The countdown has begun.
After this chapter there is two more to go.🧡
Sitting on a kitchen stool at the counter, I appreciated the light breeze crossing through the kitchen as all windows were open. Jared didn't really like it; he was more of an AC kind of guy as most of LA but I loved the wind blowing through the hills on a warm August day.
I was snacking on some carrots as I was flipping through the early issue of the fall/winter Vogue, which we only had because Jared was on the cover. He was breathtaking as always and I couldn't help a proud smirk crossing my face as I finally reached his section with many more photos and the interview I started to read, although I was there, helping out so I knew what's it about already.
Taking another bite, I was reading the second section when I heard someone walk in.
"Hey, Av!" Sky smiled, dumping a bunch of papers and a box full of wristbands onto the counter. "Huh... I was hoping for some cool air; is the AC broken?" she asked troubled as she looked at the wide open windows to the pool.
"Hey," I smiled, sitting up in my seat. "Nah, just letting some breeze in! Enjoy some natural wind," I grinned.
She sighed, shaking her head but then smiled.
"Fair enough. So, last of the things are being transported to Malibu. There's couple more missing, one of them being the cult leader, "she sighed with sarcasm and I frowned surprised. "Where's Jarjar? We have to leave in twenty. He has to check out the place."
She seemed uneasy and maybe a bit more stressed nowadays. The summer schedule was packed and long gone the fun tour days to Sky. She seemed to get more and more annoyed with Jared, but she tried to keep her cool, even if she turned more sarcastic by the day.
"He is deciding what to wear for his entrance," I grinned, thinking back the past hour of the private fashion show of him trying to pick the perfect outfit for each event.
True I took it as the fun he liked now that I was not responsible for him being responsible.
"Uhm..." she answered, already berried into her phone.
As she got lost in there, I turned back to the magazine, grabbing another carrot.
Couple minutes have gone by when footsteps were heard and Jared spoke up just before he reached the kitchen in his long, white lace "dress".
"Okay, I've put on my tight boxers. Can you still see my cock?" he asked annoyed and I looked up just to see Sky's head snapping up looking at me then to Jared with a raise of her eyebrow.
Jared looked back at her stunned and I couldn't help but giggle under my breath.
"Sky... you supposed to be in Malibu," he muttered.
"Yeah... with you!" she sang, crossing her arms. "Are you ready?"
"Give me twenty minutes," he stated before peeking at me.
I just smiled nodding, mouthing the word, "good".
After a thumbs up he turned and disappeared in the hallway.
"He will be ready soon. Just all these new custom made clothes. He is so excited to wear them," I smiled.
"Oh... that's why he needs the tight underwear?" she asked; sounding more like a statement, biting back a laugh and I couldn't help but chuckle; shaking my head.
"Hey! Wait up!" I whined, jogging after Jared as he quickly put on his shoes by the door.
Sky was already in the car, ready to leave for Malibu.
"Yeah?" he asked, turning back as he straightened up.
"See ya? That's it," I asked, walking up to him.
"Well... yeah. I'll see ya, no? You coming down tomorrow," he frowned.
"Yes, but... I'll miss you and I need a hug!" I stated, driving my arms around his neck.
"We will meet in less than twenty four hours," he smiled as his sparkly blue gaze traveled down to my lips, his thumb caressing through my upper one.
He does this quite a lot nowadays.
The summer sun brought out my freckles which I felt insecure about at first but it faded as it seemed like Jared was more than intrigued by it.
"Sure, but come on, you will have better things to do than me," I muttered and as he raised his eyebrow with a smirk I realized how this sounded. "You know what I mean!"
"Flower, I never have better things to do than YOU, believe me," he smirked seductively, sneaking his arms around my waist and I smiled wide, biting my lips. "I HAVE a lot of other things but no better, nah."
"Still, considering how much these people pay to see you, the last thing I want is to occupy you. But I'll still keep an eye out," I narrowed my eyes.
"Oh, that you always did!" he laughed.
Shaking my head I rested my head against his chest.
"Why so clingy? The last days you didn't even want me to touch you. Monthly visit's coming up?" he chuckled, caressing my head.
"Yeah... and... I don't like nights alone in this house," I sighed, tightening my arms around him a bit more.
He let an audible sigh leave his lips.
I knew he didn't like me mentioning things I don't like about the house but getting used to it was a process, and he always wants me to say what I think. Now here it is and he seems to get frustrated by it.
"Anyway. So this Evelyn comes here then tomorrow?" I asked, changing the topic.
Evelyn was a new on-site coordinator for Camp Mars and I will work with her, making sure every program is on time and things run smoothly. That's why I kind of know that I won't really be able to be with or even see Jared and it's not like I really wanna walk the crowd around him anyway.
Jared agreed that he will officially mention us being in a committed relationship during the talk show with Jimmy Fallon, so he, well, mostly the contract wants us to lay low until then.
