Surrender (20 page)

Brody

Hearing the commotion in the kitchen, I spring out of my chair with Ava hot on my heels. When I reach the doorway, I see Jake standing up against the wall and Jeremy in his face. Jake’s shirt is gripped in Jeremy’s fists and I can see the veins bulging in Jeremy’s neck.

“Ahh, fuck.”

Grabbing hold of Jeremy’s shoulders, I try to pry him off Jake, but his grip is strong.

“Jeremy, let it go man.”

“Let me go, Brody.”

He shrugs his shoulders in an effort to make me release them, but I dig my fingers in and try to pull him back.

He moves even closer to Jake, their noses only centimeters apart. Jeremy almost growls.

“Don’t fuck with me, man. Jo is one of my oldest friends, so don’t think for one second you can come in here and take her away from me.” Jake merely just nods his head.

Jeremy shoves him up against the wall before turning to Jo.

“I meant what I said. We need to talk about this. I’m giving you one more week and then we sort this shit out, you hear me?”

I turn to Jo and she is staring at Jeremy like she wants to eat him. I guess having two guys fight over her is turning her on. Ava is standing beside her with an arm around her shoulders, watching me with a look of concern.

Jeremy storms out of the room and doesn’t stop when he gets to the living room. I follow him out the front door and call out for him to wait up. When he turns around I can see the pain etched in his features. I really hate seeing him like this. I just wish he would hurry up and realize that he is in love with Jo and fucking tell her. It would save them both a lot of heartache and stress.

“What the hell is going on, Brody? A few months ago she was all over me and now she’s with this other jerk? I can’t deal with it man.”

“You need to tell her how you feel, Jeremy. That’s what she is waiting for. You need to show her that you are ready to commit to a relationship with her.”

He shakes his head.

“I told her that and she didn’t believe me. What more can I fucking do?”

“Don’t give up on her man. She loves you. She’s just a little messed up at the moment.”

Fuck, I shouldn’t have said that. Hopefully, he wasn’t listening.

His brows draw together.

“What do you mean she’s messed up? What’s wrong with her?”

“Nothing’s wrong with her. I meant she’s just a little confused, that’s all.”

“Yeah, well. I meant what I said. I’m giving her a week and then we sort this shit out once and for all. I have to get out of here man. I’ll call you later.”

I nod as he turns and walks down the corridor, his shoulders slumped.

Fuck! He’s got it bad!

***

“Jo, you really need to talk to him about this. He’s a fucking mess. You saw how he reacted to Jake before. It’s only going to get worse, the longer you leave it.”

Everyone left a couple hours after the fight, and now Ava and I are chatting to Jo and trying to convince her to tell Jeremy about the pregnancy.

Jo turns to Ava.

“I don’t know how to tell him. I know he’s going to blame me. Geez, he’ll probably think that I did it on purpose to make him be with me.”

Ava shakes her head.

“You need to stop thinking like this, Jo. I think it’s time for you to work out what you want and you need to give him that same opportunity. Like Brody said, it will only get harder if you keep putting it off.”

Jo smiles sadly.

“I know you’re both right. I’m just scared I guess. I’m scared that he won’t want anything to do with me and the baby. I’m scared of losing him.”

Glancing over at Ava, I see a massive smile on her face.

“Jo, do you realize what you just said? You’re going to keep the baby, aren’t you?”

Jo smiles, tears welling in her eyes.

“Yeah, I think I am.”

Ava squeals and pulls Jo into a hug.

“I’m so glad, Jo. You’re making the right decision. You’re going to be a terrific Mom, I just know it.”

I stand up and make my way to my room, leaving the girls chatting about all things babies. Fuck, this shit between Jo and Jeremy is tiring.

***

A week later, we are standing on the stage of a large bar in downtown Los Angeles. We’re setting up our gear for our first gig since the tour and my accident, and I’m not going to lie, I’m nervous as all fuck! It’s not so much about getting up in front of a crowd, because I remember what that feels like; there’s nothing better than that feeling. I think the nerves are more about my injury and whether my shoulder will handle a full gig without freezing up. But, also, this is the first time I will be performing in front of Ava. That I will remember anyway. Knowing that she is in the crowd will completely change the feeling of the performance. I guess I feel like I need to impress her.

