Page 99 of Everything In Between
“We tend to be a two-for-one deal these days,” Jersey responds, giving me a fond pat on the shoulder.
I run my hand through her hair again, not minding one bit that she’s the star of the show. That’s exactly the way I like it. I’ll gladly take a step back to watch her shine.
I get my credit card back and then we’re being handed two coffee cups. The girl waves at us both and gives us an air hug. “Thank you so much for stopping by! It was so nice to meet you!”
Jersey waves at her as we pull away. When we’re on the road again, she settles back in the passenger seat and smiles down at the coffee in her hands. “She was nice.”
“This is Wisconsin. Most people are nice,” I say, turning the steering wheel with one hand while I get my coffee situated in the cupholder.
“Well, I like it.” She takes a sip of her latte and then makes a happy sound. “I’m so glad to be back. I’m liking LA less and less with each day that passes.”
I give her a sideways glance and then run my tongue over my teeth. “You don’t have to go back, you know.”
She sucks in a surprised breath and falls silent next to me, but I can still hear her breathing. She does her best to level herself out. In and out.
It’s a crazy notion. Absolutely bonkers of me to be bringing it up at this point in our relationship. But I’m doing it anyway.
I don’t like the idea of her home and my home not being the same place.
“What do you mean?”
I reach over and put my free hand on her thigh, running my thumb over the silky-smooth material of her leggings. “Youcould stay here, in Milwaukee. This could be your home base in between shows rather than having to go back there.”
“But the recording studio is there.” Her voice is weak, like even she isn’t happy about that fact.
“I’m sure there are places to record here in the city.” Then I have another idea. “Or I’ll build you a recording studio at the house.”
She falls silent again. The air in the cab grows heavy, not in an uncomfortable way, but in a way that feels a bit fragile. I wonder if both of us are afraid to break the delicate balance of this dance I’ve spun us into.
“You’d do that for me?” she finally asks in a small voice.
I glance over at her and fight off an affectionate smile. “I’d doanythingfor you, Jersey. Something like that is a drop in the bucket. Just say the word and it’s done.”
She falls quiet again. My attention falls back on the road, and I reach for my coffee, taking a sip.
“Callum tried to persuade me to end our relationship,” Jersey whispers.
“Hewhat?” While I’m not entirely surprised, I am annoyed. Callum’s really got some nerve. But then again, didn’t my publicist do the exact same thing to me this morning?
Her lips tighten into a straight line and she nods regretfully. “Right after the show you came to. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you right away. But obviously, I didn’t let him convince me. He thinks staying with you is a bad move for my career.”
I scoff and shake my head. “Right, like he really cares about your career more than keeping his pockets lined.”
Jersey exhales. “I know. I walked out on him. He’s been pissed at me ever since and even more moody than usual, but honestly, I don’t care. I wish there was a way out of this contract for me.”
“Have you talked to your lawyers about it? Is there any loophole?”
“I have, and there isn’t,” she mumbles. “The contract from the label is airtight.”
I reach for her hand and thread our fingers together. “We’ll get through it, together. You’re not alone anymore, okay?”
She squeezes my hand and gives me a grateful smile. “How could I ever forget?”
“Can I tell you something crazy?”
“What?” She’s a bit hesitant, unsure where I’m going with this.
I shoot her a sideways glance, the wave of uncertainty returning. “My publicist told me the same thing this morning.”
