Front & Center (Book 2 of the Back-Up Series) (36 page)

We haven’t had time to go
home yet. As a favor, Lori and Alisa are heading over to my place to stock the fridge and romanticize for our secret rendezvous. 

“Maybe he’ll be here ton
ight,” Scott says nonchalantly.

“What? What do you know? Tell me? Is he coming?”

“Holy shit, Leila. I was just speculating.”

“Do not speculate!”

Hunter blatantly laughs at him and Scott mumbles under his breath. I feel bad I yelled at him, but Springsteen attending our show is no joking matter.

“Babe, I tried to get Jen to arrange it. He’s in Europe.”

“Ok. That’s good. I would be a nervous wreck if he was here tonight.”

He measures my facial expression and quirks one side of his mouth in disbelief.

“Honestly. Thank you for trying.”

“Are you ready to rehearse?” Jack asks tentatively.

I nod distractedly, my mind now wondering if he would have come if he were in the States.

The fantasy I had months ago, the one with the big ass stretch Hummer and screaming fans chasing us down the street? Yeah, it’s a reality now. Well, we don’t have screaming fans chasing us yet, but we are recognized daily now.

Our tour ended last week in New York City
, five months after we embarked in September. The media coverage we received was insane. Being endorsed by several rock bands such as, *Bayou Stix and MACE, as well as one of the top music critics in the industry catapulted us to the number one spot on the charts. Our album is selling so well, the label feels we may achieve Gold status within the year. My song to Leila is in the top ten. Leila’s single is as well. We’ve made it. We’re there. The fans are aggressive, interrupting us constantly for a photo-op or an autograph. It’s a strange, scary feeling knowing someone is always watching you. I sometimes feel like we are living in a fishbowl. But I wouldn’t trade any of it. The best part is having Leila right by my side.

In the few days since coming back to our
normal lives, it has been anything but normal. Leila and I have been bouncing between my place and hers due to commitments Jen arranged with reporters. I still feel homeless and out of sorts.

I
will be an official Hoboken resident as of tomorrow. I’m not exactly thrilled with the situation. Leila knows all about my Jersey induced affliction. She just rolls her eyes and reminds me it’s temporary. Truth is, I’m not as upset as I am letting on. I really am just trying to conjure up some sympathy from her. The more guilt she feels from dragging me across the Hudson, the more sex I get. I get a hard-on just thinking of living with her, in a real home, with many rooms at our disposal. I could care less what state we live in. Besides, it’s only a few months until we get married, and she already knows the day we return from our honeymoon, we will be apartment hunting in the city.

I will
miss living with Hunter. It was a blast. I owe him so much. He was there for me many years ago when I was lost, confused, and scared as all fuck with my career decision. The label of best friend isn’t adequate. He is a brother to me.

Hunter and the love of his life
, Mandi, will soon be roommates as well. She plans to move in within the next few days. Scott is planning to propose to Patti soon. She isn’t aware of it yet. I told Leila the day it happens will undoubtedly spawn a five-foot-four blonde bridezilla.

Trey and Lori are officially through. They both maintain it was mutual. She has succumbed to Matt’s endless pursuit. T
hey are officially a couple. I unfortunately know more details than I need to. Lori held nothing back a few nights ago while visiting. That girl has no shame. Hearing her play-by-play was both unnecessary and enlightening. I actually tried a few of her descriptive moves on Leila later that night.

We have all grown in so many ways.
Mainly in our careers, now that success has found us. Granted, we worked our asses off for it. We have also all significantly matured in the relationship department. Even Trey has morphed into a different person. Not one with marriage on his doorstep, but he’s softer, more approachable, more sensitive. Hell must have frozen over.

