Page 137 of The Jaded Notes

I turn, my mind already racing with possibilities. Coachella. The biggest stage in the country, with cameras rolling and the whole world watching, I can make a statement.

“We’re headlining Coachella.” The plan is already forming in my head.

Cooper cocks his head. “Yeah, so?”

“So maybe she’ll wanna be there.” I motion to Bren. “For you, if nothing else.”

Understanding dawns in his gaze. “Cash, no. Whatever you’re thinking, the answer is no. That’s too big of a night for us.”

“Hear me out.” Adrenaline surges through my veins. “What if we could get her there? What if she saw us perform, saw how far we’ve come, and remembered what we used to have?”

“What you used to have nearly killed both of you.” Cooper releases a low growl. “Maybe some things should stay buried.”

“Or maybe some things are worth fighting for.” I eye each of them in turn. “I’m not talking about doing anything crazy. Just...giving her a chance to see who I’ve become. The man I am now, not the fucked-up kid I was when she left.”

“You sliced her heart out of her chest like she was your enemy.” Hawke rubs his neck. “Even if she agrees to come, which is a big if, what makes you think she’ll wanna talk to you?”

“Because I know her. And what Guns just told me proves she still cares.” The familiar fire builds in my chest, the same determination that helped me take down Leon and build my empire. “She asked about me. That means something.”

“Or it means she was being polite.” Bren shrugs. “Cash, I love you like a brother, but you can’t force someone to love you back. It’s been four and a half years. Maybe it’s time to let her go.”

“Our story wasn’t over when it ended. It was stolen from us.” The words come out bare and honest. “I’m not trying to force anything. I just want a chance to show her I’m not the same man she walked away from. I’ve changed. What we had was real, and maybe it could be again.”

The room falls silent. They all seem to process what I’m saying, weighing the risks against the possibility of helping their friend find happiness…finally.

Bren sighs. “What exactly are you asking us to do?”

“Help me get her to Coachella. You’re the only one she trusts enough to say yes to.” I meet his gaze. “I’m not asking you to lie to her or trick her. Just invite her to come support you.”

“And then what?” He points to the control booth. “You serenade her from the stage and hope she falls back into your arms?”

“Maybe. Then I prove to her that some people can change. That some love is worth fighting for, even when it seems impossible.” My heart hammers against my ribs, knowing everything hangs on this moment.

“I’ll think about it.” Bren turns away. “But I’m not making any guarantees. And if she says no, you drop this. For good.”

Relief and terror fight in my chest. “Agreed.”

As the others pack up their instruments and head out, I remain behind in the studio.

She’s not seeing anyone seriously. The words echo in my head like a promise. Because if that’s true, I still have a chance.

But if I’m wrong, if that joy I saw at the house was genuine love and not just casual comfort, then pursuing her might be the cruelest thing I could do to either of us.

My phone buzzes again. It’s a text from our tour manager about final details for Coachella.

April’s coming up fast. And that’s all the time I have tofigure out if the woman I love is truly lost to me forever or if there’s still a chance to reclaim what we once had.

I go outside, light a cigarette, and stare out at the Los Angeles skyline, wondering if somewhere out there, she’s thinking about me too. And if she is, the world better watch out because this time I’m not fucking around.

Chapter Thirty

JAXON/JAX

One Month From Now

Gorgeous Chaos & Freedom In The Wind

Love isn’t always whispered in candlelight. Sometimes it’s screamed into the sky with your arms wide open, daring the world to take it away.