Invisible String

Chapter 4 -Groupie

"I guess so!" I have to raise my voice for him to hear me, though I'm not sure if I did because he doesn't acknowledge it, he just keeps walking.

My phone vibrates, snapping me out of my reverie, a message from Alexa warning me that I should go to the meeting room.

"Jeez, calm down, Genesis," I tell myself as the burning in my chest returns stronger than ever.

***

The restaurant Jackson had brought me to was bathed in a soft, warm light that lent an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. The walls were adorned with elegant and understated works of art, while the polished wooden floor resonated softly with each step we took. The tables were strategically arranged to ensure the privacy of the diners, with a prudent distance between each one to avoid any intrusion into our conversations.

A soft background music filled the space, creating a perfect soundtrack for the evening. The tempting aroma of culinary delights being prepared in the kitchen wafted through the air, making me even more eager to taste every bite.

Our waiter greeted us with a discreet smile and led us to our table, located in a secluded corner away from the rest of the restaurant.

Our tradition of monthly dinners began when he scored a job as a mechanic's assistant back when he was only fifteen years old. Every third Sunday, he'd take me away for a meal to catch up. As time passed, and I received my first paycheck from my music, we decided to switch things up each month, taking turns footing the bill.

However, our routine was interrupted by my touring schedule, leaving our dinners on hold for a while. Tonight, though, it was my turn to treat him.

As we waited for the food to arrive, we enjoyed the tranquility of the environment, immersing ourselves in the conversation about his upcoming wedding.

"What do you think?" Jackson showed me a picture of himself wearing his wedding suit.

"You look really sharp," I replied, carefully examining the image. "Although I didn't expect you to go for blue. I thought black was the traditional choice."

"There's nothing conventional about this wedding...," he declared, sliding his phone back into his pocket.

"Has Vanessa already chosen her dress?" I asked.

"No, she's waiting for you to help her. You'll probably get a message asking for your assistance in the next few days," he replied.

"I can't believe you'll be a married man in six months," I said, rejecting the idea. 

In my mind, Jackson would always be the mischievous teenager who used to tease me relentlessly, often making me cry when he refused to let me tag along with him and his friends. But despite the occasional tears, I had always looked up to him. Back then, he was the epitome of coolness, effortlessly navigating through life with a confidence I could only dream of.

Even now, as adults, that admiration hadn't faded. 

"Do you already know who you'll take as your plus one?" he asked, for what seemed like the tenth time since they sent out the "Save the Date's".

"I still have time," I lied, although in reality, I was going crazy.

Who could I take? Noah? That was a definite no. Maybe Veronica? I quickly dismissed the idea; she was invited on her own and would probably bring one of the guys she was dating. My manager? No, it would be pathetic to see.

Damn it.

I really didn't have many friends, and those I had were already invited, so they couldn't count as additional companions.