~Edward~

We arrived at the club earlier than we had the previous Friday, so the crowd wasn't as intense yet. Also, the bouncer at the main entrance didn't pay us much attention, so we made it in quite fast. Once inside we headed straight toward the backstage area.

"What can I do for you, pretty lady?" The security guy asked, smiling at Rosalie.

"We're here to see Torn. I'm Rose Cullen. We should be on the list."

Checking over his list, he nodded finding her name. "I see you here, but no guest."

"Shit! I didn't even think about it," Rose said, facing me before turning back to eye him. "This is my brother. It shouldn't be a problem for him to go back with me, right?" she fluttered her eyelashes at him.

"Sorry, sweetheart, no can do. No one gets backstage unless you're on the list, or with the band." He turned away from us.

Damn! I walked away figuring this was the end.

"Edward, wait!" She pulled me over to the side and I saw the wheels turning in her head."Ed, wait here, 'kay? I'm gonna go find Emmett, as he's our best option right now. I'll be right back."

I nodded, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. "Are you sure this will work? What are you going to say?"

Her eyes lit up, a mischievous grin appearing on her face. "Of course it'll work. I have a plan." She winked before spinning on her heel, heading toward the backstage entrance.

A few minutes later the bouncer spoke into his earpiece. He waved me over, "Alright, you can go in."

My heart sped up, knowing I was that much closer to seeing Jasper again.

I found Rose in the hall. "That was quick."

"I couldn't get to Emmett; he's in a conference with the band, but I told one of the roadies that you were gonna sneak something onto the bus for me," I raised a brow, "a surprise for Emmett. Then he got a hold of Leah, who surprisingly, Ok'd it!" She stopped when we were at a set of double doors. "Alright. This is where I'm headed to keep everyone away from the bus. "You're gonna go through the back exit door over there to the lot. Their meeting is just about over." I looked over to see a door in the direction she pointed. "Hide in the restroom near the exit and I'll text you when the band comes back in here. You remember what their bus looks like, right?"

I nodded and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Rosalie. This means a lot to me… what you are doing."

"No prob. Oh, and don't worry. Jasper always goes back to the bus after a show. He's not very social. Hey! Sounds kinda like someone else I know." I rolled my eyes while she held out a key. "It's an extra bus key from the roadie. Good luck, Ed."

I waited in the restroom for about ten minutes until I received the text. "Coast clear!"

I found their bus, -the with no markings- cautiously entering after unlocking the door. I heard the crowd noise echoing from the outside, and looked at my phone. I had close to three hours to kill before Jasper would be here.

Sitting down on the sofa, I decided to check my text messages. Two were from Garrett, keeping me up-to-date on the evening's events. I rolled my eyes, chuckling to myself at the pictures he sent of Riley and Tyler funneling beer. Morons!

Leaning my head back against the top of the sofa, I silently willed my body to relax. Hearing Torn start up their set didn't help matters. Once I heard the muffled sound of Jasper's voice, my mind flashed back to the last time I was on this bus, laying on top this particular sofa. I pictured Jasper from my last memory. The way he touched me. The way he made me feel. My heart started beating a little faster. My phone vibrated, jolting me back to reality. It was a text from Bella.

E got a rm 4 us 2nite. Ur on ur own. Meet U b4 cko tom. ~R

It took me a minute to understand what the fuck she just sent me, not being into text speak. But when I did, I knew this had to be a sign, and I fully intended to take advantage of this situation. The next hour was spent in my head, mulling over what I wanted to say to Jasper.

My nerves kicked into overdrive once Jasper started what I remembered as the last song of Torn's set. I blew out a huge breath, feeling the sudden panic hit my chest. Sweat started pouring down my face and my breathing picked up.

I made my way to the bathroom. Once inside, I splashed some cold water on my face and took in my appearance, my face still flushed.

I can do this.

I need answers.

Fully prepared to face Jasper, I reached for the door handle, but stopped when I heard two voices. One belonged to Jasper, the other I could not clearly make out. They seemed to be in a heated discussion. Shit, the other guy was coming on the bus with him!

I heard the unrecognizable voice clearer as they closed the closet door opposite the bathroom.

"Whatever, Jay. If you change your mind, you know where we'll be." I heard the bus door slam shut and Jasper yelling out a FUCK!

It's now or never, Edward.

I opened the door to see Jasper, standing with his hands resting on the kitchenette counter. I saw his body heaving as he took deep breaths. Shutting the door quietly, I made my way over to him. I wanted to comfort him any way I could. He opened his eyes, looking up at me before I reached him.

"What the fuck are you doing here?"