Page 74 of The Prodigal Son

Leaving him in my kitchen, I head upstairs and climb back into bed. I have to adjust the chubby state of my dick in my briefs as I grab my phone and open it to see if I have any notifications.

There’s another text from Luke, checking on me. After dinner Friday night, which I stuck around for, I went home in a pretty foul mood. I then proceeded to spend the entire day yesterday moping around in a heartbroken state. Luke and Sadie took turns texting me throughout the day to check on me.

I quickly text my brother back now and let him know that Jensen and I have talked and I am feeling better. Then I leave it at that. Luke will be protective, no matter what. He’s sort of aone strike and you’re outkind of guy. Especially when it comes to me.

Then I notice another text. This one is from Caleb.

Since he and I saw each other almost two years ago, after one of my indie shows in Texas, he’s only texted me sporadically and mostly just to share pics of his daughter, Abby. I can tell he doesn’t want to overstep and pull me back into a relationship I’m not ready to be in.

This one is different.

I’m sorry to have to be the one to tell you this. I had no idea it was going to happen like this, but rich men have a lot of power in Texas and there was nothing anyone could do.

I won’t get too legal on you, but the defense in Truett’s case found a flaw with the prosecution, essentially voiding their entire case against him. He’s been exonerated.

Adam doesn’t want to put Sage through hell again, so they’re not going to bother with any appeals.

Everyone is pretty upset.

We’re all thinking about you. And we love you.

This was the news we were expecting, wasn’t it? He’s free. Truett Goode always comes out on top.

Lucas was always worried that Truett would find a way to ruin my career. That he would out me or sabotage me in some way, but right now, I’m not afraid for myself.

I’m afraid for my family.

Ever since I left, it seems they’re falling apart. Caving in on themselves. Dad went off the rails. Then Adam followed suit,naturally. Caleb and Adam were fighting. Then Luke was just pissed at everyone.

I can’t help but feel like all of this is my fault. My running away left my family in shambles.

Rereading Caleb’s message over and over, I notice the last line and read it a little differently. I don’t think Caleb is saying the family is thinking about me in a sympathetic way. I think he means they’re all thinking about me…because they miss me.

Mom, Adam, Caleb, and Lucas are all struggling right now, and they’re thinking about me because I’m missing. And while I know that I owe them nothing and being a part of a family doesn’t really mean shit when it comes to responsibilities and ownership, I still feel a stronger pull than before.

They need me.

“Everything okay?” a voice asks from the doorway. Jensen is standing there with a cup of coffee in his hand, watching me with concern.

Suddenly, it’s like I get instant amnesia and I can’t remember a damn thing about my family. I toss my phone on the nightstand and recline on the pillow with my hands behind my head.

“Actually, everything is perfectly fine.”

“Oh yeah?” he asks, stepping closer and taking a sip. “And why’s that?”

“Because you…” I start, my voice trailing. Quickly, I pick up my phone and open the notepad. “Are perfectly mine.”

Jensen hesitates a moment, waiting for my response. “What are you doing?” he asks.

“Sorry,” I mumble, distracted. “Lyric idea.”

With that, he chuckles. “You did call me your muse.” He sits on the bed next to me with his coffee in hand. His feet cross at the ankles and he tries to sneak a peek at my phone.

I pull it away to hide it. “You can’t see it yet. My manager said I could have some studio time next month while we’re in New York. I want to have some material ready. Including your song.”

“My song,” he says wistfully. Then he presses his lips to my cheek. “I really like the sound of that.”

Twenty-Two

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