But as soon as my shaky legs took me through the front door, Brayden had swooped in to meet me and make me feel at ease. “You okay?” he asked, as we started down the hallway.
“Oh, I’m fine. Never better,” I lied. When Brayden cut his eyes over at me, I wrinkled my nose. “Yeah, I’m petrified.”
He smiled. “It’s going to be okay, I promise. We’ll stop by the counselor’s office to pick up your schedule. The secretary is a friend of my mom’s, so I can get her to put you in the classes with me. Then you won’t have to worry about not knowing anyone or getting lost.”
My brows shot up in surprise. “You would do that for me?”
“Of course I would. I’ve lived here all my life, so I don’t know what it’s like to be the new kid. I just know how much it sucked being the ‘injured kid’.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it so much.”
“It’s good for my popularity, too. Getting to be seen around with the prettiest girl in school.”
My cheeks warmed a little at his compliment. “I’m glad it works for both of us then.”
He laughed. “Come on, Lily. Let’s show Roswell High their newest star.”
Fortunately, Brayden’s group of guys and girls welcomed me with open arms, and I was really enjoying school. Through his former football connections, he had even managed to score me a late tryout for the cheerleading squad. I’d secured my spot yesterday with what the coach had called a “flawless routine”. While some of the girls hadn’t been very welcoming, most of them became fast friends, making my transition even easier.
Although I’d barely known Brayden a week, I found myself already falling for him hard. I’d had a few boyfriends over the years, but I’d never had a relationship that lasted over a few weeks. Surprisingly enough I could see myself being with Brayden for the long haul. I’d never met a guy who was as sweet and caring as he was handsome. When I’d randomly in conversation expressed how much I loved kids and wanted to be a teacher one day, he’d even managed to get me the hookup for an afterschool program job at the school where his mother taught. Even though I would only be working two days a week, I loved every minute being with the kids.
After spritzing some perfume on my neck and wrists, I headed out of the bathroom. I found my thirteen-year-old sister, Kylie, lounging on the bed, reading my latest issue of YM magazine. “Hey Kyles, I know we’re still getting used to the house, but this is my room. Your room is across the hall.”
“Har, har,” she muttered. She then glanced up and took in my appearance. “Wow, where are you going tonight?”
“Nowhere special.”
She rolled her eyes. “Bullshit.”
“Watch your mouth. Mom and Dad will ground you in a millisecond if they hear you cussing like that.”
“Don’t change the subject.”
Ignoring her, I went over to my jewelry box to dig out a pair of earrings that would go with my outfit.
“Come on, Lily. Give me the dirt. You know I won’t tell the ‘rents.”
“That’s because you’re already too much of a troublemaker,” I mused.
“And you’re too much of a goody two shoes,” she countered with a grin.
Throwing my hands up, I replied, “Fine. If you must know, I’m going to a frat party tonight to—”
She squealed with excitement as she bounded off the bed. “Oh my God, Lils, I’m soooo jealous!”
I shook my head at her. “When you turn sixteen, Mom and Dad better never let you out of the house.”
“Whatever. So you’re seeing a college guy?”
“No, it’s not like that. Remember Brayden you met the other day?”
Lily’s blonde brows furrowed. “I thought that guy was in high school.”
“He is. But he’s auditioning for a band that happens to have college-aged guys in it.”
“Hmm, he must be really good.”
I shrugged as I finished putting on my earrings. “I don’t know. Tonight will be the first time I’ve heard him play.”
Lily’s blue eyes widened. “What if he like totally became a famous rock star? You’d be a famous rock star’s girlfriend.”
With a giggle, I replied, “We’re not even dating, Kyles. I mean, I haven’t even kissed him yet.” It’s not that I hadn’t wanted him to the last few times we were together. Just when I thought he was going to lean in and lay one on me, he would abruptly turn away. I chalked it up to him being nervous, not that he didn’t want to kiss me as much as I wanted him to.
