King of Hearts

by R H Tucker

  After clicking a few pictures, I hand it back to the girl who’s still bobbing up and down, inspecting the pictures. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

  “No problem at all. You coming to the show tomorrow?” Jade asks.

  “No.” For the first time during this entire interaction, the girl’s smile falters. “We couldn’t get tickets. I was also trying for the Seattle show, but it sold out, too.”

  Jade nods in understanding, then reaches into the back of one of her jeans pockets, pulling out a small, silver card; it looks like a business card. “Here you go.” Jade hands it to her.

  “What’s this?”

  “If you can make it, give the box office this card, and you’ll have two tickets waiting at Will Call for you. It’s just standing room only, but at least you’ll get to see the show. Don’t lose it, though. Anyone with the card will get the tickets.”

  “Ohmygod!” she shrieks, causing the others in the shop to look over at us. Thankfully, there are only three other people. She begins jumping up and down once again, and catches Jade off guard, wrapping her arms around her. Jade starts laughing, and as the girl finally walks away, the smile never leaves her face.

  “Kristen Jade Barkley,” I jokingly scold her using her full name, “you are one adorable King. I think you made that girl’s entire year.”

  She lifts her shoulders. “We keep them on us. The cards have those little codes … what are they called?” She taps her fingers on the table. “QR Code.” She lifts a finger.

  “People actually use those?”

  She laughs. “Not many. But the box offices have a scanner, and if someone gives them a card, then they can get tickets we keep reserved.”

  I take a sip of my drink, smiling, then shake my head. “And that’s why the Kings have the legion of fans that you have.”

  “It was Peter’s idea.”

  “He really is a great manager for you guys.” She nods with a smile, and I’m thankful again that my friends have a family member that they can trust in their circle. “When the tour is over, are you going to look for a place of your own? I mean, you don’t have to, but it’s not like you can’t afford it.”

  “Oh, no.” Jade shakes her head, wagging her finger at me. “No, no. You’re not getting out of it that easy.” I frown. She saw right through my attempt to forgo talking about the argument. “What is going on with you, girl?”

  “Nothing.” I look down at my drink, my fingers folding in front of it. “It’s … nothing.”

  “Not nothing,” she counters. “I’ve seen you guys fight before. You were really upset about what she was saying. Do you … are you really into this Landon guy?”

  Taking a deep breath, I pause since I don’t know how to answer that. No, I do, it’s just that I don’t want to say it out loud. Because if I actually voice what I’ve been thinking, it makes it real. It means that this magical little trip I’m on comes crashing face-first into reality. A reality I decided on, and I thought I had come to terms with a long time ago. But maybe it’s time reality takes center stage.

  “I like him,” I finally answer her.

  Her lips pinch together, and her eyes narrow. “That doesn’t sound like you like him.”

  “No, I do.” I nod, trying to reallocate my words to make sense. “Am I head over heels in love with him? No. But I do like him. Landon is … safe.”

  “Safe?”

  I nod. “What Derrik and I had was amazing. But I knew what was coming for you guys, Jade. I could see it. I didn’t know you’d become the biggest band in the world, but I knew it was gonna be big. That you guys would be traveling the world. You guys are fantastic. Your lyrics and songs, they move … the world.”

  I let out a sigh, unsure what else to say. Not because I don’t know, but because if I say what I’m thinking, Jade will start giving me the same reasons I should be with Derrik and not Landon that Becca does.

  Even without adding the words, Jade seems to pick up on my emotions. “You guys were so cute when you were together. Do you feel with Landon what you felt with Derrik?”

  Her words finally stamp down my resolve. “It doesn’t matter. Maybe we’d be great together again, but Landon is safe. When Derrik’s out touring the world, Landon will be going to college with me. When Derrik is getting called away for public appearances and talk shows, Landon will be able to go to the movies over the weekend, without wild fans screaming for him. He’ll be able to go out to a restaurant without our waitress falling over herself as she brings us our food.”

  “Wow,” she responds, staring at her cup. “Um … okay.”

