Page 18 of Renegade
“It was, shit, it was everything. It was too much and it wasn’t enough,” I say, letting my true feelings flow without thinking about it. I tell her everything from the limo to dinner and the kiss it constantly seems he’s going to take. I tell her my concerns, my questions and what I’m feeling. When I’m done, I regret every word I let spill.
“Brooklyn, this isn’t Fitz. This isn’t a game, this isn’t how he is, ever. He’s a one nightstand, wam-bam get the fuck out ma’am, kind of guy. He planned a night to be with you and only you. He made sure everyone else, especially me, had plans. Dump Hank and step up to a rock star, girl,” she says, squeezing my leg.
“Stop it, Poppy. I’m only here until Saturday and after I leave, Fitz will go back to his ways and I’ll go back to mine.” I try to force a smile, but it’s useless. Just the thought of leaving makes me sad. I think if Fitz asked me again what my dream is, it would be to live here.
“Don’t think like that. Just enjoy yourself while you’re here.” I nod my head as she continues, “So I need to go check out a few venues today, so you can just hang here until I get back or maybe hang out with the guys.”
No way, I’m not doing this again. If I hang out with the guys, I will do nothing but tell my body to focus and my head to remember Hank. “I think I’ll just stay here,” I say and sit up.
“Wrong answer. The guys have a day set up for you. Something about teaching you good music. I’m to drop you off at the studio on my way to the airport,” she says and stands up.
“Airport?”
“I need to fly out to Philly, it’s faster than driving. I’ll be back in a few hours. You’ll never miss me. So get showered because we leave here in less than two hours.” She sways toward the door, stopping momentarily to raise her hand and blow me a kiss and then walks out of the room.
Well, I’m glad I was given the choice of what to do today. Although, I’m kind of excited to get a music lesson from Renegade. I’m not sure they will be able to change my music choice, but it might be fun to try.
**
An hour and a half later, I’m dressed in a pair of cut off jean shorts, a sweat shirt that hangs off one shoulder and flip flops. My hair is down and straight and my makeup is once again minimal, but I do add a bit of light eye makeup.
Poppy tells me how great I look and I’m starting to get used to hearing it all the time. “Come on girl, the cab will be here in a minute. You have everything you need?”
“What the hell do I need?” I ask and we both laugh.
“I don’t know. I just thought I’d ask,” she says and grabs her house keys, “Let’s go.”
We get to the studio and I open the door and start to get out, but she doesn’t. “Aren’t you coming in?”
“I don’t have time, I need to catch a flight. Nate will call me and tell me if you guys are still here or if you went home. Don’t worry, go have fun.” She pushes on my shoulder, edging me out of the cab. The activity on the streets of the city are loud and as I listen to the whistles of people on the street hailing cabs, I hear the screech of tires and glance up. A yellow taxi nearly misses a blonde woman trying to cross the busy street. The city is alive, and it almost frightens me, but on the other hand it intrigues me.
Hating the fact I need to walk into the studio alone, I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders as I steadily walk toward the building. I understand Poppy has to work, but I do wish we had more time together. I’m grateful for Fitz and the guys for keeping me busy though until she comes back.
With my heart pounding in my chest, I walk into the studio and am greeted by loud music and laughter. “Fuck yes, Brooklyn’s here,” Ethen yells, jumping over the coffee table to pull me in for a hug.
“Oh hi, Ethen,” I say, completely taken aback by his sudden show of affection.
“Off.” I hear and suddenly Ethen is pulled from me. I look up and see Fitz giving him a nasty look, before turning to me. “Hey gorgeous.” Such a three sixty from the way he just spoke to Ethen.
“Hey,” I say, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
I feel a muscled arm wrap around my shoulders and I turn to see Ralph. “You ready to hear some good music?”
I shake my head back and forth as they all burst into laughter. “I thought I was listening to you guys,” I say, causing myself to fall into a fit of laughter. As I’m bent over, I’m suddenly picked up and tossed over Fitz’s shoulder. “What the hell?” I scream and hold onto the bottom of his shirt.
“I thought you’d need help finding a seat to listen to your new favorite band,” Fitz says, walking to the sound booth.
He pushes through the glass doors and sits down on a leather couch, turning me to sit on his lap. “I could have found my own seat,” I say laughing as I fix my hair.
“But this way, you’re on my lap,” he whispers in my ear. It sends chills through my body and I try to pull away, because I know I will enjoy sitting here too much. However, his hold tightens. “I want to feel your reaction, so you can either sit here on your own free will, or I’ll hold you. You’re choice.”
I know I could fight and he’d let go, but I don’t want him to. I’m surrounded by his cologne and wrapped in his muscular arms. Fighting it would be pointless, because I want to be right here. He makes me feel good about myself and I like the attention he gives me.
“Alright, I’ll stop fighting,” I say and chew on my lip.
As the rest of the band starts to walk in, Fitz searches my eyes. “I wish you would,” he says, with the most serious expression I’ve seen from him yet.
Ethen