Jack’s cell rang. He thought about launching it to keep his destroyed laptop company, but it was Buzz. “What,” he barked into the phone.
“Bad time?”
Jack took a deep breath and checked the time. He was late for their workout. “No, man, perfect timing. I got hung up. I’ll be down in five.” He disconnected the call, but it rang again as he dropped it on the bed. “What’d you forget?”
“Huh?” a woman’s voice said.
Startled, Jack checked the number. Amber. Jack swore silently. If she was calling him, it could only mean one thing. “Sorry, thought you were someone else. What’s up?”
“I’m sorry, Jack, I know you and Christie aren’t together, but I don’t know who else to call. I haven’t seen her for weeks, and she’s not answering her door. I’m worried about her.”
Jack sat on the bed and scrunched his face up. “Amber, if you’re worried, have the police do a wellness check.” Elliot had been right. Jack couldn’t keep running to her rescue even if every cell of his being wanted to.
“She’s using again.”
“Fuck.” The one time she’d OD’d, he’d found her in time, and images of Christie’s limp body flooded his mind. At the time, he’d thought she was dead. A sick feeling in the pit of his stomach threatened to overwhelm him. Jack swallowed back his fear. There wasn’t anything he could do from here. If this was it… “Amber, I’m in New Hampshire, and I’ve got a gig tonight. I thought you guys had swapped keys?”
Amber sighed. “We did, but I told her she needed to get help, and we had a huge fight. She demanded her key back.”
Jack’s mind raced. He knew how Christie could get when confronted, and he didn’t doubt she’d done just that. When she was high, whether from drugs or alcohol, she would say the vilest things. It was as if she were a different person. During her last rehab, the final therapy session they’d had together had quickly devolved into her screaming at him. Afterward, the therapist had tried to tell Jack that drugs and alcohol don’t make a person do something they aren’t capable of sober; it just lowers their inhibitions to a point where they don’t care. He hadn’t wanted to believe that because it would’ve meant that the woman he was in love with, the one he’d thought he’d marry and spend the rest of his life with, wasn’t the person he’d thought she was. And that had broken his heart more than the nasty things she’d accused him of.
Christie needed to get help, but Jack knew from Buzz’s addiction that it couldn’t be forced on her. Christie had to want it, and she didn’t. He’d promised himself and the guys that he wouldn’t run to her aid again unless she agreed to get the help she so desperately needed. “Amber, there’s nothing I can do. If you don’t want to call the cops…”
Another long sigh. “I understand. It’s just, she’s my friend, and I’m scared for her. I’m afraid of what I’ll find.”
“Believe me, I understand.” Jack was scared, too. He’d moved on with Emily, but he still worried about Christie, and he dreaded the day that phone call would come. His heart pounded in his chest, and his thoughts raced. If only he wasn’t so far away. “It’s probably not legal, but you could ask the building manager to check on her.” He was a kindly older gentleman, and Jack didn’t doubt that Amber could persuade him. “You know she’ll be pissed.”
“She already told me she hated me, so I don’t think there’s anything worse she could say.”
Jack knew there were much worse things Christie could say when she was high and pissed. “I’m sorry I can’t do more, but let me know, okay?”
“I understand. Bye.”
He was terrified of what Amber would find, but at least if the building manager was with her… Who was he kidding? I should be there.
Jack placed the phone on the bed and forced himself to stand. Buzz had to be his priority. He couldn’t help Christie, but he could help his friend. Today, they’d spar. Between the anger he felt over reading the articles on his new girlfriend and the never-ending shitstorm of issues with his ex-girlfriend, he couldn’t wait to beat the shit out of the heavy bag.
After his workout, he checked his messages. Amber had called saying that Christie had just returned from visiting her parents after doing a commercial in New York the week before. Jack was relieved, but he knew it was only a matter of time if Christie refused to go to rehab.
