Ember (7 page)

Roxie

“So where are you taking me?” I ask Mason with excitement.

He flashes me a cheeky smile. “You’ll see.”

We drive for about forty minutes and I love every single one of them. Mason turned the car stereo on soon after we left Cole’s house, and we have spent most of the journey singing loudly to the songs. I can’t remember laughing so much! My cheeks even hurt from smiling. 

When he turns down the volume, I know that we are here. I still don’t know where we are yet, and I stretch my neck around to get a good look from my view out the windows.

“Where are we?” I ask him.

“Home.” He smiles as he looks at his surroundings.

Home?
I carry on looking around. Wherever we are, it’s pretty. Tall, green bushes hug the black gates, and when Mason gets back into the car after having unlocked them the old-fashioned way with a key, we drive inside. I laugh as Mason runs back out to lock them again but then we’re soon driving up the long cobbled road to the house that makes my eyes widen. It looks like a house picked right from a fairy tale. It’s so pretty and I’m jealous of whoever lives here.

“Come on,” Mason says excitedly and gets out.

I step out onto the gravel that crunch under my shoes and I follow Mason to the front door. Green grass surrounds the house and there’s a red brick wall separating the back yard. I hear the jingling of keys, and I’m shocked to see Mason is unlocking the front door.

“Who lives here?” I quietly ask as we step inside. It’s not a large house, not like his place next to his band members and brother, but it isn’t small by a long shot.

“Me.” He beams. “Well, and Cole. This place belonged to our parents until they wanted to move. We didn’t want to sell it, so we kept it.”

I ignore the fact that Lacey and I sometimes struggle to make the rent on time, and here’s this guy who has two mansions and has more than likely bought his parents’ home, too.

“Wow, this place is amazing, Mason.” I look around in awe.

“That’s why we couldn’t let it go.” He looks around and nods his head.

“Why are we here?” I ask him. “Not that I don’t appreciate you bringing me here, but still...?”

“I know, I just thought you might want a break from everyone.” He looks a little unsure so I quickly reassure him.

“You’re right, that does sound good. Thank you.” I walk into the kitchen and look out at the garden from the window. This house really is beautiful.

“I’ve noticed how you never get a minute alone, so I thought you might like to spend the night here.” Spending the night alone, with Mason, sounds like heaven.

“Sounds like my kind of night,” I grin.

Mason scratches the back of his neck. That’s his sign of nervousness, and I realize what I just said, and how that might sound.

“Look, Rox...,” he begins but I stop him.

“I didn’t mean it like that.” He immediately relaxes and I silently swallow down the feeling of rejection.

That night, Mason and I are snuggled up on the sofa with a takeaway pizza and a film. I really couldn’t be happier. Being alone with him like this reminds me of the time before I fucked everything up. When Mason isn’t looking, I cradle my stomach and make a silent wish that Mason is my baby’s father. I want more nights like this.

Mason

I hear the sound of heavy breathing and notice that Roxie’s head feels a little heavier. Trying not to disturb her, I look down at her and see that she has fallen asleep. I carefully take the can of Coke from her hands, and then decide to carry her up to bed.

It’s not a difficult task, because she’s a small woman, and I’m used to holding her in my arms. I make the journey to the bedroom as slowly as possible, just so that I can hold her a little bit longer. The feel of Roxie in my arms again feels so natural, it’s scary. She sighs and her breath spreads onto my neck, covering me in goose bumps.

I don’t even bother lying to myself that I don’t want her. That I don’t crave her touch and desire her, but I can’t let myself down that path again. Roxie has the power to crush me. I’ve barely been able to put myself together after the last time, and I don’t think I could do that again.

I lay her down on the bed and watch over her as she dreams. Her black hair stands out against the white sheets and her lips are so red that I feel the need to bite them. She’s my own Snow White, but I can’t allow myself to be brought down by her beauty. I have to be stronger than that.

Roxie

When Monday arrives, the mood is low. Everyone is feeling down. Lacey has been dreading this day, and until Mason and I cleared the air, so have I because today is the day that the guys go back on the road.

Yesterday, Mason brought me back from a wonderful night. I’m just upset that it’s all over. God knows what he will be doing, and
who
he will be doing it with, while he’s back on tour. I know what happens; I’ve seen it all with my own eyes.

I’m just happy that I now know that Mason and I are talking again and at least are friends, even though the word
friend
hurts to say. At least we’re not arguing or ignoring each other. I should be grateful.

