The Rules of Dating My Best Friend's Sister(80)

I heard a man’s voice in the distance. “Hey. How’s Jean doing?”

“Oh…hi, Warren. What are you doing here?”

My teeth gritted as I listened to their conversation.

“My mom heard from your parents’ neighbor, Irene Davis, that there was an ambulance at the house. She called me, and I called you, but your phone went to voicemail. I called Bill, and he filled me in.”

“My dad filled you in?”

“I spoke to him about a half hour ago.”

“Oh. He didn’t mention that you’d called.”

My jaw clenched so tight, I was surprised I didn’t crack a tooth. First of all, he was there, and I wasn’t. But also…Bill? Not Mr. Ellison, like I’d always called him. And I certainly didn’t have her father’s phone number. I realized all over again what Warren had been to her, what he’d been to her entire family.

“Are you on the phone?” Warren asked.

“Oh…shoot. Yes, I am. Excuse me a minute.”

She came back on the line. “Hey. Umm…Warren just showed up.”

“I heard.”

“Oh…okay.”

So many emotions hit me, and I didn’t know what to do with any of them. I guess I was quiet for a while.

“Are you still there?” Lala asked.

“Yeah, I’m here.”

She lowered her voice. “I’m sorry.”

I frowned, but had to suck it up for Lala’s sake. “Nothing to be sorry about, sweetheart. I’m glad someone is there for you. And I’ll let you go, so you can go back and be with your dad.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

The last thing she should be worrying about right now was me. “Of course. Call me later and let me know how everything goes. Okay?”

“Alright.”

“I hope everything goes smoothly.”

“Thanks.”

“Bye.”

Dylan eyed me when I hung up. I hadn’t told them what had gone down yet. “Everything okay?”

“My girlfriend’s mom had a heart attack last night. They just took her in for a bypass.”

“Shit. Sorry, man.” He was quiet for a moment, then cracked a small smile. “Girlfriend, huh? Don’t think I’ve ever heard you use that word.”

The funny thing is, I hadn’t even realized I’d said it. But deep down, that’s what Lala was to me…my girl. Unfortunately, I wasn’t sure if I was her guy…and she was currently with a man who I was certain still wanted her.





CHAPTER 22


Holden



“Look what the cat dragged in!” Dylan said.

That night, we were setting up for our second show in Oregon when I turned to find our manager, Daisy, walking toward the stage.

She held her arms in the air. “Surprise!”

Each of the guys walked over and greeted her. Daisy was really cool. She’d been our manager for almost two years now. Right before we’d signed with her, she and I had a little thing together. It only lasted for two months, since she lived out in California and was looking for a husband-type, and I was on the east coast and looking for a good time. But we’d parted as friends, and our past had never been an issue since we’d started working together. She was also engaged now.

“What’s up, Daze?” I kissed her cheek. “Looking good, as always.”

She smiled. “And you’re looking the part of a rock star, as always. Good to see you, Holden.”

“What brings you to Portland?” Dylan asked. “I know you don’t go this far north for nothing.”

“You’re right, I don’t. It’s too freaking cold up here. But I made an exception to watch my favorite clients play and to give you some good news.” She clapped her hands. “I have a record label coming to see you when you get down to San Francisco in a few days. And not a small one—a major one with a shitload of Grammy-winning artists: Interlude.”

“Holy shit,” Dylan said. “Interlude is huge!”

“I sent them your newest demo, and one of the scouts really loved a few of your songs, enough to come hear you in person.”

Dylan lifted Daisy off the ground and spun her around. The rest of the guys and I settled for high fives.

After we caught up for a little while, it was almost time for us to go on. Daisy took a seat at a table off to the side of the stage, and the guys started warming up. I walked over to her.

“Hey, Daze? Can you do me a favor and keep my phone?”

She smiled. “You want me to field calls from groupies and arrange for them to come by your room at different times?”

“Nah. I’m waiting for a call from someone. If you could just let me know if it rings. You don’t have to answer it. But if the call comes in, we’ll take a quick set break so I can call back.”

“Sure, of course.”

I pulled out my phone and handed it to her. “Thanks.”

She tilted her head. “You okay, Holden?”

I shrugged. “I’ve been better.”

“You want to talk about it?”

“Maybe later. We gotta get started.”

“Okay.”