CHAPTER 19
The glittering lights from the chandelier hit my eyes. Everything was sparkly, muted in a golden amber glow with tapestries, velvet tablecloths, and elaborate flowers like something out of the Victorian era.
Jay’s grip on my hand tightened as he led me farther into the room.
We were attending a gala that was a prestigious, invitation-only event among the world of celebrities, and the air in the room did speak of it.
It’d been a couple of days since we discovered the note, and Jay had not left my side since. Even though the cops reassured us that the note was probably from White—who at this point still wasn’t stable enough to be interviewed—Jay wouldn’t listen.
“There’s everyone,” he mumbled, gesturing to the table on the right where the rest of the band were seated.
I focused on the warmth seeping through his hand as we made our way across. Some big names nodded to Jay and gave me a small smile. I tried my best not to get intimidated and flashed a demure smile.
I wore a stunning lace dress woven with flowers of different shades of blush and paired it with a two-inch open-toe pump that added to my height. Now that the limp in my knee was nonexistent, thanks to the new treatment, I’ve been upping my shoe game lately.
I was no longer the shy, insecure girl hiding under the sheets, too scared to venture out with my man. I was safe and secure now. I knew his career would always shine a jarred spotlight on us, but as long as we were together, nothing could faze me anymore.
Funny how things could change in a matter of weeks.
The flush remained on my cheeks when we reached the table, and I sank in next to Katy, who offered me a glass of champagne.
I downed it without even thinking. Damn, that was good, and I needed that.
“So what do people usually do at these events?” I asked as I glanced around.
“Mingle. Flaunt. Gossip. Remind everyone of their social status. Find someone to cheat on their partner with. Among other things.” Katy’s voice oozed with disdain as she scoffed, which made her bright red lips pout.
I frowned, taking in her gorgeous blond hair cascading in shiny waves and the flowy pleated cream dress she was wearing. Her skin was lustrous, but her eyes still had the same sad look in them. “I thought you loved all that. Mingling and socializing,” I added.
“In truth—not really,” she said in a lost tone, tracing a finger along the rim of her glass .
“Katy, you’re the most sought-after manager in Hollywood. You were the homecoming queen, prom queen, and student body leader, and the list just goes on.”
She gave me the driest laugh. “You wouldn’t understand.”
I changed tactics. “Where’s Lan?”
She rolled her eyes. “Not here, of course. Probably riding off into the sunset with his new toy.”
“What?” My eyes widened as I circled her wrist, concern and anger flooding my blood. “Is that why you’re upset? Is Lan cheating on you?”
“What?” She blinked before laughing. “His bike, Evy, not a woman.” She looked in the distance as if she was contemplating something. “Lan would never cheat. He loves me,” she added softly.
I sighed in relief. It felt like she was dealing with her demons, and I certainly didn’t want to interfere unless she was ready to share it with us.
“You okay, sweetheart?” Jay asked, sliding in beside me.
“Yes,” I whispered, my cheeks blooming pink. He looked dazzling in his sharp black tux, and his crisp white shirt had the first few buttons undone, showing off his tattoos. “You look good enough to eat,” I said, leaning closer as his signature scent hit me.
“I’m sure that can be arranged tonight.”
I licked my lips, shaking my head.
After a few rounds of drinks, Jay gathered me along to mingle with the crowd and introduced me to so many celebrities that I almost lost count. As time slipped by, I got more and more comfortable with being among this crowd. I guess when you are accepted into the fold, you are truly welcomed.
Just as we were making our rounds, we walked up to a group of gentlemen in heavy discussion. I stalled, hesitating, but Jay ushered me toward them anyway.
Only when I neared them did I notice Julian Stormhold among them. Upon seeing us, he excused the group and advanced to us. Another tall man decked in black hovered behind him, wires peeking out of his ears and a sharp gaze on the surroundings. Damn, Julian must be really important if he needed a security detail inside an exclusive event.
“J.J.” He gave Jay a chin lift before he shook his hand in a firm grip.
“Julian.” Jay smiled, gesturing to me. “You remember my girl, Evelyn.”
“Yes.” Julian’s eyes snapped to mine as he held out a hand. “I never forget beautiful people,” he said in such a serious tone that I flushed.
I swallowed as I shook his hand, noting how small my hand looked in his grasp. “Nice to meet you, Julian.”
“Likewise.” His tone was whiskey-smooth as it washed over me.
