The Complete Rockstar Series

“I’m sorry. Maybe I should have let it out and discussed everything. I just, I didn’t want you worrying for me all the time.” I start picking at the sofa cushion.

“Well I do that anyway. Do you feel better? After getting it off your chest?”

Do I?

“Yeah. I do.”

“See. At least my education wasn’t a total waste.” Abby picks up her mobile and phones in our order.

While she does that, my own mobile buzzes from between the sofa cushions. I check it and immediately silence the call.

“Ignoring Logan again? When are you going to realize that Logan might care about you, but he’s so jealous of your success that he can’t see straight?” Abby flops down next to me, jostling me sideways. “He’s been weird ever since you made the Olympic team.”

“Hey! Buggar off! He’s not like that.” I say it confidently, but I know that Logan is exactly that… jealous. Since he found out I made the team, he’s been taking his annoyance out on me. Not physically. He snaps a lot, is easily frustrated. Or maybe it’s the lack of sex that’s got him all wound up since I still won’t go there with him.

Maybe the dreams aren’t the only reason I haven’t spent time with him lately. He’

s repeatedly attempted to move things forward physically, and had to deal with my rejection every time.

“Have you talked about what’s going to happen with him when you leave the country next month?” She leans back with her arms folded across her chest.

“Well, no. Not exactly. But—”

“Like I said. You need to end things with him. At least have the decency to break up with him before you leave for Europe for a year.”

I huff loudly, but don’t feel the irritation to back up the sound. “He wants to come visit. At the Olympics, Abby.”

Abby’s mouth falls open. Her hands dart out and cover one of mine. “That’s a terrible idea, Kate. He won’t be able to deal with the attention you’ll be getting. He’ll make the proudest moment of your life miserable.”

I know she’s right. He will be an absolute shit if he goes with me.

“I’ll break up with him before I leave,” I tell her. I cut off her smile, adding on to my promise. “After my last day at work. No sense making everything awkward when I only have a few weeks left.” I put my notice in since I’ll be gone for so long.

She pats my hand. “Good idea. Just don’t leave it until the last minute. He might be an ass sometimes but that’s cruel.”

A knock on the door lets us know our food is here. Abby get it and unpacks the bag onto the table.

“I won’t wait until the last minute, mum. Can we eat now?” I ask, done with discussing Logan.

Abby doesn’t respond. She simply picks up her chopsticks and stuffs her mouth full of tangerine chicken. I take that as a yes and dig into my own container of beef chow Mein.

Dax

“Hell that felt good,” I exclaim as Adam, Gavin, Hawke and I head out of Ross’ office.

“About time, yeah?” Adam punches my arm, grinning like a fool.

Gavin glances around with a nervous tic as we exit the lifts and cross the enormous lobby of our new record label.

“You alright, mate?” I ask, watching as his bloodshot eyes dart back and forth suspiciously.

“I’m fine,” he snaps. Dismissing me completely.

Hawke grimaces at Gavin’s back but keeps his thoughts to himself. Adam is going on and on about our new label and how great it will be to have more creative control.

Me? All I care about is the fact that I won’t have to deal with Lila fucking Griffin and her mountain of bullshit anymore.

Gavin’s Range Rover is waiting for us out front. Ross’ secretary must have called to have it brought around. Outside, it’s a real scorcher, even for L.A. in July. Hot enough to roast your bollocks if you stay in the sun too long.