Reckless Love: A Billionaire Baby Steamy Fantasy Multicultural Love Story Rockstar Romance (15 page)

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

The Quartet Goes Home

“Well that was some trip,” said Kerry, arranging her things in her suitcase for the flight home.
“I’ll say,” Robyn agreed. “But I am glad we came. Not so sure that Jasmine can say the same thing.”
Jasmine stuck her head out of the bathroom where she was finishing her makeup. “Yeah, I am not sure either. I mean, I had some of the best times of my life here. But also the worst.” She shook her head. “And wouldn’t you know, I threw up again this morning. Do you think it’s nerves? Or am I doomed to have a European love child?”

Kerry laughed, a little sadly. “Who knows? But since we have to be getting back you can check in with your doc, and soon you can take a test and find out if you’re preggers or not. And then you can decide what to do. And at least you know that Leo has the kind of money that if you keep the baby, you will be set. You won’t have to scramble.

“But until you have the time to sort it all out, Jasmine, it’s all about the Grammies, ok? We have to make this performance the best of our lives. You know millions of people will be watching.”

“Do we know any more details?”

“Nah,” said Kerry. “I haven’t heard anything. But they’ve emailed us the music and once we’re in the states and then we’ll have a few days to rehearse before the show. So I’m sure as long as we focus, it’ll be fantastic.”

“Can we see the music?”

“Sure, look on my tablet,” said Kerry. “It’s all here, but it’s an arrangement someone did – nothing obvious as to who it’s by.”

They gathered around the tablet with their instruments. In the moments before they started playing there was a bit of a crackle of excitement in the air, and it carried through the quick reading of the piece.

“Um,” said Robyn. “I hate to say it, but I think this is Reckless Love.” They looked at her. “That new song by Origin of Species, Leo’s band. I think we’re playing with them.” She shrugged. “I hear it everywhere I go, so I’ve kind of memorized the chord progression by now, and there is a string quartet in the recorded version.”
“Ugh, could things get any worse?” Jasmine cried, stricken. “Why, why?”

“And I think this song is probably about you,” Robyn continued gently. “Are you sure we can go through with this?”

“Did Leo invite us on purpose?” Jasmine said. “Did he do it before this story broke? Or will he be as surprised as anyone else?”

The music playing in the cab on the way to the airport confirmed it. “That was Reckless Love, the hot new single from Origin of Species,” said the jocular voice coming from the speakers. “What a wild band!”

“That Leo Wellington-Kerr sure has been in the news lately,” said the other announcer. “He’s quite the ladies’ man!”

“I’ll say! Who can blame them. One of the world’s most popular bands, and a huge family fortune – what woman could resist his charm?”

“From the looks of things, apparently hardly anyone,” laughed the voice. “There’s a new woman every day, it seems!”
 

Kerry leaned over to the driver while Jasmine grimaced and covered her ears. “Can you please turn this to another station?”

They couldn’t believe it, but when they got to the airport, Reckless Love was playing there as well. The song could be fueling the story, or the story the song, but however things were going, the fact was that it was reaching critical mass. It became crystal clear to Kerry just how important it was to them to do this performance, but at the same time, how hard it was going to be on Jasmine to play the song with Leo after news of his dalliances was made public. If it were any other concert, she’d say, let’s cancel.
But it was the Grammies. It was a huge deal. And to be playing the number one song, well, that was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up, no matter who boffed who.

The quartet was the priority and that was the way it had to be – and the way it had to stay.

***

“Hmmm, which color?” They were at a posh boutique in Beverly Hills: Rodarte, their new manager discreetly flashing around her black credit card. The plan was that they were all to choose matching dresses for the concert. Unfortunately, Jasmine was off in the bathroom at the coffee shop down the street, throwing up the latte and muffin she had nibbled at in an attempt to settle her stomach.

“So, um, should we get all the same color, or…?” As she tried to fill the awkward silence, Robyn’s eyes were wide, taking in the gorgeous designer gowns and shoes that filled the small boutique. Each was a work of art in itself, the designer’s edgy esthetic perfect for a rock show.

“Better to get the corresponding fabrics,” said their agent, Roxanne. “That way you can have continuity, but still everyone is in what flatters them.”

“Good plan,” Kerry said, fingering the pieces. She couldn’t wait to make a few choices and try them on, but Jasmine still wasn’t there. It was everything she feared: Jasmine gets involved with someone, and then she’s less available – not around when the quartet needs her the most. Still she had hoped that if it had had to be like this, the situation would have been different. That Jasmine would be less available because things were working out with Leo, not that she was probably pregnant from a guy who obviously didn’t give two shits about her. And having to back him on stage on one of the most important nights of her life.

She sighed.