He called his folks to confirm he’d be there tomorrow. His mom sounded excited, which made him happy. He hadn’t seen them enough in the past year, which was his fault. With all the drama around Christie, he’d stayed away too long.
Then he called Em. She’d planned on writing early then had a bunch of errands to take care of. He got her voicemail and felt insanely disappointed that he hadn’t reached her.
She called back a few minutes later.
“Hey, baby, how are you?” He had an idea he wanted to talk to her about.
“I’m fine, but you sound like a kid on Christmas morning. What’s up?”
“As you know, I’d planned to make a quick trip home for Mother’s Day. How’d you like to come with me?” Jack could barely contain himself. They hadn’t planned to see each other for another ten days, but a little bit of time shared with his family was better than nothing.
“Jack, you’ve had these plans with your mom for months. You can’t just invite me last minute.”
“My mom will understand.” Jack’s enthusiasm was greeted with dead silence. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Mother’s Day. Your mother expects to see you, not us. I’m not her favorite person in case you’d forgotten.”
He had forgotten. “I’ll call her so she’s not surprised.”
“No.”
Jack paced the small room. “Why not?”
“Because it’s not fair to put this on her. It’s her day, the one day a year she can have you, your brother, and your sister all to herself. I would be intruding on that, and believe me, she’ll resent me before she’d blame you.”
Fuck. Jack knew she was right, but he wanted to see her. “But I’ll be so close, there has to be something we can do.” Jeff and Brick were driving them home after their gig since the earliest flights out of Manchester Airport weren’t until almost eleven a.m. on Sunday. “We’re driving, so what if I came by before I went home? We could spend a few hours together.”
“Okay.”
His heart somersaulted. “Really?”
“Of course.”
He’d known she was amazing, but still, she surprised him. She could easily use her writing or fear of flying as an excuse to keep him at arm’s length, but she didn’t. “Great, I can’t wait to see you.” He hung up and called Jeff. They’d drop Jack off at Em’s and then pick him up at eight. Jack decided that Jeff and Brick needed a bonus. He couldn’t wait to see her.
J
Jack had called her when they left New Hampshire. Even though Emily planned on going to the cemetery to visit her mom later in the day, she wouldn’t allow her melancholy to spoil Jack’s mood. He traveled enough on tour, so she felt guilty about all the extra traveling he’d be doing because she couldn’t get on an airplane.
Before she went to bed, she’d fixed her hair, put on the black lace T-shirt and thong, and left a key under the welcome mat so he could let himself in.
It felt like longer than a week since they’d been together, and even though they talked, Skyped, and texted every day, she was nervous about seeing him. She chalked it up to the unusual nature of their relationship. She’d get used to it, wouldn’t she?
Jack texted her photos of highlights of his day, and she felt a little jealous that Nicki got to see him more often than she did. But he’d sent a really sweet one of Nicki and Curt that she used as her contact picture for Nicki. Emily missed her, too.
She was having the loveliest dream when she sensed someone in her room. She bolted upright to see Jack sitting on the bed taking off his boots.
“Hi,” she said as she flicked on the
lamp. No sense in missing the show. “Need any help.” The covers had pooled at her waist, and the expression on Jack’s face when he turned, warmed her all over.
She helped him off with the rest of his clothes, and they spent half an hour reacquainting themselves with each other. Gentle caresses and hot wet kisses stoked her desire for him until she thought she’d combust. Her heart thudded in her chest, and warmth pooled low in her belly. This wasn’t sex; this was making love. When Jack finally entered her, tears pooled in the corners of her eyes, but Emily had no idea why. Afterward, she fell asleep in his arms, and an inner contentment she’d never experience before suffused her entire being.
She woke when Jack got up at seven. They made love and shared a shower and a bone-melting kiss goodbye. A look she didn’t understand flashed in his eyes before he turned and strode down the walkway. With every step away from her, his heavy boots thudded on the concrete. Emily watched until she could no longer see the taillights before she went inside.
