Back to the Top (Ross Records) (3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

where they practice.”
    Jake sent me a puzzled look, brow nearly to his hair line. I continued to ignore him.
    “Now that your tour is finished,” Jenny said, oblivious to the tension, “what are you going to do?”
    Nick shrugged, tearing his eyes from me to smile at Jenny. “We’re going to take a little time off this summer. Possibly do a video or two. Maybe hit the studio again this fall. We’re not sure yet.”
    “I love your latest CD,” Jenny said. “It’s amazing.”
    “Thanks,” Nick said. Jake continued to stare at me but I averted my gaze to Nick.
    “If this little reunion is over,” Brad said, rising to his feet, “we should get going. We have a long drive.”
    “Sure,” I said, eager to leave but reluctant at the same time. Would I ever get to see them again in such a setting?
    “Thanks for seeing us,” Jenny said, getting out of her chair. The rest of the group, except for the blonde, stood, too.
    “No problem,” Matt said, shaking everyone’s hand again. He gave me a brief squeeze. “Don’t be a stranger, Iz.”
    “Okay,” I said as I hugged Ronnie.
    “See you soon, I hope,” he said.
    Nodding, I turned to Nick. He hugged me, jamming something into my back pocket, while whispering in my ear. “Check it out later.”
    Jake approached, something strange in his eyes. “Keep in touch, huh?”
    I didn’t say anything; just let him give me a polite hug before I stepped back, next to Brad.
    “Thanks, guys,” I said. “It was nice seeing you again.”
    Brad wrapped a hand around my upper arm, gently tugging me toward the exit. Jenny and Kevin followed, Jenny chattering to Kevin and texting on her phone.
    “I can’t believe we got to meet them!” she said. “Wow. No one is going to believe me.”
    “We should have taken pictures,” Kevin said. “Sorry I didn’t think about that.”
    “I’m sure people will believe you,” Brad said in his faux-friendly voice.
    Jenny sighed, tucking her phone into the front pocket of her jeans as she moved to my other side. “I hope so. Damn, I wish we would have thought to take pictures, though. How cool would that have been?”
    Brad gave my arm a squeeze. “I’m sure Isabella could arrange another meeting.”
    His low, even tone told me that if I ever did that, there would be hell to pay.
    “Oh, that would be great!” Jenny said, hugging my free arm. “I can’t believe that you know them. What did you mean when you said that Jake carjacked you?”
    “Yes, Isabella, whatever did you mean?” Brad asked, holding tighter to my arm.
    “Um, well, I went to a concert with my brother, Seth. It was out of town so Seth got us two hotel rooms. I got hungry and ran through a drive-thru. While waiting, I saw Jake run out of the back door, but I didn’t know it was him at the time. I guess there were a bunch of fans inside and he was trying to get away from them. He jumped in my car and I just left with him. “
    “Oh, wow!” Jenny said. “What happened next?”
    I didn’t want to get into that whole magical night. I didn’t want to share that with Brad. It was too precious.
    “Well, we talked while I drove him back to the hotel where he was staying. He put his phone number in my phone and mine in his. That’s about it.”
    “But, you met the whole band,” she said.
    “Jake and I kept in touch, talking from time to time,” I said. “They did a show at my brother’s college and invited me to come. I met the rest of the band then.”
    “Wow,” she said. Again.
    I didn’t say a word as we exited the building. The night had fallen, the stars trying to shine above the tall buildings. Traffic was light – car as well as pedestrian. The warm air felt wonderful on my face and gave me a second to get my head together and Jake’s scent out of my mind. I wanted to think about the pretty blonde with Jake but I slammed the door on that thought. No need to torture myself any more than I had for the past three years.
    “I can’t believe