This was their big opportunity to get these garments, gowns that they would never have been anywhere near their budget, and if she had to pick something for Jasmine she would.  The other girls had been holding up their clothes to their bodies in the mirror, and each had amassed a small collection. She could choose something to go with whatever they decided, for both herself and Jasmine if need be.

But the other part of her really wanted to share this success with her best friend. She grimly pulled a few dresses for Jasmine along with the gowns for herself, trying not to let Jasmine’s absence ruin the experience for them. 

Jasmine was on her knees in the coffee shop bathroom, nearly in tears with retching. Not only was she ill from typical morning-sickness, the fact that she even had morning sickness in the first place was stressing her out to the point that she was doubled over. She decided to go and buy some saltines and ginger ale, as soon as she had retched the last out of her system, but she knew she wasn’t going to be able to enjoy the dress shopping. Grabbing a cab with the last of her money, she hightailed it back to her apartment to lay down.

Closing her eyes, she laid back and thought about the pregnancy test she had taken that morning. How the lines had formed between her brows just as they had appeared on the plastic tube, indicating only one thing: she was pregnant.

What would she do. Would she even tell Leo? Or just take care of it? Or should she raise the baby on her own?
She had no idea what Leo’s family would think of a bastard child with a comparatively “low-class” woman such as herself, not exactly another noble, but she knew it wouldn’t be a situation where they were dying to host a baby shower.
Would they disown him, or welcome her? It didn’t matter. It’s not like she could marry him with the current situation.

Still he had asked her to trust him. When he had told her how things were on tour, he specifically said that he was struggling to be faithful. Could she even imagine trusting him?

It wasn’t above the tabloids to lie.

But there were so many pictures, so many women. And why hadn’t he called her?

Jasmine drifted off to a fitful sleep.

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Origin of Species

I’ve got to talk to Jasmine. I hope she doesn’t think I’m avoiding her.
Leo was afraid of her reaction.
What if she freaked out and ruined everything? Would she trust him, after their talk?
His stomach turned over.
Half of the women who’d come forward he hadn’t even met. The other half he’d been with, but it was old news. But that’s not what the tabloids were putting forth. They said he was with a girl a night. Or several. And yes, he’d been so in the past – but not anymore.

How was it even a story? Who cared? But they said whatever they wanted about the biggest stars of the day, and didn’t care who they hurt in the process. That was their business model.

Nigel poked Leo’s shoulder for the second time. He turned over in his compartment on the bus to look his friend in the face.
“Leo! Glad I found you. Graham is on the line. He wants to talk to you about the Grammies.” He held out his phone.

“Leo here,” he answered. “What is it, Fearnley?”

“Well, Leo, just checking in about the award performance. And congrats on all the publicity lately – it’ll do some good for the CD.”
“You’re congratulating me? You can’t be serious.”
“Of course I’m serious,” Graham laughed. “It’s the best thing that could have happened, aside from one of you getting arrested. That would be even better, but if they haven’t put Nigel away yet, they’re probably never going to catch him.”
“I’m sat here thinking the world’s come to an end and you’re congratulating me. Bloody brilliant.”
“Oh don’t be so dramatic. Actually, scratch that – continue on being dramatic – there’s nothing better for a rock band than some real drama.” Graham hooted on the other line, no doubt counting his money in his mind. “And you’re delivering in spades.”
“I’m not quite sure I share your enthusiasm, Fearnley.” Still, Graham’s positive attitude was loosening the feeling in the pit of his stomach.
“No doubt, but in no time this will all blow over, so enjoy it while it lasts. To be twenty-six again,” Graham said wistfully. “And as successful as Origin of Species!” He cleared his throat. “Anyway the Grammies people are over the moon about all the fuss, as you can well imagine, though they’re pretending shock. Did I tell you they approved the proposal to have your song played before the song of the year category? I’m sure you’ve heard that it’s nominated.”

“I wasn’t aware of that,” Leo said thoughtfully. “Well that’s one good bit of news.” He imagined telling Jasmine, how she’d be so excited for him.

“Absolutely. And kudos. An inspired song, Leo.” He cleared his throat. “You’ll also be happy to hear that we’ve approved the string quartet arrangement, and the group has accepted the gig – manager contacted, papers signed. It’s all going to happen. And it’s going to be big. You’ll blow the Yanks away!”
“In a manner of speaking,” Leo said drily.
Maybe things weren’t as bad as he thought. If Jasmine were planning to play the Grammies with him, the biggest concert they’d ever had, she couldn’t be mad, could she? He had been busy night and day with this story breaking, and hadn’t been in touch. He should text her. And he would, when the fear left the pit of his stomach.

What if she didn’t understand? What if he lost her? Like he had lost everyone he truly loved?

There wasn’t much time to explore that thought, in any case. Riff was urging him into rehearsal. Aside from their regular polishing, they needed time to learn the arrangement. Since it was different from the album version, and with a new group, it needed to be tight.
 