Jay’s eyes narrowed at him. “Your charm won’t work on her.”
“It never hasn’t.” Julian’s alluring eyes flashed toward me. I will admit that there was something about him, a dark and mysterious vibe that was mesmerizing, but nothing compared to the way my man made me feel.
“Jay’s right,” I said softly. “It won’t work. ”
Julian’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Don’t worry, I never touch something that belongs to another man.”
“Not just something,” I added, raising a brow. “A woman.”
His amused eyes swept from me to Jay. “You got a good one.”
Jay and Julian chatted for a bit. Even Mikey and Katy joined us out of nowhere, and it wasn’t long before we went our own ways again. I guessed that’s how these events worked.
“I think I’m doing a pretty good job of being a rock star’s girlfriend,” I said proudly just as Jay led me to the bar to get us some fresh drinks.
“Yes, sweetheart.” He kissed the side of my head, tightening his protective hold around my waist.
I felt so tiny in his arms, but I loved it.
A sudden weird sensation ran up the back of my neck. The same feeling I’d gotten all those days ago. My eyes quickly darted around the room, but nothing seemed amiss, and everything felt normal again. Weird.
“What’s wrong?” Jay frowned.
“Nothing.” I shook my head. “Goosebumps, I guess,” I replied, and his frown instantly faded as he retrieved the drinks from the bartender.
“Here you go. Your fruity girly drink.” He handed me a signature cocktail called ‘COSMIC’ they served here, and it tasted like sweet heaven. I was already on my fourth today.
“J.J., how are you?” a voice called out, dragging my attention to a beautiful, tall woman dressed in a tight yellow bodycon dress that flaunted her figure and highlighted her thick raven hair. She looked oddly familiar for some reason .
The smell of her expensive perfume melted the air as she leaned in to kiss Jay on the cheeks, and my drink instantly turned sour.
“Amber, it’s been a long time.” Jay gave her a half hug before he pulled away, still keeping a tight grasp on me. “I’m doing better than ever. Meet Evelyn, my girlfriend.”
Her striking blue eyes latched on me, and fucking hell, she was gorgeous. “Oh, the infamous secret girlfriend you’ve been hiding from us. I’m Amber.” She held out her hand.
So just a hand for me, not a hug, huh? I let my jealousy slide as I shook her hand. “Evelyn. Nice to meet you.”
She completely disregarded me as her eyes dashed to my man. “So J.J.” She checked him out. “I had no idea you moved to New York. We should catch up.”
So not happening as long as I’m alive.
“Definitely,” Jay replied with a smile, not even reading the air. I stifled the urge to stomp on his feet.
“Yes, how long has it been? Two or three years? We used to have such good times.”
I rolled my eyes, biting off a scoff as I gulped my drink.
Jay nodded. “Well, I have my girl now, and she’s my number one priority at the moment. She almost handcuffed me from going to this event.” His thumb drew circles over my hip as he gave me a quick glance. “She’s possessive like that.”
I almost choked on my drink, but the satisfaction wired me alive when her entire expression fell on the floor.
“Yes, of course.” She laughed it off. “Oh, I see Cara there. I’d better go say hi before she leaves. It was so nice to see you again, J.J. Ciao.” She flipped her hair and sashayed away .
“Bitch,” I mumbled under my breath, downing the rest of my drink. “How do you know her?”
“We had a shoot once,” Jay replied. “Come on, let’s go.” He gestured, but I stayed glued to the spot.
“And?”
He glanced over his shoulder. “And we went out for drinks. That’s all.”
“Did you pay, or did she pay?”
He gave me a baffled look. “Of course I did.”
“Then it’s a date.”
“It’s not. We just had a good time, and I would never let a lady pay, Evelyn.”
I folded my arm, tapping a finger. “Explain good time.”
He wrapped both his arms around me, giving me an innocent smile. “Babe, it’s from the past, remember? And a good time was us getting high and hitting a few clubs. The boys were with us too.”
His words brought a sudden flash of memory to my head. After all, I meticulously followed his social life for years, so I was well attuned to it. “I remember that now—summer, two years ago— J.J. was seen partying with supermodel Amber Locks till early morning Sunday. ”
“I’m sorry.” He placed a quick kiss on my nose.
