Without You (17 page)

“Hey, Evan,” I called out to him. He immediately stopped humming and turned to me.

The smile on his lips reached all the way to his eyes. He was beautiful. “Good morning, Sunshine.”

“Good morning. Hey, listen. Sam keeps calling. He’s called three times in the last five minutes. Want me to bring your phone to you?”

He scrunched his nose. “Nah. I’ll call him when I’m done. Whatever it is, it can wait.” Then, he gave me one of those sexy grins. “Wanna join me?”

“I’d love to, but if we want to get to my parents’ house anytime soon, I’m going to pass.”

He chuckled. “Probably a good idea.” As I walked out of the bathroom, he shouted, “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” I shouted back with a smile that could be seen from an earth orbiting satellite.

As I entered the room, a chirp sounded from Evan’s phone alerting him of a text message. I glanced at the screen and sure enough, it was from Sam. I unlocked his phone and read the text so I could let him know if it was as important as I expected. I didn’t think anything of reading his messages. He had given me his password and asked me often to read texts to him while he was driving or shaving. It had felt that we didn’t have any secrets we kept from each other.

Until I read that text.

CALL ME ASAP. VULTURES GOT WIND OF THE DEAL. ASKING FOR CONFIRMATION. CAN’T RESPOND UNTIL EVERYTHING IS SIGNED. NEED YOU TO MEET ME BY NOON. LET ME REMIND YOU THIS IS A 3-YEAR CONTRACT SO BE SURE THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT.

The shower turned off as I read the message again. My throat squeezed and I knew I was about to cry. I had to do something and it had to be fast. I clicked through a few buttons on Evan’s phone, resetting the message to
unread
. I put the damn phone back on the nightstand and walked back into the bathroom. With one towel around his waist, he held another in his hands drying his hair like a shaggy dog. He looked cute but I didn’t allow myself the time to peruse his sexy lean body with my eyes. Instead, I turned on the water and jumped in, trying to distract myself from the tears that were about to fall. I adjusted the temperature to as hot as I could stand it, hoping the steam would keep Evan from getting a good look at my face.

“I’m going to make us some coffee and toast. I’ll bring it in so you can munch while you get ready.”

“Sounds good,” I said back, wishing I had the balls to say more. It was happening again. He was leaving me. But unlike last time, he lied. He said he wasn’t leaving. He said he was mine forever. It occurred to me that he might want me to go with him, but the thought quickly vanished. He knew I wasn’t going to leave my job or my friends or family. Damn, he duped me.

I had been feeling nothing but bliss for the last week, finally content and happy in our relationship. But my heart was slowly shattering, piece by tiny piece, into a million shards ripping me apart. Yes, I said taking the chance was worth the risk, but how the hell was I going to put my heart back together again this time? Had he lied to get me back into his bed? Had he run through his allotment of celebrity ass and thought he would slum with me? Was I his final hoorah before taking his show on the road yet again? Luke and Gen had thought he was genuine. Fuck me. So had I.

A few minutes later, he came back in. I was still letting the water pour over my body. I hadn’t even washed my hair yet. I stood there willing the tears not to fall, hoping that he would just tell me what was going on. But, he didn’t.

“I just talked to Sam,” he said, his voice strained. “We’re going to have to go to your parents tonight or tomorrow. I’m sorry, but you were right. It is important. I have to go meet him. I don’t even have time for the coffee and toast.”

The water was still hot and I hoped that it would burn my heart to ash so I wouldn’t feel the pain I was feeling. “What’s happening?”

He didn’t make a move to slide the shower door open to talk to me face to face, and neither did I.

“Nothing to worry about, I just gotta run.” I heard his steps getting closer so I did the only thing I could think of. I lathered soap all over my face. When Evan slid the door open, he chuckled. “You think a little soap is going to stop me.” I kept my eyes closed tightly as his face neared mine and a quick kiss was planted on my lips. “Bye, Sunshine. I love you.”

He closed the shower door. “Bye, Evan. I love you, too.”

When I was sure he’d gone, I cried my heart out. And then, I cried some more.

He had his chance to come clean and he didn’t take it. He lied again. My song played in my head. I could hear his fingers gliding over the keys of the piano. I could hear his sweet sexy voice, but the words were now meaningless. He was still the same Evan. He hadn’t changed at all.

