Unexpected

Chapter 22

GABRIEL

Earlier today, Lena acknowledged we all needed a breather, but also said that if we don't take care of the press soon, it could get out of control.

Martin had already secured us a larger house thirty minutes North of my parents' place, so it was the most sensible choice to move the band there. We can use this time to gain more space and more privacy to deal with things.

It was that or going back home. And I'm in no way ready to leave Jo just yet.

I told them I would be available to work during the day, but that I would be returning home in the evening to sleep.

The consequences of the band's actions are finally catching up on us and my head is spinning but I'm not giving up on the one good thing that happened to me. Jo.

Now, it's nearly ten, and we've been holed up in this rented house way longer than I expected.

Josh is saying we should pay the fines and cancel the endorsement deals to avoid the hassle. Dave's asking us to drop a video to remind people why they're fans. Aaron teamed with Lena and is pressing us to man up and deal with the press. And I just want to go home.

So, when Martin suggests we fly back to Seattle, where we're based, I take it as my cue to leave.

"I'm out, guys." I stand up from my spot on the couch, feeling my legs a little numb after sitting for so long.

"Me too." Josh gets up and Dave and Aaron follow suit.

"We can deal with it tomorrow," Dave says. "I guess we could use a break now."

My eyes find Lena from across the room, and she motions to the door, silent asking me to follow her.

After shaking hands with the guys and saying I'd catch up with them tomorrow, I head after Lena. She's leaning against my car when I find her. I don't need to be a genius to know she's pissed. She's been nagging me about Nora for far too long.

"Told you Nora was trouble." She smirks, and I hold the urge to roll my eyes.

"I'm calling her tomorrow." I circle the car, opening the driver's door. "Don't worry. She'll sign the non-disclosure."

"Are you and your sister's friend together?" she asks, making me pause.

"Why are you asking me that?"

"Because I know you." she walks to me, her hands dropping to my shoulders. "I don't think getting involved with someone right now, especially someone who can get hurt by your actions, is a good idea."

I look away as her words echo what my mind has been trying to tell me since I first saw Jo standing at my parents' doorsteps. I don't deserve her. She's better off with someone who can give her the world. Not a guy with a lot of shit to deal with like me.

When I don't say anything, she cups my cheek, and I have no option but to look at her. "Gabe..." She sighs.

"Jo is different," I say, and I don't miss the way her eyes widen a bit in surprise. I've never had a serious relationship. Showed no signs I wanted one. But that was before.

"Look." She lets out a deep breath. "You guys have been through a lot. It's time to put your head back on the game. Bringing a new woman into this mess..."

"Lena." I stop her. "Jo is not just another woman. Let's focus on fixing the mess we got in without involving her in any of this." I give her a pointed look before getting inside the car.

I don't need a reminder I'm not the man for Jo. My subconscious is constantly telling me that.

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