, don’t I?”
I loved his enthusiasm. “You will if I get some sleep! Go play, Danny. I’ll see you in the morning. I love you.”
He kissed me thoroughly and told me all the ways he loved me. He almost convinced my body it wasn’t exhausted, but the exhaustion won out. He finally gave up and went to go bug Nora and play with Legs.
I slept so soundly I apparently missed a visit from “the guys,” a jam session, and Danny’s late night domestic activities. He’d unpacked for both of us and even started our laundry. I woke with him pressed against me and I reveled in it. I stayed still as long as I could and just enjoyed his body wrapped around mine. It was truly the most comforting feeling I’d ever had. Except when it was exciting, and passionate.
He slept until almost 9:00, late for him. I was able to get up and use the facilities, crawl back in bed, and watch him sleep for a long time. When he did wake, it was his hands and body that woke first, followed by his consciousness. By the time his eyes opened, we were already kissing and he already had me naked and under him.
“Good morning,” I giggled when he realized what he’d done. His sleepy eyes gazed hungrily at me as he pressed against me. “Apparently the alarm clock was set.”
He looked down at us and growled. “I’m so-”
I kissed him before he could apologize and led him to where we both wanted him to be. We made love slow and tender and it felt so good to be in this moment with him. After the visit with our parents, we needed to be grounded in each other. That’s what this time was about. Reassurance.
An hour later we were still moving together and I whispered, “Jane’s going to be up soon, babe. While I love this, you might want to-”
He flipped me over on my stomach and drove into me that deep way we both loved. It didn’t take long before both of us were shuddering and trembling, clawing at each other and the bed, finding that release we both desperately needed. When it finally hit us and we were spent, we kissed and caressed each other until we knew we had to get moving or chance getting found in this most intimate position.
Danny threw on his swim shorts and took a swim while I cleaned up in the bathroom. When I came out, Jane was with him in the pool and Legs was running around. I took my time stretching. My hands were pretty swollen and my feet were sore. I was hoping some medication would help, otherwise my strappy wedge sandals were not going to be comfortable tonight.
I was nervous about the wedding, mostly because I was going to see Mrs. Manning, but also because this was my first time really mingling with Danny’s world. I prayed long and hard that I didn’t embarrass him and that his extended family accepted me. I didn’t want to have to face any more obstacles with him.
We had a late breakfast, brunch really, and Danny took Jane to ride Misty. I couldn’t eat more than a couple of bites as my stomach was off. Probably a combination of nerves and the medicine. I’d been feeling a little nauseous off and on and thought maybe I should check in with the doctor about it. Nora left to go to the store and run some errands so I had time to myself. I went into the library and looked through the stuff we’d hastily thrown in there before we left. Most of it could really just go into storage, but I didn’t know where I could put it. When Nora came back, I asked her and she pointed me to some cabinets in the garage that were mostly empty.
I carried the boxes out there one at a time and was just putting the last one in when a box slid off the top shelf, nailing me in the shoulder on the way down.
“Ow, shit! That smarts!” I looked down to see what had hit me and found a thin box about the depth of a shoebox. I opened it to find a large, professionally done photo album. I remembered that Danny hadn’t gotten around to show me the promised pictures of him and Alex, so I thought I’d take a peek. I really shouldn’t have. What they say about curiosity and the cat? Well, this cat had already been smacked in the shoulder and still didn’t learn her lesson.
It was a wedding album. Danny's and Brooke’s. They made an incredibly handsome couple. He was in all black, she in a fairly traditional white dress. He looked happy. She looked posed. His hair was shaved close to his head. Her long blonde hair was up in large pin curls. I figured since I’d already invaded his private history, I’d keep flipping through the pages. I found ‘the guys,’ they were the groomsmen. Brooke had three glamorous bridesmaids. There were pictures of Danny with the Manning family as well as his own. There was even a picture of him with Seamus, their arms around each other like brothers. All of Brooke’s solo pictures managed to look like stills from a movie. Danny’s were breathtaking. He was thinner then, had fewer lines on his face, but was still the same Danny. Absently I ran my finger over his face, wishing I could see the future. Would we really get married someday? Would I make him happier than Brooke, or would we end up bitter and nasty with each other like the two of them were? I couldn’t see myself not in love with him. Even if he walked away from me today, my heart knew it would always love him. He’d imprinted himself on my whole being. And I’d given him my soul.
I needed to snap out of this melancholy mood and put this mess away before I was discovered. I lifted the thick album to put it back in the box and a stack of pictures slipped out. I flipped through them and found images of Danny and Brooke with Jane as an infant. She was adorable, of course. He looked blissfully happy. Brooke looked like her face would crack if she actually smiled. I began to wonder if perhaps her problems actually started back then, perhaps an undiagnosed case of post-partum depression? I’d heard horror stories. If not that, then something else was definitely going on with her. You didn’t have to know her to see the difference in her between the wedding and these pictures.
Shaking myself, I put them away and slid the heavy box back onto the top shelf. My shoulder was throbbing. I figured an ice pack might not be a bad idea. I really hoped I didn’t have a nasty mark showing with my dress!
Nora must have gone over to her place. I grabbed some ice in a baggie
and went into the library to sit with it and read a book until Danny and Jane returned. I must have dozed because I heard Danny calling for me what seemed like moments later. In actuality, it had been close to an hour and a half. I was lying on my side with my legs pulled up almost to my chest.
“I’m in here,” I called out. My ice pack was now a baggie filled with water. I set it on the floor next to where I’d left my glasses, which I must have removed when I closed my eyes.
“Hey honey,” he said, coming over to kiss me. He sat down on the couch at my feet with a frown. “Were you sleeping?”
I blushed and tried to sit up. “I must have dozed off. I moved my extra boxes into the cabinets in the garage. Nora said there was room.”
He frowned deeper. “I wish you would have let me do that.”
“They weren’t that heavy. I promise.” I tried giving him my most winning smile, but he spotted the baggie.
“Was that ice? Did you hurt yourself?” His hands ran over my shoulders, hitting the spot on top where the box had hit and I winced.
“Yeah, a box sort of fell on me off the top shelf. I just didn’t want it to leave a mark that would show with my dress today.”
He leaned in closer to look and unfortunately a bruise was already starting. He kissed my shoulder and I shivered. He must have felt it, because he gave me a lopsided grin.
“Mmmmm, I think I did make it better. Want me to keep going?”
I shoved at him with my toes. “That’s not a fair question. Besides, it’s almost 3:00. Don’t we have to get ready for this wedding?”
He nodded, running his hand over his face. He stood up and took my hand.
“Jane’s already over at Nora’s. They’re going out for dinner and a movie before their sleepover. Let’s go get ready.”
I stood up and stretched, feeling stiff from sleeping in such a funky position. “I need to run to her place and get my dress. Oh! You need to pick a color. Blue or peach?”
Teacher: Act Two (A Hollywood Rock n' Romance Trilogy Book 2) Page 24