Page 85 of From Me to You

The car seemed nice—actually, very nice and very expensive. Katy told me that the label had loaned it to them until they got settled in. The record deal that the guys signed would only be official after they released their album, and they only received a monthly paycheck now.

The actual paycheck was a big number—my eyes widened when I counted the zeros, but it was only after they released the album, and it didn’t include the royalties that they would make off the songs or any sponsorship they would get. So, it was going to be huge. I was sure they could afford a few more cars like this and more. I smiled. They deserved it so much.

I peered through the window, taking in the sunny L.A. afternoon. The city was vibrant—unlike Seattle, palm trees lined up almost every road, and the bright blue ocean twinkled under the yellow sunlight as we made our way through Santa Monica.

Jay kissed my hand that he held in his lap absentmindedly as he drove through the twisted mountainways lined with extravagant mansions that probably cost a fortune. I sighed as I admired the view while I listened to Katy ranting off about everything.

Soon, Jay pulled up to a driveway that ended in a big black gate. A security guard waved to Jay as he opened the gate for us to pass through.

A huge, sprawling mansion came into view—the pictures and videos did not do justice to this house. It was so huge and breathtaking. Though it felt lonely for some reason.

Jay opened my car door and pulled me out. The warm, dry L.A. air greeted me, rustling my hair in several directions.

Jay laughed as I tried to tame my hair into a ponytail. After five minutes of struggle, I finally tied them up.

“Come on, I’ll show you around. I’ll come round later to pick up our bags,” Jay said, gesturing me inside.

This house was crazy—it was so big that it had a west wing and an east wing, and a massive informal room that Jay told me was the usual hangout spot. Backyard was the wrong word used to describe the massive lawn and the elaborate swimming pool taking up the space. No expenses were spared for the interiors of the house—from expensive marble to plush leather couches and opulent lighting, this place probably cost more than a million bucks. But it was too white, too modern, and too big to be ever called a home, at least by me.

Katy seemed to love it as she explained to me every part of the house in extensive detail that I did not need to know.

I was so exhausted after the house tour that I kept yawning for every five minutes.

We were currently lounging in the informal room that could easily fit around twenty people inside. It was lined with leather-white L-shaped couches, taking up the entire right corner of the room. A fully equipped TV system sat in the center of the room, with the left side forming an elaborate archway that led to an open kitchen that was so modern that the cabinets gleamed white under the bright lights. A fully stocked bar was nestled at the far end of the room, with the French doors leading to the swimming pool outside. The entire space looked like it was made to host parties and get wasted, which I assumed rock stars did all the time.

I yawned again as I placed the empty cardboard carton on the table. I was so full. We had just devoured some fast food that wasapparently pretty famous in L.A. The burger did taste good, so I might have to agree with Katy on that one.

“Are you tired, sweetheart?” Jay asked, rubbing my arm.

I leaned into his chest. “Yeah, I am exhausted.”

Jay peered at me with his beautiful blue eyes as he kissed my nose. “Let’s get you to bed.”

I nodded, smiling at him as we got up.

Just then, a loud, boisterous sound greeted us. Several guys and a girl walked into the room in various displays of emotion. I only recognized the three guys who I now called my family.

Mikey was the first one to hug me—he literally lifted me off my feet, which earned him a smack from Jay, but he ignored it.

“It’s so good to see you, darling. Emmie was a total bitch without you,” Mikey exclaimed in his usual dramatic manner.

I smiled at him. “It’s good to see you, Mikey. I missed you.”

“Did you hear that, Emmie? E missed me. Don’t complain when she comes seeking my comfort when she leaves your sorry ass,” Mikey declared proudly.

Matt greeted me with a warm bear hug and a sweet smile, much like his sister. “Hey, Evy. You good?”

“Yes, Matt. I am doing great. How have you been?”

“All good, Evy.” He smiled.

Lan gave me a side hug and ruffled up my hair, which was already crazy in this hot, humid weather. “You okay, E?”

“Lan, let me go. My hair is already wild. But yeah, I am okay. You?” I blew the hair out of my face as he let me go to take Katy’s side.

“Good,” he nodded.

Jay put his arms around my shoulder and pulled me to his side. “Sweetheart, I want you to meet Will Rox. Will this is my girlfriend, Evy.” He gestured to me.