Come to Me Free

by Leah Atwood

  “Bryce wanted me to remind you about the family, last-stop dinner tonight, once we’re all set up.” Jay switched hands on the steering wheel, not taking his eye off the road.

  “Family, huh?” He lifted his drink from the cup holder in the console table and took a swig.

  “Just the four of us, and the girls, plus kids. No crew or staff.”

  “Isn’t that always the case?” The close-knit dinner at the end of a tour had become a ritual.

  “Yeah, but Bryce wanted to make sure everyone knew it was tonight.”

  “I figured. Not like I had other plans, anyway.” Not even talking to Dani. Those conversations had fizzled out, almost before they’d had a chance to begin. Their communication in recent days amounted to nothing more than a few texts here or there. He sighed, wishing he’d never sent that text, Maybe Bryce was right. Things between them changed after that, but he couldn’t pinpoint why.

  Dani felt something for him, of that he was certain. Maybe his comment had scared her, or confused her. Perhaps she hadn’t understood his meaning. Then again, had he even understood? All he knew was that she gave him hope of something other than a bleak, lonely future. Talking to her, getting to know her—fledglings of heart-based emotions had begun to appear. But deep down, he knew he wasn’t ready to try again.

  That was the crux of the matter, and if he was being honest, he could admit Dani probably realized that and was choosing to distance herself. He’d used the same defense mechanism for years.

  His head jerked forward, and his body rammed against the seatbelt that locked taut. Instinct drove his hand to grip the door’s handle. “What in the world?”

  “Sorry,” Jay said with a raspy breath. “You didn’t see that eighteen-wheeler blow through the red light?”

  “No.” His gaze wandered, looking for it, but it had already disappeared.

  “You must have been lost in space. If we’d been two feet ahead or going any faster, it would have rammed us.”

  Unwanted triggers were pulled. Rob covered his mouth, rubbing the spot just above his lips. His fingers shook and his heart thumped against his chest in an uneven beat. He unbuckled and made a sprint to the back to the bus. Echoes of crunching metal rang in his ears. Scorching flames of fire nipped his skin. He gulped. This wasn’t happening.

  Hunching over the small sink, he turned the faucet on, cupped his hands and splashed water onto his face. Again, and again, until the waking nightmare subsided. Breathing in and out, he silently repeated the phrases reminding him of reality. This wasn’t a two lane country road. There was no accident. He was safe. He was alive.

  Face still wet, he sat down on the sofa and raked a hand through his hair. Would he ever be completely free?

  “Are you okay back there?” Jay called.

  “Yeah, just needed a drink,” he lied, his breathing still uneven.

  “Do you mind bringing me one?”

  “No problem.” Still on edge, he grabbed one of Jay’s soda’s from the fridge and took it up front, handing him the can as he sat back down.

  Jay took it and set it in his holder before bending the tab back. He gave Rob a quizzical look. “Where’s yours?”

  “I forgot I had one already.” As if to make his point, he picked up the one he’d taken a drink from right before the close call.

  If Jay thought anything of it, he didn’t say a word. “Shouldn’t be much longer now. I’ll be glad when this show is over and we can go home.”

  “You and me both.” He buckled his seatbelt.

  “We must be getting old.” Jay laughed. “I remember tours when we were gone for six months and I wasn’t nearly as exhausted as I am at the end as this one.”

  “You still have another year before you hit thirty. Talk to me about old then.”

  Jay chuckled again and rolled his eyes. “Yeah because you’re so old and knowledgeable at the ripe old age of thirty-one.”

  “More than you know,” he muttered, so low the words weren’t audible.

  Minutes later, they were pulling into the parking lot of the venue. Staff members were on hand to direct them where to set up camp and to keep away unwelcome fans who couldn’t respect privacy. There’d be time for loyal followers to interact with the group at tomorrow’s meet and greet, and again at the VIP sessions after the concert.

  “Think Bryce would mind if I skip out on dinner?” Rob asked after they’d parked. A throbbing pain had taken root behind his right eye, a physiological after-effect of the episode earlier. He’d popped two aspirins from the bathroom cabinet a few minutes ago, but they hadn’t taken effect yet.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Jay looked at him, creases marring his forehead. “You’ve been acting strange for the last hour.”

