“We should have a piss up” Taz exclaimed as we sat outside. I think the guys and Jenn were a little bit disappointed that they had to stay here longer but I was really happy. I didn’t want to go back on tour just yet.

“Yeah!” Jenn and I both said. The guys looked reluctant. Especially AJ.

“We should go get supplies first” I said with a nod

“I’m sick of driving” Taz whined

“Well I’ll go, just the basics? Chips, chocolate, dip?” I asked

“And lollies” Jenn said

“And lollies, done. Anyone wanna come?” I asked looking at the 7 of them

“I will” AJ said. I smiled at him and stood up.

“We’ll be back” I said. He followed me inside and I grabbed my wallet and keys while he went down to my room to get changed.

“Jaime” He said as we got into my car

“Yeah?” I answered

“I don’t like the way you drink” He said

“Why?” I asked

“Because I think you drink more than you should” He answered

“You think I’m an alcoholic?” I asked as I waited at the give way sign for the car up the road to pass

“No. I think you’re going to become one though” He replied

“I understand that you don’t like it AJ because of what you went through, but that’s what I do. I drink with my friends” I said

“That’s ok, drink with your friends but don’t drink to get drunk” He said

“Dude, don’t tell me how to live” I said, getting angry

“I’m just worried about you” He insisted

“Well get another hobby because no one else seems to mind that I drink” I said as I parked in the carpark at the supermarket. I got out and locked the car, starting to walk without waiting for AJ. He caught up to me and grabbed my hand, stopping me.

“You’re my girlfriend Jaime, I’m allowed worry about you” He said softly

“Whatever” I answered

“Please, look at me” He said I looked up at him and he kissed my forehead.

“You have so much to live for and I don’t want you to ruin it” He said softly. I was touched that he actually cared this much about me.

“I’m not going to turn into an alcoholic” I said. He nodded and gave me a hug. We went into the supermarket and I lead him to the chips and lollies and than around to the dip. He paid, which I didn’t complain about and we went home.

“It’s beer o’clock, drink up” Taz said handing me a glass of beer as I took the seat beside her on my swag so AJ could have the chair.

“Thanks” I grinned taking it off her and having a gulp.

“We should invite Adam and Krustie” She said to me

“Hell yeah” I said, grinning again.

“I’ll call Adam first” She said getting out her mobile.

“You know what I feel like?” I said standing up and going to the cd rack we had outside

“What?” Kev asked curiously, the others looked at me

“I feel like a Midlife Crisis” I said pulling out my Faith No More cd and going over to the cd player. I put the cd in and flicked it to the track I wanted. I watched as Taz went out into the yard and smiled at my friends before turning it up. I skulled the rest of my beer and sat the glass on the table as the music started.

“This doesn’t sound like anything I know” AJ spoke over the music.

“Than listen and learn because it’s my favourite song” I answered. I grabbed the broom as the intro finished and the singing- well growling- started and sang along.

“Oh I know this” Nick said standing up. I held out my hand and he came over, taking it. I thrust the broom at him and he sang the Bridge as I did a bit of a headbang beside him. When the hook came on he dropped the broom stick and we both started jumping and head banging. When the next verse came on I noticed Jenn was singing along and danced over, pulling her up. We stood close and swung our hips together as we lowered ourselves to the ground, singing along. AJ’s eyes widened and Howie made a small noise that I could only assume meant he liked what he saw. I laughed and touched her arm before swinging away and picking up the broom. Jenn followed suit and picked up the other broom near the beer fridge. One day when we were bored, back in Wisconsin we put this song on repeat and made up a kind of pole dance to it. Nick was standing near the bbq with his eye brows raised as Jenn and I swung around the broomsticks and leaned right back.

“You 2 are really bad” I heard Taz yell ou8t. She was grinning.

“There’s a mop here if you’d care to join us” Jenn answered with a grin. Taz pocketed her phone and I raced over and started the song again, putting it on repeat. We lined up and at the exact same time we started our little routine. I looked at AJ and saw him carefully rearrange his shirt and grinned at him. I looked at Nick to see him gawking at Taz, Howie was all but drooling over Jenn while Kev and Bri were watching with fascination. I leant forwards and my hair fell in my face but it must’ve added to the ‘sexy’ effect I was going for because AJ’s eyes widened once more and he moved forward in his seat. When the song was finished all 3 of us finished with our left legs wound around the stick and leaning back, looking at the guys upside down. All 5 burst into clapping and cheering and I pulled myself back up into a standing position and waited for the other girls to do it before we all took a bow, laughing. The song came on again and I started jumping up and down. I ended up out on the grass singing at the top of my lungs as I jumped in a circle and played air guitar. When I was dizzy I stopped and lowered myself to the ground.

“Fuck me, I love this song” I said. I slowly stood up when I was no longe dizzy and went into where my friends were laughing at me.

“Have you ever performed this song?” Kev asked over the music

“Nah” Jenn said as I sat on the swag again

“I think you’d sound good singing it” Nick said

“Faith No More might not want us to sing it” I said

“Well how do you know Kurt would want you to sing his songs?” Brian asked

“Dave and Krist said I could” I said

“Hmm, never thought of that” He said. I laughed and got the sudden urge to dance.

“God I just wanna dance” I said rolling my eyes for effect

“Well dance” AJ said

“Will someone dance with me?” I asked. He sat there with his head down.

“I will” Nick grinned. Taz looked up at him and he shrugged.

“Jai’s a good dancer” He said with a shrug. I grinned and stood up. He took my hand and spun me around. I cracked up laughing as he pulled me against him and started leading me in circles around my garage.

“Nick, you’re doing it all wrong” Kev said

“Well you show me how to do it” Nick said with a laugh as we stopped. Kev came over.

“Can you dance?” he asked me

“Yeah” I answered. He put his hand in mine and his other hand on my waist and I put my hand on his shoulder, glancing at AJ I saw he looked a little jealous. Kev started leading me around the garage and it was like we were gliding or something.

“I hate dancing like this” I said as he spun me away from him and pulled me back into a dip.

“Oh yeah? Show us all how you dance than” He said letting me up and stepping away. I laughed and started doing the robot. Everyone cracked up laughing.

“Nah I don’t dance like that… AJ” I said

“What?” He asked

“Come dance with me?” I asked with a grin

“I don’t dance” He said

“I’ll give you a present” I said

“Nah” He said

“What kinda dancing do you do?” Kev asked cautiously

“The naughty kind” I said with a grin

“I’ll dance with you” Brian said with a smile

“Rok, you’re married” Howie said

“We’re just dancing right?” He asked looking at me

“Surely am” I answered

“Well let’s dance” He said coming over.

“Alright than. I’m not to blame for consequences” I grinned and stood so I was right up against him. I draped my arm around his neck and started moving my hips slowly against him. For a second he was unresponsive but he eventually got into the swing of things. Literally. He kept his hands on the small of my back as we grinded against each other.

“I think we’ve seen enough” AJ called out

“Jealous much?” Nick asked him as he pulled Taz into a standing position

“No” AJ snapped

“Thanks for the dance Bri” I grinned giving him a kiss on the cheek and going over to AJ who had walked out into the yard.

“Dude what the fuck is your problem?” I asked him in a hushed voice

“I don’t appreciate my girlfriend getting close to my best friends” He snapped

“What the fuck? You didn’t want to dance with me, remember?” I asked

“You’re just like everyone else. Far too interested in yourself to give a fuck about anyone else{“ He snapped. Before I knew it my fist had come in contact with his face and he was on the ground staring up at me with a stunned look on his now swollen face. I turned around and walked away as Bri, Kev and Howie ran to his side.

“I’m going out” I said to Taz who was looking concered

“But you’ve had a drink” She said

“I don’t give a fuck” I said yanking open the door

“I’ll go with her” Nick offered

“Yeah that might be good” Taz said and I heard him come in after me. I snatched up my keys and my wallet and stomped through the house, yanking open the front door and going out. I slammed the door to my car and decided I should probably wait for Nick, who was now running around the car. He got in beside me and I slammed the car into reverse and speed out of the driver, before slamming it into 1^st and speeding through the giveway sign infront of a car he beeped at me.

“FUCK OFF” I yelled giving him the finger and speeding up.

“You ok?” Nick asked me

“Peachy” I answered as I swung around a corner at about 70.

“Hey Jai, you wanna slow down?” He asked carefully. I answered him by speeding up as I went down the hill towards Werris Creek Road. I saw him hanging on to the door grip so tight that his knuckles were whiter than white. As I came towards the intersection I braked hard and he clutched the seatbelt tightly. I waited for the few cars coming and than squealed the tires as I pulled onto the road. And speed up to the speed limit in about 4 seconds.

“What did he do?” He asked. I ignored him and pulled off the side of the road. I got out, slammed the door and walked around the car, snatching off my P-plates and getting back in. Nick looked positively terrified. I took off onto the road again and speed up to 110, passing a learner driver.

“Jesus Christ Jaime, slow down, please” Nick begged as I neared the 140 mark. I sighed and slowed down, turning into Dead Dog’s Point and parking under a tree. I gripped the steering wheel tightly and finally noticed the blood trickling down my hand.

“He has a hard face” I mumbled, sticking my hand out for him to see. He took it and dug through his pocket, pulling out a hanky. He wiped the blood away and smiled.

“It’s jus little, nothing to worry about” He said. I rested my hands in my lap and stared out the window.

Chapter 22

My mobile started ringing and I pulled it out of my pocket and looked at the caller id. AJ. I hung up on him and sat it on the dash.