We sit at the bar and watch as people start filing in for tonight’s show. Amongst the crowd, a dark head of curls catches my eye. The sight of her literally takes my breath away, every time. She is dressed in tight blue jeans and a plain black tank, but she could be wearing a brown paper bag and she would still be the most beautiful girl in the room. Her eyes scan the bar and eventually meet mine. From across the room I can feel the intense heat from her gaze and I just want to tear her clothes off. Right here, right now. She smiles at me and I give her a wink. I’m sure she can tell where my thoughts are. She makes her way toward us with Tori, Emma and Jo following closely behind her.

When she reaches me, I pull her into my arms and whisper in her ear.

“Hey, Baby. You are looking beautiful tonight.”

She leans up and presses a brief kiss on my lips.

Wrapping my arms around her waist, my hands dip lower and pull her up against me.

“Hey, cool it you two, we’ve got a show to play first.”

Turning to Luke, I flash him a grin before noticing that Jeremy has already disappeared and Jo is standing behind Tori looking a little uncomfortable.

Giving Ava one last kiss, I follow Jeremy up onto the stage and wait for the other guys to take up their positions. The crowd erupts in a cheer as soon as they realize we are about to play and the noise is deafening as Jeremy greets them all. We kick off with one of our singles that made it into the top fifty of the radio and digital charts and the crowd goes crazy.

We play a few more songs and then it’s time to play escape. This particular song is always a hard one for me to play live. It’s like I’m pouring my heart and soul into the crowd for all to see. But tonight, for some reason, I’m not feeling as anxious about it. Jeremy walks toward me and says loudly.

“You’re up!”

My brows draw together in confusion. What the fuck is he talking about?

“Go on! Take the mic!”

He can’t be serious. I know I sang it a couple of times while we were on tour, but I can’t even remember that. I don’t know if I can do it. Jeremy must be able to read my mind.

“Go on, man. You can do it.”

As I walk toward the microphone, I glance out over the crowd and my eyes meet the beautiful amber ones that seem to calm me immediately. She’s grinning up at me like she knows what’s coming. Her gorgeous smile gives me the courage I need and as Hunter taps on his drum sticks, I lose myself in the song and Ava’s eyes.

Ava

As I watch Brody singing the song that means so much to him, my heart skips a beat. He really does have a sexy voice. He sounds like Gavin Rossdale from the band Bush, with his gravelly, husky voice. His eyes are on me as he’s singing and I feel like we are the only ones in the room. Knowing now what this song is about and what it means to him makes me feel so proud of him. He really has come a long way in the time that I have known him. As he sings the final line he closes his eyes and I feel a tear running down my cheek. Tori is sitting beside me and she gives me a little squeeze when she sees how emotional I am.

“That song still gets you, hey?”

“It sure does.”

The song ends and the crowd goes crazy. Brody winks down at me before he moves away from the microphone and takes up his spot to the right of Jeremy. His eyes don’t leave mine for the rest of the show.

***

Sitting at the table after the boys set is over, the girls and I are talking about how good it was to finally see Brody back on stage. Looking over at Brody sitting on the edge of the stage chatting to the guys, I can see the joy and happiness on his face. There are a few girls hanging around the stage area trying to get their attention, but the guys are just happily chatting, being polite to the girls but not giving them too much attention. Brody suddenly turns to look at me and his eyes burn into mine. I can feel his desire from across the room and I suddenly can’t wait to get him home. He gives me a sexy lopsided grin and my insides melt. He has really surprised me the last few months with his recovery and he really seems to be doing okay. I am still really upset that he can’t remember all of our firsts together, but as he said before, he is creating new memories. Who knows, one day the old memories might come back.

Glancing over at Jeremy, I can see that he is not even focused on anything the other guys are saying. His eyes are burning holes into Jo.

"Jo you really need to talk to Jeremy."

"Ava, please don't go there tonight."

"Jo, look at him he is totally miserable, I have never seen him like this and I think you look just as miserable as he does. You really need to have it out with him.”

"Okay, fine. I’ll talk to him tonight. I'll make him take me to get pie."

Giggling I look back over to make sure that the boys aren't near the table.

"Are you having cravings?"

"Shit yes, I want pie all the time."

"We will need to go shopping soon."

"For what?"