  “Just tired.” He lifted a shoulder, shrugging that it was no big deal.

  “Come on, last-stop dinner is a tradition. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

  “Fine.” The guilt trip he’d receive if he didn’t show would only make the headache worse. He tossed Jay a set of keys. “Would you mind unhitching the Jeep?”

  “Now I know something’s up.” Arms crossed, keys dangling from a finger, Jay stared him down. “You never willingly hand over keys, let alone offer them up.”

  “Let it rest, Jay.” Without another word, he went to the bedroom and plopped down on the bed. He’d close his eyes for a few minutes until it was time to leave.

  How much later he didn’t know, but he awoke to Jay shaking his shoulder. “Time to leave.”

  He blinked several times, coming to. Whatever length of time he’d slept had helped. The pain behind his eye was nearly gone. Hand behind his neck, he rubbed the knotted muscles and immediate relief came. “Where are we having dinner?”

  “A new place one of Elle’s friends recommended. Saffron Brothers.”

  Now that his head was feeling better, anything sounded good, even a drive-thru burger. “Where are my keys?”

  With a smirk, Jay handed them over. “And he’s back.”

  They got into the car and drove to the restaurant, which was far off the main strip, almost to the city’s outskirts. When they got there, Adam and Elle were outside, waiting under an awning made of a heavy green canvas. Shannon, their four-year-old, held Adam’s hand, while Elle balanced an almost one-year-old Lilah on her hip.

  “Where are Bryce and Sophie?” Rob asked.

  Elle switched Lilah to her other hip. “Sophie sent me a text a few minutes ago that said Bryce was on the phone with Gram and they’re running a few minutes late.”

  Shannon tugged on her dad’s pants. “I’m thirsty, Daddy.”

  “I guess we can go in now.” Adam looked at his watch. “Our reservations aren’t for another ten minutes, but I’m sure they’ll have our table ready.”

  “I second that motion.” On cue, Jay’s stomach rumbled.

  Rob opened the entry door, holding it for each person as they walked in. Once everyone was inside, he took the lead and went to the maître d’. “We’re here for reservations under ‘Landry’.”

  The maître d’, dressed all in black, looked at the group with a plastic smile, until his gaze landed on the two children. “My apologies, sir, but children are not allowed here.”

  “You must be mistaken. Do you understand who made these reservations?” Despite the inconvenience, Rob would have let the issue drop and suggested going elsewhere, except for that annoying look of haughty derision on the young man’s face.

  “Yes sir, but I can’t change the policy. Mr. Delang is very firm on his rules to ensure the best dining experience for all his patrons.” Looking rather smug, the maître d’ tapped on the screen of the tablet at his stand.

  “Why don’t you get Mr. Delang himself out here and have him explain his reasoning.” Edginess had him ripe for an argument.

  “I could, but I assure you his answer will remain firm. He’s never once swayed from his rule.”

  Elle tapped Rob’s arm. “Don’t worry about it, Rob
. We’ll find somewhere else to go.” Weariness reflected in her eyes, and he could see she didn’t want a scene.

  He turned to the maître d’. “Cancel our reservations.”

  “Hmph.” Lifting his face, so his nose pointed up, the maître d’ let it be known he couldn’t be bothered any further.

  As quickly as they’d entered, they exited.

  “What now?” Adam asked, picking up Shannon.

  “I’ll call Bryce and let him know.” Jay stepped away, his phone already in hand.

  “I don’t think the girls are going to hold up much longer.” Elle looked down at Lilah, whose eyes were fighting to stay open. “I know this is a tradition for you guys, but I’m okay with picking something up and taking it back to the buses.”

  “That’s fine with me. What do you think, Adam?” Rob rubbed his brows, willing the headache not to return.

  “Whatever, is fine with me.”

  Jay returned. “Bryce will be here any minute, but Gracie fell asleep so Sophie stayed behind with her.”