I look over at Lacey and she’s grabbing onto Cole as tight as she possibly can. Poor girl. It’s obvious she wants to go with him. I know she doesn’t want to be separated from him again, even if it is only for two weeks this time. It’s still a really long time for a couple in love, and those two are definitely in love.

“Why doesn’t she just go with them?” Paige whispers next to me.

“Because she doesn’t want to leave me,” I answer back just as quietly. “Even though I’ve told her so many times to go.”

“She’s worried about you,” Paige says as we watch Lacey and Cole.

“I know, but she really shouldn’t be.” Mason catches my attention and I follow him with my eyes.

“So Crystal told me all about your romantic little getaway.” Paige nudges me in the side.

“It wasn’t like that,” I say as I continue to watch Mason. I don’t say that even though Mason meant for it to not be romantic at all, I can’t help but feel that it was. I decide to hide that information from my little cousin because her romantic side can run away with her a little.

An hour later, I see Lacey sitting by herself and she looks so miserable. I walk right up to her. “You need to leave.”

Lacey jumps and looks up at me. “What?”

“Leave with Cole,” I order her. “If it wasn’t for me, you would be going without a second’s thought.”

Lacey looks over to the doorway, and then back at me. “I can’t leave you, Rox.”

She looks torn and I don’t understand why. I mean, I’m telling her to go.

“Listen, Lace, I didn’t want to say this, but you
have
to go. If you don’t, you’re just going to be sulking around this place, sexually frustrated, you won’t be any fun.” I try to keep a straight face, but it’s no use. As soon as Lacey frowns, my laughter spills out.

“That’s not funny,” she says, sulking.

“Yes, it is, because it’s true.” I sit down next to her. “Look, I don’t want you to be stuck here because of me. Don’t let me be the reason for missing your man. Go with him.”

“You’re sure?” she asks, looking concerned.

“Yes!” I urge. “In fact, can you take everyone else with you? I need the peace.”

“Hey!” Ria shouts from behind me.

“Please,”
I silently mouth to Lacey, and she laughs.

“Actually, I wouldn’t mind tagging along, if that’s ok?” Ria asks, and Lacey nods her head.

Ria screams and I turn to see her running up the stairs.

“See, she didn’t need convincing,” I laugh.

“That’s because Ria is more selfish than me,” Lacey points out.

“Paige!” I shout.

Lacey frowns at me. “You can’t be alone.”

“I’ll be fine!” I insist.

Lacey doesn’t get time to reply because Paige appears between us. “You called.”

“Lacey and Ria are going with the guys on the road. You wanna go, too?” I look up to her and see her excited smile.

Back when Lacey and I knew nothing about Mason and Cole’s rock star status, Ria and Paige did. They were actually fans of theirs, and I know she would love to tag along. 

Her smile fades. “Is that such a good idea?” she asks me sceptically.

I lean my head back and groan. “Yes, it is a really good idea. I need a break from you all.” I look between Lacey and Paige. “No offense.”

Paige looks to Lacey. “What do you think about this?”

Lacey shrugs. “I trust her.”

At that moment I truly love my best friend. She knows me, and I wouldn’t ask for this if I wasn’t so sure of myself.

“Put it this way,” I add. “If you don’t go, I will be upset because I am sick of spoiling your fun. I have put you all through a lot of shit lately. Now go.”

Paige eventually squeals, does a little jump, kisses me, and then runs upstairs as Ria did before her. Lacey gives me a very serious look.

“Don’t make me regret this, Rox,” she warns.

“I promise you I will be fine,” I assure her.

“Ok then.” She smiles widely. “I’m going to pack!”

When Lacey leaves me, I wander into the living area and see Crystal scrolling through her phone.

“Don’t even bother trying to get rid of me, Roxie, I ain’t going anywhere,” she says loudly straight away.

“How did you know I was going to say that?” I ask,

She looks up at me. “I heard you in there, and as lovely as what you did is, you won’t make me want to go. I love being here far too much more than being on the tour bus.”

“You’re not just saying that because you want to keep an eye on me right?” I ask as I eye her suspiciously.

She smiles and shakes her head. “No, I trust you enough to know that you would never do that to yourself.” She makes a point of looking down at my stomach. A warm feeling spreads within me as I realize that my friends have faith in me, even after everything I did to them.

“Don’t get me wrong,” she continues. “I love touring with the guys, and I love spending time with my brother, but I need to relax from everything.”

“It can be hard,” I agree.

