“She’s not feeling well, so she went to lie down.” Josie answers. I look at the stairs and wonder what room she’s in. Could she be in the one I use when I stay here? She could be, especially since I told Liam I would stay in a hotel this time so he and Josie can have some privacy.
I nod and walk away. If she’s not sitting down here it’s not like I can go up and see her. I could pretend that I’m tired and that I forgot I was staying somewhere else. I could go and sing to her like my mum sang to me when I was sick. I don’t think she’d go for it though. I’m pretty sure she wants nothing to do with me. It’s easier this way.
I find the guys sitting around the kitchen table. They’re telling Paul what the dickhead looks like. I didn’t get a good look. All I saw was the black hat and long coat. Christ, I thought he was an agent. Instead he was biding his time until he could pounce on Jenna.
I pull out an empty chair and sit down. I guess this is probably the best place for me to be right now. I can’t offer support to Jenna without raising suspicion and right now neither of us need that.
“Did you get a good look at him?” Paul asks me.
“No, I didn’t. I saw him sitting there before we went on. I thought he was an agent. It wasn’t until I saw Jenna drop her tray that I knew something was up. But I froze. I should’ve beaten the crap out of him when I had the chance.”
“Me too,” Liam adds. “We didn’t know there was an ex until today or the extent of their relationship. If we had, you’d have him sitting in the back of your police car.”
“He has police connections too,” Harrison adds. Liam and I nod. “A friend on the force in Blaine, Washington, that’s where they’re from.”
“And you just learned all this tonight?”
“My wife’s known for a long time. She and Katelyn weren’t shocked at all when Jenna muttered the word ex.”
Liam looks like he’s deep in thought and it makes me wonder if he is thinking about how long it’s taken him to finally make Josie his wife. Once he got her back, he didn’t shut up about her. Not that we minded, we love her – it’s as if she’s always been a part of this adventure.
“I should probably talk to Jenna.”
“I’ll go get her,” I volunteer, probably too quickly. Liam and Harrison look at me like I have two heads. I try to play it off. “I have to use the bathroom anyway.” I excuse myself and take the steps two at a time until I’m on the landing. The door to the room that I usually stay in is closed. My steps are quiet, in case she’s sleeping. I knock softly.
“Come in.”
I twist the handle slowly and push the door open. The bedside lamp is on and Jenna’s lying on her side, holding her stomach. I can’t imagine what’s going through her mind right now. Is she holding herself because the memories are so vivid?
“Hey, Sweet Lips.”
She smiles softly. I like that I can make her smile with her nickname.
“I should ask why you call me that, but not tonight.”
“No, not tonight. Let’s save that question for another time, like when you can really appreciate my answer.” I sit down next to her and pull her legs onto my lap. I can be a good friend to her, maybe her best guy mate if that’s what she needs. “Josie says you’re sick, what’s wrong?”
“Flu,” she answers quickly.
“My mum used to give me tea and then she’d sing to me.”
“Did it work?”
“God, no. My mum can’t bloody sing and I can’t stand tea so it would make me feel worse. She liked to sing though because it would make me smile. Want me to sing to you?”
Jenna curls her arm underneath her head and looks at me. “You never take the lead on stage, how come?”
I shrug. “It’s Liam’s band. I joined after he and Harrison had already signed a record deal. I just do what I’m asked. It’s easier that way. Besides I’m more talented. I can play the guitar, piano and harmonica. I could probably bang out a decent beat on the drums too if I tried.”
“You want to sing to me?”
“Yeah, if it will make you smile, I’ll do it.”
“Okay then, let’s hear it.”
I clear my throat and try to say something, but nothing comes out. She laughs and although that was the reaction I was going for, I didn’t want it to be at my expense. “Give me a minute to think of something.” I act like I’m thinking. I tap my finger to my temple and think of some words I can throw together that will sound almost decent.
“Okay, ready?”