  “I know. I’m pathetic.”

  “No—”

  “I am! Becca’s right. You’re right. I could be dating a rock star, and I’m too scared to do anything about it. That’s the definition of pathetic.”

  A small giggle floats out of her. “Zoey, you’re not pathetic. You’re just making a choice. Standing your ground. You want a regular life, and I can’t fault you for that. I actually find it a little inspiring.”

  “Really?”

  Another laugh from her. “Yeah. As much as I’d love to see you two together, he has to realize that some things are more important than the life we have in this band. Believe me, I kind of understand it. I think my boyfriend, Bret, would give up the world to have the fame we have. It’s the reason we argue a lot. Sometimes …” She looks away, biting on her lip. “Sometimes, I think he’s only going out with me because I’m in the Kings.”

  “Oh, Jade. Don’t say that.”

  She shrugs. “Bret is so determined for his band to make it that at times I feel like that’s all he thinks about. He doesn’t think about the normal, everyday stuff that he takes for granted. Like this.” She waves her hand around, motioning to the shop. “I love that I can just sit here with you and not worry about people screaming their heads off because of me. A fan here and there is fine, but normalcy is something you don’t know you’re missing until it’s gone.”

  A silence drifts between us. I thought she’d try to understand where I was coming from. I hoped she wouldn’t respond like Becca and tell me how wrong I am. But I had no idea how much my concerns would resonate with her.

  “I won’t tell you what’s right or wrong,” she starts up again. “Only you know that, Z. Just make sure you’re happy. You sound pretty confident and sure of yourself, so if you’re truly happy with Landon, then I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks.” I smile, reaching over and giving her hand a squeeze.

  13

  Derrik

  I was hoping after the shopping trip, and the restaurant stop, that I’d get back to the hotel with enough time to hang out with Zoey. I not only wanted to give her the necklace I bought her but finally get some one-on-one time. Of course, I should’ve known with Danica nothing is that easy.

  After the restaurant, her manager called and said that a YouTuber in Portland set up an interview, so that’s where we went next. After the interview, one of the producers on her show was in town meeting with a local production company for a new show, so of course, we had to go and make an appearance. That one didn’t really have anything to do with our media extravaganza but more about Danica lobbying for a role on the producer’s next movie.

  By the time I actually do get to the hotel, I’m flanked still by Danica. Approaching the hotel, she walks with me to the elevator. “What are you doing?” I ask, hitting the button.

  She looks at me like I’m crazy. “Going to my room, silly.”

  “Your room?” She nods while I stare at her like she’s lost her mind. “Danica”—I lower my voice—“we’re not staying in the same room. First of all, it’s the guys and me. Secondly, I don’t know what you’re expecting, but I’m not pretending we’re staying in the same hotel room.”

  When we stay in hotels, we usually get two suites. One for the guys and one for Jade. We tried all staying in huge single suites before. After an incident of Jade screaming at Maddox for stumbling in dru
nk one night, and a second incident involving feminine hygiene products that grossed us all out, we decided the two-room plan was the best way to go.

  At first, she looks disappointed. Then she seems annoyed. “Relax, pumpkin. You don’t have to worry about any of that. I got a room in the same hotel.”

  “You did?”

  “Don’t look so surprised.”

  I am surprised. And I feel a little embarrassed assuming she was trying to work her way into my hotel room. “Sorry. I just figured you’d get a place at the Portland Plaza in one of their penthouses or something.”

  “I thought about it, but this place is still a five-star hotel.” She leans closer, running her fingers under my chin. “Don’t worry, I’ll try not to sneak into your bedroom.”

  “Very funny.” I roll my eyes, eliciting a giggle from her.

  Stepping into the elevator, we make our way up to our floor, and I can’t keep from watching her, expecting her to stay on the elevator or walk in a different direction. Finally, coming to my room, she parts from me only to stand by a door that’s directly in front of ours. She watches me as I knock on our door since EJ told me he had the keycard for me. I raise my eyebrows and nod over to her, watching her slip her card into her own door and walk into her room. Before the door closes, her eyes linger on me, and a small smirk appears on her face as the door closes.

