AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Glancing over my shoulder at the second story, I can’t see our friends, but I shake my head. “A little too much PDA going on right now.”
He laughs. “Adam told me once he thinks you’re hot. The only reason I didn’t punch him was that it was right after I told him his sister was hot. I could hook you two up if you want.”
I shake my head, giggling. “Thanks, but I think he’s a little busy.”
I nod to Maddox’s other side; he looks over and sees Adam still flirting with the girl I saw him with earlier. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind you joining in.”
“Gross,” I laugh, pushing his shoulder.
Looking past me, Maddox lifts his brows. “Then again, there might be someone else here who’d be interested in you.”
Confused, I turn to see what he’s referring to. At the end of the bar, Austin stands in nicer-than-usual jeans, and a black button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He scans the crowd, then sees Maddox and me on the stage, giving me a shy wave.
I spin around, gaping at Maddox. “What is he doing here?”
“I called him.”
“You called him?” I ask, almost appalled. “Why would you do that?”
“Because you like him.”
“Liked,” I correct.
“Right. That’s why you’ve been pouty and are now avoiding Derrik and EJ whenever Skye or Zoey are around.”
“I am not. I’m just …” I wrinkle my nose at my brother. “It doesn’t matter. You know what he did.”
“Yeah, and I know he tried apologizing to you. I also know you’re a stubborn bass player who feels burned by Bret.”
“That has nothing to do—”
“Yes, it does.”
Pulling his headphones down around his neck, he takes a step away from his table, bringing me with him, locking his eyes on mine. Even though my brother likes to have fun a whole lot more than take things seriously, I know his earnest expression when he’s real. It’s the same one he’s wearing now.
“You know how much I hated Bret,” he explains. “I know you liked him in the beginning, and I’m sorry you finally saw the type of dirtbag he was, but Austin isn’t him. I believe him, and I think you do, too. He made a mistake, Jade.”
“But how can I be sure?”
“You can’t.” Reaching over, he takes my hand. “But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Just go talk to him, one final time. If you really don’t believe him after tonight, I’ll never bring it up again. I can’t stand seeing you like this.”
A soft smile hits my lips, but I’m also a little taken aback. I didn’t think I was that obvious about my lingering thoughts and feelings. “Like what?”
“Like you are right now, writing nothing but songs about breaking up and being heartbroken.”
“I-I am not,” I counter, but there’s no confidence behind my words.
“Jade, yesterday I listened to you change a lyric from ‘heart that’s lost’ to ‘adrift among the tears,’ switching it around for thirty minutes. I’m all for artistic vision, but come on.”
I scowl, but my smile stays in place because I know he’s right. The stuff I’ve been writing lately has been a little darker and more somber than usual.
“Go.” He pushes my shoulder. “I already told you I believed him that day. If you still feel like you can’t trust him, then end it. For good. But I know you wouldn’t have tried to talk to him at all if you didn’t want to believe him.”
It’s true, but I don’t know how to do that. Maybe if we try to clear the air, I can finally determine if he’s telling me the truth or it was all one big scam.
Maddox slips the headphones back over his ears, returning to his table, and the song switches. It’s still loud and bass-filled, but the rhythm is a lot more upbeat than the previous song. Stepping down from his stage, I see Austin still waiting at the bar. His eyes never stop watching me.
The nerves begin to creep up inside as I approach him. Offering me another slight wave, he smiles. “Hey,” he calls out, more timid than confident.
