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Chapter 30
Abby
Abby stole her millionth glance at Jet as they wound their way through the mountain roads on the way to Portland. She’d been honored when he’d asked her to ride with him on his way to the big show, but now that they’d been on the road for almost an hour, he’d barely said a word.
She didn’t speak either. If he was nervous, or tense, or even just contemplative, she knew that the sound of someone else’s voice– especially if that person were asking questions or expecting some kind of response– could be really grating, so she’d stayed quiet.
But, with every passing minute, she was rethinking that decision. What if he actually wanted to talk, and was just waiting for her to say something?
Damn! This was complicated, this whole “being on the same team” thing. Even though she loved it, obviously, in many ways their competitive relationship had been simpler to understand. The rules were clear cut. If that was what they still were to each other, she’d be ribbing him right now. She knew that was wrong– but the problem was, she didn’t know what was right.
Finally, Jet solved the dilemma for her by speaking first.
“Do you think I’m making a mistake?”
She whipped her head around, shocked at the question. “Of course not! I think you’re doing a beautiful thing. You’re giving The Angel Network a tremendous gift, and also allowing yourself the opportunity to close out a chapter in your life with dignity. And grace.”
He nodded. “I guess. Maybe I’m just nervous about what stuff performing with the guys tonight might bring up.”
“You mean, like you might feel sad that it’s really all over? That it will drive home how much you’ll miss it?”
“Yeah, that. Or that I’ll be overwhelmed by uncertainty about the future. Kicking myself because it’ll make me realize the true depth of what I gave up with my shitty behavior.”
Abby sighed. “Damn. Aren’t you glad you invited me? I’m cheering you right up. We’re a couple of rays of sunshine.”
He shot her a smile. “I’m never not glad to be with you, Abs.”
She closed her eyes, relishing the warmth that spread through her body at his words.
“Anyway,” he continued. “There is one thing I’m really looking forward to tonight. Something that I’ve never gotten the chance to do before.”
Abby’s curiosity was piqued. Jet hadn’t lived the kind of life where very many experiences were left on the table. “What’s that?”
He reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. “Perform with you in the audience.”
“Aww. Babe. You’re making my heart melt.”
“Good. That’s a nice warm-up on the ‘making things melt’ list. Later we’ll move on to panties.”
She laughed. “Done and done.”
It was such a nice moment, and he was clearly hanging onto the idea that she was a Valentine concert virgin as a way to navigate the evening, so she decided to keep all of the shows she’d attended in undercover mode over the years to herself. Those could remain locked in the vault, right alongside her Google search history.
The conversation seemed to break the ice of Jet’s tension, and they chatted the rest of the drive up to Portland as if it was just another drive, just another night. Just another show.
When they pulled into the parking lot of the venue, it was totally empty, which felt strange. Abby asked, “Where is everybody?”
He smiled at her as he pulled the car around back. He teased, “You don’t park in the parking lot when you’re with me, baby. You’re with the band, now.”
She knew he was joking, but the statement made her feel way more special, in a very deep and real way, than she thought it probably should for someone like her– an independent, strong-minded business owner nearing thirty. She wasn’t a teeny bopper, for God’s sake.
Oh, what the hell. I get to be Cinderella for a night. Why not enjoy my Prince Charming before we all turn back into pumpkins?
Jet pulled the car up next to a loading dock at the back of the building, next to a cluster of other cars and vans.
He took a deep breath but didn’t move to open the door or get out.
She put a hand over his. “It’s getting real, huh?”
