We heard footsteps on the stairs and I turned to finish chopping up the broccoli and green peppers. “I guess you won’t be taking me downstairs.” I challenged him.
His husky laugh sent shivers down my spine.
I grabbed some onions and some leftover lunch meat, cheddar cheese, provolone, and swiss to chop as well.
“What’s for breakfast?” Troy asked as he poured a cup of coffee, kissing the back of my head.
“Omelets. We have broccoli, onions, green peppers, ham, turkey, cheddar, provolone, and swiss. What would you like in yours?” I asked as I began to sauté the vegetables in individual pans.
This six-burner stove was amazing. I turned to scramble some eggs in a bowl, adding a little bit of salt and pepper.
“Onions, peppers, ham, and cheddar please.” Troy stated. “Thanks, Misty. I’m sure Drake will like the break from feeding the army.”
“I hope you don’t think I forgot about our run,” Remy teased as he came into the kitchen in a pair of athletic shorts and a sweatshirt. It was cold outside, and he still insisted on running in shorts. I shivered just thinking about it.
I stuck my tongue out at him. “I’m dressed, am I not? What would you like in your omelet?”
“You shouldn’t stick that out, unless you plan to use it,” he said with a gleam in his eyes before he looked over at the ingredients. “Everything, please.”
“What time’s your studio time?” Jace asked as he set my coffee next to me with the cream and sugar already added. “Everything for me too, please,” he whispered to me.
I groaned. I had forgotten about the appointment. We had to record some of our music today. “Two. Pops said we should leave here by one.”
I turned and added the ingredients to a warm pan for Troy’s omelet, before adding the eggs.
“I thought you would be excited for this,” Troy stated as he sipped on his coffee.
I paused to think about it for a moment. “I mean, this is fun and all, but I kind of feel like the decision for my future has been taken out of my hands.”
“So why didn’t you say something?” Jace asked with some concern.
“Because the band wouldn’t have gotten as far as they have, if it wasn’t for her.” Jax stated coming into the kitchen. He hugged me from behind. “I don’t sleep as well without you by my side,” he grumbled quietly.
I looked up at him, startled at his admission and then smiled. “I’m sorry. I thought you’d be sick of chasing my demons by now.”
He tweaked my nose. “Never! Whatcha cooking?”
“Omelets, what would you like in yours?” I slid Troy’s omelet onto a plate before adding eggs in the pans for Jace and Remy.
“Broccoli, swiss, and ham, please,” Jax said before pouring himself a glass of orange juice. He also grabbed a bottle of hot sauce and put it on the counter.
“If you’re not sure about all of this, it’s probably best if you speak up now,” Remy said gruffly.
I sighed. “I can’t. I mean, I really like this. It’s a rush. And who knows how far we will get. I’m sure there are thousands and thousands of people who want to make it big. What’s the likelihood of us getting there? I’ll just sit down, shut up, and enjoy the ride for now,” I shrugged.
“But if you’re having doubts right now, do you think it’s a good idea to continue to follow along with the band,” Jax stated.
“You’re just saying that because you don’t like how close the band and I have gotten,” I gently teased him. I grabbed his hand and squeezed. “I have six connections and I don’t need any more complications than I already have.”
“Are you calling us complicated?” Troy asked, his brows furrowed.
“No,” I said without hesitation. “But you have to see it the way I see it. I’m juggling six relationships, in essence. And,” I looked at each one of them. “I have no clue what to do at times. I haven’t been able to talk to Noah for weeks now. He continues to act like he’s fine, but he’s not. He’s been drinking a lot and he’s been sleeping around. I don’t know what I can do, or what I should say.”
“Nothing,” Stacey’s biting tone came from the bottom of the stairs. “It’s none of your concern and so what if he’s drinking a little more than normal? He is under a lot of stress lately. You’re a kid compared to him. What would you know? And why are you spreading those lies about him hooking up with other girls? He’s not.”
I bit my lip. I had forgotten she had spent the night last night. I hoped she hadn’t heard our whole conversation. I slid Jace’s and Remy’s plates in front of them and added the egg to Jaxson’s omelet.
I calmly turned around and looked at her. “He’s not okay. Stress or no stress. He’s adding to his stress by drinking so much that his grades are slipping. Stop enabling him and living a life of denial. He’s been hooking up with other girls and I know you know. People have heard you confront him abou