  “Here’s another idea. These dinners mean a lot to you guys,” Elle said. “Since Sophie stayed back, how about I pick up something and take it to her. The four of you should still go out somewhere.”

  Bryce pulled into the lot. Instead of parking, he drove up to the awning and rolled the window down. “What did you all decide?”

  “Elle suggested we make it a guy thing and she’ll go back.”

  “Are you all okay with that?” Bryce looked at each of them.

  Jay was fine, Rob was too.

  Adam looked to his wife, uncertain. “Are you sure, babe?”

  “Yes. You guys go and have your fun.” Elle gave him a soft smile.

  “I guess I’m also fine with it. Can I hitch a ride with you?” Adam asked Bryce.

  “Hop in.”

  Adam laughed. “Let me get Shannon in her car seat first.” He walked away, and Elle followed him.

  Once everyone was back in a vehicle, they drove around until they found a steakhouse joint, which promised “the best steaks this side of town.” Few cars were in the parking lot, not a sign of confidence. At this point, the food could taste like cardboard and Rob would still eat at it. Inside, the place was decorated with the kitschy displays one would expect in such an establishment, going overboard with the cowboy stereotype, all the way down to the mechanical bull and servers wearing chaps over a uniform of white shirts and denim jeans.

  To his surprise, the service was exceptional and their food was out with a minimal wait. When a sizzling steak was set in front of him, he breathed in the aromatic spice and beef scent. He held his knife and fork, slicing into the pink centered ribeye. Stabbing the piece he’d cut off, he brought it to his mouth, biting into it, savoring the taste.

  He sighed with pleasure. Either he was that hungry, or the steak was that good. He took another bite. Oh yeah, it wasn’t just the hunger.

  “This is some good food.” Adam echoed his sentiments exactly. “I had my doubts when we pulled in, but this is amazing.”

  “I don’t think even I could grill a steak to this perfection.” Bryce took another bite of his.

  After eating sixteen ounces of the best meat he’d ever tasted, Rob looked at his potato with scorn. It just wasn’t going to measure up to the steak, even if he had room for it, which he didn’t. He washed the meal down with a glass of sweet tea. “I was ticked at Saffron Brothers earlier, but I have to say, this worked out well.”

  Jay took the last bite of his meal and nodded. “Yes, it did.”

  “Too bad Elle and Sophie missed out.” Bryce wiped his mouth with a paper napkin.

  “Elle wouldn’t have enjoyed the steak. She’s finicky about red meat.” Adam, still working his meal, cut off a piece of his T-bone. “Just think, next time we have a last-stop dinner, Jay also will have taken the plunge. If he ever sets a date, that is.”

  Rob leaned back, watching with amusement as Jay swallowed. Was he going to tell them now, or keep them waiting?

  “In good time, my friends.” Jay recovered without a hitch and deflected the comment with a smooth answer and a quick grin. “Who knows, maybe next time we’re on the road, Rob will also have someone.”

  Taking a slow drink, Rob made a point of looking unaffected. “You won’t catch me going down that road.” The only person he’d even been tempted to become involved with had backed off, and he couldn’t blame her.

  Under raised brows, Adam’s eyes sparkled with humor. “I think we should make a bet.”

  “I’m in.” Bryce chuckled. “A few hours ago, I’d have said he’d stay single forever, but while I was talking to Gram, she told me Dani’s been dating someone. If my cousin has finally caved to the dating world, then I think it’s possible even for Rob.”

  The table went silent. Adam and Jay looked at him, both had their arms crossed and smirks on their faces. He read the looks, knew what they were thinking. They both knew he had a thing for Dani, and Jay knew they’d become friends. The way their lips twitched with amusement told him they thought he was the man Dani was dating and that he’d been keeping a secret.

  Little did they know his stomach hurled like the effects of a sucker punch. He was positive his face must be paler than a field of freshly fallen snow. So that was why she’d backed off, hadn’t been writing as much. At least now he knew.

  Bryce darted his gaze, his eyes squinted in confusion. “What just happened here? Rob, you look like you haven’t seen the sun since the turn of the century and the jokers here,” he bent his thumb, consecutively pointing at Jay, then Adam, “can’t hardly hold back their laughter. What am I missing?”