She pushed her unease away. They wouldn’t see each other again for nine days. That was nothing compared to when her dad had deployed; he’d be gone for six months to a year at a time. But right now, nine days felt like an eternity.
Emily refused to feel like his booty call, but his odd look clawed at her. Her fear of flying made their difficult circumstances so much worse. He’d been the one to go the extra distance to see her today; otherwise, it would’ve been over two weeks until they’d be together. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Maybe Jack realized that Emily was too damaged and not worth the effort.
chapter
SEVENTEEN
He just left, but Jack missed Em like crazy. He almost asked her again to come with him, but he knew she was right about it not being fair to his mom. Jeff dropped him off at his folks’ house at eight thirty. He forced himself to shake off his melancholy. His mom had supported him, and she deserved a happy, smiling son today. Jack opened the screen door into the kitchen. “Hey, Dad.”
“Jack.” Will stood and embraced him. “You’re earlier than expected. Your mom’s been looking forward to this all week.”
He hugged his dad back. There was nothing quite as reassuring as his father’s strong embrace. “It’s good to be home.” When he pulled back, he studied his dad’s face. “You look tired. Everything okay?” His dad routinely worked long hours and frequently had his sleep interrupted by a plumbing emergency.
“Nothing for you to worry about, son.”
“Dad, if it’s a money thing, I can help.”
Will sat and sipped his coffee. “Jack, you’ve done more than any child should.”
His parents refused to accept his help. He’d been amazed he’d finally gotten them to agree to let him pay for Trish’s and Jimmy’s education. “You work too hard.”
“It’s not work.”
“What then?”
Jack’s answer came when his brother stumbled through the kitchen door, obviously hungover and possibly still drunk. He’d slept in his clothes, and from the look on his dad’s face, he hadn’t called to say he’d be out all night.
When he saw Jack, Jimmy cringed. “Oh good, my two dads.”
Will stood. Even though they were all about the same height, his dad’s presence seemed larger than life. Jack had no doubt that his dad could kick both their asses. “Check your smart mouth at the door, James. You never called to say you wouldn’t be home. You know the rules.” It took a lot to piss off Will McBride, but when he got there, look out.
“Rules? You mean the ones that only apply to Trish and me? Prince Jack doesn’t follow any rules.”
“That’s enough. I told your mother you came home last night, now get upstairs and shower, you reek of alcohol. We’ll discuss this later.”
Jimmy had the decency to look contrite. It was Mother’s Day, after all, and Jack was here early so he and his siblings could make their mom breakfast in bed.
“Yeah, sorry. I forgot.” He skulked out of the kitchen.
Jack knew better than to interfere now, but he’d have a private word with Jimmy later. Their parents didn’t need this childish shit.
Jack poured himself some coffee, refilled his dad’s mug, and sat. A few minutes later, Trish came downstairs, dressed in sweats and looking sleep deprived. She grunted a hello at him. Trish needed coffee first thing to function.
After half a cup, she was ready to offer him a hug. “I’m so happy you made it.”
“What do you mean?”
Trish and their dad exchanged a look. “Never mind, the important thing is you’re here. I’ve missed you.”
Ten minutes later, Jimmy returned freshly showered, poured himself some juice, and downed it. “I’m ready.”
He looked better than when he’d stumbled into the house, but Jack doubted his mother would be fooled. “The usual?”
Jimmy and Trish immediately starting chanting “Pancakes, pancakes, we want pancakes.” Just like when they were little. They’d been making breakfast for their mom on Mother’s Day since Jack was old enough to reach the counter.
“Pancakes it is.” He’d do anything to see his siblings happy. Jimmy behaved less aggressively toward him, so he pushed aside the building animosity he’d been feeling so they could move forward.
Jack measured out the ingredients for the pancakes while Trish set up the tray, and Jimmy brewed a fresh pot of coffee. He enjoyed the way they all worked together so seamlessly. Their dad sat at the table, probably enjoying the silence.