“Damn, what if he’s a shitty kisser?”
I rolled my eyes at her. “I need to wash your mouth out.”
“No, you need to start talking this way to keep up with your filthy rocker boy.”
“Brayden is not filthy.”
“He could be if the band asks him to. Besides, I heard Daddy telling Mom how he cussed like a sailor in front of him because he was nervous.”
“You don’t miss anything, do you?”
She grinned. “Nope.”
I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. “I gotta go.”
As I started for the door, Kylie hopped up to follow me. “So does Mom and Dad know you’re going to a frat party?”
My purple Sam and Libby ballet flats skidded on the hardwood floors as I came to an abrupt stop. When I turned around, Kylie smirked at me. “I’d take that as a no.”
“Why do you have to be so annoying?” I growled.
“Because I’m your little sister, that’s why,” she replied diplomatically.
“They think I’m going to the ten o’clock movie with some of my new friends from the cheerleading squad, and that Brayden and I aren’t going out until tomorrow night.”
“Good lie, especially since I assume you’re going into Atlanta…alone.”
“Are you going to say something to them?”
“Nope.”
I eyed her suspiciously. “And why not?”
“Because I’m going to file it away for the next time I need a favor…or a lie from you.”
“Why am I not surprised?” I muttered.
Kylie smacked me on the butt. “Go on. You don’t want to be late for your rockin’ Prince Charming.”
I laughed in spite of myself. “Okay, okay. I’m out of here.”
“Be safe. Don’t forget to take the phone.”
For my sixteenth birthday, my parents had gotten me of those bag cellphones. It was for emergencies only—not to be calling my friends to chat. I hated the huge thing, but Kylie had a point. “Don’t wait up for me,” I called over my shoulder as I headed out the door.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she replied, her voice laced with amusement.
I didn’t reply. Kylie’s rebellious attitude already worried me for her and for my parents. My two older sisters, Natalie and Melanie, were pretty much on the same level as me. They might’ve had a few moments where they snuck out or lied to our parents, but for the most part, they were kind of boring. I had a feeling Kylie was going to end up giving my parents even more grey hair.
After I pounded down the stairs, I grabbed my purse and keys off the end table in the foyer. “Lily?” my father called from the living room.
Just when I thought I was in the clear to escape down the hallway and out the garage door, my father would have to call me in. “Yes, Daddy?” I asked, after I stuck my head in the living room archway.
My dark haired, dark eyed two-year-old nephew, Asher, sat on my father’s lap. They were watching Aladdin for probably the hundredth time. My parents spent most of their Friday and Saturday nights babysitting their grandchildren so my sisters could have some alone time. No one loved and appreciated their two grandsons and granddaughter more than my parents.
“You be careful tonight. Make sure to take the phone.”
“I will, Daddy.”
He smiled. When I turned to start out the door, he said, “Tell Brayden I said hello.”
I froze. For a few seconds, I couldn’t blink, least of al
l breathe. Slowly, I turned back around to face my father. “But I’m not seeing Brayden tonight. I’m going out with the girls,” I argued feebly.
Daddy gave me a look that clearly said I wasn’t fooling anyone. “Just remember you have to be back by midnight.”
“You’re still letting me go?”
“Sure. Why wouldn’t I?”
“Because I lied to you about where I was going.”
Daddy adjusted Asher on his lap. “I like Brayden. Most of all, I trust him. He personally called me up to ask if it was all right for you to come hear his band play.”
“He did?” I asked incredulously. While I thought it was terribly sweet of Brayden to do that, I wished he had let me know, so we could get our stories straight.
“Yep. So any boy who goes to that extreme to make nice with me has only the best intentions when it comes to you.”
“Okay,” I replied.
“So go on, and have fun.”
I grinned. “Thanks, Daddy.”
Just when I thought my father couldn’t be any cooler, he said, “I’ll be waiting up for you to do the breathalyzer, so don’t even think about drinking.”
