The Meet [Jaime Preciado] [Book 3]

[12] Secrets and Ouchies

Jaime

“Stop worrying, Hime,” Mike encouraged me. His hand patted my shoulder. “She won’t try anything, I hope. Besides, it’s just for today! We’ll be gone by one-thirty tonight.”

“I bet Lily hates me,” I whispered, my hands in my hair.

“Why would she? You know Jess came here just to make things difficult. You didn’t invite her, did you?” Mike questioned, sounding a little angry.

“Of course I didn’t! I don’t want her here. I don’t want her to ruin anything I have with Lily,” I growled, my own rage boiling.

“Jaime,” He grabbed my shoulders. “I know you two have known each other for two years, but really, you’re over reacting a bit. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. We have a show, but you have the whole day to spend with her and prove to her that Jess means nothing to you.”

I bit my lip nervously. “You think she’d want to do something?”

“Why wouldn’t she?” Mike asked, obviously trying to boost my confidence. “You’re such a great guy, Hime-Time. She loves you; don’t you see that?”

Before I could say anything, I was interrupted by Adam, our photographer. Well, he usually is, but it’s supposed to be Lily on this tour. Yesterday, she had taken pictures of us for the first half of the set, and then she left.

“Where’s Lily?” I asked instantly, directing my question to Adam.

“She asked me to step in for her tonight,” He responded casually. “She said she wasn’t feeling right.”

Lily didn’t mention being sick earlier. She seemed fine. What was wrong? Why isn’t she really out here? Why didn’t she tell me anything?

“Oh,” was all I could manage to say.

“You’re on in fifty seconds, guys!” Our manager called to us from where Tony and Vic were standing.

Mike led me over to them slowly with Adam a few feet behind us. “Don’t stress, Jaime,” He muttered just to me. “She’s fine. Jess won’t ruin anything.”

**

Lily

With the jacket I had on when Jaime took me on a tour of San Diego, I couldn’t seem to walk fast enough to get to Kellin’s bus. Jess was at Jaime’s – I mean, Pierce The Veil’s set, and it was bugging me.

Someone’s arms wrapped around me from behind, and I instantly knew who it was, because I had told him a million fucking times not to do that to me.

“Justin, I swear to G-God!” I squeaked through an unexpected giggle fit. He lifted and spun me around until we got to the bus door, which was only a few feet away.