Around and around we go

Chapter 17

I couldn't stop thinking about her.

I also couldn't stop smiling like a complete fool every time I did think about her; which was constantly. 
I had made a promise to myself that if she ever came back, I would never let her go again, and I intended to keep this promise no matter what. 

I thought about how she kissed me... oh my lord... I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe she did it!!

I also couldn't believe how amazing it felt. It was more than just a kiss. The connection we've always had became stronger and transformed into something so much more. I've never felt anything like it with anyone else in my life. 

I sat in the back of the car on the way to the venue daydreaming about how she tasted, how she reacted to my touch, about the obscene little noises she made that drove me wild. 
My phone rang and broke my reverie.' MOM' flashed across the screen. 
"Hey Mom... I'm just on my way to the venue, Shannon is... " She cut me off as I was about to give her an update. 

"Hi Dear, actually I'm not calling about Shannon."

"Oh?"

"When exactly were you going to tell me that Natalie is there and that you two are together?!?!" 

"What? Mom, what are you talking about?" 

"It's all over the internet... 'Jared Leto's new mystery woman' blah blah blah... they obviously didn't recognize her.. but I know there's only one person in this world who can make you smile like that, and it's Natalie. She looks really good...Now, tell me.. what is happening?" 

This wasn't good. It would only be a matter of time before someone else did recognize her. There had been a lot of animosity directed at her while she was with Shannon, especially near the end. I will protect her. It will be different this time. 

"Oh Mom... " I sighed happily. "She literally ran into me early this morning... and I don't know what's actually happening... but.. she's HERE Mom.. she's perfect...and she's here and I don't ever want to let her go." 

"Just don't fuck this up like your brother did."

"MOM!" 

"You know darn well that he fucked up the greatest thing to ever happen to him, ruining your life as well. I lost a daughter in that whole ordeal; don't forget I love her too. I've missed her. Please don't fuck this up son. She's good for you. You two have always been perfect for each other." 

"Everything is just happening so fast right now...It hasn't even been 24 hours! She's leaving in two days...And I'm terrified that I might never see her again."

"Jared, it's been happening for 20something years. You two have had the longest courtship in the history of the universe. So don't worry about how fast things seem to be moving. Talk to her. You'll see." 

..... 

I was in an extra good mood for work today. I was also trying to make up for Shannon's absence, which is never pleasant. The Echelon truly love him, and I hate to have a disappointed crowd. It's my job to make sure they have the best fucking night. 

The show was high energy and lots of fun. I was starting the acoustic part of the evening when I caught sight of Shayla waving at me from the side of the stage 
"Hold on hold on! Looks like Shayla has something VERY important to tell us... " I made her come out and show me what she was looking at 

"Shannon is awake. He wants you to tell everyone that he's sorry he can't be there, that he will make it up to them, and that he loves them all."