  I don’t realize my room door is open, and when I look black, EJ stands in front of me with a huge grin covering his face. “Well, well, well. I guess that makes for easy access.”

  “Shut up.” I punch his shoulder, rolling my eyes while he laughs. He shuts the door behind me, and I plop down on the couch. “Where’s everyone?”

  “Maddox is …” His pause makes me look up as he’s honestly racking his brain, staring up at the ceiling. “Aire,” he finally answers, snapping his fingers. “Yeah, he got Peter to hook him up with a surprise spot at Aire Nightclub. He’ll probably be out until three or something.”

  I let out a loud laugh. “Three? That guy’s gonna be dragging his ass to mic check tomorrow.”

  EJ laughs along. “Probably. And Jade is still out with the girls.”

  As soon as he says it, Jade walks into the room, throwing her jacket over a chair at the kitchen bar. “What’s up?” she calls out, heading toward the fridge in the kitchenette. “What are we doing tonight? Derrik, I’m surprised to see Dani let you off the leash.”

  I glance at EJ and then Jade. “I had no idea she was going to force herself onto us.”

  Twisting open a bottle of water, Jade giggles, leaning over the bar and taking a drink. “Seriously, D? You might’ve had no idea, but it’s not like you couldn’t have said no.”

  “You know I can’t do that.”

  “Really?” She takes another drink, lifting an eyebrow. “So, the setup you two have is, like, written in stone? You couldn’t have made up an excuse as to how busy we’ll be on tour? Because in all seriousness, that wouldn’t have even been a lie.”

  Crossing my arms on the couch, I glance over at EJ. He stares at me, waiting for a response. Are these guys serious? “It’s not even that big of a deal. She’s here, so what? She’s probably going to go out tonight and have fun with some other celebrity who either lives here, or she’ll fly in.” They both stay quiet, staring at me. “You guys are acting like I shouldn’t have agreed to this in the first place. Jade, if I remember correctly, you said this thing might be kind of cool.”

  Stepping around the bar, she hops up on a stool, tapping her fingers over the gray and white marble countertop. “Well, yeah. But I didn’t know it was going to be the Dani and Derrik show. It’s not exactly like she can give us any more exposure.”

  “I can’t believe this. Where’s this even coming from?”

  “I’m just saying, show a little backbone. Lord knows other people are.”

  “What the hell does that mean?”

  She bites her lip and looks away. What is happening here? Everyone in the band wasn’t exactly thrilled to learn about my arrangement with Danica, but I came to them. We all agreed to it. We’re not the traditional teenybopper band, so with me going out with Danica Parker, it meant fans who usually only listen to that kind of music might discover us. It’s been all about finding demographics.

  Whatever Jade’s talking about, I’m over it. It’s already getting late, and I’ve got a limited number of hours left to try and get everything out and in the open with Zoey. I get to my feet and head toward the door. “Whatever. Is Zoey and Becca next door?” Yeah, I booked her suites here and in Vancouver next to ours.

  “Zoey is, but …” Jade hesitates. Looking away, she fidgets with the cap to her water bottle.

  “But what?”

  When she doesn’t answer, I look back at EJ for answers. He’s clueless and shrugs his shoulders.

  “Nothing,” she finally replies.

  I don’t know what’s all of a sudden gotten into Jade, but I’m taking this opportunity while I have it. Leaving the room, I grab the small Tiffany’s pouch from my pocket and nervously twirl the drawstring in my finger. Knocking on the door, I wait, feeling like I’m standing in front of her house the night I picked her up for the last dance we were able to go to together at school.

  When she finally opens it, she seems surprised to see me. She peeks over my shoulder, then back at me. “Expecting someone else?” I chuckle.

  “Oh, no … I’m still waiting for Becca to show up.”

  I quirk an eyebrow. “Didn’t all of you guys hang out today?”