––––––––

E
VAN

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“Y
ou’re sure?” Sam asked again. It had to have been the hundredth time he’d asked since I had walked in the door of my new place.

I rolled the pen back and forth between my fingers. “Sam, relax. For the first time, I truly feel like I’m doing the right thing in my career. This is it.” Reaching for the ball cap on my head, I grasped it and flipped it back to get a clear view of the contracts. Sam had put those little sticky flags on every line where I needed to sign. It was a huge undertaking, but one that I was ready for. One that I knew Maddy would love.

I had to admit, it felt a little weird not having her here with me for such a big commitment, but the more I mulled it over, the more I wanted to surprise her. The look on her face when she saw the place and understood my vision would be priceless. I had no doubt at all that she was going to love it just as much as I did.

Doing it right was a huge priority to me. I had come a long way from the first time I had to make a decision about my future. While it was an opportunity of a lifetime to record my own album and head out on a tour with a musical superstar, I knew deep down in my gut it was the wrong move. If I hadn’t been such a stubborn dumb ass, I would’ve come back sooner.

After another quick read through the terms, I signed on each line. Line by signed line, I solidified my future to become a tenant of what was sure to be a hot spot in Pasadena for musicians, songwriters, and singers alike. Not to mention the bonus space I tacked on to the deal to teach music lessons. Jamming with Maddy’s class had just added more fuel to my fire to get this place going and make it something that could be enjoyed by artists of all ages.

Sam and the attorneys shared a few last words before they headed out. I didn’t pay attention. My mind was focused on the place. I scanned every inch creating a vision of what I hoped it to be.

“Congratulations, Mr. James,” the property owner said, offering his hand. “I think you’re going to love it here.”

I took his extended hand. “I’m sure I will. Thank you.” The man was banking on my success so I would be interested in buying the property at the end of my lease. Three years. I had thirty-six months to get this place up and running just how I imagined it to be.

When they left, I glanced over at Sam. He picked up his arms and surveyed the place. “Well, this is it.” His hands fell to his sides. “I’m proud of you, man. You’re doing what you want to do. You didn’t let the business make you something you’re not. That’s cool, man.”

Placing my hand over my heart, I patted my chest. “That means a lot to me, Sam. It really does.” We were both silent as we took in our surroundings. “You ready to get started?”

Sam’s brows arched in shock. “You have it all planned out, don’t you?”

I tapped my index finger on my temple. “It’s all in here, bro.”

For the next few hours, I gave Sam directions on where we needed to start. First, we needed to take care of the audio. The place was no use to us if we didn’t have a good sound system and excellent acoustics. Then, I gave him a list of the instruments that would be needed along with designs for a small intimate stage. Once we had that in place, I had planned on asking Isabelle to work on furnishings. If Maddy were interested, which I thought she would be, I would ask her to work with Isabelle, too. Together, I was sure they would make the place look perfect.

When we were finished, I took my time turning off the lights and locking the doors. It was a satisfying feeling knowing that I would soon be back. Only the next time, Maddy would be with me...sharing our future.

* * * * *

A
s I drove home, I couldn’t help thinking it felt so amazing to sign my name to something I truly believed in. I always believed in my music, in my songs, but the touring was never me. I needed to be home and I needed Maddy. After it was too late to change anything, I realized I should have brought her with me. I wished she had been there to celebrate with me after I was done signing the papers. It was all too anti-climactic without her.

When I got back, I flew through the door in search for my sunshine. I wanted so much to tell her about my new plans. Initially, I wanted it to be a surprise. I wanted to cover her eyes, take her to the venue, and surprise her at a grand opening, but that changed. I wanted her to be with me every step of the way. I wanted her input, her support, and her light. I craved it like I craved her.

I looked in the kitchen when I didn’t see her in the great room. Then, I went into the bedroom, but she wasn’t there either. I pulled out my cell to call her but she didn’t answer. Puzzled, I circled the house once more, but Maddy was gone.

An idea flashed in my mind, so I grabbed my house phone. “Hi, this is Evan James. I’m looking for Madison Grey. Have you seen her on the property anywhere?” The security staff knew everything. Maybe she went for a run.

“Mr. James, she left shortly after you did this morning. She called for a cab.”

A cab? What the hell was Maddy up to? “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

Falling back onto the couch, I ended the call. Instantly, I went to my cell again and dialed her number. “Maddy, where did you vanish to? I just called the gate and they said you left in a cab. I’ve called you and you’re not answering. Obviously. Call me back. You’re worrying me.”

