I’m over -exposed
And it’s still not enough
I’m over-exposed
Your mind has me cuffed
I’m over-exposed
How much can I bleed
I’m over-exposed
To fulfill your need.”
Drew beats the shit out of the cymbals to finish the song, and I hold the last note on the Fender longer than usual. Paul’s practically diving off the front of the stage, and Dean’s clutching the mic like he’s trying to strangle someone.
Hey. It’s our last show. Time to go big or go… Wait. We are going home.
The crowd roars for us. They sound louder than usual, probably because my family and friends are screaming the place down. They’re only a few rows back, toward the center aisle on the main floor, and they’ve been going strong the entire set. I’m glad they’re having a good time.
“Thank you!” Dean shouts into the mic. He wipes the sweat from his brow, then turns around and looks at me for the go ahead. I nod.
“So,” he swings his guitar to the side, “I don’t know if you all know, but ah…our rhythm guitarist hails from the Motor City.”
Drew bangs the bass drum a couple times and the crowd cheers. I step forward and wave. I can see Jules, Gwen, and my mom jumping up and down.
“Jen’s family is here tonight.” Dean takes his mic off the stand and looks at me. “Would you like to do the honors?”
“Sure, Dean.” My voice echoes through the arena. Suddenly, I feel like June Carter Cash on stage with Johnny. “If you’ll all bear with me, I’d like to ask my brother Pete and his girlfriend Juliana to join me on stage. There’s something we need to take care of that’s long overdue.”
Much to the confusion of my family and friends, my brother grabs Jules’ hand and leads her away from their seats. The audience whistles and claps as a cameraman focuses on the couple and projects them on every screen in the place. When they get close to the stage, security escorts them over to me.
“What are you doing?” Jules asks through a forced smile. “I didn’t bring my tambourine.”
I laugh, remembering our conversation about our fake band. “I’m going to let my brother take it from here,” I say and back away. I glance at Pete, and he gently takes both of Jules’ hands. He stares into her eyes, and I hold the mic between the two of them so everyone can hear.
“Juliana –”
The crowd goes crazy as soon as Pete says her name.
“I can’t remember a time in my life without you. You’re my rock, my best friend, my voice of reason, and my partner in crime.”
He drops to one knee and the fans grow louder. My eyes jump to my parents, and I see my mom hanging on to my dad’s arm. Gwen, Carter, and Felix are hanging on to each other in anticipation, too. My attention falls back on Jules and her mouth is hanging open. She tries to cover it with one hand, but my brother won’t let her go.
“It’s time to formally ask you to be my partner in life,” Pete says and scoots closer to Jules. “Juliana Louise. Will you marry me …” He leans away from the mic. “Again?”
Her eyes get teary as she enthusiastically nods yes. The audience cheers, my band mates clap, and Pete jumps up, grabbing Jules and spinning her around. When he sets her down he kisses her, then reaches into his pocket and pulls out her ring. She gasps when she sees it and holds out a shaky hand. My brother slides it onto her finger, and it sparkles in the stage lighting.
“Congratulations you guys,” I say into the mic and my voice echoes. “It’s about time I got a sister.” The two of them turn and make me the meat in a Jules and Pete sandwich.
“How long have you two been planning this?” Jules whispers in my ear.
“Since I found out you were married, ” I whisper back.
She leans away with wide eyes and I smirk. “Oh, yeah. I knew.”
“Thanks a lot, Little J.” Pete hugs me once more. “We’ll never forget this.”
Me, neither, I think. Despite how empty my heart has been, it swells with emotion for Jules and Pete. They have the real thing, and it’s beautiful. Because of them I know true love exists. It’s out there, and I can only hope one day it will find me.
~~~~
“There you are.”
I hear Pete’s voice and look over my shoulder. I wanted some time to myself, but I guess twenty minutes is all I’m allowed.
My brother exits the pool area of the hotel and pulls a patio chair next to mine. The scraping sound against the pavers makes me flinch. “There’s one hell of a party happening upstairs,” he says as he sits down. “Why are you out here all by yourself?”
I shrug. The outdoor patio at the hotel seemed like a nice place to get away and look at the stars. “It’s a warm night for September. I wanted to enjoy it.”
He shoots me a skeptical look. “And?”
“And I needed a minute,” I say. “I can only watch mom try to do the “Wobble” so many times.”
Pete laughs. “You can blame Jules and Gwen for that little show.”
I roll my eyes, but still smile.
“Seriously, though,” he sets his hand on my knee and shakes it, “What’s wrong? The show was great. We pulled off the proposal.”
“I know.”
“Plus, you’re going to write for Ariel and become a mega-millionaire.” He grins. “By the way, I am your favorite brother, right?”
I snort. “You may be my favorite, but I wouldn’t hold your breath waiting for millions.” I look across the patio. “It just hit me, that’s all.”
“What did?”
“That it’s over,” I say. “The tour. Chicago. Torque. Hanging out with you guys. Latson and me …” I rub my arms like I’m cold. “It’s all over.”
“Little J.” Pete’s voice turns empathetic. “If you want to come back to Chicago with me and Jules, you can. You don’t have to stay here if you don’t want to.”
“And live in the same building as the man who hates me? I don’t think so.”
“Who said he hates you?”
My eyebrows jump. “I would think a month of silence screams hatred. He hasn’t tried to contact me.”
“Have you tried to talk to him?”
“No,” I mutter at the ground. “I tried to apologize in person. He didn’t want to hear it.”
“It was a hard day,” Pete says. “Maybe he’s ready to hear it now.”
I frown. Since when is Pete in Latson’s corner? “Are you defending him?”