Page 146 of The Jaded Notes

“Bren, wow. You guys are huge now.” I glance around the area where the crew is taking a break, trying to forget that Jax left me and is in Malaysia for however long he needs to be there.

We’re not near the band’s holding designation, so I’m confident Callum won’t show up. But there’s a chance since Bren said he distracted him and then bolted away without telling Callum where he was going.

“Since we won the Grammy Awards, things have blown up.” Bren eyes Quinn up and down. “Livianna said your name’s Quinn? Did I get that right?”

She tosses her hair back in a casual but confident way. “That’s right. Should I call you Bren or Guns?”

He shrugs and flashes his famous lopsided grin. “What do you wanna call me?”

She taps her pointer finger against her lips. “Let me think about it. I just met you, so I need some time to feel you out.”

“Feel me out all you want.” Bren steps closer to her.

She gets a foot before him. “Play your cards right and there’s a chance of that happening later.”

“I don’t play cards. I play the guitar. And tonight, I’m dedicating my performance to you.” He holds her gaze.

I turn my head, still on edge. “What’s the plan, Bren? Do we hang out here with you, or where do you want us?”

He gets back into my line of sight. “I’ve gotta meet up with the guys to run through a few things. You’ve got the all-access pass, so venture wherever you choose, but I’d stay in the VIP area if I were you. You’re still big news here in the States, so you have to be aware of what’s going on around you.”

A quick spike of adrenaline zaps me, but I’m buzzed enough it doesn’t drag me under. “I’ve been back for quite a while now. I think I know how to handle myself.”

“Well, just be careful. The crowds at festivals can be relentless.” He takes his gaze to Quinn. “You two have fun and remember who you’re meeting after the show.”

“Are you worried someone might snatch me up while you’re working?” Her voice sings with mischief.

“They can try, and no doubt they will, but babydoll, you’re leaving with me.” He takes one large stride and kisses her on the cheek.

It surprises even me. “Bren, you just met. Give her some time to warm up to you.”

“It’s all good, Livianna. He can woo me all he wants.” She sends him a look like she’s got him right where she wants.

She’s smart, so she probably does. We let Bren get back to the crew and go meander around the grounds. We check out different bands playing in tents while I maintain my buzz.

It’s not helping me forget about Jax, but the alcohol mutes the pain. I haven’t acted out like this in ages and know I’mgoing to regret consuming so much in the morning, but whatever.

Once we find the VIP area, we get in line to get another drink. My phone rings, and Jax’s pet name shines up at me.

I answer with my hands shaking and a smile across my face as big as Texas. “Jax, I can’t believe it’s you.”

“Mon trésor, is it ever nice to hear your voice.”

Loud people talking and singing make it hard to hear. “Jax, are you there?”

“Yes, Livianna. Do we have a poor connection?”

I take a second to duck into a tent near us and take my shades off. “No. I can hear you now. Hold on for just a second.”

I cover the speaker and wait for Quinn to join me. When she’s close enough she can hear, I make an excuse for her to leave me alone.

“Quinn, will you get me another vodka soda while I take this work call? I’ll only be a few minutes. I just need to answer some questions.”

“No problem. Stay in this area and I’ll find you.” She takes off without waiting for a response.

I return my attention to Jax. “Sorry about that. I’m with Quinn and wanted to have some privacy, so I asked her to go get me a cocktail.”

“You’re drinking on a Sunday?”