Page 49 of Derailed
16
Sean
My alarm blaresand jolts me from a deep sleep.Shit.I forgot to take my ear buds out again last night. I reach for my phone and shut it off before I get permanent hearingloss.
Go visitIz.
It’s the reminder I set last week when we were in San Diego. I consider rolling over, going back to sleep, and pretending I never woke up. But my conscience nags that I’m already awake; I should do the right thing and go see Iz again, as uncomfortable as that mightbe.
“Fucking drummers,” I grumble, and pull myself from the comfort of my bed. After a quick shower, I pull on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt before grabbing my wallet. My keys are downstairs in the kitchen, from when I ran out to get burritos with Trent last week. Fuck, that’s a good idea. I check the time, lace up my Chucks, and smile because I have just enough time for a pit stop along theway.
Making my way downstairs and through the house, I’m careful not to wake anyone, not because I’m sneaking out, but more because I’d rather not have a big blow-up about visiting Iz. As much as everyone tells me to move on, I want to give them the same advice. They’re pissed about how everything went down, but isn’t it time to let thatgo?
Stealing down the empty hallway, I turn the corner to the kitchen and skid to a stop. The stench of antiseptic and vinegar hangs heavy in the air and stings my nostrils. All the contents of the cupboards are piled onto the island in what I assume is an organized manner. “What thefuck?”
A squeak bursts from the floor, and Jess pops up from behind the center island. Her hair is piled up in a messy bun and her hands are covered in yellow rubber gloves about three sizes too big. “Sorry, I didn’t realize anyone wasawake.”
“Jess, what are youdoing?”
She eyes the same mess on the counter and they widen as if my question is absurd. “I’mcleaning.”
“Obviously.” I take a few steps forward and place my hands on the only empty space on the island. “Why, exactly? We have a crew forthat.”
“I’m not here for the free ride,” she says with a wrinkle to herbrow.
I shake my head because I don’t understand her conclusion. “I didn’t think youwere.”
“I want to earn my keep.” She puffs her chest and it’s all I can do to keep my eyes on herface.
Raising a brow, a little laugh escapes my mouth. “LikeCinderella?”
She sighs and her breath chases a few wayward strands of hair from her face. “It does feel a bit like a fairy tale.” She sighs again and reaches for a rag. “A few weeks ago I was sweeping hair trimmings and washing out color for minimum wage. Now I live in a mansion with famous rockstars.”
“Your boyfriend is no Prince Charming.” I can’t help but state my opinion on the matter, but my words come out sharper than Iintend.
Her gaze narrows and those hands are back on her hips. “Can we not talk about that?Please?”
I nod even though I don’t know how a woman like her, beautiful, and as far as I can see, honest and kind, is with a douchebag like that. Except isn’t that always the way it is? The assholes get the girls and don’t treat them right. Something I neverunderstood.
“Why are you up so early?” she asks. “Sorry, that was rude. This is yourhouse.”
“It’s yours, too. And I’m actually gonna head out. Visit a friend in rehab, but it’s up in Santa Barbara. A couple hours’drive.”
“Your old drummer,Iz?”
“The one andonly.”
Her smile softens. “That’s nice of you. That you’re gonna go seehim.”
I shrug because I don’t know how to take the compliment. I’m going, but I have mixed feelings on the matter. After the way last week went down I’m sort of dreading it, but feel obligated regardless. “He’s like family. And he doesn’t have anyoneelse.”
“That’s really nice, Sean.” God, I love when she uses myname.
“Yeah, well, I’m starting to regret the decision this morning. It’s far as fuck.” An idea strikes me. As much as it’s a dangerously bad idea, I can’t help but propose it anyway. “Hey, how’d you like to play DJ on a mini roadtrip?”
“Really?” Her eyes light up with a glimmer of excitement, but as quickly as it comes, it’s replaced with a scowl. “Icouldn’t.”
“Why? Don’t tell me you’re cleaning the entire house? Or will Coy have a problem with you doing something fun without him?” I know damn well he will. I’m a dick for even asking, but I’ve noticed she always takes his side, comes to his defense, so I’m banking on that tendency to swing her answer to myliking.
