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3
Jade
“That’s the last one,” Maddox says, setting down a cardboard box on my new bedroom floor.
I’m moving into my uncle Peter’s penthouse instead of traversing back and forth. I probably could’ve bought a small apartment somewhere in the city, but Peter offered, and I figured why not. Since we’re done touring, he’s hardly home while he focuses on his other clients.
“Jade, our house is only thirty minutes away,” Maddox says, undoing one of the boxes.
“Hey, don’t do that.” I push him away, closing the lid to the box.
“What?” He shrugs. “It’s just books and stuff. I was only helping.”
“Okay.” I nod with a grin and go to a box, knowing what’s inside. Undoing the top, I reach in and pull out a pair of underwear. “Here, catch.”
He reacts without thinking, catching the piece of clothing. “What’s this— Ew!” He immediately drops the underwear. “That’s disgusting.”
I laugh, walking over and picking them up. They’re cute, too. Light pink with little diamonds imprinted on them. “Believe me, not as disgusting as seeing your boxer briefs lying around on the tour bus. Anyway, I want to unpack myself. Get a feel for the place.”
“A feel?” He quirks an eyebrow. “You’re such an artsy songwriter. It’s a bedroom, Jade.”
“I know that, Maddox,” I reply, mocking him. “And back to our discussion, I know our place is only thirty minutes away, but Peter’s place is within walking distance. Not to mention the galleria is close by, and the park.”
“Like you’re going to walk or spend time at the park. You’ll get mobbed in seconds.”
“Hey, I know how to disguise myself as much as you guys.”
He nods, then turns to head back to the door. Once we reach the door, the penthouse entryway opens directly into an elevator. He hits the button, and we wait for the lift. Scanning the living room opening again, he remarks, “I have to admit it, Jade, Peter’s place is awesome. We could throw some sweet parties here.”
“Maddox, don’t even start.”
He laughs. “I’m just sayin’.” The elevator dings and the doors open. We both step in, and he hits the first-floor button. “You sure you’re gonna be okay?”
Maddox is not one for warm and fuzzy feelings. He’s completely embraced his King of Bad nickname in the band and takes full advantage of being the bad boy of the group. He likes to party, have fun, and act carefree. And for the most part, he is.
But he’s also my twin brother. Sometimes people give us a double take. Not only is our gender different, but he’s dark-haired, and I’m dirty blonde. The only physical similarity between us is our green eyes. Our personalities are probably what differentiates us the most, though.
I like easygoing music or alt-rock type stuff, and he likes club music with loud bass. He loves life on the road when we’re touring, while I could just as easily stay home and do the little club shows we do on occasion, instead of performing in front of thousands of people.
He drinks, and I’m straight edge, something he likes to make fun of me for. I know he does it with love, and there’s never any malice behind his words. There was a small incident when we started touring with Maddox that made my mind up about alcohol and drugs. Not that Maddox abuses drugs, but just like any other eighteen-year-old out there, he has fun. And being who we are, anything and everything is readily available to us. I’m just glad he prefers partying in clubs and girls over other worse vices.
All of that said, when it’s just him and me? When no one else is around, there’s a soft side of Maddox that he rarely shows anyone else. EJ and Derrik have seen it, but only a handful of times. He’s four minutes older than me, but there are times when he acts like I’m his kid sister. I know he’d do anything for me, and me for him.
Reaching over, I grab his hand. He offers me a smile. The real Maddox smile, not the crooked, cocky grin he likes to keep on display. “I’m gonna be fine, Maddy.” He chuckles at the nickname I only call him on occasion. “Like you said, I’m close to home still. It’s not like I’m moving across the country or something.”
He lifts his shoulders. “I know. I just … you’re gonna be all alone.”
“I won’t.” I smile. The elevator dings again, and the door opens. As if she was listening in to our conversation, Lillian is waiting on the first floor. “Lily!” I yell, rushing to her and wrapping my arms around her.
She squeezes me back. “I was just gonna call you to head up.”
“Lily,” Maddox says, stepping closer to her. “Lily, Lily, Lily.”
Letting me go, she moves toward Maddox, putting a finger to his chest. “That’s my name, Maddox. At least, the last time I checked.”
I usually might intercede. Lily is my best friend. We went to school together, and she graduated while I was traveling the world with the Kings. Because we all went to school together, that means she and Maddox have a history. But it was a very brief history. Actually, brief might even be too long of a word. They went out on one date during our sophomore year. She told him it was fun but that she wasn’t interested. Since she was my best friend, it felt weird. I don’t tease him about it too much, but times like these make it too easy.
“Would you two like to be alone?” I ask, glancing over at Maddox. “Oh, that’s right. It wouldn’t do any good.”