I waited another fifteen minutes before I called her again. She still didn’t answer. Now, I was worried. This was so unlike her. She always answered my calls. If she couldn’t, she at least responded with a text message.

One more try. Still, no answer. I took to texting to see if she would respond.

HI. WHY AREN’T YOU ANSWERING ME? WHERE ARE YOU? I’M WORRIED.

I sent it. Then, I added a second message.

I LOVE YOU, SUNSHINE. CALL OR TEXT. JUST SOMETHING.

When I got home earlier, I was dying to tell her the news but now I just wanted to know that she was safe. My heart pounded faster in my chest as I waited for a response. I considered calling the police but I knew that wouldn’t help. Only an hour had passed since I tried getting in touch with her. To them, that was nothing. Then, I considered calling Sam and asking him to get some people on it. I imagined him telling me she was probably off shopping or something and she took my balls with her in her purse. She could have my balls, my dick. Anything she wanted. I just needed her to call me back.

Ninety long minutes later, I got a text.

FINISHED SIGNING YOUR 3-YEAR CONTRACT? I THOUGHT YOU WEREN’T GOING ANYWHERE. DON’T CLAIM TO BE WORRIED ABOUT ME WHEN YOU DIDN’T THINK ENOUGH OF ME TO TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DEAL. GOD, I THOUGHT THINGS HAD CHANGED. DON’T CALL ME. I DON’T WANT TO TALK TO YOU. JUST LET ME MOVE ON. GOODBYE, EVAN.

What the hell? I read the damn message three more times to make sure I was seeing correctly. How did she know about the deal? And why would she think I was leaving?

CAN YOU PLEASE CALL ME? I’M NOT 13. LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS. YOU OBVIOUSLY THINK YOU KNOW SOMETHING THAT ISN’T ENTIRELY TRUE.

The media sucked. That was as all there was to it. I called Sam and left him a message when he didn’t answer. I told him someone must have leaked the story because somehow Maddy had found out. So much for making a deal with them to keep the whole thing quiet until the grand opening. I gave the rag exclusive rights to the opening in exchange for silence. I thought it would work. I was going to sue their asses.

WHY ARE YOU STILL LYING TO ME? I READ SAM’S TEXT. IT WAS VERY CLEAR. YOU’RE SIGNING A 3-YEAR DEAL. I DON’T NEED TO HEAR ANYTHING ELSE. I’M DONE WITH YOU, EVAN JAMES. THIS TIME FOR GOOD. MY HEART CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE. GOD, I LOVED YOU SO MUCH. I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M GOING TO DO BUT I WILL MOVE ON THIS TIME. I WILL LEARN HOW TO BE ME AGAIN. WITHOUT YOU.

Tears stung my eyes at the sight of her words.
Without you
.

NO. THAT’S NOT POSSIBLE. I’LL NEVER BE WITHOUT YOU. AGAIN. I PROMISE YOU I’M NOT GOING ANYWHERE. WE NEED TO COMMUNICATE. AND NOT BY TEXT MESSAGE. TALK TO ME, MADISON. CALL ME.

The messages stopped there. I called her again and again and she didn’t answer. I went to her house, pounded on her door, and she wasn’t there. I went to Luke and Genna’s thinking maybe she used our spare key, but still no luck. I wanted to call her parents, but I didn’t want them to worry. They were so hopeful when we saw them at the wedding yesterday. I hadn’t seen them in so long yet they still accepted me like I had never left. When Maddy was dancing with Genna, I asked her dad to step outside with me. I asked him for his daughter’s hand in marriage and let him know that I would never let her down again. He laughed saying that there would be plenty of times I would let her down, but the key to wedded bliss was figuring out how to make it right. He gave me a hug and welcomed me into the family. If Sam hadn’t called that morning, I would’ve been getting down on my knee to propose to Maddy again. Only this time, I had the ring.

I got to my feet and went into my bedroom. Pulling open my sock drawer, I began to get choked up. I tossed some socks aside and grasped the blue satin box in my hands. She thought I was leaving her. Just the night before, I promised her dad I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her and not twenty-four hours later, I did just that. But like the wise man said, I just had to figure out how to make it right. And I would.

I put the ring in one of my pant pockets and pulled my cell out of the other. I called Sam and this time he answered. “Hey, man. I need your help.”