“You’re not too worried about this show, are you, Leo?” Riff asked as they entered the rehearsal space, which was littered with their instruments and cases, the walls covered in graffiti. The room was in an old factory, which had been repurposed strictly for artists, and Graham had rented the whole floor so that they wouldn’t have to worry about being bothered, or bothering anyone else with their late night practicing, and this one definitely going to go into the wee hours.

Leo tried to keep his mind where it needed to be – on the performance. 

Jasmine will understand if I can’t get in touch right now. She’s a musician. She knows what it’s like when things get busy. And I’ll see her at the Grammies.
But his belly was tight with fear, and he knew he was lying to himself.

The thump of the bass drum announced the beginning of Riff’s slow groove, and Leo did what he did best: got lost in the music.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

The Quartet arrives in LA

“Is this the right place?” Kerry said, eyes wide with astonishment. “This is nicer than any place I have ever been! I mean –“ she said, looking quickly at Jasmine, “the castle was amazing, but this is nice in a totally different way!”

“A totally American way,” Jessa smiled. “This is how we do it!” They let their eyes trail over the luxurious surroundings, waterfalls, enormous flower arrangements, and marble everywhere that made the hotel lobby what it was.

“It’s amazing, all right,” Jasmine said, unsuccessfully trying to muster up some enthusiasm. “Bling central.”
“Awl, come on Jasmine, it’s going to be all right,” Robyn grinned, putting her arm around her friend and squeezing.
“You’re gonna knock over my cello,” Jasmine grumbled back. But something inside her was still glad to get the hug. If she just didn’t feel as if she was going to fall over or throw up when anyone got close to her, it would be easier. But she had to admit that the extreme air conditioning was helping her nausea subside.

“OK, well let’s check in.” Noticing the newsstand in the corner, which featured not only the best of journalism but also the tabloids, Kerry figured she would go over to the front desk before Jasmine could get a look at them. She had already noticed Leo’s face across two and didn’t want Jasmine to be thrown off and with a barely perceptible look at Robyn, she was off. Robyn escorted Jasmine to one of the couches while they waited, tabloids out of sight. But Roxanne had done all the preliminary work for them and before long there were four porters grabbing their suitcases and ushering them to their rooms, which were just as lush and well appointed as the lobby. Their suites were adjacent and adjoining so that they could open all the doors and share, which would make it easier for practicing. It also included a beautiful terrace where the girls could enjoy a view of the city for breakfast, before the sun began beating down.

Kerry’s game face was in full effect, her irritation at Jasmine remaining under the surface. She didn’t want to do anything to further jeopardize their concert beyond what Jasmine’s situation had done. She suggested a nap and then possibly a practice.

Jasmine wondered if Leo was in the same hotel. She wasn’t stupid – she noticed his face splashed across the magazines on the newsstand, and knew the quartet was protecting her, but had wanted to keep quiet, to not make a fuss. The story was going strong – another woman had surfaced and her face was across the covers, and it wasn’t something that she could easily forget, especially when everyone was off in their own room, and she was alone with her thoughts.

After closing her eyes for a while, and laying back on the plush thick mattress, Jasmine decided to bide some time playing on her phone. She intended something innocuous, but found herself instead looking up the lyrics to Reckless Love. Telling herself that since they were going to be playing together, she figured she’d better learn the song properly, but she knew she just wanted to finally see what the fuss was about, to feel connected again to Leo. But as she began to read them, her breath stopped.

Reckless Love by Leo Wellington-Kerr

You came out of nowhere

You came from across the sea

Hunting me down

To save me

Don’t be scared, just do it

Just fall, go through it

Nothing is as reckless, so scary

As love

They said I would never be

Said it was wrong

To love forever

Was a dream, a scam

And I a complete charlatan…

They’ll never understand you and me

(Take my hand)

They’ll never know how it feels

(I’m your man)

If you’ll have me

Don’t be scared, just do it

Just fall, go through it

There’s nothing as reckless

As love

My love for you

Will you love me?

Was it about her? From across the sea? They’ll never understand… His family wouldn’t. The society wouldn’t. His band wouldn’t.

Especially now.
Her hand cupped her belly. Even if it hadn’t started to swell yet, she knew there was a presence in there.

The tears began to seep out of the sides of her face, pooling in her ears. She felt too tired to try to wipe them away.
How am I going to get through this? This show? This pregnancy? This relationship? Is it over?

She felt something shift, and opened her eyes, realizing she had fallen asleep, and had probably been so for a long time, from the way the light had changed in the room, falling into night. It was the quartet sitting on her bed.

“Hey,” said Kerry. “We need to talk.”

“Yeah,” Robyn said. Her voice was steady. “Look, we think that all this stuff about Leo is a lie.”
She sat up and rubbed her eyes. “Why is that?” She asked, looking from one to the next.