“Fine, but when we get home, you’re going to give me a list of all the girls you partied, dated, or had fun with so I can mentally prepare myself when they throw themselves at you. Why in the world did you have to be so fucking gorgeous? Why can’t you be boring like me so no one would look at you? ”
He scoffed, raising a brow. “Are you kidding me, Evelyn? Do you know the number of men gawking at you right now? I had to stare them down so they would look away from what’s mine.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You’re lying.”
“Try me. Do you see that man to our left by the crystal fountain? He’s been staring at you ever since we arrived at the bar.”
“No, he’s not,” I mumbled, my eyes shifting to the direction he gestured, and very well, a man in his early thirties with smooth tan skin and pale green eyes was staring straight at me, and when he noticed my eyes on him, he gave me a leering smile.
I grimaced, shooting him a glare as I twisted my attention back to Jay. “Creep.”
Jay chuckled, pulling me closer to him. “If he’s a creep, then half the men in this room are creeps. They like to stare at shiny, beautiful things.”
“Only creeps would stare at something that is not theirs. I only belong to my man,” I said softly, dropping a kiss on his cheek.
Jay’s eyes glinted with softness. “Have I told you how fucking much I love you?”
I nodded, grinning. “Yes, you have a hundred times.” I dropped another kiss on his cheek. “How long do we have to stay here? I want to go home and cuddle and ask you about a million times who your favorite person in the whole wide world is?”
“Still you.” He placed a quick kiss on my lips. “Maybe another thirty minutes. I have to say hi to a few more people, and then we’ll gather the rest of the crew and call it a night. Does that sound good?”
“Yes.”
“Come on. There’s someone I want you to meet.” Jay led me away from the bar to a table by the dance floor, where a couple caught our eyes.
“J.J.” An older-looking man standing next to a beautiful lady greeted Jay with a warm smile.
“Tom.” Jay shook his hands, smiling like they were old friends, before his attention turned to the lady next to him. “Louisa, always a pleasure.”
“Of course, darling.” She gave him a gentle smile that made her brown eyes shine.
“Evelyn, meet Tom and Louisa Flemming. Tom owns Aspen Records.” Jay gestured toward them.
Somewhere from the back of my mind, I recall Katy telling me they were one of the big five in the industry.
“So nice to meet you, Mr. Flemming.” I nodded, flicking my eyes to Louisa. “Mrs. Flemming.”
“Oh, please call me Louisa, darling. She’s a doll, isn’t she? Perfect for our boy.”
I flushed, tightening my hold on Jay’s arm while he chuckled. “I told you, Louisa, Evelyn was made for me.”
Fuck, he told her about me. That’s just mortifying for so many reasons.
Tom’s eyes met Jay’s. “J.J., is Matt around tonight? I would like to discuss a few things regarding the label. A lot of people have shown interest and are here tonight if you boys want to meet them. ”
“Oh, come on, darling, this isn’t the time for business,” Louisa chided, giving Tom a sharp look. “Let the young couple enjoy their time.”
“No, it’s quite all right,” I added softly, lifting my chin toward Jay. “Go on, I’ll be fine.”
Jay reluctantly nodded, gesturing to Tom. “I’ll bring you to him.” He paused, turning to me as he gave me a soft smile. “You stay right here.”
“I will.” I smiled back.
“I’ll keep her company,” Louisa reassured, which seemed to satisfy Jay as they both walked away.
“Come on, darling, let’s have a drink. From the way I see it, the boys will be at it for a while.”
I mumbled a quick thanks when she handed me a flute of champagne from the passing server. “So have you known Ja… J.J. for long?”
Louisa nodded, setting her drink aside. The motion caused the huge diamond in her earrings to sparkle. “Yes, for a few years now. Tom took a liking to him and the rest of the boys and has been guiding them. But I’m happy you both found you’re way back to each other. I’ve never seen that boy smile like that.”
Blush painted my cheeks. “He makes me smile a lot too.”
“He was a whole different person when we first met him. He hardly spoke a word and had his head buried in work all the time,” she remarked. “But then love does that to you. I recall when Tom and I broke up once. It didn’t last for long. True love always finds its way back to each other.”
“I agree. ”
“Also, I’ll give you some advice, darling. In this industry, people don’t like people who are happy and in love. I’ve seen all the ridiculous things they said about you a while ago, and now they are celebrating you. And let me remind you, sweetie, it’s a never-ending cycle. You just focus on the prize and let the rest go.”
“Yeah, I think I’m seeing that now. But thanks for reminding me, Louisa.”
Time slipped as I chatted with her, truly enchanted by her words of wisdom and her ability to give real advice rather than butchering the words.