With everything ready to go upstairs, Jack grabbed the gift bag and cards off the table, Jimmy carried the tray, and Trish followed as they went up to wake their mom.
“Happy Mother’s Day,” they yelled as they walked into the bedroom. Maggie was reading but tossed the book aside to hug them.
“Thank you. This looks delicious.” She looked over their heads at Will.
Jack could see how much in love his parents were even after thirty-two years of marriage. He hoped to be that lucky. His heart flipped as he thought of Em; he wished she were here.
They chatted as their mom ate her breakfast. As soon as she finished, Jack handed her the cards and gift bag.
She looked at Jack. “You didn’t need to buy me anything, Jack. Your being here is the best gift ever.”
He ignored Jimmy’s eye roll. “Where else would I be on Mother’s Day?” More looks exchanged that he didn’t understand.
His mom opened the cards and cried. She opened the box with the earrings that Em had helped him pick out, and his heart flipped again.
“Honey,” Maggie said. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Do you like them?”
“Jack, they’re beautiful. Perfect for every day.” More tears welled in her eyes.
Jack leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for everything, Mom.”
Will picked up the tray. “You kids get downstairs, eat, and get ready for church.”
Jack went to his room and changed into a pair of navy Dockers and a white button-down shirt. He walked into the kitchen where Trish washed the pan from breakfast.
“How’s school?” He poured himself a bowl of cereal.
“Ugh. I have four finals this week. Thank God for coffee. I can’t wait until they’re over. Then a week off before I start at the outpatient program at St. Peter’s.” She dried her hands, grabbed a bowl, and sat. “How’s Emily?”
“She’s great.” He smiled so wide some milk spilled out the corners of his mouth. He wiped his mouth with a napkin.
Trish smiled. “You’re in love with her.”
“Yes.” He threw her a warning glance.
Trish smiled, and they ate in silence.
Jack poured more coffee and answered a few emails. Jimmy slunk into the kitchen and grabbed a yogurt out of the fridge, standing at the counter to eat it. Trish ruffled his hair on her way out of the kitchen.
Jack put his phone down on the table. “How’s school?”
“What the fuck’s your problem?” Jack stood, cleared the bowls from the table, and put the cereal away.
“I don’t have a problem.” Jimmy dropped his spoon in the sink, tossed the yogurt container in the trash, and left.
Before Jack could follow, his folks walked in. “You look very handsome, Jack. Breakfast was delicious.”
“Glad you enjoyed it.”
“I’d have enjoyed anything. It’s so nice to have the three of you together. I wish you could stay longer.” Maggie looked down.
“I’ll be here for four days in June.”
Maggie raised her green eyes to his: joy and excitement sparkled there. “We’re looking forward to it.”
Jack wanted to ask if Emily could join him, but he hadn’t broached the subject with her yet. He wasn’t sure who to ask first, but he did know today wasn’t the day to do it. Em was right about his mom, too. She hadn’t asked about her, which wasn’t a good sign. He’d gotten the impression from his dad that they’d expected him to bring her today, which he would’ve if Em had agreed.
Jack had done that several times over the years. He’d never even considered that whoever he was with would be unwelcome. He was spoiled and maybe a little bit of an asshole.
It was after one when they returned from church. Jack wanted to call Em, so he went to his room. He missed her like crazy and being so close and not being with her sucked. “Hey, baby, how are you?” It hadn’t occurred to him earlier, but today must be hard for her. I’m a selfish prick.
“Are you having a nice time?”
He knew something was wrong. “Yeah. Trish, Jimmy, and I made pancakes. She loved the earrings we picked out. How are you?”
“I’m okay.”
Jack sat. Bullshit. He could tell she was upset. “Em, we agreed to be honest with each other. I can tell something’s wrong. Please talk to me.”
No More Yesterdays: A Rock Star Romance (Rocked in Love Book 2) Page 17