My p
riorities have most definitely shifted. My future ambitions are now altered to include domestication, something that was not on my radar less than a year ago. No one could have predicted the path my life has taken, myself included. While sitting in said Hummer, I glance from face to face, watching my band mates all animatedly reminiscing the highlights of our tour. Besides us, Dylan, Will, Oscar, Mandi, Patti and Krista are here. Krista and Dylan have been having a quiet conversation in the corner as they flirt shamelessly. When they migrated towards each other, my eyes collided with Leila’s in shock. Watching them from the opposite corner of the Hummer, I’m secretly hoping something comes of this. Besides their looks mimicking a Barbie and Ken doll, their personalities and careers are perfect for each other. Not that I ever worry anything would come from Dylan still harboring feelings towards Leila, but still.

“Hey
, baby. Are you ok?” Leila asks while nestled against my side.

It’s hard to verbalize what I’m feeling. How do
I convey in one word the feeling of complete and utter contentment and happiness like I’ve never felt before, excitement for our future, terror of something ever happening to her, anticipation of the children we will have some day, and gratefulness for my absolutely fucking perfect life?

“I am more than ok, baby
. I’m…complete.”

She
runs a fingertip over my bottom lip. “I love you.” She lifts her face until our lips touch. Our kiss progresses, each trying to consume the other, each trying to infuse our irrefutable desires into the other.

This woman rocks me to my core.

“You two gonna screw in the Hummer?” Hunter asks annoyingly. “I call dibs second.” Mandi elbows him as she blushes.

“What? Why should they have all the fun?”

“You’re such as jackass,” I announce.

We are just pulling up to Granite. The label is throwing us an End-of-Tour bash.
Our friends and families will be here tonight, as well as some select reporters that Jen personally invited. The normal line of club hoppers wraps around the building. Their noise level increases when we pull up. They have no idea who’s inside, but the presence of a Hummer elicits their curiosity.

“You guys ready to party?” Hunter asks as he literally bounces in his seat like a five
year old.

“I can’t wait to have
Jell-O shots.” Leila announces.

I raise an eyebrow and ask, “
Jell-O shots, huh?”

“Yep, many. I love them.” She leans in and whispers directly into my ear, “Plus, they make me really horny.”

“Tease.”

When Oscar opens our door, Hunter is the first one out.

One loud female on the line screams his name, drawing attention to the occupants of the Hummer. He raises his arms, soaking up every ounce of attention. As we each exit, the screams recommence.

“Do you think they truly know who we are?”
Leila asks, gripping my waist tightly.

“Some. Some are just copying the motions.”
She becomes understandably uneasy in public lately. I can’t blame her. It’s hard to get used to. My instinct is to turn around to see who they are actually screaming for, not quite believing it’s for us.

Once inside the door, Leila visibly relaxes at my side.
I’ve missed Granite. This place was our go-to place for fun. It’s also the place I first realized I was falling in love with Leila. My cock twitches thinking of our heated kiss on the overhang. I’ll have to re-enact that tonight.

“You look so fucking hot.” I rasp in her ear
as we walk into the bar. Her legs, her fucking beautiful legs go on forever. “Don’t bend over, this skirt is way too short. I don’t want anyone looking at what’s mine.”

She quirks one side of her mouth up and rolls her eyes. “Killjoy.”

“Hey, smartass.”

On the elevator ride up to the roof, I position her directly i
n front of me. I slowly skim my hand up the back of her thigh feeling nothing but smooth skin.

I press my lips to her ear and whisper, “Commando?”

“Thong.”

“Fuck.”

Her response is to push back against me, moving her hips slowly from side to side, spurring an instant erection.

“Fuck.”
I mutter again, taking hold of the hem of her dress and pulling it down in an attempt to cover her more.

She giggles at my frustration
, beating me at my own game.

I don’t have time to retaliate. T
he doors open to applause and cheers. I experience a brief moment of déjà vu from the night of my birthday party.

Charles from the label greets us at the door. “Congratulations on all your success. Louis sends his regrets, but wants you all as guests on his yacht this summer.”

“We are there.” Hunter speaks for all of us.

Jen
opens the night by making her usual speech. Charles follows with a speech of his own. A video montage is played, some photos from our performance, some candid silly shots from life on the buses and backstage. Krista tells our guests of future appearances, cover stories on schedule, and an honorable mention of our upcoming feature article in
Rolling Stone
this coming May. Once the pleasantries and plugs are out of the way, our party truly begins.

