Rock and Roll Country (Jesse's Girl #1) (9 page)
Read Rock and Roll Country (Jesse's Girl #1) Online
Authors: Kandice Michelle Young
Back to the scene of the crime, another shift at Tony’s where it all began. I’m sure Lacey’s given him my letter by now. The very fact that he hasn’t responded is proof that to him, it didn’t really matter. Maybe Kita was right. Maybe my lack of experience did allow me to imagine some sort of nonexistent connection.
“Waitress?”
In no mood for this today, I spin around and plaster a fake smile on my face. “What do you need?”
“Another round,” the trucker type guy says. “And how’s about a basket of hot wings with your number on the side.”
“How’s about a salad with a side of go fuck yourself?” I quip, much to the delight of his friends. Instantly regretting my impulsiveness, I smile as sweetly as I can. “I’m sorry. It’s a bad night. Doesn’t give me the right to take it out on you fine gentlemen. Another round and those wings will be on the house for my mouth.”
“Now that’s more like it,” he grins, patting his plump belly.
Repulsed, I check my phone on the way to the counter to put in their order. Not a single call or text.
The rest of my night passes just as slowly. By midnight, we’re down to our last few tables and the only thing holding me up is the counter. “Got some coffee on in the back,” Tony says, coming to the register to collect my drawer.
“Thanks,” I answer, with a yawn. “When Betty gets back from her smoke break, I’ll take you up on that.”
“You’re a catch, Sophie. My top girl,” he jokes, running a hand over his bald scalp. “Thanks for pulling double your weight. Can’t believe Lacey left us high and dry.”
“I can,” I laugh. “When you think about it, that’s exactly the kind of thing she’d do.”
“You’re right about that one,” he winks, green eyes full of light.
The bulb lights of the makeup mirror shining in my eyes, I stare at myself. This is what I love, what I was born to do. So why do I feel so lost? Glancing at Sophie’s letter on the vanity, shake my head. No, I’ve already decided not to have a go at it until after the show. The last thing I need right now is for anything to fuck with my head.
“Pony up,” Tag says, dropping by to let me know it’s time.
Walking through the corridor leading to the stage of the Verizon Arena, I hear the crowd chanting as the opening act closes and starts introducing us. Reaching the stage entrance, I welcome the flood of adrenaline as the stage lights go dark signaling the changeover of sets. Taking my place at the mic stand, I smile. For the next ninety minutes at least, Sophie Westbrook and the enchantment she has me under will be nothing more than a distant memory.
“That was awesome,” Lacey says, latching onto me as I exit the stage.
Slinging my towel over my shoulders, I nod. “Thanks.”
“Care if I hang with you for a bit?” She asks, handing me an unopened bottle of water.
“I don’t suppose I do, but I thought you were here with Tag.”
“Ugh,” making sure to keep her head forward, she shoves her hands in her pockets, “it’s part of our agreement. He gets to indulge in whomever and whatever he wants after the show, but I’m the only one allowed in his bed at night.”
Deciding it’s best not to touch that one, I open the door to my dressing room. “Help yourself to whatever you like. I’m going to grab a quick change in the loo.”
Grabbing a bag of Cheetos, she shrugs. “Take your time.”
Collecting a change of clothes and my toiletry kit, I step into the private restroom. Post show enthusiasm rapidly draining from my system, I have a quick wash up and change into a more comfortable pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Lacing my sneakers, I gather my my belongings and step back into the dressing room. Lacey has made herself comfortable with one of my Xbox controls and is now having a go at FIFA.
Socked feet tucked under her, she looks over at me and smiles. “Wanna join me?”
“Maybe in a minute,” I answer, taking hold of the last piece of Sophie that’s within my reach. “I have to take care of something first.”
Grabbing the letter, I step back out into the hallway. All around me, the crew works tirelessly to get us packed up and on the road to Louisiana. Nodding my appreciation to our sound manager, I lean against the wall and unfold the letter.
Taking a deep breath, I read:
Prince Jesse,
I didn’t expect you to be my Prince Charming when I made the joke in the bar. In fact, I thought you’d be just like every other arrogant asshole who has ever sat at that table hoping to score with me. And, I think we can both agree that for a while you were.
