“Damn. That’s a long way from here.” I scrub the side of my face. Eli and Ava are solid. Things might be tense now, but they’ll make it. I have all the faith in them.
“I know. Eli’s not happy about her being that far. And I think Ava feels guilty.” Tony glances toward the sliding glass door, watching Ava and Eli duke it out in conversation. “They’ll be all right.”
“Sure they will,” I say with a nod, glancing around the room. My gaze snags on a dark head, and I know even though I can’t see her face that it’s Ellie. She’s talking with a gorgeous blonde, and I realize it’s Tony’s girlfriend, Hayden.
They glance over at me at the same time, averting their heads quickly when they spot me already staring, and I wonder…
“I think your girl and Ellie are talking about me,” I tell Tony.
“Oh really?” His voice is casual, like it’s no big deal. “Hayden is a huge fan of your music.”
“You don’t say?” I try to take a sip from my beer bottle but realize it’s empty. Damn it. “I’m thinking Ellie is filling her in on how much she hates me, and I bet your girlfriend eventually won’t like me anymore.”
“Hayden’s not like that,” Tony says. “She gives everyone a fair chance. Trust me, she’s a total fan. If she wasn’t so into me, I’d be jealous of the way she talks about you.”
I start to laugh. “You just made my night. Maybe Hayden could be the president of my fan club.”
“I think that’s more Ellie’s thing,” Tony says, sending me a knowing look.
“Not anymore.” Her catching me with that groupie in the dressing room ruined everything, I bet. I set my empty beer bottle on the kitchen counter. “I think I’m gonna go talk to her.”
“Who? Ellie? That’s probably not a good idea.” Tony frowns.
“Nah, I need to talk to her. It’s the right thing to do. Y’all are giving me shit for what I did. I need to acknowledge her.” Maybe even apologize to her, but shit. I never said we could end up together someday.
Tony yells at me as I make my way to the two women huddled together on the couch, but I ignore him, too busy concentrating on putting extra swagger in my step. So much, I nearly trip and fall on my fucking face since I’m so drunk.
The girls witness my near fall and don’t even crack a smile as they watch my approach. They just stare at me blankly.
Huh. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea after all.
Four
Ellie
“Stay strong,” Hayden murmurs close to my ear as we watch Jackson stagger toward us. How much did he have to drink anyway? “Don’t let him sweet talk you into removing your panties.”
“Ha, in my dreams,” I mutter, not even bothering to smile when he stops directly in front of us, his body swaying as if he’s being blown by the wind.
“Ladies.” He beams, and my heart flutters. I tell it to stop. “Talking about me?”
“Arrogant as ever, Jackson,” Hayden says, her voice light. Teasing. I need to do more of that. Be light. Teasing. But I’m too mad to be anything but a pissed-off bitch toward Jackson.
“Well, I couldn’t help but see you two looking over at me earlier.” He plops down onto the couch beside me, so close his warmth seeps into me. Slinging his arm around my shoulders, he leans forward so he can look at Hayden. “Tony tells me you’re a fan.”
“I’m going to kill him,” she mutters under her breath as she smiles pleasantly at Jackson. “Yes. I’ve enjoyed your performances.”
“Cool, cool.” He nods, his arm squeezing my shoulders as he tugs me closer. “Ellie here is my most devoted fan.”
“You don’t say.” The sarcasm in Hayden’s voice is heavy. “I had no idea.”
“Yeah, she’s been loving my music since my senior year in high school.” He gazes down at me, his perfect lips curved into the faintest smile. “I can always count on Ellie’s unwavering support.”
“Um, I’m going to go find Tony.” Hayden glances at me. “You going to be okay?”
I nod, ignoring the flare of panic lighting up my insides at her leaving us alone. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“I’ll come back and check on you in a few.” She stands, pointing at Jackson. “Be good.”