Chapter 32
With my job in San Francisco complete and Josh busy on another project in LA, I headed off to spend a few days with Jared. They were back in the states and I flew out to Boston, thrilled to have some time with my man, but nervous about seeing Shannon again. How would I act around him? Would we be noticeably awkward around others?
I was surprised to find only Shayla waiting for me at the airport. It wasn't a big deal or anything, I liked her just fine, but it hurt a little that Jared didn't come too. More often than not, Shannon would drop what he was doing to pick me up. I bit the inside of my jaw, realizing I was doing it again. I had to stop comparing them and besides, it's not like it mattered anymore, Shannon and I were finished.
While chatting on the way to the hotel my phone rang. Sara's name illuminated the screen. I answered in my normal playful banter. "Sup bitch?"
I was completely thrown off by hearing Ryan's deep voice instead of hers. "Hey, Carrie, I'm just calling to let you know that we're at the hospital. Sara gave birth this morning. Maybe you can come up for a while if you aren't busy."
"Oh wow! I'm so sorry, I'm in Boston right now! What time this morning?" I covered my mouth with my hand and sighed as I leaned all the way back against the seat. Guilt settled over me and tears began to fall from my eyes. What kind of a best friend am I, leaving town when my bestie was so close to going into labor?
"It's okay, no worries. He was born a few hours ago and she's resting now, but asked that I call and let you know. Chase is doing great, he is seven pounds, four ounces. I'll send a few photos to you."
Sniffling, I blubbered my pathetic congratulations into the phone, thanking him for the call and asking that he have Sara call when she could. We disconnected and I studied the photos on my phone of the adorable newborn, feeling a violent tug to my uterus. A reminder of that biological clock that was just ticking away. "You alright?" Shayla asked. Her eyebrows raised as she leaned forward.
"I'm fine, it's just hard being gone a lot, away from family and friends. I have no idea how you guys live normal lives."
"What's normal? Nothing about my life is normal, but I get to travel the world and see things I'd probably never get the opportunity to see otherwise. So, it's a trade off I suppose. I mean, we aren't gone all the time. You just have to take advantage of the time you are home."
"You have a very positive attitude, I like that."
"Oh, I'm not always positive. This job can be stressful and very demanding. I have my moments, believe me, but I enjoy it."
I liked Shayla a lot and enjoyed our little chat on the way to the hotel. It was nearly four in the afternoon when we made our way through the lobby and up to Jared's suite.
He and Stevie were on the couch, each with a guitar in their lap and playing around with some lyrics. Shannon sat in a nearby chair with his arms folded across his chest and did not look happy to see me. I put my bag down and Jared instantly got to his feet and rushed over. "Hey babe."
I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and buried my face into his neck, inhaling that familiar, heavenly scent. "I missed you so much." I whispered.
When he pulled back, his thumb swiped under my eye, wiping away some smeared makeup. "Have you been crying?" He cupped my cheeks and waited for my response.
"Yes, um, Sara had her baby this morning, a healthy baby boy, just sad I wasn't there."
Nodding, he smiled. "Ah, well congrats to her." He shuffled across the room, picking up his tall bottle of water and taking a long sip. "So, are you guys hungry, I'm fucking starving?"
Everyone sort of mumbled a response and then Jared disappeared into his bedroom. Shannon finally stood, offering a simple greeting on his way to retrieve his jacket from near the door. "Hey."
"Hi." I responded, pacing back and forth until the others finally emerged, disrupting the awkward silence between us. The car ride was interesting. Shannon sat there, literally staring straight ahead and keeping to himself. I wondered if anyone recognized how withdrawn he appeared.
At the restaurant, he donned a pair of shades and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his icy demeanor. Who the hell wears sunglasses at a restaurant? Aside from ordering his food, he never uttered a single word. When Jared asked him a question, he grinned and elbowed his brother, as if to say 'don't make me speak.' I don't know what I expected, exactly, it's not like I thought we'd carry on like old friends, but I didn't think he'd be so cold.
After an extremely uncomfortable meal, we retreated back to Jared's suite. The facade I put on for everyone else disappeared behind closed doors. I practically leapt into Jared's arms. My jean clad legs wrapped around him and I kissed him like there was no tomorrow. "Mmmm, you're all mine now." His stubbly face brushed against mine as he spoke.
"I like the sound of that." I whispered back and realized we were headed to the bathroom.
My legs slid down until my feet touched the floor and Jared kissed the end of my nose. "How about a nice hot bubble bath to warm us?"
"Are you kidding? That sounds perfect!" It was cold out and I was freezing. I impatiently tugged my shirt over my head while he got the water ready. I could hear my phone ringing from the next room, but by the time I actually found it, Josh had hung up. "Damn!" He didn't leave a message and I figured he'd call back or text if it were an emergency. When he didn't, I hurried back into the bathroom. Jared was already in the bath. I stepped out of my boots and jeans. Unhooking my bra, I let it slide down my arms and Jared raised up, gripping my wrists. He pulled me in, still wearing my panties. "Oh my God! You are insane!" I squealed loudly, but was thankful for his craziness because it lightened my mood.
"I'm totally crazy." He pulled me over him, forcing me to straddle him. "Think you can handle me when I'm all wound up?"
"Well, it wouldn't be the first time." I wondered if he knew how crazy he made me when he was playful. His hands moved over my bubble covered chest and I groaned. Jared's lips pressed firmly against mine as delicate fingers tugged my panties to the side. Things went from playful to passionate and when I sank down onto him, we both sighed heavily.
Thirty minutes later we emerged, wrinkly but satisfied. We dried off and put some pajamas on for a quiet night in. This was the only night in a hotel, tomorrow we would be on the bus and I know what that meant, no sex. The bunk was very small and too uncomfortable for sex. We settled in with a movie and eventually I drifted off in his warm arms.
The next day was crazy busy. We arrived to the venue early and Jared was all over the place. I'd never seen anyone bounce around like him and I was positive he didn't even eat much all day long. Shannon still made it a point to completely avoid me at all cost, even if we were in the same room. All of us went back to the bus after soundcheck for a bit, but didn't stay long. After a little break and a snack, they hurried back into the venue for the meet and greet, but then, Shannon disappeared.
Jared was off with Shayla and I realized my phone was missing. I knew I had left it on the bus and stomped out the door to go and get it. The second the door opened, I heard the unmistakable sounds of people having sex. Cringing, I hung my head, knowing my phone was just inside, probably lying on the couch somewhere. If I could just get in and grab it, I could exit quickly and nobody would ever know. Was it one of the crew? Tomo? I recognized the grunting sounds and wanted to die. It was Shannon!
I took a few steps, carefully moving toward my phone. Unfortunately, what I saw next made me want to cry. Shannon had someone, a pretty brunette bent over and was fucking the hell out of her. Her stylish jeans were down to her knees and she covered her naked chest when she saw me. Shannon froze, but never moved. "Did you need something Carrie?"