“Louisa, I’m so sorry to cut this short, but I need to pee.” I gave her a sorry look, cringing at my lack of couth.
“Of course.” She laughed. “I’ll go with you.”
Just then a stunning older lady wearing a pleated suit dress and brioche interrupted us. “Louisa, how are you?”
I watched as they both hugged and dove into small talk. I gestured to Louisa that I’d be fine and went in search of the powder room. I kept my eyes peeled for Jay or the other boys, but I couldn’t find anyone.
After walking through several hallways, I found a sign for the restroom. Thankfully, there wasn’t a line or anyone in sight, so I stepped in and locked the door behind me.
A sigh left my lips after relieving myself, and I walked up to the counter.
God, I just had too much to drink tonight, but I was having fun—if the light in my eyes was any proof. My dark circles were nonexistent these days. There was almost a radiance to my skin, and I wasn’t complaining. Who knew being so happy could make your skin glow ?
I washed my hands and patted my face with some cold water to calm the redness of my flushed cheeks.
Throwing the paper towel away, I absentmindedly opened the door and walked right instead of left, and I think that would be the first mistake I made tonight.
JAY
“Yes, Mr. Rogers, that would be amazing. I would love to welcome you aboard our team.” Matty added warmth to his usual quiet and reserved tone.
Mr. Rogers nodded, smiling as he walked away.
“Okay, fellas, let’s call this a night. My wife would have my head if I stayed here any longer.” Tom laughed, and we all agreed.
“Fuck, finally,” Mikey mumbled under his breath, loosening the bow around his neck. “I thought we were supposed to be having fun, not this. I would’ve been happier at home.”
“I’m sorry for ruining your night of chasing bimbos, or maybe you have something better at home,” Matty suggested dryly.
Mikey’s entire demeanor changed as he gave him a nasty look.
Something in me ticked at that statement, but I disregarded it and headed downstairs. We’d mingled about in the private room upstairs for the past half hour, talking business. At this point, I was tired and exhausted. All I wanted to do was go home with my girl and sleep .
“Come on, assholes. I’m exhausted.” Katy covered her mouth with a yawn.
“Ah, K. You’re getting old. Where’s your spark?” Mikey commented to which no one bothered replying.
The crowd was getting thinner and thinner by the minute, the young ones heading out for the after-party while the old ones were already on their way home.
We weaved through the crowd, and I headed straight to where I left my girl. An instant frown creased my eyes when I noticed Louisa talking with another woman who wasn’t Evelyn.
“Hey, Louisa.” I approached her, my pulse already spiking up a notch. “Where’s Evelyn?”
“Oh, honey, she went to the bathroom,” she replied.
Relief clouded me, and I nodded, already walking around the back. Following the sign, I reached the individual powder room and knocked on the door softly. “Evelyn, sweetheart. Are you in there? We’re calling it a night.”
Seconds passed, and no answer came through. I twisted the knob open, and the door gave away freely. “Evelyn?”
There was no one in the room, and my pulse skyrocketed.
Mikey popped in behind me. “What’s wrong?” he asked, concerned.
I swallowed. “Evelyn’s not here.”
“She probably went back out. I’ll ask the others to find her.” He was already on his phone as we both walked out toward the hallway.
Minutes later, Katy approached us as we re-grouped. “Guys, I searched all the other restrooms and asked around. She’s nowhere to be seen,” she said in a frantic tone .
Matty appeared grim. “No luck. Did you try her phone?”
“She’s not picking up,” I mumbled as I dialed Tyler. “Track Evelyn’s phone,” I said, cutting straight to the point, running a hand through my hair.
I squeezed my eyes shut as I waited, and not even a second later his voice filtered through. “It shows she’s still in the building, sir.”
“Really?” My heart rate eased a bit. “Tell me where?”
“On it, sir.”
We followed the directions that Tyler gave us and it took us right past the powder room I first checked. I felt the fear brimming in my heart because I knew something was terribly wrong.
We went past a few different hallways and right to an exit door at the end. My steps quickened as I burst it open, and it led right to an empty alley. “It’s right where you’re standing, sir.” Tyler’s voice carried through the air from the speaker on my phone.
“Found it,” Mikey mumbled, his face pinched in distress as he held a sparkly pink phone with a Polaroid image of us stuck to the back.
Matty and Katy exchanged panicked looks with me.
And I just knew.
My girl was missing.