“Yes, Daddy.” I silently cursed having a father in law enforcement before I hurried out of the living room and down the hallway before he could say anything else. Unfortunately, my quick escape plan had issues when I ran into my mom and my four-year-old niece, McKenzie, in the kitchen.
“Lily, you look pwetty,” McKenzie said.
I grinned down at her. “Thank you, sweetie.”
“You gots a date?” she asked.
“Um, no, I’m going to meet some friends,” I lied. I wasn’t sure if my dad had made my mom aware of my real plans.
Apparently he hadn’t because Mom just smiled at me. “Have fun. Maybe next time you can invite the girls over here so you won’t be out so late.”
As my hand reached for the doorknob, I replied, “Sure. I’ll see.”
“‘Bye, honey. Have fun.”
I exhaled a sigh of relief when I was finally out the door. I hustled over to the early 90’s Honda I had inherited from my older sister, Melanie. It would be mine until I could buy my own car, and then it would go to Kylie.
Thankfully, there wasn’t much traffic, so it only took me the usual thirty minutes to get downtown. When I got onto Fowler Drive, cars lined the street. Since there were a lot of frat houses on the street, I glanced down at the sheet of paper with the directions. Once I found it, I quickly parked as best I could.
Taking a few calming breaths, I then did a final check at my reflection in the rear-view mirror before I grabbed my purse. The yard was packed with people, and it took a while to get through. A glance at my watch told me I had ten minutes before Brayden was supposed to go on. When I finally got inside, it was just as packed. As I made my way through, I was offered a red solo cup by at least three different guys. I shook my head in refusal and kept weaving my way in and out of the crowd, trying desperately to reach the stage. When I got as close as I could, I craned my neck as I searched for Brayden. Four guys worked on setting up equipment like amps. As I squeezed in closer, I recognized Brayden’s dark head of hair.
“Brayden!” I cried over the roar of the crowd and the music.
His head jerked up before he whirled around. A broad smile lit up his handsome face. He held up a finger before turning back to the guys. After they exchanged a few words, he came to the edge and hopped down. “I’m glad you made it. I was afraid you might’ve backed out.”
“And miss hearing you play?” I shook my head. “Never.”
He chuckled. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“Yo, Vanderburg. Get your ass back up here,” one of the guys called from the stage.
Brayden grimaced. “Listen, I’m sorry, but I have to go finish setting up. But I’ll catch you after, okay?”
“Of course. I’m holding you your promise to buy me some dinner.”
He grinned. “I’m a man of my word, I promise.” He then surprised me by leaning in and kissing me on the cheek. “See you later.”
“Okay,” I murmured breathlessly. Just the simple touch of his lips on my skin had me enflamed. I knew in that moment I wouldn’t have anything to worry about when it came to Brayden being a shitty kisser. I knew he would be able to make my toes curl.
I remained by the stage as the guys hurried around getting everything ready. From time to time, Brayden would meet my gaze, and he would wink or smile at me. I felt like I was in heaven.
“Well, hello again,” a voice said behind me.
I instantly recognized it belonged to Brayden’s jerk cousin, Mitch. Reluctantly, I turned around and gave him a smile. “Hi.”
“I didn’t think I was going to know anyone here.” He flashed me a wolfish smile. “I’m glad the one person I know turned out to be so fucking pretty.”
“You’re such a flatterer,” I responded sarcastically.
“Now don’t be that way, Lily. If you and Brayden get serious, we’ll practically be family.”
“Shouldn’t family not hit on each other?”
He laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind for later on.”
Before I could respond with some smart remark, a screech came over the microphone. I turned my attention away from Mitch and put it back where it belonged on Brayden. My heart stopped and then restarted at the sight of him. With his guitar strapped over his shoulder and with the stage lights coming down on him, he had been transformed. He looked every bit the rocker.