“You know, I have no idea what love is or how it feels. But I’m pretty sure I’m in love with him” I said

“So you hit him?” Nick asked

“I hit him because he insulted me badly” I replied

“What did he do?” he asked

“Basicaly told me I was only interested in myself and I was just like everyone else” I said as tears welled up in my eyes

“Well let me tell you that you are no where NEAR like anyone else. You’ve actually got a heart” He said My mobile started ringing again and we both stared at it.

“Answer it” He said softly. I sighed and picked it up, hitting the talk button.

“What” I said

“I’m sorry I snapped I really am. I was just really jealous that you were dancing like that with Rok. You know? I deserved the hit” He said

“Yeah” I answered

“Come home?” He asked

“I’m fine here” I answered

“Nick’s with you though right?” He asked

“Yeah” I answered

“Taz told me that you aren’t supposed to drink and drive while you’re on your P’s” He said softly

“So?” I asked

“I don’t want you to get caught” He said

“I won’t” I answered

“How do you know?” he asked

“I took my P-plates off” I replied. He told someone.

“You’re not supposed to do that either” He said

“You know what? I don’t give a fuck what I’m supposed to do or not do” I said

“I noticed” He said. I stayed quiet

“I’m really sorry” He said

“Good” I answered

“Come home so we can talk” He pleaded

“Ok” I said

“Ok” He said

“bye” I said and hung up.

“Are we going?” Nick asked

“No” I said

“Why not?” He asked

“Because I don’t want to” I said

“Ok, fair enough” He said. I reached in front of him and snapped open the glove compartment, getting out my emergency packet of smokes. I opened my car door and got out, walking around the front and sitting on the bonnet. Nick got out and sat beside me. I offered him a cigarette and he took one. I lit them both and took a long draw back.

“He told me that I drank too much” I said

“AJ?” He asked. I nodded.

“He’d only be looking out for you” He said

“I drink, so what? It’s not like I drink every goddamn night” I said

“I know” He said

“He’s gonna be shitty when I tell him I’m not going to LA with him” I sighed

“Why aren’t you going?” He asked

“I’m not leaving Jenn in Wisconsin alone” I said

“That’s fair enough” He said

“God Nick. I really do think I’m in love with him” I said

“Maybe you should tell him?” He asked

“Maybe” I answered.

“Taz is coming to LA with me” He said and I turned my head to see a huge grin on his face

“So I heard” I said with a smile

“Me and her. We jus seem to fit together” He said, still grining.

“I hope it all works out for you” I said. He smiled and nudged me. I shoved him and he nearly feel. Both of us started laughing.

“If I’d asked you to stay with me again the night after we, you know. Would you have?” He asked

“Probably. I was really digging you. But AJ, jesus… he’s mighty fine in bed” I said

“Better than me?” He asked

“I can’t answer that” I said grinning. He laughed. I finished off my smoke and lit another. We stayed there for about 2 hours and it was getting dark when AJ rang me again. I told him we’d be home in about half an hour and started the drive back into town. When we arrived back at my house Nick went over to Taz who was talking to Jenn about the demo cd. I saw AJ and the other guys sitting at the table. AJ had an icepack pressed against his face. I sighed and went inside, going to my room. I lay down on my bed, facing the wall and thought about what I’d done. I heard my door close and rolled over to see AJ near the bed. His eye was almost swollen closed and it was bruised badly.

“I’m sorry” I said. He sat beside me and grinned.

“I deserved it. I had no right to say what I did because you’re not interested in yourself and you’re not like everyone else. You’re different” He said

“I’m not going to LA with you” I said. He nodded.

“I didn’t think you would come with me” He said

“Have you ever been in love?” I asked him

“Yeah, why?” He asked me

“What does it feel like?” I asked

“It’s like whenever you’re around the person you’re in love with you can barely breath and you have a tingling sensation in your stomach. It’s like nothing at all matters except the 2 of you. Haven’t you ever been in love?” He asked

“I thought I had been but I realised that it wasn’t love. I get all of those things you said, when I’m around you” I said. He smiled.

“Same when I’m around you” He said. I reached up and gently touched his cheek, jus below the bruise.

“I’m so sorry” I said

“Meh I’ll get over it” He said

“Does it hurt?” I asked. He shook his head no. He lay down so he was facing me and slipped his arm around me.

“I love you Jaime” He whispered.

“I love you too” I answered. He smiled and leaned forwards, kissing me gently. When he broke the kiss I smiled and climbed over him. I locked my bedroom door and turned on my stereo. He watched me carefully.

“Let’s make up the fun way” I said as I started pulling my clothes off. A grin spread across his face and he sat up, starting to take his own clothes off. He stood and stripped of his jeans before wrapping his arms around me.

“Oh god you are so beautiful” He murmured, hugging me close. He kissed me again and jumped, so did I, when someone banged on the door.

“What?” I asked

“Jai, Adam’s here” Taz said

“Jesus Christ my door is locked for a reason” I said

“Make up later, come get pissed” She said. I looked at AJ who was trying not to start laughing.

“Alright we’ll be out in a minute” I said

“Good. Hey AJ, she says you have a big dick. Is it true?” She asked. AJ and I both looked at it.

“Yeah it’s true” He said laughing. I cracked up laughing

“jawesome. I’ll have a coke ready for you” she said

“Thanks” AJ said, also starting to laugh.

“Guess we should get dressed” I said when I’d calmed down.

“Guess so” He said. I grabbed my baggy jeans and my black Nirvana singlet and quickly got dressed again.

“Why you changing?” He asked

“Cos I need to look half decent if we’re havin a party” I grinned. He nodded. I grabbed my trucker cap and put it on so it was crooked.

“You love that damn hat” He said

“Uh huh” I said and took his hand. I unlocked my door and we went out the back.

“So you guys made up?” Kev asked

“Not yet, Britney’s here” I said nodding to Adam

“Oh ok” He said. I grinned and went over, giving him a hug.

“Thanks for coming” I said

“Couldn’t pass up the opportunity for free piss” he said. I laughed and went over to the cd player which was turned down. I turned it up and found Midlife Crisis was still on.

“What happened to your eye?” Adam asked AJ

“Jai hit me” He said with a nod. Adam raised his eyebrow and looked at me

“I insulted her” AJ added

“Oh well. Dude serves you right” Adam said and turned to me “I love this song”

“I know” I said

“Beer?” Nick asked me

“No, I’m ok thanks” I said glancing at AJ. He half smiled at me

“Are you ok?” Taz asked me holding her hand to my head. Jenn was studying my face carefully.

“She’s fine. You’re in love aren’t you?” She asked

“Jennsinful, the love guru has spoken. Jenn if I was in love, it’d be with myself or my car” I said. AJ was chuckling.

“Jennsinful?” Howie asked

“Oh yes, our darling little Jennsen here was a very naughty girl back in the day. Weren’t you Jenn” Taz said

“No!” She exclaimed

“Ok we won’t tell. But only because we’re nice” I said. Taz nodded. Howie was looking at Jenn with a weird expression on his face

“Since you’re not getting pissed, what are you drinking?” Nick asked

“Coke I guess” I said as I was dragged out into the yard by Taz and Jenn.

“It’s true isn’t it” Jenn said

“Yes, so what?” I asked

“Awww my little Frack is growing up” Jenn teased

“You call me that in front of them and I’ll them all exactly why we call you Sin” I said. She laughed.

“You don’t have to change for him” Taz said to me

“I know. But I’ve never been in a relationship like this and I don’t wanna screw it up. It’s new territory for me” I said

“When’s the wedding?” Jenn asked

“Oh fuck off” I said laughing

“Not for a while. She’s not going to LA remember?” Taz said

“Oh yeah, true” Jenn said nodding

“If any of us are getting married it’s you and Nicky” I said

“WHAT?” she screeched and slammed her hand over her mouth

“Oh yeah. He’s really excited that you’re goin to LA with him” I said. She was staring at me wide eyed.

“Fuck off” She hissed

“If you’ll kindly excuse me, I have to go and entertain our guest” I said walking back into the garage. Adam had a beer in front of him but it appeared to be still full.

“Drink up” I said to him

“I feel weird not having you drinking with me” He said with a shrug

“I am drinking, it’s jus not alcoholic” I said. AJ was standing against the BBQ looking slightly guilty.

“It’s not the same” He said

“Ok, pretend I’m drinking Rum and Coke and I’ll pretend I’m doin the same and I’ll be ‘pissed’ in no time” I said using inverted commas. He started laughing.

“Is everyone else right for a drink?” I asked looking around at all my friends. I got a chorus of ‘Yeahs’ and smiled, settling down on the swag with my glass of Coke.

“I love big black coks” I said having a gulp of my drink. Taz, who was taking a sip at that exact time burst out laughing and spat her beer everywhere. Adam was also laughing. Jenn was shaking her head and chuckling.

“You’re fucking disgusting” Adam manged to get out

“Well it’s true! Cok is my favourite drink, after beer of course” I said

“You drink Cok?” AJ asked, a little taken aback

“Yep, I’m drinking it right now” I said holding up my glass.

“That’s Coke” Nick pointed ut

“No. It’s cok” I said. He looked at AJ and shrugged.

“You’re a fucking bitch” Taz said to me. She was still laughing. I grinned.

“You love me but” I said

“Eww!” She exclaimed. I leaned close to her and grinned, chuckling to myself.

“I dare you to hump Adam” I whispered

“I heard that” Adam said looking at us

“what did she say?” Brian asked

“She said’ I dare you to hump Adam’” He said. Taz stood up and wnt over, humping his arm. He was laughing.

“Where the hell did you get that?” AJ asked me

“Umm, well. It’s actually your fault” I said to him

“How?” He asked

“It all started with a drinking game” Taz said, she was still humping Adam’s arm.