Which we do so well that we don't even talk about our relationship in private, including the engagement or the wedding.
I have been on and off thinking about my ideal wedding, and I still am not sure what or how I would prefer it, but I didn't want to bring my questions up to Jared, since it seemed like he totally forgot we are engaged now.
The last months he was nothing but a business man and entertainer; attending to meetings, chatting himself up at A-lister gatherings, showing himself off in the first rows of fashion shows, marketing Camp Mars, the merch, getting ready for Blade Runner's promo tour.
I love seeing him work and I knew summers are packed for him and I had learned to incorporate our relationship into all of this, which was mostly just me pampering him, helping him wherever I can, taking care of the house, the food and just be a soft blanket after a long day.
I didn't mind just being there for him and I knew he appreciated, but deep down I waited for summer to end so he can have some space and maybe I can snuggle into that space he will have free.
"Yes, Eve's gonna pick you up tomorrow sharp at six in the morning. She knows all the rest. She is great. I think you'll like her," he smiled, kissing into my hair.
"Jared!" we heard Sky's impatient shout from outside.
"I better go, babe. See you around," smiling he kissed my lips, but I pulled him back for a deeper one which he replied to with a moan.
I needed him to remember me when the most courageous of the women in petit dresses will start lining up in hopes for an unforgettable VIP experience.
"Yeah, mark your territory, woman," he growled, grabbing into my hair and I smiled, looking up to him; the sentence making me gasp. "I'll be a good boy," he growled into my ear, before he gave me a smirk and left me hot and bothered.
I watched him leave shaking my head with a smile on my face as I closed the door behind me.
The night was cold, empty and full of weird noises of the house, so by the time my alarm went off at five in the morning, I was already wide awake... or still wide awake.
I didn't really sleep well, but it didn't get to me as I was excited for the weekend ahead.
I always loved being part of Camp Mars, although the last years I was actively following Jared's every step, and had so much responsibility on me that I barely payed attention to the whole vibe, so this year as just a helping hand, I will be able to see it from a different angle.
As Jared promised, sharp at six the doorbell rang, and grabbing my tote bag, I was already out the door, hurrying towards the gates where a woman, in jean-shorts and a Mars merch t-shirt stood. Her hair was long, curly and the darkest shade of brown, the color of her eyes matching her hair.
"Hey! You must be Evelyn," I smiled as I opened the gate and I stepped out.
"Avery! Yes, Evelyn Marsh is my name, believe it or not," she laughed holding her hand to shake it and I accepted with a grin.
"You found the perfect job then!"
"You tell me! I was surprised that I got a place in the team, since I was very much transparent about my love for the band. I was a fan ever since they started," she explained excited.
"Then this is destiny indeed! They love to work with people they know are devoted in a good way. Sometimes it can backfire though," I stated halfheartedly as I thought back to Lora's career with us.
"Yeah, to be honest Jared was pretty cold towards me, the few times we met. Like he is waiting from me to jump him," she shook her head as she stepped to the car. "Shall we?"
Nodding, I sat into the passenger seat.
"He needs some time to open up," I stated.
"I know," she smiled.
Arriving to the camp, we saw people flowing in from left to right. Excited singing, chattering and laughing filled the air as Evelyn and I made our way to a makeshift tent to go through the programs and locations with the rest of the crew.
As we were walking around, I did notice people starring, pointing and waving towards me. I tried to ignore the surroundings. I couldn't help but feel anxious about being around the fans of the band first time since me and Jared are together.
I have spent days wondering how this weekend will go with me being there. Thoughts were ranging from the worst, like I will be ambushed and beaten to death to the hope that they will be happy to see me or just ignore me at all times.
I tried to be there to help Evelyn, but I mostly walked with my head hanging low, watching our feet hitting the ground with each step.
But as time passed I focused more on her and our duties and less on the people who, honestly were so kind, I couldn't comprehend all the smiles I got along the way.
"Av!" I heard Shannon's voice from behind me in the dining area and I turned to him as I sat down to a table.
Lunch time was around for some of us while Jared was out for a meditation hour. I still haven't seen him since we have arrived, as expected.
"Shannon! Hey," I smiled happy. "Haven't seen you in ages! How's the moving?" I asked.
We haven't talked since the couple of messages we have exchanged and I got the feeling that he was mad at me for some reason.
"Good, good. I am all done to head to Seattle after the camp," he smiled gently as he sat in front of me.
"I'll miss you," I sighed, picking on my salad.
He nodded with a hum, as he started eating.
"So... what is the reason behind the moving?" I asked interested.
"Lifestyle," he sighed.
He seemed very tired and just on a mellow mood.
I nodded, not wanting to push the conversation. He is clearly not interested in my company anymore.
Uncomfortable minutes passed in silence before Shannon spoke up once again.