  “Yeah.” She nods but looks away. Turning around, she leaves me at the door, so I assume it’s okay to go inside. She heads over to the sofa in their suite and sits over her leg. “What’s up?”

  It’s so nonchalant. So casual, that it makes me second-guess what I’m even doing here. Should I give this necklace to her? Have I imagined everything and blown our past relationship out of proportion? And last but not least, I know she has a boyfriend. Is she really happy with that guy?

  I shake off my nerves and head over to the couch, taking a seat next to her. “Um, not much. I thought if you wanted to, we could hang out tonight.”

  She twists her head to the side, confused. “Really?”

  It makes me laugh. “Yes, really.”

  “Oh, I just figured with Danica here your time was going to be all booked up.”

  Chewing on my bottom lip, I nod and avert my eyes. “Yeah, I mean, it kind of is.”

  She breaks out in laughter, snorting. “I saw her InstaPic of you two earlier. You looked … how’d she put it?” She puts a finger to her lip, still smirking, feigning like she’s trying to remember. “Oh, that’s right. Adorbs!”

  I can’t help but start laughing, giving her shoulder a push. “Shut up.” She continues to laugh, and with my nerves a little more at ease, I hold up the small blue bag for her. “So, uh … I got you something.”

  “Ohmygod.” She slaps her hand over her mouth. “Is that Tiffany’s? You got me Tiffany’s?” she mumbles through her fingers.

  It makes me laugh again. “Yeah, it’s not a big deal.” I shrug.

  “Not a big deal? Derrik, Tiffany’s is expensive!”

  “Z, you told me to make sure it was expensive,” I reply through humor.

  “I was joking!” she says with a smile.

  I hold my hand out, the nerves starting to return when she doesn’t move. She sits there, her eyes continuously bouncing from the bag to my eyes and back again. I start chewing on my lip once more, thinking this might’ve been a bad idea.

  Finally, she slowly—and I mean slowly—takes the bag from my hand. Carefully, she reaches in and pulls out the necklace. It’s a shiny platinum chain that hangs low, connected to a key pendant. At first, I saw a heart pendant and really wanted to get that for her, but we haven’t even talked about everything I wanted to yet. I was afraid if I gave it to her, she might get uncomfortable. Hearts are for, like, girlfriends and wives and stuff, right?

  So, I
decided on the key pendant. The lady helping me told me it’s a key petal pendant with diamonds. I can’t deny it looks beautiful. The small diamonds cover over the round top, with what looks like a floral design in the middle. The shiny gems travel the length of the key, covering it, the platinum of the entire piece shining brilliantly.

  “I—” Her words cut off, and I take the chain from her, moving my hands up to slip it over her head. She lowers down a little and then lifts her hair. Reaching up to take hold of the pendant, she gazes at it. “Derrik … I … I can’t accept this.”

  “You have to,” I say, smiling.

  “No. This … this is too much. I was completely joking about the expensive stuff.”

  “It’s not like I can’t afford it.”

  “How much was it? I feel self-conscious just looking at it.”

  “It wasn’t that much,” I say quickly, trying not to let on the price. I didn’t flinch at paying it when I saw it at the jewelry shop. Not one bit. But I know she might blow a gasket if I tell her.

  “Not that much?” She finally looks at me and sounds at least a little more at ease. “It’s Tiffany’s. Not that much is like saying a Ferrari doesn’t go that fast.”

  I chuckle at the comparison. “It costs what it costs, Z. Don’t worry, I bought myself something, too.”

  “What?”

  “A new arcade machine for the game room.”

  “Boys.” She rolls her eyes, chuckling. Returning her sight to the pendant, she holds it again. “Seriously, how much?”

  “It doesn’t matter how much it costs.”

  “It matters to me.”

  Her eyes meet mine. I don’t know why it matters that much, and I still don’t want to tell her. I know she’s going to flip out, but when she holds my gaze, it’s like she has this power over me. Once again, my teeth find my lip, and I gnaw at it nervously. “Itwashighnd.” She lifts a brow, silently asking me to repeat it. “Eight grand.”