Chapter 23

“Before we went to America I had Taz over one night after hockey training and we played drinking games with concerts I have on tape. Every time you air humped, or humped the ground we had to take drink” I said

“Amoung many other things we had to drink for” Taz added

“Yeah, well anyway after Nobody But You in the Orlando homecoming concert I was pretty pissed so I got up and started air humping” I said

“You were pissed not even half way through the show?” Kev asked

“Well everytime you said ‘Nobody but you’ we drank” Taz said. He started laughing

“And then since then we’ve jus been air humping. It became a kind of hobby I guess. Down town I used to randomly walk up to Adam and start humping him” I said with a shrug. I was air humping as we spoke and Jenn and Taz were laughing.

“You would’ve only been 17” Nick said

“Wow, you can do math!” I said with a grin. He smiled proudly.

“It wasn’t unusual for us to drink underage” Taz said

“How do you go in Amerca?” Adam asked

“Well that’s where Jenn comes in handy” Taz said. Jenn grinned

“And now Nick” Taz added

“Yeah but I think I might quit drinking” I said. Adam choked on his beer and look,ed at me.

“Jai..” he said. I looked at AJ

“If you’re in a relationship you make changes right?” I said and looked down.

“Jaime you don’t have to give it up for me” AJ said softly. I shrugged. Taz was rubbing my back.

“Taz I’m not a baby” I said laughinmg

“I know but I jus figured you might need some cheering up. It’s not every day you say you’re gonna give up drinking” She said

“No, that’s smoking” Adam said

“Yeah” I said

“Jaime, come in side” AJ said holding out his hand

“I’ll be back” I said to everyone and took his hand, following him inside. He stopped me when we got in the dining room.

“I don’t want you to give up drinking. I just want you to cut down” He said holding onto both my hands

“Well I figured you’d prefer it if I gave up all together” I said with a shrug

“It doesn’t matter what I want. It’s your life baby” He said

“I know but I don’t wanna lose you” I said

“You’re not gonna lose me anytime soon” He said with a grin

“Will you get pissy if I drink tonight?” I asked

“No” He said with a grin. I leaned up and kissed him gently. I broke the kiss and went to the door, slamming it open.

“Where’s mah rum?” I asked

“SHE’S BACK!” Yelled Taz and Adam

“Oh yeah!” I exclaimed. AJ followed me outside and I drank a bit of my coke and placed it on the BBQ, grabbing my bottle of rum and opening it. I only poured a little in, I didn’t want to push my luck. I recapped the bottle and spun around to see Adam and Taz cheering me on.

“Ok I’m only gonna have 4” I said, more to myself than anyone. I went over to the fridge and groped around on the top looking for the white board marker. I wrote on the fridge ‘Jaime’s Rums’ and put a stroke below it.

“Alright let’s get this party started” I said and went over to the cd player.

“Aren’t you sick of this song yet?” Howie asked

“Nope. Twice more and I’ll change the cd” I said. He sighed and I turned it up. I had a gulp of my drink and sat it on the table.

“Taz, Jenn” I said, motioning my friends over to me

“What?” Jenn asked

“I think we should do a concert for them” I said

“Jai” Moaned Taz

“Oh come on” I said

“We’re on a break” Jenn said

“Fine” I said

“You do a concert for us” Taz said

“You know I will” I said to her

“Go on” She said

“You are gonna regret not doing this with me when AJ and I are rooting so damn hard later on that you can hear us” I said to them

“Oh I don’t think I’ll have a problem getting Nicky into bed” Taz grinned. Jenn looked like she was in deep thought

“I’ll do it” She finally said. I grinned at her. Taz rolled her eyes and went back over to Nick.

“We’ll be back” Jenn said as we went inside.

“Skirts?” She asked

“Oh yeah” I said

“You got your fishnets here?” She asked

“Uh huh” I grinned

“Your corset?” She asked

“Umm, no” I said

“You can use one of mine” She said we went down the hall. We went into her room and she started going through her bag.

“Should we have suspenders?” I asked

“Nah” She said. I nodded. She handed me her other black corsette and I grinned and went into my room. I got out all the stuff I was gonna wear and started getting dressed. I pulled on the fishnet stay ups I owned and secured it to my panties and then pulled my boots on. I stood up and looked in the mirror. I pulled on one of my long coats and held it tightly around me, feeling a little silly in what I was wearing underneath.

“Jenn” I said knocking on her door. She opened it and I saw her in basically the same as me, minus the coat. You look good” I said and pouted

“Aww I’m sure you do to” She replied

“I can’t get my corset tight enough” I said

“Here I’ll do it” She said. I went ina dn closed the door. I let the coat fall off my shoulder and turned around. I felt her start tugging on the lace up at the back and tried to breath normally. When she was done I turned to face her and sighed.

“I look ridiculous” I said

“Maybe but AJ’s gonna cream himself” She grinned. I laughed and pulled my coat back up. She found her own coat and pulled it on. I picked up the extension phone and dialled Taz’s mobile number.

“What the hell do you want?” She asked when she answered

“You to put on Welcome To The Jungle” I said

“Ok ok. What are ya’s gonna do?” She asked

“You’ll see. But damn you’re gonna wih u were with us” I said. Jenn cheered and Taz laughed.

“Alright, well maybe I’ll join you” She said

“Alright jus put the song on, we’re comin out through the front” I said

“Alright” She said

“Cya” I grinned and hung up

“Here” jenn said handing me one of her several Fedora Hats. I put it on my head and grinned at her.

“shall we?” I asked nodding to the front door

“Let’s do it” She said. I opened the front door as quietly as I could and lead Jenn outside. The opening to Welcome To The Jungle was playing and I grinned at Jenn one more time before going down the steps. I peeked around the side of the garage and saw Taz trying to juggle, all eyes were on her.

“Coats on ro off?” I asked her quickly

“On” She said. I nodded and stepped into the door way of the garage, Jenn beside me. We walked towards them quietly and it was only when I opened my coat and stood with one hand on my hip and the other by my side did anyone take any notice of us.

“Holy shit” Kev exclaimed. I turned my head to Jenn and saw her coat was half wayd down her arms and he hands were behind her back. AJ looked up and grinned. Howie was looking not really all that impressed, but the grin on Jenn’s face told me she didn’t care. As the singing started we both threw our coats off and started dancing the kind of dancing that made strippers famous.  We put our backs against each others and swung our hips down to the ground and than back up and then we faced each other and did a bit of a shimmy. I leant forwards to speak to her and grinned.

“Shall we gave our men a lap dance?” I asked. She laughed and nodded in reply. I danced my way over to AJ and pushed him down in the seat. Nick’s mouth was opena dn he was looking from Jenn to me and than to Taz as if to say ‘why the hell aren’t u doing this?’ I straddled AJ’s legs and grinded against him a little before standing back up and grinning at him before lifting my leg up and resting it on his shoulder. He gulped a breath of air and he shook his head and laughed. I turned my back and did the Butt Shimmy before lowering myself down a little so I was barely sitting on his lap and leaning back into him. I looked over and Jenn doing kinda the same to Howie, but Howie was touching her. I got the feeling AJ had probably had a proper lap dance before. I stood back up and spun away from him. He pouted at me. I chuckled and went back over, bending down and brushing my lips against his. Not long after that the song ended and Jenn and I grinned as everyone clapped.

“You should wear that more often” AJ said to me

“You like?” I asked

“Oh god yes” He said

“Well I don’t” I grinned and picked up my coat, pulling it on.  I sat down on the chair beside him and crossed one leg over the other.

“That little effort deserves a drink” Adam said passing me a rum and coke. I laughed and took it off him.

“Thanks” I grinned. He gave Jenn a beer and sat back down.

“Where on earth did you 2 learn to dance like that?” Kev asked

“It’s really boring in at home” Jenn said with a nod

“Do you practice lap dancing?” Brian asked

“Yeah pretty much” She said wit a alugh

“On each other?” Howie asked hopefully

“Hell no, on Jason and Rhys” I said

“Who are they?” AJ asked

“Just friends of ours” I shrugged. He nodded.

“You know what’s on this cd?” I asked with a grin

“What?” He asked. I leant over him and skipped to a different track and sat back. Babooshka by Kate Bush started playing and Adam started laughing

“Sing it with me Adam” I said standing up. He stood and came over. We put our arms around each other and I grinned at him. We both started singing, hitting the proper pitch and tone and trust me, it was hard to do that to Babooshka. When the song finished again everyone clapped and I took my seat again and had more of my drink.

Chapter 24

*NOTE* Due to me being sick of writing about tamworth Taz I regret to inform u that I’m not doin the sleep over… maybe while we’re in America u and Nick cane have everyone over lol

We sat on the plane waiting for it to take off. I stared out thw window, silently saying goodbye to my country for another year or so.

“Baby” AJ whispered. I turned to face him and smiled.

“I have a very serious question to ask you” He said

“Ok” I said. He leaned closer to me and I felt his breathe on my neck.

“You wanna join the mile high club?” He said in a whisper that I could barely hear.. I giggled and leaned towards him.

“I can’t” I whispered back

“Why not?” He asked

“I have my period” I whispered. He  pouted and leaned over, kissing my cheek.

“Spose we’vce got plenty of time for you to become a member” He said

“Member of what?” Nick asked from behind us

“None of your business” AJ replied. I laughed.

“What are you doing when we get back in the states?” AJ asked after a while

“I have no idea” I said

“Well you’ve got a week until you need to be in LA so we can all help you guys start recording” He said

“I guess Jenn and I will fly home and pack some of Taz’s stuff for her” I shrugged

“You could come stay with me for the week” He said

“Or you could come and stay with me” I replied. Our conversation was interrupted by the captain informing us that we were now going to take off.

