CHAPTER 23
ELLEN
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
A small 'read by all' appeared at the bottom of the message, and that was all it took for the FaceTime call to come through on her MacBook.
Incoming call: Jessica Caldwell-Fortin
Ellen didn't waste a second and found herself face to face with one of her favourite people on earth. Jess was beaming with her smile. "Couldn't have timed that better. I've got a killer new drum solo ready for your song, and I can't wait to share it with you."
"My song?" Ellen asked her.
"The one Tay had you read on the plane. 'The Way She Kills You Slowly.' When she sent it to me, I literally freaked out and lots of ideas came to me. I know, it's a bit of an aggressive beat. I suppose thoughts of Caroline ignite a more assertive part of me."
Taylor hated Caroline with a passion, but it was nothing compared to the hatred Jess felt for her. Throughout their relationship, Caroline had always tried to belittle Jess in front of Ellen by insinuating that Jess wasn't really a Caldwell.
"Oh cool," Ellen replied, trying not to spoil Jess's fun.
But Jess narrowed her eyes and went straight for it. "Okay, what's going on, El? You're usually more pumped about our new stuff."
Ellen didn't even have time to think of a reply before Taylor appeared on the screen. She couldn't help but laugh when she saw the shape her sister was in.
"Hey, have you turned yourself into a zombie?" Ellen asked her twin.
"Thanks, Twinie. That's exactly the brand I want," Taylor replied. "I had this concept for the next album where the band would be styled with a 'Walking Dead' look."
"Oh, I'm definitely vetoing that. I never signed up for this.
" Jess chuckled. "Seriously, as you know, our dear sister came back from Sydney yesterday and she hasn't slept for more than three hours since.
Her obvious good mood will make perfect sense to you," Jess added sarcastically, patting Taylor on the shoulder.
"Seriously, fuck my life," Taylor muttered.
After rolling her eyes at Taylor, Jess met Ellen's gaze with a serious expression. "Speak now."
"It's really not a big deal," Ellen replied.
"We'll give it another shot," Taylor declared promptly, "but this time, speak with more conviction."
"Fine," Ellen conceded with a sigh. There was no need to filter it. After all, she had initiated the call because she desperately needed her sisters. "Maybe it's nothing and I am overreacting."
"It's about Roxy," Taylor stated, now more alert. "What happened?"
"Seriously, I have no fucking idea." Ellen lowered her eyes, letting her thumb slide over the edge of the laptop. "We haven't really been able to talk since we climbed the bridge. No clue what went down, but the vibe's off between us."
"Can you explain a bit more?" asked Jess.
"I'm sure she was about to kiss me when we reached the summit. And yeah, I would've kissed her back."
That shut them both up. "Oh," Jess said finally.
"Yes, 'Oh,' indeed," Ellen replied. "It was probably for the best, considering we were on the verge of crossing a line I didn't want to cross at first."
Taylor took a deep breath and leaned back. "Has she gone completely silent?"
"No, but I'm always the one who texts first, and she replies with only one or two words, three if I'm really lucky.
That's not like her. At least, I don't think so.
" Ellen's tone was one of disappointment.
"She asked me to give her a couple of days to do the things right, then she started pulling away. "
Taylor and Jess exchanged a worried look. "Could be she's just scared," Jess said. "Based on what I've been through, I can tell you it's tough for folks our age. It really makes you question everything."
"Maybe. Or maybe she's fighting something I can't see."
"Look, Twinie," Taylor said. "She asked for a few days, so hang tight. If you don't hear back in two or three days, then call her." Taylor caught her eye through the screen and waited for a beat before asking quietly, "Do you still want to be with her?"
"Yes," Ellen whispered. "More than anything."
Jess smiled gently. "So, hold the line."
"Thanks, that's exactly what I needed to hear," said Ellen. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Anytime, El," Jess said sincerely. "We have to go. We have a meeting with Leah about the next album."
"Okay, take care!" As she was about to hang up, Ellen called out, "Jessie, Tay, WAIT!"
Jess and Taylor looked at each other, a little surprised. "Yes, Twinie?"
"I need to ask you something... about Leah."
The awkwardness between Jess and Taylor was palpable for a few seconds. They dreaded where the conversation was going.
"What's going on with her? First, she crashes Roxy's game night and is mean to her, and then, a few days later, she calls me to tell me how much she doesn't trust Roxy and thinks she's hiding something from me."
Jess spoke up. "El, we know things have been pretty tense between you two lately. But remember that Leah doesn't want to hurt you. Quite the opposite. She just cares about you a lot. You're still important to her."
"She's important to me too, but that's no excuse."
"I know, and Tay and I don't excuse her. But she doesn't want you to suffer the way Caroline and she made you suffer."
"Oh, come on. Roxy and Leah are nothing like Caroline."
"I know. Like I said, she's not doing it to be mean."
"Okay. Thank you. I love you guys."
"We love you too, Twinie," Taylor finally said before the line went dead.