A tall, blond-headed guy with a major ego stood in front of the microphone. “Thanks for coming out to the party. We’re the Benders. I’m Tom. That’s Raul on bass, and Grayson on drums.” His lips curled into a smirk at the pleasurable female shrieking. “So, how the fuck are you tonight?”
The crowd roared in response to the question. Tom nodded in approval. “I hope you all came to rock tonight. First up, we’ve got a special guest who is going to be playing and singing lead on two songs. Let us know what you think, and we may give the sad little fuck a place in the band.”
My gaze went from Tom to Brayden. His face flushed at Tom’s words, but he managed to wave to the crowd. When Tom motioned Brayden to the microphone, he didn’t hesitate. Instead, he strode confidently up there. “Hey guys, I’m Brayden. Hope you like what I have to play and sing tonight. I thought we’d start off with some Green Day and When I Come Around.”
The applause around me was somewhat more subdued than when Tom was up. Cupping my hands around my mouth, I screamed his name. As he adjusted his guitar and pick, he grinned at me. “Two, three, four,” he said. Then he strummed the opening chords of the song. The loud amps blared the music as the drummer came in.
“I heard you crying loud all the way across town…” Brayden sang into the microphone. Like being hit by a lightning bolt, I immediately fell in love with his voice. Even though the song didn’t call for it, his voice had a deep and soulful quality. I couldn’t believe that until the last six months of his life he hadn’t been singing, least of all playing the guitar. He had such a natural talent for both.
When it came time for the guitar solo, Brayden totally nailed it. The audience screamed their approval, which caused Brayden to grin. The song came to a close, and he took a bow. “Thank you,” he said breathlessly into the microphone.
I clapped until my hands were blood red and stung from my efforts. Gripping the microphone, Brayden said, “To change things up a little bit, I wanted to do one of my favorite songs from Bush—Glycerine.”
Brayden pinched his eyes shut and strummed the opening chords of the song. He looked so sexy when he was deep in concentration, focusing on the music and the lyrics. I thought he was handsome walking around school in jeans and a T-shirt. The muscles he’d developed from playing football were not really hidden behind his shirts, but tonight they seem larger than life. But it seemed amplified by a thousand with the glow of the lights on him, his fingers working magic over the strings of the guitar, an
d his heart and soul being poured out as he expressed the lyrics.
He finished his performance to another round of applause and cheering. He ducked his head, but I could see the grin that spread across his cheeks. “Thank you again. You guys have been great,” he said.
Tom slid over to stand beside Brayden. “So what do you guys think? Should we give the fucker a chance?” Tom asked, to which the crowd roared their approval. I yelled until my throat burned. Tom grinned and turned to Brayden. “I guess you’re in.”
Brayden’s face broke into a beaming smile. “Thanks. I appreciate it.” He then turned to the crowd and held up his hand. “Thanks to you guys, too.”
As Brayden started to leave the stage, Tom grabbed him by the arm. “Where ya going, man? We still got a show to play.”
A red flush crept along Brayden’s cheeks. “Oh, yeah, sure, I’ll stay.” He then eased to the side to let Tom take back the lead singer role. I didn’t know if Brayden was prepared to play with them or not, but when they started up the next song, he fell right in.
“Wanna dance?” Mitch asked.
Since it was a fast-paced song, I didn’t think it could hurt. “Sure. But if you try to molest me once, I’m going to knee you in the balls.”
Mitch threw back his head and laughed. “I’ll be a good boy. I promise.”
True to his word, Mitch didn’t try to grind on me or do anything disrespectful. After two fast songs, it changed to a slow one. We just stood there staring at each other in the middle of the dance floor. “I can still be a good boy even though the song is slow.”
Reluctantly, I nodded. “Okay.” Tentatively, I reached out to wrap my arms around his neck. He pulled me close against him.
“So you think you’re going to like it here in Roswell?”
“Yeah, I think I am. I mean, everyone’s been so nice, it’s hard not to like it.”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve lived here all my life.”
“You’re really not missing anything. Moving basically sucks.”