Our parents are here, as well as Cliffhangers and their significant others.
Leila and I are working the room, side by side when Trini comes over.

“I have missed you!” She exclaims, throwing her arms around me. I’ve missed her too
, as a friend. So much has changed since the last time I saw her. I tactfully remove her arms from around my neck, and she thankfully understands my discomfort.

“Sorry, Jack.”

“No worries.” I smile shyly. She returns my smile. I’ve been in some compromising positions with this little pixie and there is a strange dynamic between us now.

“
Um…Trin, you remember Leila?”

“Hey, Leila. Congratulations on your success and your engagement.
” She graces Leila with the same hug she just gave me. “You take good care of him, he’s a catch.”

Leila laughs and accepts Trini’s embrace.

“Thank you, Trini. I intend to.” She looks up at me amused.

Trey walks over to join us. “Hey
, Trin.”

“Hey
, handsome. How are you?”

“Good. Real good. You off tonight?”

“Yes, can you imagine?” Trini is not sporting the signature Granite uniform of tight black shorts and matching vest.

“I requested the night off. I wanted to party with you guys, celebrate your success properly.”

Trey nods with a small smirk on his lips and commands, “Walk me to the bar.”

A slow, sexy smile spreads across Trini’s face. “I thought you’d never ask.” She quips and takes his hand, dragging him across the room.

“Huh.” I mutter out loud.

“Are you jealous?” Leila teases.

“No. I’m stunned. Didn’t know they had a thing for each other.”

“Trey probably kept it to himself out of respect for you.” She watches them from across the room. “They are a pretty good match.”

I follow her gaze and stare at Trey and Trini standing close, flirting openly. “They kind of are. Who knew?”

Lori saunters over and nods towards Trey. “Who’s she?”

“An ex-fuck of Jack’s.” Leila blurts out.

“How many
Jell-O shots have you had?” I scowl.

She giggles adorably. “A few.”
I continue to frown when she adds, “Why are you mad? You are most definitely going to get lucky tonight.”

Before I can respond, Lori impatiently says,
“Yeah, yeah…Jack is going to get lucky. Woo hoo. So, why is Trey flirting with Jack’s ex-fuck?” Lori folds her arms over her ample chest and glares at me.

“Hey. You are in a relationship now.
Knock it off.”  Leila shoots back, in my defense.

“I miss him.”
Lori remembers her current dating situation. “Fuck. You’re right, but that man is good in bed.”

“Thanks, babe,
” Matt says, as he moves behind Lori and wraps his arms around her.

Lori’s eyes bulge a bit when she realizes Matt heard her last comment. She shoots me
an evil eye look when she sees that I’m trying to contain my laugh.

“I can’t get used to you two
together.” Leila mutters before downing another shot. I raise my brow in question and she sees my annoyance. “Oh, please. I am so over him.” She smacks Matt on the arm forcibly.

“Yeah, feeling
’s mutual.” Matt responds.

Lori turns in his arms planting a kiss on his lips. “I’m it for you. I’m your forever after. Even if we break up, I’ll wreck you for anyone else.”

Matt swallows audibly and simply nods in response.

“Aw, that’s hot Lor.” Leila slurs. She comes closer, wrapping her arms around my waist. As she nibbles on my ne
ck, I first notice how buzzed she really is. “You want to get some air?”

“Are we gonna make out?”

“Possibly.”

“Then
, yes please.” She turns to Lori and Matt and brags, “I’m gonna get some too.”

“Good for you, Lei Lei.” Lori smiles at her tipsy friend.

I take Leila by the hand, leading her towards our special place. Visions of my surprise party fill my head. She was so drunk that night and so sexy. I become aroused from the memory of her surrendering to my advances on this very balcony.

“God, that night
I wanted you so bad.” She admits, reading my thoughts.

“Me too. You have no idea how much.” I turn her body to mimic the position we were in that fateful night of my birthday party. She tilts her head, staring straight into my eyes, into my soul. She literally turns me inside out. I’m completely exposed from just one look.