“You were still sleeping, and you looked so peaceful, we didn’t want to wake you, but we were all ready to eat. So we went downstairs to figure out where to grab a bite. We were in the lobby, when this woman approached us. She had a camera, and she was a journalist from one of these LA rags. Anyway she offered us some money if we’d look like we slept with Leo.”
“What?” The fog of sleep still lingering, Jasmine didn’t know what she was hearing. Her tongue was thick. “What are you talking about?”

“She wanted to pay us if she could get pictures of us leaving his room, hugging him, or kissing him or something like that.”
“I guess we looked the part, and like we needed the money,” said Jessa. “Because she said she could offer us a cool thou each.” She looked at the others. “What? I almost took it. A thousand ain’t nothing!”

The realization that the whole thing had probably been completely cooked up by the media was dawning on Jasmine. “Oh my Lord,” she said softly. “When he asked me to trust him, and said he was being faithful, maybe he was telling the truth.”
“And if he was telling the truth, you should talk to him about the baby,” prompted Kerry.

“But the rehearsal and show is coming up this weekend,” Jasmine said. “We only have a day or two. I don’t want to tell him before that. It might be really upsetting for him.”

Kerry’s eyes flashed in indignation. “Well he’s just going to have to get over it, isn’t he!?He’s the one who impregnated you!”

Jasmine couldn’t help but laugh at Kerry’s fierceness. Nothing like a good friend.

“It’s true,” she conceded. “But I don’t have to tell him that before the biggest night of his life!”

“Sure, okay. But now we can go on with the show?” Kerry asked, mouth twisted into a half grin. “I know we still have the pregnancy thing to deal with, but at least there’s a chance you guys will get through this?”

Hope bloomed through Jasmine’s heart. “I guess so. I guess there is a chance?” The other girls could see her whole countenance change, and they began to hope too. “So, did you guys figure out a place to eat?” She said suddenly. “I’m starved. And I am eating for two now you know!”

They erupted in giggles. “Nah, after that went down we came straight up here and had to tell you. So let’s get some burritos or something! On Roxanne!”

“Let’s do it!”

The day of the show finally came. They were surprised that they still hadn’t gotten a chance to rehearse with the band or even see Leo for that matter, but thanking their lucky stars for their training, which meant that they would be able to sail through the musical material with no errors, no problems, as long as the band stayed on the straight and narrow. The Grammy people were working with Roxanne scheduling them for all manner of styling, which was followed by filming promos, getting the staging set. It was a lot of ‘hurry up and wait,’ but their excitement was growing nonetheless.
“Can you believe we are playing the freaking Grammies?” Kerry cried out the morning of. “It’s finally hitting me! This is so exciting!”

“I know,” Jessa said, sipping her coffee. “It’s like a dream. I can’t wait to put on the dresses.”

“Do you know what I just realized? In all the fuss, Jasmine hasn’t even seen hers!” Kerry mused. “She’s never even tried it on!”

“Oh God I hope it fits,” Jasmine said, hand rushing to her mouth. She looked around. “Where is it?”

Kerry went to the closet and retrieved the garment bag. “I hope you like it,” she said doubtfully. “I picked what I thought would be the best for you, you know, your body type, and how it would look with the cello and everything, and go with the rest of our outfits.”

“Thank you so much for doing that,” Jasmine said, suddenly touched. “I’m sorry I couldn’t share that experience with you guys.”
“Us too,” Robyn said simply. “But I can’t wait. You have to try it on.”

Unzipping the bag, the full effect of the gown was revealed. Jasmine pushed the edges of the garment bag away, showing an off the shoulder, white beaded dress with different color applique streaming away from it, unfinished edges contributing to both a rock and roll kind of look and an airy quality.

“Oh I almost forgot the shoes!” Kerry said, happy with the look on Jasmine’s face – both shocked and in love. She produced a large box with lace up high-heeled boot sandals featuring snake-embossed heels, which would look killer on either side of the cello. “Did I do good?” Kerry grinned.

“You did freaking amazing!” Jasmine cried. “I love this!”

“Try it on, girl!” Robyn yelled, coming in from the terrace. “We want to see!”

Mere moments later, Jasmine appeared in the dress and boot sandals, a doubtful look on her face.

“Do I look ok?” she asked. “It’s a little tight, no?”

“Not at all,” Jessa raved. “You look super sexy, oh my god! The way it hugs your curves –”

“And your waist! It’s perfect,” Kerry breathed. “Just perfect.”

They all hugged. “I can’t wait to see us all together! And a photo shoot!”
“And Jasmine-“ started Kerry.

“Yeah?”

“Just wait until Leo sees you. He’s going to go wild.”

A smile blossomed on her face. “Well I should take it off before it gets wrinkled or we spill coffee or something.” She was imagining Leo’s reaction.