“D” AJ called out. We pretty much had first class to ourselves so there wasn’t really anyone to complain about us.

“What?” Came his reply from a few seats up

“What you and jenn doin when we land?” He asked

“Going back to Wisconsin” Jenn answered for him

“You wanna come stay with me?” He asked me again

“Jenn” I called out

“Yeah” She answered

“I’m living in LA until we start recording” I said

“Ok” She answered

“Hey Kev” Nick called out

“What?” Came Kev’s voice

“Nothin, jus thought I’d join in the little screaming match” Nick replied. We all cracked up. As we took off I watched out the window, still fascinated by it all. A tear slipped down my cheek as I watched the ground fall away. I quickly flicked it away and turned to AJ.

“Is your house big?” I asked

“I’m surprised you don’t know where it is and what it looks like. You are a fan” he informed me

“I’ve never cared where any of you live, I just liked your music” I said with a grin. He laughed and put his arm around me. His eye was still a little swollen and bruised but he wore his sunglasses so you couldn’t really tell.

“Yeah it’s big” He said

“I don’t like big houses” I pouted

“Why not?” He asked

“I’ve jus never been a big house kinda person. The places I’ve lived have been kinda small. Even Jenn’s house is too big for me” I said

“Well If you come and live with me I’ll buy a smaller house” He said. I looked away from him and sighed.

“I know, I know, you don’t wanna leave Jennsen. You can’t blame a guy for trying though” He said

“I guess” I said

“I’m sorry for harassing you. It’s just that I love you and I don’t wanna be away from you” He said softly

“Why don’t you move in with Jenn and I?” I asked

“That’s not an option” He said with a sigh

“But you don’t want to be away from me” I said, looking at him.

“Jesus Jaime, you KNOW why I can’t live there” He hissed quietly

“I don’t see how that justifies as a reason. Brian lives in Georgia for fuck sake” I answered

“He’s married” I said

“And how does that make it different? Ugh whatever, maybe I should jus go back to mine and Jenn’s place” I said

“No, I’m sorry. Come stay with me, we’ll have fun and than when we’re finished the Demo I’ll come stay with you” He said. I nodded. Howie appeared beside us and grinned.

“Trade places with you” He said me

“Sure ok. I’ll be back” I said to AJ. He nodded and leaned forwards, pecking my lips. I stood up and went down to Jenn, sitting down in Howie’s seat. She looked upset

“You ok?” I asked her

“No. you?” She asked

“Nah” I answered

“You first” She said

“AJ wants me to live in LA and I said no but when I asked him to live with us, he went off at me” I said

“Bummer” She said

“You?” I asked

“Pretty much the same. Excpet I didn’t ask him to live with us” She said

“Yeha true” I said

“I need to tell you something” She said

“Well I’m all ears” I grinned

“I can’t really talk about it here” She said

“Whisper it” I said

“I think Howie and I are moving way to fast. Geez Jai, I’m not sure I even like him like that” She said

“Yet you root him?” I asked

“he’s a great lover, but not the best boyfriend” She whispered.

“Are you gonna tell him?” I asked

“When we get back to the states” She said. I nodded.

“AJ asked me to join the Mile High Club. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I was already a member” I said. She started laughing.

“I remember that. When you first arrived you got off the plane and the first thing you said to me, in person, was ‘Frick, oh my god I just had the best sex ever’” She said. Both of us cracked up laughing

“Yeah and than I gave you a hug and said hello” I said

“Yup. I was surprised we weren’t a little more shy around each other” She said

“Well we got to know each other pretty well before I came over” I said

“True” She answered

“I’m so tired” I said with a sigh

“You not sleep last night?” She asked

“Not really and no we weren’t doing anything. AJ slept while I just lay there” I said

“Unlucky” She said. I nodded and we were both quiet.

“Hey, mind if I join you?” Kev asked

“Sure” Jenn said with a grin. I shifted my legs so he could get through, Jenn. however barely moved her’s. He dropped down in the seat and smiled at us.

“Bria’s already asleep, Nick and Taz are doing something close to sex and Howie and AJ are writing a song. What are you ladies doing?” He asked

“We’re just talking” I said. Jenn was sneaking glances at him.

“About what?” He asked

“When we first met in person, not sleeping, guy problems” I listed

“So basically your everyday stuff” He said

“Yeah basically. You have any boy problems?” I asked with a laugh

“I have girl problems” He said with a half smile

“What’s wrong?” Jenn finally spoke

“There’s this girl I know and she makes me stop thinking about my wife and that’s bad” He said with a sigh

“Do you love Kris?” I asked. Jenn had gone back to being quiet

“Yeah she means everything to me” He said

“But this other girl makes you forget about kris?” I asked. He nodded.

“Sounds like a bad case of puppy love, Who is she?” I asked

“Just a girl” He said with a shrug

“Maybe you should talk to her” I said

“Maybe” He answered.

“Jaime” I heard my name being called. I turned around and knelt on my seat, looking over the back.

“Jai” I heard it again

“What?” I answered

“Come here” It was Nick. I truned back around and smiled at Kev and Jenn.

“I’ll be back, play nice” I said and walked up the aisle and sat beside Nick.

“Taz wants to shave her head” He said

“No way! You still owe me a mullet” I said. She laughed and nodded

“I’ll give you a mullet before I shave it” She said

“Aww you can’t shave it” I said

“I need to pee” Nick said standing up. I shifted my legs and he went past./

“What you doin?” Taz asked me

“Nothin… Come here though I gotta tell you something” I said. She leaned closer.

“I think there’s something goin on with Kev and Jenn” I whispered

“really?” She asked. I nodded. She grinned.

“It could be nothing, but she went really quiet when he came and sat with us. I’ve never seen her so quiet” I said

“I need to go and check on Nick” Taz said suddenly

“Oh Tara, you go girlfriend” I said when she grinned.

“I’ll talk to you in a while” She said

“Take your time” I said and let her past. She laughed and disappeared down the aisle.

“Jay, can you pass me my Ipod?” I asked. He picked it up and passed it to me. I leaned over Howie and kissed his head. He smiled at me. I put my earphone in and skipped to a song I hadn’t listened to for ages. I danced my way back down to Kev and Jenn and stood there with a grin on my face. She looked a little love struck.

“Come on ride the train, ride it” I sang. She glared at me and I grinned and danced.

“Come on ride the train, ride it” I sang again

“That’s a good song, I remember that” Kev said. I grinned and sat down. After a couple of hours nearly everyone was asleep, except for me and Jenn. Kev had his head resting on her shoulder.

“What’s goin on?” I asked her. She smiled.

“Nothin” was her answer

“Sure sure. I want answeres when we land” I said yawning. She laughed and nodded.

“Ima sleep now” I said putting my ear phones back in and pressing play. I put my seat back and relaxed completely, eventually going to sleep.

Chapter 25

I let AJ lead me off the plane and stumbled down the ramp as we entered the terminal.

“Are you tired?” AJ asked me. I nodded.

“You’d better wake up, can you hear that?” He asked. I listened and heard squealing and lots of people.

“I guess I can’t walk with you than” I said with a sigh.

“I’m sorry baby. I’m not ready for the world to know about you” He said. I nodded and let his hand go. He leaned forwards for a kiss but Kev nudged him and shook his head.

“How am I getting to your place?” I asked him

“Is Jenn staying too?” He asked

“Jenn” I said

“Yeah?” She asked coming over

“Are you staying in LA too?” I asked

“No I was gonna fly home and tell Gina about the demo and than fly back here on Friday” She said

“No she’s not staying” I said to AJ

“Well I’ll wait with you while you see Jenn off and we’ll leave together” He said

“But the fans” I said

“Shit” He mumbled

“I’ll take her to your house before I go back to mine” Kev said

“Isn’t Kris picking you up?” AJ asked. I stood dumbly between them, trying not to fall asleep.

“Yeah but that’s Ok, Kris and Jai get along alright” Kev said

“Ok, will you wait with her while she see’s Jenn off?” AJ asked

“Yep” Kev said. I yawned loudly and rubbed my eyes tiredly.

“Let’s get this over with” Nick whined. He was holding on to Taz and it didn’t like he was about to let go. We grabbed luggage trolley’s for all our stuff and loaded it on. I pushed one trolley with mine and Jenn’s stuff on it and leaned on it as I walked beside her. I saw Kris talking to a few fans and smiled when she saw Kev and ran over to him. Jenn sighed. Brian went over to Leighanne who was holding Baylee and hugged them both. Howie turned around and smiled at Jenn, she smiled back. A girl ran over to AJ and hugged him tight. AJ looked startled but hugged her back.

“That’s Katie” jenn said with a shock. I stood up straighter and looked at the girl who was now wrapped around AJ. Sure enough, it was Katie and a pang of jealousy hit me like a slap in the face. Kev saw and said something to Kris before coming back to us.

“Jai, I don’t know what she’s doing here but AJ can’t start shit, not in front of the cameras and the fans. Just bare with it ok?” He said. I nodded and looked down at the bags on the trolley.

“Hey, Nicky’s introducing taz to his fans, that is so cute” Jenn said to me. I looked up and barely managed to smile as I watched them hug and talk with the fans. Kev gave my arm a squeeze and smiled at me. Jenn and I followed him over to Kris who smiled at us both.

“Hey Jaime,. It’s good to see you again” She said giving me a quick hug

“You too Kris” I said

“Jennsen, how are you?” Kris asked jenn, also hugging her

“I’m good, and yourself?” Jenn asked

“I’m ok. I’m glad to have Kev home. How was Tamworth?” She asked us all

“It was so good to go home for a while” I said, but I didn’t sound enthusiastic.