Luke cuts in on our conversation and I look up and smile at him.

"For clothes. And besides since when do we need a reason to shop?"

Luke chuckles and walks away.

Sipping on my soft drink, I listen to Brody talk about how amazing it was to be back up on stage.

"My shoulder was fantastic, I was so worried that it was going to freeze up but I was on fire."

Leaning in to Brody I give him a sweet kiss on the cheek.

"I’m so happy for you, Babe. You looked so in your element up there.”

He kisses the top of my head and turns back to tell everyone about how great it felt to be back on the stage.

Smiling, I half listen to Brody and watch Jeremy casting side glances at Jo. I watch her look back at him and give a small smile. I really hope these two sort their shit out. They belong together; I wish they would both just see it already. They are having a baby. For the sake of that little miracle they need to work together.

Tipping back my drink I stand up. "Jer come with me and get another round."

"Cracking that whip I see Dundee."

"Just come on."

"Fine."

Walking to the bar I slow my pace and walk beside Jeremy.

"Hey you and Jo should have a chat tonight."

"Ava."

"Look she just said she wants some pie. Take her to Tee's and buy some pie and talk to her, tell her how you feel."

"Ava I have."

"No you haven't, you haven’t told her what she wants to hear. You haven’t told her what you know you are feeling deep down inside but are just too scared to admit. Jeremy she is going to move on if you don't tell her."

"No she can't, I won't give up on her."

"Why?"

"Why? Because I am made for her and she is made for me. Jake doesn't deserve her. She’s special."

"Do you love her?"

"What?"

"Do you love her Jer?"

"Ava, you can't just ask that. I don't know."

"Yes you do Jeremy. Only you can make this right with her. You know exactly what you need to do.”

Jeremy

I know Ava’s right. I need to open my heart and tell Jo how I really feel. I’ve realized over the last few weeks that she is waiting to hear more from me. I know she wants me just as much as I want her, but she declared her love for me when we were on tour, months ago. She is probably waiting for me to say those three little words to her.

After we pay for our round of beers, and strangely enough, sodas, we make our way back to the table. Ava perches on Brody’s lap and very subtly glances at her vacant seat beside Jo, silently gesturing for me to sit down. I place the drinks on the table and sit down, avoiding Jo’s eyes. Just at that moment a couple of girls approach the table. They are both blond, and dressed in what looks like their underwear, but I plaster a smile on my face and greet them.

“Oh my god, can we please get your autograph?” One of them places a Sharpie in my hand.

I glance over at Jo to see her role her eyes before glaring at the two girls.

“Sure. What do you want me to sign?” I look at their hands, expecting to see an album or poster, but their hands are empty.

Suddenly, they both pull down their tiny, barely there tops to reveal the tops of their naked breasts.

Wow. Awkward.

I scribble my name above each girls left breast, making sure not to touch anywhere inappropriate. Both girls pout at me like they’re angry I didn’t grope them. It’s then I realize just how pussy whipped I am. Months ago, I would have been all over that shit, signing their tits and even trying to pick them up, but all I can seem to think about at this very moment is making sure that I’m not doing anything to upset Jo. Her feelings mean more to me than anything else.

I glance over at her again and catch her eye before giving her a little grin. The two girls quietly excuse themselves when they realize they aren’t getting any more attention. Jo smiles back at me and takes a sip of her soda. What’s with the girls all drinking soda tonight?

Leaning toward Jo, I say softly.

“So…um, Ava said you were hungry for pie, do you um…do you want to go to Tee’s and grab a slice?”

She glances quickly at Ava before looking up into my eyes and gently nodding her head.

“Sure, that would be nice.”

“Awesome. Let’s go.” We both rise up out of our chairs and all eyes turn to us.

“Catch you guys later. You boys are right to cart all the equipment back to the studio right?”

Luke nods his head and grins at me.

Grabbing hold of Jo’s hand I lead her out of the bar and we start walking toward Tee’s. I don’t drop her hand and she doesn’t seem to mind.

As we walk hand in hand, I ask her how work has been.

“It’s been great. I get to work alongside Tori a lot and I’m learning a lot from her about being a stylist. I think I want to stick to design though, so once my classes are over I will probably look for an internship with a designer or something.”

“Great. It’s great when you know exactly what you want and how you are going to get it.”