  Jay nudged his ribs. “Go ahead, tell him.”

  “Tell me what?” Bryce asked.

  “Nothing.” He was a fool. Had he had a chance with Dani, it was too late now.

  “Obviously, it’s something.” Scooting forward in his seat, Bryce leaned his forearms on the table. “Why do I have the feeling this is the Jay/Caroline dating situation all over again, and I’m the last one to know about something important?”

  “Are you ever going to let that drop?” Rob asked, hoping to bounce attention away from Dani.

  Jay turned his palms upward. “Seriously, was it really that big of a deal that Caroline and I didn’t tell you right away that we were dating?”

  “No, not really, I guess.” He relaxed his arms a bit. “But I’m still curious.”

  “Did Gram happen to mention who Dani is seeing?” Jay cast a wink Rob’s way.

  He wanted to knock the assuming grin from Jay’s face.

  “No. She only said that they don’t see each other much because their schedules are so conflicting.”

  Adam jumped in on the fun. “Did she say if they’re actually dating as in going out on dates, or just talking?”

  “They’ve been out a few times.” Bryce shook his head. “What difference does it make?”

  Rob leaned back, crossed his arms, and shot Jay and Adam a glare that shouted, “See, it’s not me.”

  “Oh, man,” Jay muttered under his breath.

  “Sorry, dude.” Adam looked at him with an apologetic glance.

  “Me, too.” Biting his bottom lip, he realized he’d said more than needed.

  Unfortunately, Bryce had heard it loud and clear. His muscles visibly tensed again and his eyes narrowed. “Spill it. Now.”

  Rob invoked the admit-nothing defense. “I already told you there’s nothing to tell.”

  “And I thought, collectively, we all agreed last year not to keep secrets.” Bryce leveled his gaze.

  “Back off, Bryce. Rob’s not hiding anything. Dani and he are just friends.” Adam tried to play peacemaker, but it only made Rob mad. Had he and Jay kept their mouths shut in the first place, this conversation wouldn’t be happening.

  “I’m not buying it.” Bryce argued. “There are too many telling looks being exchanged.”

  “Doesn’t matter whether you do or don’t because it’s not your
business either way.” Rob matched his glare, spark for spark.

  “That’s where you’re wrong. Dani is family and that makes her my business.”

  “And so what? What if I were dating her?” He threw out the challenge, waiting for a reply.

  “Then I’d do whatever it took to make her break things off.” Bryce’s response brought a gasp from Jay and Adam, but they said nothing.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” The words were ground out through clenched teeth.

  “It means that you might be my friend, but you’re not good enough for Dani.”

  “Glad to know you have such a high opinion of me, friend.” If words were tangible, he’d have spit on the final word.

  “Can you blame me? You don’t exactly have the best reputation.” Bryce gripped the edge of the table.

  “And you have room to talk? Where were you the first years of Gracie’s life?”

  Bryce’s expression changed, to something Rob recognized too well. Complete and utter grief. “That was a cheap shot,” Bryce whispered in strangled breaths.

  “That’s enough.” Adam crossed his arms, mimicking the action of a referee. “You’re both saying things you’ll regret tomorrow.”

  Rob shoved way from the table, throwing his napkin down. “I won’t regret a single word.” He grabbed his keys. “I’m out of here.”

  He was already on the road, driving, when he remembered Jay. Oh well, he can hitch a ride with Bryce. He thought back to the Saturday morning cartoons he’d watched as a child, the ones that had smoke come out of a character’s ears when they were mad. Right now, if he were a cartoon, billows of thick smoke would be erupting from him.

  Bryce’s past was checkered, much more so than his own. Who did he think he was to pass judgment, to say he wasn’t good enough for Dani? At least his anger kept him from dwelling on the fact that Dani was dating someone.

  He pulled into the venue, still full of steam, and drove to where the tour buses were. After parking behind the motorhome he and Jay were sharing, he walked around front. A groan rumbled from his chest when he saw Aubrey knocking on the door.

  “What do you want?” Since their wasted date, he’d avoided her, apathetic to knowing her further.