That changed last night, and it only got better this morning. I see you for more than just the leather and the groupies. When I look in your eyes I see a broken man, begging for someone to fix him. I know what that looks like, because for a long time now I’ve been a desperate girl praying for someone to save her.
I think you’re that someone, Jesse. At least, I want you to be. That’s the part that terrifies me. I don’t have the best track record when it comes to relationships. For the most part they all end in ashes. I have no doubt that loving you will destroy me, and yet I can’t shake this feeling that loving you is something I’m meant to do one day.
Something about you has the power to bring me to life, Jesse Lee, and after a long time of feeling nothing I’d love the chance to feel something again. It’s crazy to even think about, your life is on the road and mine is here. I have no idea how we’d even begin to make it work. You’ve seen all I have to offer. I know you’re used to so much more, but I’m hoping you can forget that.
I want to know you, Jesse. I want to heal your wounds, and discover your flaws. And I want you to want to do those things with me too. This morning you said you’d like to keep in touch. I rejected the idea, but not because that wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear. I ran from it because it was more than I could’ve ever dreamed.
I don’t know if you still want that, but here’s my number. 555-555-0157. I have to work tonight, but I always keep my phone on. If any of this sounds good to you, please call me.
I hope you do.
Sophie
Unable to contain the crashing thuds of my heart against my chest, I barrel through the dressing room door. “You can have a go at anything you like, just make sure they pack up my systems when they chase you out.” Not caring about organization, I grab my duffel bag and begin throwing any loose bits of my stuff into it.”
“Everything alright?” Lacey asks, alarmed.
“Fine,” I answer, using one hand to search for a cab company while trying to zip the duffel shut with the other.
Coming over to help, she states. “This doesn’t say fine. It says panicked.”
Taking a minute to collect my breath, I smile. “I’m fine. Really. Just let the guys know I’ll make it in time for the show tomorrow no matter what happens.”
“Wait. What? Why would they be concerned about that?”
Ignoring her I instruct my phone to dial the number from the internet browser. “Yes, hello, I need a cab from the Verizon Arena to Memphis, TN.”
“Memphis?” Lacey asks, her eyes lighting up. “You’re going to get Country, aren’t you?”
“We don’t really do transit to other cities.”
“I’ll pay double the fair, plus tip,” I insist.
“Let me see what I can do,” the operator replies through her thick drawl.
Feeling as though I’ll jump straight from my skin with every click of her keyboard, I watch as Lacey slips back into her shoes. “What are you doing?” I ask, covering the phone with my palm.
“If you’re going after Country, I’m coming with you,” she replies. “I know my way around the city better, plus I have a key to Tony’s.”
“We can have someone there in ten minutes,” the operator says, coming back on the line.
“Deal,” I agree, hanging up and fully focusing on Lacey. “You can’t go. You have to make sure someone knows where I’ve gone.”
“Hey, you,” she screams, opening the door and grabbing the attention of the nearest roadie. “Tell whoever needs to know that me and Jesse are going back to Memphis. We’ll meet up with you guys in New Orleans.” Raising her eyebrows, she turns to me. “Done.”
“Of all the partners in crime in the world, I’m stuck with you,” I respond, shaking my head.
“Oh come on now,” she smiles. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. I’m sure I’ll grow to love you.”
“Come on,” I say, lifting the duffel bag. “If we’re going to do this we have about a ten second window before someone grabs us after that colorful announcement you gave.”
“Watch out, Country!” She exclaims. “You’re not gonna know what hit ya.”
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Seeking Country: Jesse’s Girl Part 2
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The Final Installment in the Run Series
Run All the Way
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Kandice is a serial lover of all things pink, chocolate enthusiast, homeschooling mother, and wannabe yogi.
Kandi’s love of storytelling can be traced back to her fourth grade year, when a history lesson on Native Americans became too unimaginative for her liking. She took it upon herself to liven things up by creating a story that was based on half-truths about a self-named Indian Princess.
Kandice is in fact of Native American heritage (her great-grandmother was a full-blooded Cherokee) and in her own mind a princess, so you can see where her inspiration came from. Her story was a huge hit with friends, and an author was born.
Kandice was born and raised in rural Arkansas, where she currently lives with her husband and three children. Though, if you ask her she’ll confirm that her soul is lost somewhere on the west coast waiting for the day that her body can rejoin it.