“You look upset” kris said

“Look” Kev said nodding to where AJ was talking with Katie

“Oh, hun…” She said to me

“I guess I shouldn’t be bummed cos we’ve only been together for 2 weeks” I said to her

“Kev told me that you 2 were in love” She said. I shrugged.

“If you like you can come and stay with us tonight” She said

“I dunno” I said with another shrug

“Txt him” Jenn said. I sighed and got my mobile out, going to the msg screen. I quickly typed out the msg ‘wats the go?’ and sent it. A couple of seconds later his mobile beeped and he smiled at Katie before getting it out. I watched him. He turned to look at me and Katie followed his gaze. I forced a smile and a little wave. He said something to her and jogged over.

“Hug me” He said when he reached us. I forced a bit of a laugh and a smile like we were mucking around and wrapped my arms around him. Katie was glaring.

“I don’t know what she’s doing here, god only knows I don’t want her to be” He said and pulled away

“Am I staying with you or what?” I asked. He looked at Kev, Kev looked away.

“Maybe you should go with Jenn, while I get this all sorted out” He said lifting his sunglasses off his face and resting them on the top of his head.

“So everytime there’s a problem you’re gonna send me packing back to Wisconsin?” I asked, looking away.

“Jaime..” he trailed off

“I’ll see you later” I said to him and looked at jenn who nodded.

“Cya Kev & Kris” I said and started walking away with the trolley

“Jai, where you goin?” Nick called out

“Home” I said as tears started pouring down my cheeks

“To Wisconsin?” Taz asked

“Australia” I answered and quickened my pace, fighting my way through the bunch of Fans that had come to welcome them home

“Jaime wait” I heard jenn calling from behind me. My mobile started ringing and I stopped and got it out. It was AJ. I dropped it on the ground and kept walking. When I finally got through the crowd I found a seat in a corner somewhere and sat down, bawling my eyes out. I must’ve looked like a lost cause because an older lady came over and asked if I was alright.

“I’m fine, I’m jus a little over whelemed” I answered. She nodded and handed me a tissue before walking away. I turned to my right and saw Kev and Kris searching frantically. I didn’t feel like being found so I slid over so I was more in the corner of the seat and pulled the trolley behind the potplant. I wasn’t cut out for this. Not for fame, not for love. I sucked at both.

“Did you really think that I wouldn’t be able to find you?” I heard someone say. I turned around and saw Brian standing there with a smile on his face.

“Leave me alone” I whispered. He climbed the seat and sat beside me.

“I was going to ask if you were ok, but that’s a silly question, so I’ll just hug you instead” He said and put his arms around me.

“You Americans are damn persistent” I said with a bit of a chuckle

“Stubborn as all hell” He said and held me tighter.

“I quit” I said to me as another set of tears flooded down my cheeks

“Ok, you’re allowed” He said softly

“I’m not made for this life style” I went on

“It’s hard Jaime, I know how you feel, but is it what you love?” He asked

“Not anymore. It’s just not fun, you know we all used to have a ball while we were performing, but now it’s a chore” I said

“I understand that too. But you have to make it fun. Why do you think Nick and AJ are so crazy? So they can have fun. Do you know how many time they left the group?” He asked. I shook my head

“I lost count after 10” He said. I chuckled. He wiped away some of my tears and smiled.

“I don’t want to talk to anyone else right now” I said to him

“Well how about we make a deal. If you stay in America and give it another go, I won’t tell anyone that I found you” He said. I nodded.

“Just so you know, AJ’s really upset” He said to me

“Fuck him” I said bitterly. He laughed.

“Let me call Kev at least” He said. I nodded. He got out his phone and pressed a button before holding it up to his ear. He put it on speaker phone and waited.

“Rok, you found her?” Came Kev’s voice a second later.

“Yeah, I’ve got her, but she’s really upset. I’m gonna take her to the gate where Jenn’s plane leaves from and get her a ticket. Tell AJ in some very kind words that he fucked up” Brian said

“I will, I’ll send Jenn over there, she’s with me now” He said

“Hey Telle Leigh for me” Brian said

“Yup, ok, Jenn’s on her way, cya” Kev said

“Bye” Brian said and hung up. He stood up and offered me his hand.

“What are you gonna tell everyone?” I asked as he helped me up

“I’ll just go along with what Kev says” He replied pushing the trolley as we walked along.

Chapter 26

I was sitting in a row of seats still crying a little while Brian was buying my ticket when I saw Jenn running towards us followed closely by AJ. She ran over to Brian and he nodded over to where I was. AJ looked over and started walking but Jenn caught his arm. She looked pissed. I couldn’t make out what they were saying but I could pretty much tell it wasn’t very nice. AJ shrugged her hand off his arm and started walking over.

“Fuck off” I said when he reached me

“No, we need to talk” He said sitting down beside me. I stood up and grabbed my carryon bag, walking away.

“Jaime” He called after me before standing up and following me.

“Looks like it’s gonna be only you and me home this year” I said to Jenn. She smiled and pulled me into a hug.

“Our plane doesn’t get here for for a couple of hours so we can set up camp on some seats and sleep if you like” She said

“Sounds good” I answered with a nod as more tears spilled over my cheeks.

“Jaime please” AJ said from behind us.

“No, AJ I was dicked around in a relationship for 5 years. I’m NOT putting myself through it again” I said spinning around and looking straight at him.

“I’m not dicking you around! I’m trying to keep you as much out of the media as possible” He answered

“So as soon as your ex show’s up you send me back home. Yeah great plan” I said sarcastically

“How the fuck do you think I felt when she threw herself on me? Jesus Christ Jaime” He said

“How did you feel? How do you think I felt? Especially when you hugged her back, that was insulting to ME” I said

“And you’re not insulting me by walking away?” He asked. Brian and Jenn had moved over to some seats, but I noticed her fists were clenched.

“You know what really sucks?” I asked him

“What?” He answered

“It sucks that I’m in love with you. Now fuck off back to Katie before I hit you again” I said and pushed past him. He caught my arm and stopped me. I faced him, trying to hold back the tears.

“If you’re in love with me than why are you leaving?” He asked softly

“Because you fucking told me too” I said, loudly. Brian came over and touched AJ’s shoulder. He let me go and took a couple of steps, Brian turned to me and smiled.

“You have a good flight babe” he said

“Yeah, it’ll be fucking great” I said sarcastically. He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a squeeze.

“I’ll see you on Friday?” He asked

“No, I told you, I quit” I said

“Just think about it” He said and let me go. I nodded and he smiled again and pulled Jenn into a hug, saying good bye to her as well and than he lead AJ away. Jenn put her arm around my shoulder and lead me over to some seats in the corner.

“You go to sleep and I’ll wake you up before we board” She said. I nodded and slumped down in the seat. I couldn’t get to sleep and instead sat there with my eyes closed for a while.

“Did you end up telling Howie?” I asked her, still with my eyes closed

“I think we’ve had enough drama for one night” She said. I chuckled and opened my eyes, looking at her.

“You’re my best friend, you know that?” I asked

“You’re my best friend too” She said. I smiled and stared gloomily at the dark window.

“Hey, cheer up chicka, you’ll work it out” She said

“I guess. Anyway what’s with you and Kev?” I asked

“What do you mean?” She asked turning away

“Oh, dear lord” I said rolling my eyes

“Alright, Jai, I swear there’s nothing goin on” She said, looking me in the eyes

“Not yet anyway” I said. She laughed and shrugged.

“I gotta admit that some very unlady like thoughts enter my mind when I’m around him” She said

“Would you do anything with him?” I asked

“Are you kidding me? Of course I fuckin would!” She exclaimed. I finally started laughing and held out my hand.

“Amen to that” I said. She slapped it and grinned

“He’s got a nice ass” I said after a while

“Oh god yes” She said, rolling her eyes

“Pity he’s married” I added

“Yeah” She said with a sigh.

“Does he like you?” I asked

“That girl he was talking about? That makes him forget?” She said

“Oh Jenn…” I trailed off sitting up and staring at her

“Yeah that’s me” She said

“Ooohhh, this could be the start of a beautiful love triangle, with many twists and lots of drama. I’m proud of you” I said. She laughed and nodded.

“Our lives lately have been weird. Like someone’s got a really bizarre mind and they’re writing out our lives” She said

“Well I hate the bastard who wrote that Katie was waiting here for AJ” I said and ran my fingers through the loose bits of hair that had fallen out of my pony tail.

“I’m not complaining about getting with Howie, nor about crushing on Kev. And I LOVE the way we’re actually doing what we love” She said

“Yeah, speaking of that. Jenn, I don’t think I can do this anymore” I said

“What? Why not?” She asked

“I’m not enjoying myself anymore. The set we did at the Impy back in Tamworth, that’s what I wanna be doing” I said

“But this was your dream to begin with” She said

“I know and up until Sydney I loved every second” I said with a sigh

“What happened in Sydney?” She asked

“I fell in love” I said simply

“With AJ?” She asked

“With my country” I corrected her

“So you want out of the band?” She asked

“Yeah” I said softly

“I can’t stop you, neither can Taz but I will try and change your mind” She said

“I don’t think you’ll be able to” I said. She nodded and sat there for a minute before she slid off the seat on to her knees and knelt in front of me, holding her hands together.

“Jaime, please, please, please don’t leave the band. We love you and we couldn’t have done it without you. I’m on my knee’s begging” She pleaded

“Please?” She added and pouted at me

“Get off the ground” I said laughing. We were now getting a few weird looks off the people around us

“Don’t leave us” She said

“Jenn” I whined

“Please, Jaime. We need you” She said

“If you get off the ground I’ll think about it” I said. She grinned and sat back on her seat.

“Please?” She said again, after a long silence. I started laughing and shook my head. My mobile started ringing and I got it out of my pocket, looking at the caller ID.

