Music of the Heart (Runaway Train, #1)(22)

“Where’s the ladies room?” she demanded of Billie Jean.

“Down the hall.”

Averting her gaze to the floor, Abby mumbled, “Thank you.”

Motherf*ckingshit! I had so screwed up.

***





When I shut myself into the grungy bathroom stall, I fought to keep my emotions in check. I felt like I was on a defective Merry-Go- Round. One minute Jake is showing interest in me and the next hooking up with some random waitress. What the hell was his deal? I guess the better question was what was my deal? Why in the world was I remotely interested in some * who would do that? I had to be delusional to think that someone like Jake Slater would actually be interested in me or be willing to give up his manwhore existence.

“I’m so stupid!” I exclaimed.

Once I finished in the bathroom, I drew in a deep breath before heading outside. I half expected Jake to be waiting on me to try and talk or explain himself, but once again, he disappointed me. Instead, he sat at the table with his chin propped up on one of his hands while the other guys talked and laughed.

As I eased down at the table, I didn’t dare look over at him. It was too embarrassing. I tried occupying myself with my phone. But I felt his eyes burning into me. Then the heat from his body grew closer as he leaned over, causing me to hold my breath. “Angel, about what happened back there—”

He was interrupted by his phone ringing. One glance at the caller ID and he tumbled out of his chair.

“Dude, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Sally,” Jake replied before he stalked out of the restaurant.

Even though I hated myself for it, I asked, “Who is Sally?”

“His aunt,” AJ replied with a grimace. He then downed the last of his beer before adding, “I sure hope that means nothing is wrong with his mom.”

I then followed the guys out of the restaurant. Frank hadn’t arrived yet, so we stood under the awning waiting for him. Peering into the night, I caught sight of Jake’s form. His phone was pressed tight to his ear while he was pacing around the parking lot. With his free hand, he gesticulated wildly. Whatever it was his aunt was saying was obviously very upsetting to him. Just as he finished the phone call, the familiar black SUV came screeching into the parking lot.

“Jake!” AJ called.

Without responding, he came stalking over to us. This time he didn’t bother opening the door or helping me inside. Instead, he disappeared into the backseat without a word to anyone.

I hopped inside and then chewed on the inside of my cheek. Should I forget what an asshat he had been earlier and at least check on him? Although part of me wanted to tell him where to get off, I finally bit the bullet and turned back in my seat to look at him. His expression was dark as he stared ahead. “Everything okay?” I tentatively asked.

“Fine,” he muttered.

Realizing he wasn’t in the mood to talk, I eased around in my seat and looked out the windshield. While the guys were loud and boisterous on the way back, Jake didn’t say a word. Once the SUV came to a stop in front of the bus, he hopped out and pounded up the front steps.

“What bug is up his ass, I wonder?” Rhys questioned before getting out.

The boys had all filed out of the SUV when Frank touched my shoulder. I turned back to him in surprise. “Abby, I know Jake, and from the way he was acting, I’m worried that something bad has happened with his family. He doesn’t open up easily, but if you can, please try to find out what’s going on with him.”

“But you saw he wouldn’t say two words to me earlier.”

“I know. But please, keep trying.”

“Fine, I’ll try.” I got out of the SUV and headed onto the bus. While the other guys were lounging around in the living area, Jake was noticeably absent. I craned my neck around to see if he had slipped into the bathroom.

“Where’s Jake?” I asked as the bus driver started up the engine.

“He got his iPod and hit the bed.”

A glance at the clock on the microwave showed it was only eight. I couldn’t imagine a guy like Jake going to bed so early. I decided I better change the subject. “Speaking of, where will I be sleeping tonight?”

“It’s my night for the bed, but I’ll totally give it to you,” Rhys offered.

“No, no, I don’t want any special treatment. I’m serious about the bet and experiencing all aspects of life on the road. I’ve slept in a roost before, and I can do it again.”

AJ grinned. “Let me guess though. You’d prefer a bottom bunk.”

I nodded. “Yeah, I like to be close to the ground. A couple of years back I was on the top bunk when we got in a bad hail storm. The bus skidded on the slick roads, and I fell out.”

“Then the first bottom bunk is yours, Abby,” Brayden said with a smile.

“Thank you.”

He motioned to the couch. “We were just about to watch a movie if you’d like to join us.”

“Nothing NC-17 I hope?” I teased.

Brayden laughed. “No, maybe a little R-rated Will Ferrell comedy. Would that be okay?”

“If it’s Ricky Bobby, you got a deal.”

“Great minds think alike.”

“Just let me get changed.” As I walked back to the bedroom, I paused outside of Jake’s roost. “Jake?” I tentatively asked. When he didn’t respond, I kept on going. Even though I pushed my luggage and guitar case against the door, I tore off my dress at record speed. I then threw on my ratty Jacob’s Ladder’s t-shirt and my yoga pants from earlier. I slid my hair into a ponytail and then headed back out.