Just Hold My Hand and Jump (sequel to Have You Ever Really Danced On The Edge?)

Chapter 2

*Jaime's POV*

I watched as Ainsley walked into the school, and when the door shut behind her, I drove away. I made my way back home in silence, and as I passed the road to Vic's parents' home, I turned on my signal. I drove to their house and sat in the driveway for what seemed like hours. I finally gained the courage to step out of my car, and I walked slowly up to the front door.

I hadn't seen them since Ainsley's last birthday, but I was hoping Vic would still be here. I knew I wasn't ready to forgive him, but I still loved him, and I longed to see his face.

When I knocked on the door, Vic's father opened the door and smiled. "Jaime! Good to see you. How is my son-in-law?" He opened the door wider and motioned for me to come in. I walked in slowly and nodded to him.

"I'm fine, Mr. Fuentes. How was Mexico?" I asked quietly and sat on the couch. I could smell the food Mrs. Fuentes was making for breakfast. I noticed my father-in-law look off into the small kitchen at his wife.

He laughed awkwardly and shrugged his shoulders as he responded, "last I heard, they were doing just fine. Why do you ask?" I took a deep breath and bit my lip in anger.

"Right. How would you know? It's not like you spent your summer there..." I left the statement open, hoping he would tell me I was wrong. That he and his wife and son had spent the summer in Mexico like Vic told me. But he didn't. He just laughed at that notion.

"No, son, I spent my summer right here in this house." He made his way into the kitchen and began a conversation with his wife. I sighed and stood to my feet. I poked my head into the kitchen and waved goodbye.

"Thank you for inviting me in. I'll see myself out."

"Oh, nonsense, Jaime!" Vic's mother yelled. "Stay for breakfast!"

I shook my head as I made my way to the door. "I can't. I'm going to meet Vic."

~

I parked my car in the driveway of my home and pulled out my phone. I dialed Vic's number and listened to it ring five times before he answered. "Hey, Jaime, look. I need to talk to you," he began. He kept talking, but I cut him off.

"Where were you all summer?"

He was silent for a while before answering, "I told you, I was in Mexico with my parents."

I took a deep breath and sighed. "That's funny. I stopped by their place today, and they don't seem to remember that trip at all." Another silence, much longer this time. I decided I needed to break it. "So tell me the truth. Where the hell were you for three months?"

"Jaime, I think it's time we talk about where this is all headed. Meet me at the studio." And then the call went dead. I felt tears welling in my eyes as I put the car back in reverse.

*Vic's POV*

When I got to the studio, I saw Tony's SUV parked out front. I smiled and made my way to the booth, where he was recording some tracks. Chad was waiting in the lobby with their son Tyler, who was playing on some handheld game. I noticed the lady a few seats down from Chad holding their 3 year old daughter, Leila.

"Vic, it's been so long!" she chimed as she hugged me.

"Yeah!" I replied. "You've gotten so big." She pushed my arm and laughed. "When is she due?"

"Well look who has missed everything!" she teased. "They are due next month."

"Twins?" I yelled.

"Yes sir, indeed," she beamed. "Four kids are just going to wear me out, I know it." She sighed and sat back down.

"How is Tony handling it all?" I asked. I looked into the booth and watched my best friend shred away.

"He's doing the best he can. He doesn't want me to get a job, but how can I not?" she asked quietly. Her eyes stared off into the distance as she continued. "I mean, four kids. I love him to death, but being a rockstar doesn't pay well enough to keep up with all of these rug-rats. Plus with the hired help," she motioned to the lady holding Leila, "we just can't afford it all."

I nodded and held her in a side hug, so that her head was rested on my shoulder. We sat in silence like this until Tony came out of the sound booth. I noticed now that his eyes carried big, dark bags under them. I had never seen him look so exhausted. I flashed him a half-smile.

"You here to lay down some tracks? We need that new album, man." He picked up his daughter from the lady, who then made it her task to get Tyler out to the car. They left the room quickly, and I returned my gaze to Tony.

"I'm-uh- I'm actually here to meet with Jaime. But I'm working on that stuff man. I'll have it done soon. I'll see you around." I got up quickly and escaped into a different room. I had forgotten completely about the new album, and seeing the way my band depended on me just made me more angry with myself. Before I could continue in my self-hatred, I heard Jaime's voice in the next room.