“Hey Carter” I said answering it

“You seem happier” He said

“It’s hard not to be happy when you’re around Jenn” I replied

“Well I just wanted to see if you were ok” He said

“Yeah I’m alright. I think I’ll be even better when I drink myself into a stupor” I said. Jenn laughed beside me

“Don’t get THAT drunk” He said

“Aww alright Nicky, just for you” I said

“Have a few for us though” He said

“Promise” I said

“Alright I’ll talk to you later” He said

“En effet Monsieur” I said

“Au Revoir Mademoiselle” He replied

“Au revoir” I said and hung up.

“Nick’s checking up on me. Did I really make that much of a scene?” I asked Jenn

“Hate to say it hun, but you hightailed it outta there so damn fast you left even the fans in a state of confusion” She said

“Chaos, destruction and confusion. My work here is done” I said. She laughed and stood up.

“You want coffee?” She asked

“Coffee would be good” I answered

“I’ll be back” She said and walked away. I sat there, staring blankly at the window and thought about AJ. His voice filled my head and I could almost feel his touch and his breath on my neck when he whispered stuff in my ear. I turned my head as Jenn came back over carrying 2 coffee’s with her mobile pressed to her ear with her shoulder. She was talking and laughing. She handed me a coffee and sat down, taking hold of the phone with her free hand and grinning at me. I raised my eyebrow.

“Kev” She mimed. I laughed and shook my head. After a while she said goodbye and hung up, her grin was extremely wide.

“What’d he want?” I asked

“To tell me his address and stuff if he wasn’t at the airport on Friday to pick us up” He grinned. I nodded and sipped my coffee. We chatted for the last hour until we were allowed board the plane and than we found our seats.

“I’m gonna sleep ok?” Jenn said

“Ok, I’ll wake you when we’re landing” I said. She nodded and leaned her head back. I got out my Ipod and turned it on, also leaning my head back and closing my eyes, drifting to sleep to the sound of Wuthering Heights.

Chapter 27

When we arrived back at the house, neither of us spoke as we dragged our stuff to our separate rooms. I smiled at her before I closed my door and went over to my bed, crawling in and going straight to sleep. I woke to the sound of my mobile ringing and groaned before I answered it.

“Aren’t you up yet?” Came Jenn’s voice

“No, why the fuck would I be up?” I asked

“because it’s after lunch” She said

“So?” I asked. She laughed.

“Where are you?” I asked

“Can you say that again? You’re really dropping out. Listen if you can hear me I’m goin to a place nearby, gotta go” She said. I cracked up laughing.

“I’m at Mickey D’s if you want something” She said

“Yeah the usual” I grinned, still laughing a little

“Ok I’ll be home soon” She said

“Alright, buh bye” I answered and hung up. I dropped my phone beside me and stared up at the ceiling for a while before throwing the covers off and sitting up. I went down to the living room and sat on the couch, flicking the TV on. There was absolutely nothing on so I turned it off and flipped on the stereo, pressing play. Set It Off started playing and I grinned and began dancing around. I was in the middle of a jawesome air guitar session when I spun around and saw Jenn recording me with her phone.

“Happy much?” She asked over the music

“How could you not be happy listening to this song?” I asked

“True” She answered handing me my food. I sat down and we both started eating quietly.

“have u thought about it yet?” She asked

“thought about what?” I asked

“What we were talking about at the airport” She said

“Oh. No” I said looking down at my burger

“What about AJ?” She asked. I sighed.

“I love him” I said after a while

“Well, we know that, what are you gonna do?” She asked

“I dunno, probably go out tonight and find a root to forget about him” I said

“You feel like a Cowboy?” She asked

“Any boy would do, why?” I asked

“Cos I have tickets to Big & Rich for tonight” She said

“You’re kidding me” I said. Ever since I’d moved here, I’d become a Big & Rich fan. It was hard not to be when Jenn played their cd all the time.

“Nope” She said dropping 2 tickets on the table

“Oh Jenn” I grinned

“Frick and Frack are back baby” She laughed. I laughed as well and reached over to give her a hug.

“What am, I gonna wear?” I asked her. She cracked up and threw a fry at me. I caught it in my mouth and chewed it up, grining.

“I think you’re excited” She said

“Hell yeah!” I said. She laughed again and finished eating. We sat around and talked for a good 3 hours before we started getting ready for the concert. Since it was at a bar we were gonna go early and have a few drinks before it started. Jenn emerged from her room in blue jeans, a black top that had ‘Free Rides’ on the front, her black high heeled boots and her black akubra which I’d gotten her in Australia.

“Oh you look so good” She said when she saw me. I had on my faded wrangler Jeans, my “He loves me, but I don’t care” shirt, my black heeled boots and my Akubra.

“So do you!” I exclaimed and she grinned. We put our money and stuff in one bag that we’d share and started on the short walk to the Bar where the show was. On the way my mobile started ringing and I pulled it out, but didn’t bother checking Caller ID.

“Yello?” I answered it

“Jaime, hey babe” Said AJ

“AJ” I said, my face falling

“I just rang to see how your flight last night was” He said

“Yeah it was ok” I said

“What are you up to?” He asked

“Jenn and I are going to a concert” I said

“Oh cool, what one?” He asked

“Big & Rich” I replied

“I hope you have fun” He said

“I intednt to” I said

“Jaime, I’m sorry” He said

“Is she still with you?” I asked

“No, I told her to leave me alone last night. I didn’t sleep at all because I was thinking about you and how much I love you” He said

“I was really tired, so I slept” I said dumbly

“I figured you would” He said with a chuckle

“Yeah” I said. I saw Jenn waving to catch my attention and looked at her. She mimed ‘loud speaker’. I nodded and pressed the button on my phone, but motioned for her to be quiet. She nodded.

“Come to LA” he said softly

“I can’t” I said

“Well I’ll come there. I just don’t like being away from you” He said. I looked at Jenn and she was nodding.

“You can come here” I said softly. Jenn gave me a thumbs up. I didn’t get her 5 hours ago she was telling me to root a cowboy.

“Can you get me from the airport tomorrow?” He asked

“Yeah” I answered

“We’ll look for a house” He said. Both mine and Jenn’s mouth dropped open and I struggled to spit out some words.

“Maybe we should see how we go first, before we rush into anything” I suggested

“I guess, if you want. I don’t want to be away from you, that’s all” He said. I was silent.

“Jai, let me make the flight booking and I’ll call you back to tell you the time and gate” He said

“Ok” I answered

“Ok, I love you” He said

“I love you too” I answered

“Bye” He said

“bye” I said back and hung up, turning to Jenn.

“He’s so in love with you” She said

“Yeah, but he hurt me” I said

“Technically you’re not with him anymore” She said with a grin. I grinned back and pretended to ride a horse.

“YEEE-HAW!” I yelled out as I galloped around in a circle. She laughed and we started singing ‘Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy’ as we walked the rest of the way to the Bar. When we were sitting at a table with a drink we put our coins together and talked about what songs we wanted on the Jukebox. We decided on 5 songs each and I went over and put them in. When I went back over I was stunned to see Kev sitting up at the table beside Jenn with a beer.

“Kev.” I said

“Hey, how are you?” He asked

“I’m good, but what are you doing here?” I asked

“Oh Kris and I flew out this morning so Kris could be with her friend for her wedding. I wasn’t gonna come, but I thought I could hang out with you 2 until Friday when we all fly back” He said

“Oh ok” I said and gave Jenn a look. She just smiled. We sat for  about an hour before the people started arriving to see the concert. We grabbed our drinks and moved into the concert area and stood towards the front. Somehow, Kev had gotten his hands on a ticket, so he stood with us. The place was chockers with mainly cowcockys and they were loud and obnoxious, but some of them were pretty cute. As the show started Jenn and I started dancing and singing along to all the songs, but when Rollin’ and Save A Horse came on, we both were louder than anyone else. By the end of the nite Kev and Jenn were pretty friendly with each other. They’d made themselves comfortable at the bar with a drink and each other and I decided that I should probably go home and get some sleep.

“I’m goin home” I said to them. They barely paused their chatter to say goodbye. I went out the door and started on the walk home. When I got there I let myself in and went straight to bed.

Chapter 28

I woke to the sound of my alarm going off and rolled over, groaning as I slapped it off. I lay there for a little while under the covers and then threw them back, standing up. I yawned and stretched a little before making my way down to the living room. As soon as I went out there I saw clothes strewn across the floor. I crept around the couch and gawked at the 2 sleeping individuals. Kev’s arms were around Jenn and both were barely covered by the blanket over them. I stood watching them for a while in shock and than I had an idea. I quietly ran back to my room and went through my cd’s until I found the one I wanted. I went back into the living room and over to the entertainment unit. I put the cd in and grabbed the remote, I turned the song up loud and pressed play, watching the sleeping couple with a grin on my face. I was hidden behind the door leading into the kitchen and I was giggling to myself. When the music started, it was set so that it’d start on the bit that cd ‘Come on ride this train, ride it’ Jenn jumped and sat up, followed quickly by Kevin. Jenn, thankfully had pulled the blanket up with her.

“JAIME” She yelled looking at me, I was pissing myself laughing. Kev looked a little embarrassed but he kept his cool and even grinned at me.

“That’s pretty clever” He said over the music.

“Kev” Said Jenn smacking his arm.

“Well it is” He said. I kmept laughing and turned it down, so they could talk without yelling.

“I suggest if you don’t want anyone else to know, you should get dressed before I come back from the airport” I said, putting the song on repeat and dropping the remote on a nearby recliner. I grinned at them one more time before going into the kitchen and getting myself some breakfast. Kev was the first to emerge. He had on his jeans and he sat at the table and grinned at me. I pulled myself up on the counter and looked at him with my eyebrows raised.