She gives me a nervous smile just as we reach the entry to Tee’s.

We walk in and find a booth at the back of the room. It’s fairly quiet with only a few tables occupied. I suppose it is close to midnight. We sit and chat for a minute before a waitress arrives to take our order. Jo orders a slice of pecan pie and I order the raspberry.

The waitress tells us it won’t be long and heads back to the kitchen.

We sit and glance around the room before our eyes gradually drift back to each other. I smile at her and reach out for her hands that are resting on the table in front of her.

“Jo…I…”

I have no idea where to start.

“I…um. Are you still seeing Jake?”

She rolls her eyes at me and I try to hide my smile.

“Jeremy, you know I wasn’t even seeing him. We are just friends.”

“Yeah, I know. I um…Fuck! I’m sorry, Jo. What I meant to say was…I’m sorry.”

Her eyes narrow at me as she shakes her head.

“What are you sorry for?”

“I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting the last couple months. I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you. I’m sorry for not telling you how much I love you that night in the backseat of my car. I’m sorry I have let you think for so long that your love for me isn’t mutual. But it is, Jo. I know now that I’m in love with you. I’m so in love with you that I can’t think of anything but you. From the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep, all I can think about is your beautiful face and your gorgeous blue eyes. But mainly, all I think about is how much time I have wasted, fighting this attraction to you, when I could have been holding you in my arms every night. I want you to be with me Jo. I want us to be together.”

She is sitting there staring at me, her mouth open wide, in total shock. My palms start to sweat and I wipe them on the denim covering my thighs. Why isn’t she saying anything?

Suddenly, she smiles and a lone tear runs down her cheek and drops onto the table.

Just at that moment the waitress arrives with our food and carefully places it on the table in front of us. My eyes don’t stray from Jo’s face as I wait for her to respond. She’s just watching the waitress with a worried look on her face. Shit! Why isn’t she saying anything?

The waitress finally fucks off and I lean forward in my chair, staring at Jo as she slowly brings her eyes back to me.

“Jo, Baby. Say something. Please.”

The corners of her mouth slowly lift and she flashes her straight white teeth in the most beautiful smile I have ever laid eyes on.

“It’s about fucking time, Stone!”

She starts laughing as I jump out of my seat and lift her into my arms, squeezing her in a bear hug.

“Jeremy. Stop squeezing me. You’ll hurt the baby.”

My body freezes. Did she just say what I think she said? I gently lower her to the floor and keep my arms wrapped around her waist as my eyes scan her face.

“What did you just say?”

“I said ‘You’ll hurt the baby’. I’m pregnant Jeremy. You’re going to be a Daddy.”

This can’t be happening. Five seconds ago we weren’t even together and now she’s telling me we’re going to have a baby.

“Are you sure? When? How?”

“It happened the first night, in your car. I’m almost twenty weeks along.”

“What? You’re telling me you’ve known all this time and you didn’t tell me? If we hadn’t had this discussion tonight would you have told me?”

I know my voice is rising and people are watching us. She’s looking a little worried again, but I can’t believe she has waited this long to tell me I’m going to be a father.

“I was waiting until the right time to tell you, Jeremy. Up until the last couple of weeks I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do.”

Running a hand through my hair, I blink rapidly trying to wrap my head around this whole night. I was definitely not expecting this news when I planned what I was going to say to Jo. I can’t believe I’m going to be a Dad.

Jo is staring up into my eyes, her brow creased in concern.

Leaning down I place a soft kiss on her lips and gently pull her closer to me. Her sweet scent envelopes me and I finally start to relax. I’ve realized in the last couple of weeks that I want to spend the rest of my life with Jo and babies would eventually come into the picture somewhere down the track. It’s all just going to happen a little sooner than I expected, but I’m okay with that. I have the girl of my dreams and in a few months I’m going to have a baby.

“I love you, Jo. So much. I promise I’ll be there for you and the baby, every step of the way and I’m going to try my hardest to be the best boyfriend and Daddy you’ve ever fucking seen.”

I claim her lips again and run a hand over her tummy, feeling the cutest little bulge. I can’t believe I didn’t notice that. Now I know why all the girls were drinking soft drink. Wrapping my arms around her waist I pull her close to me and I don’t let go of her for the rest of the night.