Unexpected

Chapter 24

GABRIEL

It was a struggle to leave Jo in her room and walk away. She said she was going to stay home and work on the manuscripts she was editing and her upcoming book, but I could tell she just wanted a break and some time for herself.

I was expecting Maria to give us a hard time when she discovered we were together, but knowing she thinks Jo is better off without me stings. Jo seemed to be affected by it too, so I'm definitely talking to her a bit more when I get back.

It seems like the Universe is telling me that Jo and I aren't meant to be, and I should accept it and walk away.

As I enter the kitchen, desperate for some coffee before I meet the guys, I hear Maria tapping away on her computer on the kitchen island. I figured she'd opt to work from a café, but I should know better. Of course, she'd want to talk.

Last night, I experienced one of the best nights of my life with Jo. Our hands moved in perfect harmony, exploring each other with a hunger that was almost palpable. We were cocooned in our own world, where there was nothing but the warmth of our embrace. I'd love to keep surfing that high.

But as I walk to the coffee machine, I can almost feel the heat of my sister's stare. She's ready to confront me.

"Gabe..." She heaves a disappointed sigh when I turn to her. "What the hell are you doing?"

"I'm not trying to hurt her-"

"Who is Nora?" She cuts me off, and I close my eyes for a second. "Her name sounds familiar."

Shaking my head, I feel my heartbeat increase. "She's no one."

"I heard you guys talking." She searches my eyes. "What kind of trouble did you get into?"

"You don't need to worry." I lean against the counter. "Shit happens from time to time but we always figure things out."

"You're hiding something."

"I'm fine, Maria," I say, and she pinches her lips together.

"If you tell me what the hell is going on, I can find a way to help you."

"I appreciate the offer." I push myself from where I'm standing and walk to the sink to wash my mug. "But I'm fine."

"Are you lying to Jo?" she presses, and I need to take a deep breath before turning to her.

"Jo and I are both adults, Maria. Stop meddling." I give her a pointed look before walking out.

"I'll not forgive if you end up breaking her heart because this is just a fling to you," she says, but I just keep walking, unable to face her.

*****

As soon as I start the car, I'm immediately in a funk. The results of my bad choices are coming to bite me in the ass. And this time, I have no one to blame but myself.

Pulling up to the place Martin rented, I rub my face. Here goes nothing.

Following  the sweet sound of music that I hear when I step inside the house, I find the guys huddled together in a makeshift studio.

Dave is playing the drums with passionate intensity, the sticks clashing against the drumheads with a sharp thump. With his eyes closed, Aaron strums his bass and the sharp notes reverberate in the room. My gaze sweeps the space, and I spot Josh stretched out on the sofa, his attention focused on the guys.

A feeling of nostalgia washes over me as I remember the day we all decided to start the band. We were so unexperience and and filled with youthful innocence. There was no way for us to predict the life we'd have or the things that would come our way.