"It's not you Avery. It's me. I mean... Now that you and Jared are together, I felt a little out of place in the city. You both wanna enjoy each other's company when you guys have time which is totally understandable, but it was... you and Jared are my angels in this city of devils. Lately, I started slipping back to my old habits. LA is not for me anymore," he shook his head. "I can't seem to find my place, I..."
"Shannon, please, don't say that! Your brother and I are always here! Always!" I stated firm, shocked by his words. "You seemed the one trying to distance yourself from us."
"You two started your own well deserved life together. I don't wanna be the third wheel..."
"You are NOT!" I stated with wide eyes.
Shaking his head he held up his hands, before he looked around then leaned more forward.
"I'm... Don't get me wrong I am happy for you guys but I can't... I just... I'm envious of you guys. What you have. And I know I won't find that here. That love I'm looking for," looking deep into my eyes, I pressed my lips, as I frowned while Shannon took my hands. "Now I can leave Jared knowing he is in good hands. The best ones actually. I would do anything to have y... someone like you," he sighed, rubbing my hands with his thumbs and I looked back into his warm eyes before my gaze travelled down to our hands, and feeling too intimate, I pulled them away, back into my lap.
"Why Seattle," I asked weakly.
Shrugging he leaned back in his chair.
"I love that city; the weather, the atmosphere, people. I wanna open a coffee shop there as well. It's a city I can see myself living in."
"But... you... will be alone there..."
"Which will make me go out and meet people. Good people."
"But... you will be back often...?"
"Of course," he smiled lightly.
"Shannon, ten more minutes!" Sky walked by our table.
"Sure!" he nodded, then looked at me. "I better get going. Wanna have a quick rinse before I go back out."
"Of course," I nodded as I stood up as well.
"Didn't have a chance to congratulate on the engagement," he whispered with a smile as we walked to put our trays into the dish. "Never thought Jared's gonna have the guts."
Jared told his family over the phone when we were back in Scotland but then it all got forgotten as well.
"Oh... thanks. Yeah, me neither. That was a surprise."
"He is a bastard for making you keep it a secret though," he sounded annoyed out of the blue. "This whole relationship... how he handles it in the media is ridiculous. He should be proud and loud that he has you. You shouldn't let him drag you in and out of spotlight like you're just another money hungry airhead," he growled, but before I could react he got rid of his tray and was out of sight in seconds.
I looked after him confused then looked around lost.
As much as I wanted to think that me and Shannon were back to normal after our conversation, I just still didn't feel right. I felt more confused than I was. He seemed so lost and alone and I hated to know that he wouldn't accept I or Jared helping him out, being there for him.
At this point I really hoped that he knows what's best for him, which is leaving. I hope he will get in terms with himself and not fall back into his damaging habits.
The first day of Camp I have only seen Jared from the distance.
He was free, happy and childish from time to time. He did great connecting with the fans. His true personality was shining through, his positive vibe and attitude stuck to everyone, making the whole camp feel like the safest, happiest place one could be that day.
I was so proud of him, I couldn't stop smiling whenever I laid eyes on him.
Me and Evelyn also were having a great time. We had a lot in common, which made conversations flow easy. She seemed so genuine and such a free spirit, it was refreshing to get to know her and be with her.
The second day Constance was around two, taking part in some of the activities and once Jared made her take over the stage as well, which the attendees seemed to enjoy.
Shannon was very quiet most of the time, or maybe it was just me worrying too much ever since our conversation. I was hoping to throw him a farewell party or anything like that to make him leave in a good mood.
After the last concert on the last evening, I was high hand happy on their music.
Seeing them play live always felt like magic to me, especially when the devoted fans joined in the singing creating unforgettable memories.
Since now me and Evelyn had nothing to do anymore other than helping to pack up, I hurried after the guys into the dressing room when I heard Stevie gush over some girl.
"Dude, that chick with the black hair and blue eyes in the first row? Have you seen those tits and that tattoo?" He asked out of breath.
"Right?! Shit, yeah! I was fucking her in my mind for the entire show!" Jared breathed as he pushed the door open, throwing himself onto the couch, drinking some water.
My breath hitched by his response as I slowed down.
"Jared shut the fuck up, you have a fiancée," Shannon mumbled.
"Hey! I'm faithful, but that doesn't make me blind!" he defended.
"Still, not so nice to hear," I stated as I knocked on the open door.
Looking at me his big eyes widened even more as he stopped the drinking mid way when Shannon stepped behind him and slapped his head from behind so hard, even I heard his teeth hitting the bottle; water splashing out onto his face.
"Shannon, you fucking asshole!" he squeaked in surprise as he rubbed his mouth then turned to me.
"Av! You're... here," he sent me a sweet smile, standing up.
"Sorry, that is," I sighed, shaking my head, leaning onto the doorframe, everyone's eyes on us. "You can take Evelyn's car home. We are going to stay and pack some things up; gonna leave with Sky later on," I stated.
"Shit... Baby, but what about..." Jared started as he stood up, but I held up my hand signaling him to shut the fuck up as I made my way out.
"See you at home."