JD joins me as I lean against the bar. Before yesterday, I hadn’t shared much about my past with him and figured that after the spectacle I made at the interviews, he’d be full of questions. He hasn’t said or asked anything, and right now I’m very grateful.
“She’s good, Mate.”
“She can definitely perform,” I say, nodding in agreement.
“Everything alright, Liam?” JD asks as he studies me carefully.
JD and I are close, but not as close as Harrison and I. I look at JD now and see how much he has grown up over the past couple of years. I guess getting married, getting shot and having a kid - all within the matter of months - will do that to a person.
“I’m okay, JD.” I tell him, sincerely.
He nods, and bounces on his feet for a few minutes. “I know about Layla.”
“Not much to know,” I say, wishing I could change the subject. “I was young, heartbroken and high. I think you’ve been there a few times?”
“Yeah, no kidding. I just hope I don’t bump into any of them when the missus is around, if you catch my drift.”
“That, I do.”
I don’t know what the hell I’d do if Josie and Layla crossed paths, or if Josie were to ever find out any of the details of the hook-up. It’s a fight that we don’t need to have, ever.
As soon as the set is done, Layla jumps off stage and walks over to me. I hand her one of the bottles of water sitting on the bar, even going as far as to be a gentleman and open it for her.
“Thanks,” she says, out of breath. “Shit, performing takes a lot of out of you. I think I need a year to get ready.”
I look at my watch and laugh. “I think you have about twenty-eight hours before the first show starts.”
“Right,” she says before finishing the water. “So listen, Trixie was hinting about wanting to add some more sets, so I bit the bullet and offered to do some duets with you.”
If I had anything in my mouth, I’d be choking right now. I look at JD, who doesn’t look happy, and then back to Layla.
“What?”
She shrugs, as if it’s no big deal. I mean it’s only my marriage on the line here, not hers.
“Trixie wanted to keep you on stage longer; she says you’re the bigger draw, so I said we’d do some duets. You know, spice it up a little.”
“Shit,” JD says, taking the words right out of my mouth. I’m guessing Jenna has told him about Josie’s freak-out and he knows what’s coming next.
“I don’t know if I can do that, Layla.”
She steps closer and places her hand on my chest. “I remember you and me moving very well against each other back in the day. All you have to do is remember that night.” She turns and walks away, but doesn’t get far. “Oh, and Trixie wants your shirt off when you’re on stage.”
I pick up a stool and cock it back, preparing to throw it but Harrison steps in my path, while JD takes it from my hands.
“Tell her no,” Harrison says.
“I tried.”
He shakes his head. “What is it with you and these chicks? How come they never listen to you?”
“Because they all want is his dick,” JD throws it out there as if it’s a common occurrence – me being propositioned.
“JD, seriously? Sex sells, you know that. Trixie is playing off them damn photos.” I throw my hands up in frustration. I don’t mind doing duets, but not with Layla and not after the fight with Josie.
“Do you think its Trixie or Moreno making the call?” Harrison asks.
JD and I say “Moreno” at the same time and Harrison agrees with us.
“So, are you gonna take your shirt off then?” JD asks, and I shake my head.
“Never have and can’t say that I will unless Josie is front and center and I’m singing to her.”
Even when I’m home in Beaumont and performing, I don’t take my shirt off. My tattoo is for her, and her alone.
Everything happens for a reason. You may not know the reasoning at the time, but eventually it comes to light. Two days ago, I found out that the baby Liam and I have been planning to adopt for months is no longer ours. Meredith, the mom, changed her mind. I get it, I do. A school counselor brought up adoption when I was pregnant with Noah. She was trying to encourage me to stay in school. I never planned to drop out, just live at home until I could graduate. My parents were there to help. I know not everyone is as lucky as I am, but that’s where I thought I could help Meredith. I should’ve known, though. She never let me buy her anything.