Crystal nods, but I get the slight feeling she’s not just talking about being on tour. I hope she isn’t having any troubles.

“Besides, all I want to do is chill out and watch as many movies as possible,” she laughs.

“Sounds perfect.” Our hands slap in the air as we high five.

“What’s happening here then?” I hear Cole ask.

“We have your house all to ourselves while you’re away, so you better be nice,” Crystal teases him.

“What do you mean?” Cole asks, his frown deepening and he looks confused.

“I persuaded Lacey to go with you,” I simply answer.

Cole immediately comes toward me with his hands clamping on my shoulders. “You did?”

I nod my head. “She’s upstairs packing.”

I start to laugh as Cole picks me up and begins to spin me around. “I fucking love you,” he growls and kisses my forehead before running upstairs, I’m assuming, to find Lacey.

“You didn’t tell him about Ria and Paige,” Crystal snickers.

“I know,” I laugh with her.

We walk outside together to see how the loading is doing. Booker is leaning against the bus, looking down at his phone.

“Taking a break?” I tease him.

He smiles as he looks at me, but when he sees Crystal, the smile disappears.

“Where’s your bag?” he asks her.

Crystal clears her throat. “I’m not coming.”

I’m shocked to see that Booker looks a little let down. “Why?”

“I’ve decided to chill here with Rox,” she says, and then she slings her arm around my shoulder and widely grins at Booker. Something is going on here, I can feel it.

“I thought you liked touring with us?” Booker asks, and steps closer.

“I do, Book,” Crystal lets me go and places her hands on her hips. “Just not all the time. I need a break and I need to relax.”

He stares at her for a little while. “Someone giving you grief?”

I see Crystal tense. “What? No!”

“Then why do you need to relax?” he demands. Something is definitely happening here. Booker wouldn’t be acting like this if it wasn’t.

Feeling as if I need to give these two some privacy, I sneak back inside and literally bump into Mason.

“Shit! Sorry, Rox,” he apologizes.

“No, it was my fault.” I feel my cheeks burn from the embarrassment.

“Where’re you sneaking off to?” he asks.

“Nowhere, I just needed to get away from those two,” I point over my shoulder to Crystal and Booker. “It got a little heavy.”

Mason laughs. “Yeah, I decided to stay out of that a long time ago.”

“So I am right?”
I knew it!

Mason shakes his head. “Don’t get involved. It’s complicated.

“My lips are sealed.” I’m acting like a fucking teenage girl!

“I just heard the girls are coming along. You sure you’re ok with that?” He looks a little concerned. If it was anyone else, I would be annoyed, but, oddly, Mason’s obvious concern for me makes me happy.

“I’m certain.” Mason nods his head, accepting it and moving on.

“I’ll keep in touch,” he says, his eyes searching all over my face. “I promise this time.”

“I know.” My voice comes out quiet and thick with emotion.

Mason takes a step closer to me and caresses my cheek softly. “I’m here for you, at any time.”

I nod my head, unable to say a word, and then watch him as he collects his bag and walks outside to the tour bus. Ria comes running down the stairs, her large bag in hand and jumps to my side.

“I am so excited!” she squeals.

Really? I didn’t notice.

“Where’s the rest?” I ask her.

“Paige is nearly done packing, and well, I don’t know about Lacey.” she giggles.

“Don’t tell me,” I laugh. “Cole is giving her a thank you fucking?”

Ria laughs. “Coming from the noises, you’re spot on.”

We laugh and gossip as we make our way outside. Crystal is standing there alone, and I can’t see Booker anywhere. He’s probably on the bus with Mason. I try to get information out of her, but she doesn’t give me anything. Paige soon joins us, but it’s another twenty minutes before Lacey and Cole to turn up. Cole has a cheeky grin fixed on his face, and Lacey is looking very flustered.

“Dirty bitch,” I murmur quietly to Lacey and her cheeks brighten.

Each member of the band gives us a kiss goodbye. I notice Booker sticks to Crystal a little longer than everyone else. From the corner of my eye I see him whisper something to her, and she shakes her head and backs away. Not a good sign. Mason is right behind Booker, so that means Mason stands in front of me for a little longer and I’m not complaining about that. He gives me a lingering kiss on my cheek. “Remember Rox, I still love you. Look after yourself while I’m gone,” He softly whispers.

His words bury themselves deep and settle. God, I fucking wish that I’ll have the nerve to finally come clean about the pregnancy when he comes back.