Page 74 of Taste of Surrender

“Me either.”

He blew out a breath. “So, what does the statement say?”

“That Savannah and I are no longer together but we didn’t want to announce it until after the tour. That it was an amicable breakup and we have both moved on. Mine goes on to mention my sexuality and how it has no bearing on my performance with Surrender.”

“I hate that anyone who isn’t straight has to explain themselves,” he huffed.

“Me too.”

“Let’s go!” Jesse called, motioning for everyone to take their place on stage.

“Come with me back to my place after sound check?” I asked Jasper.

“Okay.” He smiled.

I winked at him and then made my way to the stage, feeling the weight of the awkward silence between me and Jesse. Savannah flashed me a supportive smile as she stood off stage and waited until she was needed. Silas just gave me a nod, and Elliott squeezed my shoulder as he passed.

Sound check began, and we tested the mics and instruments, and after Midnight Thunder ran through a few songs, we did as well. Despite the music filling the venue, I couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling between me and Jesse. His silence was deafening, and it took all of my effort not to let it affect me.

Finally, we wrapped up, and I stepped off the stage. As Jesse hurried toward the door, he looked over his shoulder at Jasper and snapped, “You comin’?”

Jasper shook his head. “Going to Malachi’s.”

“Of course you are.” Jesse glared at me.

“Jesse, wait!” I called out and tried to catch up to him, but he put up his hand.

“I don’t want to talk to you.”

“You might not want to, but you should,” Elliott cut in. “We can’t let this beef affect the show tonight.”

“The show will be fine.” Without another word, Jesse stormed out, the metal door banging against the wall as he left.

“You guys are stressing me out,” Silas stated. “I’ll catch you all in a few.”

We had three hours until we needed to be back for the show. There was no telling what Silas was going to do, but for me, I just wanted to have quiet time with Jasper.

Elliott pointed a finger at me. “Don’t make me lock the two of you in a room until you figure this shit out.”

“It’s not me,” I argued, stepping up to stand beside Jasper. “I want to work it out.”

“I know. I’ll talk to him after the show tonight.” Elliott walked over to Savannah.

“Good luck.” I motioned for Jasper to follow me so we could leave. Once we were outside, the paparazzi started snapping photo after photo. I glanced at Jasper, his eyes wide. Reaching for his hand, we bolted for my Mercedes. Questions were thrown at us, left and right: asking who Jasper was, how long had we been dating, had we gotten together while I was with Savannah. I ignored each one. As soon as we were buckled in, I got the hell out of there.

“Jesus, they are ruthless, huh?” Jasper asked, looking over his shoulder at where they still snapped pictures of us driving away.

“You get used to it.”

“Do you?”

“I mean, it sucks having them practically everywhere, but it comes with the fame. Are you sure you want to be a part of this?”

“Absolutely,” he said without hesitation.

“Even if it costs you your brother?”

“I don’t think it will. He’s more upset we didn’t tell him than he is that we’re dating.”