“What?” He asked, the grin still on his face

“You know what” I said. He laughed.

“You’re not gonna tell Kris are you?” he asked

“No, she’s not” Jenn answered coming into the kitchen and sitting beside him

“Yeah as if I would. I have enough problems to tell with” I said picking up my bowl of cereal and starting to eat it.

“What time you pikcing AJ up?” She asked

“In an hour, why?” I asked

“Just wondering” She said, smiling at Kev. He smiled back at her and I shook my head. I finished of my breakfast and grinned at Kev before goin to my room and dressing in a pair of bootleg jeans and a zip up jumper. It was kinda cool this morning. I pulled my cap down on my head and turned it part way to the side before pulling on my doc martins. I grabbed my wallet and went back out to where Kev and jenn were engaged in a kiss against the wall.

“Jenn I’m taking your car” I said to her as I picked up her keys from the hall table. She didn’t answer me. I grinned and shook my head before going out the door. I got in the car and made sure I had my American drivers license. I drove to the airport and got increasingly nervous. I took my time walking through the terminal to the gate I was supposed to pick him up from and sat away from everyone else that was waiting. When people started filing out of the gate I searched all their faces for AJ. I spotted him with a bag over his shoulders. He had a cap on but no sunglasses. I stood up and took a couple of steps towards him. He looked around quickly and than spotted me. I smiled and waved. He grinned and came over, pulling me into his arms.

“God I’ve missed you” He murmured in my ear.

“It’s only been a day” I whispered

“That’s a day too long” He said. I smiled and looked at him for a second. He leaned forwards and pressed his lips against mine in a short kiss.

“I have to warn you about something” I said to him as we walked towards the luggage carousel

“What’s that?” He asked, taking my hand in his

“Kev and Jenn are at home” I said

“So?” He asked

“Let me put it differently. She’s on a train ride to pleasuresville and she’s gonna be gone for a while” I said

“Jenn and Kev?” He asked. I nodded. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped.

“I found them this morning on the couch with clothes everywhere. So needless to say I played ‘Come on Ride the Train’ extremely loud” I said. He started laughing and nodded.

“Well done” He grinned as he pulled his 2 suitcases off the carousel.

“You want a trolley?” I asked

“Yeah, cos I wanna hold you, not my bags” He said. I smiled and went and grabbed one, pushing it over to him. He put his suitcases on and slipped his arm around my shoulders.

“Just don’t be surprised if Kev and Jenn are on the couch when we get home. Oh and you’re obviously not allowed tel Kris or Howie” I said

“Well obviously. Go Kev. Who would’ve thought it?” He asked as we walked through the terminal

“I know. I’m kinda proud of them, you know?” I asked

“Yeah I know” He said. The rest of the walk was silent. When we reached the car we got in and he lay his hand on my thigh as I drove back to the house. As we walked inside I lead him into the living room where Kev and Jenn were on the floor, doing something mildly x rated, fortunately, both had clothes on.

“Kev, way to go bro” AJ piped up. They ignored us.

“Don’t bother, they’re totally into each other” I said with a shrug

“This is a cool house” He said looking around

“yeah it’s not too foul” I said picking up one of his suitcases and leading him to my room.

“This is where we’ll be sleeping” I said. He nodded and put his suitcase down. I dropped mine and lay on my unmade bed. He sat on the edge and smiled at me.

“We need to have a serious talk” He said

“I know” I said looking at him. Does this place, have an out the back?” He asked

“Yeah, come on” I said getting back up. He followed me out the back door and I sat down on the steps down to the backyard. There was a scream and a loud grunt and I went into a fit of giggles. AJ’s face told me to shut up. I bit my lips and looked at him.

“Because of my fame, there are certain things I can and can’t do. You’ll learn them too once you girls make it big in this biz. But there’s one particular rule that you have to try so hard not to break. You can’t start shit or cause a scene in public or in front of fans, because it creates bad publicity and we get in big trouble from the big bosses for bad publicity” He said

“I know and I’m so sorry that I acted like a twat, but you gotta understand that for you to be in the arms of another girl. Your ex at that, and me being fucked over a million times by the same guy. I jus didn’t know what to do” I said with a shrug

“I’ve made a decision about something” He said

“What?” I asked

“I’ve decided that I’m gonna give us 6 months and if we work out I’m gonna ask you to come to LA again and if you say no. I’m gonna move here” He said

“Ok” I said

“Does that sound fair to you?” He asked

“Yeah” I answered

“I got you something yesterday” I said digging around in his pocket. I watched him curiously. He smiled and pulled out a small box, holding it out for me. I stared at it, open mouthed.

“Take it” He said to me with a chuckle. I took it from him and slowly opened it. A gorgeous silver Star Of David shone up at me from a leather string.

“Aje, it’s gorgeous” I breathed

“It’s to keep you safe, while I’m not around” He said, taking it out of the box and holding it up. I turned around and held up my hair as he put it around my neck and secured it at the back. I turned to face him and kissed him gently.

“Yo, AJ” Kev said from the door

“Yeah?” AJ asked, breaking the kiss, but smiling at me

“Can I talk to you for a sec?” Kev asked

“Sure” AJ said. I smiled and stood up.

“I’ll be inside with Jenn” I said to him. He nodded. I grinned as I went past Kev and into Jenn who was on her hands and knees with a scrubbing brush and a bucket of steamy and sopay water.

“Oh my god. Sinful got it on the carpet” I teased

“Shut up” She said, but I could tell she was grinning. I laughed and sat on the recliner. She started scrubbing and I watched, with a bemused smile on my face.

“You gonna tell me or am I gonna hve to force it out of you?” I asked with a grin. She laughed.

“What do you wanna know?” She asked

“The usual” I said casucally

“Yes, he’s big” She said

“Uh huh” I replied, making myself comfortable. This was gonna be a long talk.

Chapter 29

I woke up to the sound of my mobile ringing and sighed, glancing at my clock radio on the side table. AJ groaned and rolled over. I picked up my phone and lay back down, pressing the answer button.

“Hello?” I mumbled sleepily

“Hey Jai!” Said Taz in a very loud voice.

“Taz? What the fuck? It’s 2am” I said

“I know! Isn’t that cool? I know the time difference” She said. She was slurring slightly. I think she might’ve been drunk.

“I’m going now Taz” I said

“Ok, Bye Jaime, LUVS YOU” She said

“Yep, bye” I said and hung up, dropping my phone on the floor.

“what did she want?” AJ asked me

“She was pissed” I said through a yawn. He put his arm around me and sighed.

“I love sleeping beside you” He whispered. I smiled and moved closer. I went back to sleep, only to wake up a short time later because AJ was tossing and turning.

“Aje, what’s wrong?” I mumbled

“I’m not used to this bed” He answered. I rolled over and propped myself up on my elbow, looking down at him. I could see him smile in the dim light coming from the street lights outside my window and I smiled back.

“You look like an angel” He said softly, gazing up at me. I laughed softly and pushed my hair behind my ear.

“I’m no angel” I whispered

“You’re my angel” he grinned. I grinned back and rested my hand on his chest.

“And you are ma petit chou” I replied

“You’re little cabbage?” He asked laughing.

“I couldn’t think of anything else” I said with a laugh and a grin. He laughed again and picked my hand up, bringing it to his kips and kissing it gently. I smiled and felt myself blush slightly. He let my hand rest on his chest again and I slowly trailed my fingers down his stomach and back up again. He sighed and closed his eyes. I trailed my fingers down again and rested my hand on the waist band of his boxer shorts. His eyes opened and he raised an eyebrow at me. I smiled and got out of bed, standing beside it.

“Whatchu doin?” He asked me. I bit my bottom lip and slid my pyjama bottoms and panties down, stepping out of them. I lifted my top over my head and dropped it to the ground. AJ was watching me with a smirk on his face.

“We never got to finish making up” I whispered as I climbed on the bed. He smiled and turned his head to look at clock and grinned.

“You think you can keep quiet?” He asked. I laughed and stood back up, grabbing my robe and went out the door to Jenn’s room. Not surprisingly, she wasn’t there. I went back to my room and saw AJ laying silently with his hand firmly grasping his now very erect penis.

“She’s not even home” I said to him as I dropped the robe on the floor and crawled back onto the bed. I lay half on top of him and pressed my lips to his, kissing him passionately.

“You know, I think my fans would like you as my girlfriend. You’re not like any others” He murmured breaking the kiss

“Would it matter if they didn’t?” I asked

“Nope, because I love you and that’s all that matters” He said and grinned as he flipped us over. He held my hands above my head and grinned down at me, guiding himself inside me with his free hand. I brought my legs up on either side of him and gazed up into his face. He stayed still for a while, just looking down at me.

“My angel” He whispered as he started slowly moving in and out of me. He let my hands go and I slid them around his shoulders and held onto him. His pace increased and my breath caught in my throat.

“Jaime” He sighed before he started kissing my neck. I arched my back up towards him and moaned softly into his shoulder.

“Jai, Jai” I heard Jenn calling out from somewhere at the front of the house. AJ stopped moving and looked at me.

“Guess she came home” I said with a sigh

“Jai!” came her voice again. He silently rolled off me and I sat up. I turned to see him staring up at the ceiling. I bent over and kissed him before standing up and grabbing my robe. I tied it tightly around my waist and slipped out my door. I flicked on the living room light and saw Jenn sitting on the couch with her head in her hands.

“Jenn, what’s wrong?” I asked her

“Nothing, I’m jus bored, Kev and Kris and I went out for a while and than Kev and I fucked in an alley way and now I’m home and I’m bored” She said sitting back

“Jesus, Jenn, AJ and I were busy” I groaned. She grinned

“Pay back for teasing me about the living room” She said

“You’re evil. I’m going to finish what I started” I said and started walking away

“Should I wear ear plugs to bed?” She called after me. I laughed and flipped her off. I went back into my room and went over to the bed, taking the robe off again. When I sat down, AJ was sound asleep.. I sat and watched him for a while before laying back down and going to sleep myself. When I next woke up AJ was talking on his mobile over near my window. He sounded angry. I got up and stretched a little before walking over to him and wrapping my arms around him from behind. He was tensed up.

“I’m with my girlfriend in Wisconsin” He stated and made an angry sound

“Look Katie, I’m not interested in you” He said. At the mention of her name I stepped back and let him go. He turned and looked at me, miming ‘sorry’. I nodded and went over, picking up my pyjamas. I pulled htem on and looked at AJ. He held out his hand and I went over, taking it. He pulled me against him and kissed my head.

“I’m hanging up now and if you ring me again I’ll report you as a stalker” He said and hung up, throwing his phone on the bed. He wrapped his arms around me and sighed.

“I have no idea what I saw in her” He whispered

“Hopefully whatever you saw in her, you don’t see in me” I said

“Mmm, can I keep you?” He asked. I chuckled and pulled away.

“Oh I suppose” I said. He grinned and followed me out into the living room. Kev and Jenn were snuggled up on the couch, talking about something of no importance to me or AJ.

“You get it finished?” Jenn asked me

“No” I said glaring at her

“I went to sleep” AJ said guiltily

“Aww” She cooed. Kev was busying himself by kissing her neck.

“So, heard you did it in an alley. Nice goin” I said dropping into the recliner. He stopped and pulled away, looking at me.

“You’ve never done it in an alley?” He asked

“No, no I haven’t” I said. AJ sat on the floor against the side of the recliner.

“You have no idea what you’re missing out on” He said and went back to sucking on Jenn’s neck.

Chapter 30

“I can’t believe I let you people drag me back here” I grumbled as AJ and Jenn took hold of both my arms and dragged me off the plane

“Just give it a week Baby I promise it’ll be fun” AJ said

“Yeah, cmon, when have you and me and Taz NEVER had fun?” Jenn asked

“Fine” I said

“Come on” AJ said as we walked down the gate way

“Yeah, yeah I’m comin” I said

“No you’re not, you’re just breathing heavy” Came Taz’s voice from just to the left of us

“Taz!” I half yelled as I ran over and nearly knocked her and Nick over. She hugged me and than pushed me away.

“Get over here Sin” She said to Jenn as I wrapped my arms around Nick.

“It’s so good to see you again” He said in my ear

“You too nickers” I grinned and pulled away. He seemed to be lingering. I went back to AJ and smiled at him.

“Let’s go, we’re having a BBQ at our place and we need to get there befor everyond else does” Nick said

“Is Kev gonna be there?” Jenn asked. I laughed

“Yeah, why?” Nick asked

“Oh, because I need to talk to him about a uh, song” She said

“Oh well yeah he’s gonna be there, Kris isn’t though she’s doin a shoot or something” He said with a shrug

“What a shame” I said, but Jenn was grinning.

“You excited to see Howie again?” Taz asked her

“Umm, not really. He’s a great guy and all but he’s taking far too many steps all at once and I don’t know if I can handle it” She said

“I don’t know if you realise jenn but you’ve wanted to get with him for ages” Taz said

“I know but it’s too fast” Jenn said with a sigh

“You need a hobby” Taz said

“She’s got one. It’s Train riding” I piped up. Taz looked at me weird, but AJ started chuckling. Jenn glared at me. We’d grabbed our luggage and stuff and were now walking through the airport towards the car park.

“Are you gonna stay with me?” AJ asked

“Yeah, if that’s ok” I said

“Of course it is. I put my car in the long term carpark it’s over here” he said

“Ima go with Taz and Nick, I’ll see you there?” Jenn said to us

“Yup, we’ll be there in about half an hour” AJ said. They nodded and started towards Nick ‘scar while AJ lead me to his. He put our stuff in the boot and I got in the passenger side while he slipped into the drivers side. Before he started the car he turned to me and took my hands.

“Katie, will probably be at my house” He said softly

“Can I hit her?” I asked

“No, that’s probably not the best thing to do. You can either go up to my room, wait in the car or watch me have an argument with her” He said

“I’ll watch” I grinned. He laughed and pecked my lips before sitting back and starting the car.

“I’ve never really seen LA” I said gazing out the window at everything as we passed it

“No? Before we go into the studio I’ll take you sight seeing” He said

“Won’t people see us together?” I asked

“So what?” He asked

“I thought you weren’t ready” I answered looking at him

“Well you’re priorities change when you’re in love” He said. I smiled at him before turning back to the window. He drove to a ritzy looking area and pulled into the driveway of a huge house.

“Home sweet home” He grinned. I gazed up at it as I got out of the car.

“It’s fucking huge” I said

“I know, but I really love it” He said with a nod. I grabbed my bag and followed him inside, looking around in complete awe at the decorations and the design of the house. As we entered the living room he started laughing and put his stuff down, lowering himself to the ground.

“Nevada” he called. A little fluffy dog came running from behind the couch and it launched itself into AJ’s arms.

“Aww, he’s so cute” I cooed kneeling down beside him and looing at the dog in his arms.

“Jai meet Nevada, the 2^nd love of my life.

“Nev, meet Jaime, the love of my life” He said to the small dog.

“Hey Nevada” I said scratching it behind the ears gently. AJ grinned at me and stood up, tucking the dog under his arm and offering me his hand. I took it and pulled myself up.

“She’s not here, so that’s a good sign” He grinned at me. I laughed. The dog yapped and he set it down and it sniffed around the bags.

“Ok let’s go” He said picking up his bags. I grabbed mine and followed him up a stair case and into his room. His bed was absolutely huge and I gawked at it.

“I should never have gotten a king size bed” He said going over to his walk in wardrobe and dumping his 2 suitcases in there

“Why not?” I asked, leaving mine beside the door

“Because it’s too big” He said, getting my case and taking it into the wardrobe. I went and sat down on the bed, looking around at all his paintings and decorations.

“You want a shower or anything before we head over to nicks?” He asked

“No, I’m fine” I answered

“Well, let’s go” He said. I nodded nad got my wallet, smokes, mobile and sunglasses. I followed him through the house again and down to his car.

“I’m nervous about going into the studio” I told him as he drove through LA

“There’s nothing to be nervous about. All you do is sing. Me and the fella’s will make it as fun as possible for you” He said. I smiled and turned to watch everything through the window.

“Here we are” He said as he pulled into the drive way of a cute little 2 story cottage type thing that was right on the beach.

“This is so unlike Nick” I said with a chuckle

“Well he doesn’t like big houses, he’s lived in hotels for most of his life” AJ replied

“True” I answered. He took my hand and lead me around the back of the house where Nick, Taz, Jenn, Brian and Leighanne were seated.

“Howdy” Nick called out when he saw us

“Gday” I replied with a grin. AJ waved. We joined the group and sat down.

“I have Corona, wine or Corona” Nick said to me

“I’ll have a Corona” I grinned at him. He laughed and went inside. He came out a minute later carrying 5 bottles of Corona and a glass of wine. He handed the wine to Leigh, passed out the beers and went back inside, returning with a can of Coke. AJ took it and grinned.

“Where’s everyone else?” I asked opening my beer and taking a swig

“Kev is taking Kristin to the airport before he comes here” Brian said with a smile

“Where’s she going?” Jenn asked, almost too quickly

“She’s doin a movie thing” Leigh answered, nodding

“Oh ok, so Kev’s gonna be by himself huh? Poor thing” Jenn said

“Oh yeah, poor thing” AJ said, nodding mock seriously. Jenn gave him a look and he grinned innocently.

“What about Howie?” Taz asked

“He’s not coming, he’s gone to see his parents” Nick said. Jenn looked relieved.

“So what’s this cosy little gathering for?” I asked, changing the subject for her. She grinned at me.

“Well, I thought it’d be good to have a little party. To celebrate the beginning of a good thing, with Dysfunct doin a Demo which is gonna be kick ass” Nick said

“Only cos we’re producing it” Grinned Brian

“Amen to that” AJ said holding up his coke

“Oh yeah” I agreed as we all clinked glasses/bottles/cans. Kev appeared around the side and Jenn nearly feel from her seat. I started laughing and she kicked me under the table.

“Hey, sorry I’m late, Kris’s flight was a bit late” He said. He had eyes only for Jenn.

“Come in, I’ll get you a beer” Nick said and stood. Kev took the seat beside Brian, which just happened to be beside Jenn. AJ and I nudged each other and started laughing.

“Since when are you 2 back together anyway?” Leigh asked. She sounded a bit snobby.

“Since he came crawling back” I said, smiling at him and winking

“Mmm, I’m in love” AJ said, smiling at me and leaning forwards, pecking my lips.

“When’s the wedding this time?” She asked with a forced laugh

“Didn’t Brian tell you? We eloped on Wednesday” I said seriously, blinking at her. Her mouth dropped.

“Leigh you’re so gullible” Nick said laughing

“No, Nick, they’re serious” Brian said. He looked at us. Taz was chuckling to herself.

“Seriously?” Nick asked, looking at AJ

“Oh yeah, Hour honeymoon was great. We spent it watching jenn and Kev talk” AJ said. Nick stared. I cracked up laughing and leant over, roughing his ahir.

“Jus trickin ya Nickers” I said

“Now who’s the gullible one?” Taz snorted

“Hey, not fair” Nick whined