Chapter 17
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Sunlight and warmth. He'd spent so much time on the tour bus, he had almost forgotten what it felt like to wake up to the sun shining through a window. As for the warmth? He stole a glance down to where Addison was still sound asleep on his chest. He tightened his hold on her, breathing in the soft scent of her lingering perfume, committing every detail to memory.
How many times had he woken up with her in his arms and not taken the time to cherish every moment? Not nearly as many mornings as he had woken up wishing she were there. She fit perfectly into the crook of his arm. She always did. He tried to keep his breathing even as his emotions began to overwhelm him. If he had known the morning of his going away party that he would have to wait five years to wake up like this again, he would have never gotten out of bed that morning.
Five years. Five years of pain, mistakes, and life-altering decisions. But right at this moment, none of it mattered. She was in his arms again. He gently kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes, as her hand made its way to his hair.
.
Two things registered at once when Addison began to wake up. The first was that she wasn't on her usual side of the bed. The second was that the other side of her body was extremely warm.
Opening her eyes, she blinked in the light, before turning her head to see the figure slumbering beside her. Her breath caught as she saw Zed's face smoothed out in sleep. He looked so sexy as he shifted slightly, the arm across her waist tightening as his head moved to settle in the crook of her neck, his body pressed even tighter to hers.
She smiled to herself, loving the feel of him wrapped around her. Reality suddenly crashed through her brain. She quickly squeezed her eyes shut, begging to remember what they had done last night. They had both taken a tab of ecstasy at the start of her party. She could remember the feel of his hands running across her body, the feel of his lips as they kissed. God, he was a good kisser. She cracked one eye open and glanced down. She was still wearing the sparkly pink dress she had been wearing for the party. She discreetly moved her legs together, letting out a sigh of relief that she was still wearing her underwear and had not had sex.
"Oh thank goodness..." she quietly whispered to herself. If she were going to be reckless and ruin their friendship with sex, she at least wanted to be sober enough to remember it. She let out a soft sigh and gently ran her fingers through his untamed dark brown locks, closing her eyes and enjoying the moment. There was just something about him. He was the kind of guy that could inspire a lifetime of songs. Her eyes popped back open at the realization. She had feelings for him. Real, honest, raw feelings for him. Her mind went into a silent panic. No no no no no no no no….. She didn't catch feelings. She didn't get hung up on boys. She didn't need to try to get their attention. They did the chasing. She was Addison Fucking Donnelly!
The thoughts ran through her mind, even as she heard him snuffle against her neck, his leg moving across hers, literally trapping her against his body. Sighing, she allowed herself to sink back into his embrace, closing her eyes and breathing him in, willing her defenses to build back up. She could do this. Love isn't real. You can get the same feeling from consuming a large amount of chocolate.
"It's too early to look that concerned..." he whispered against her neck.
"What?" she figured he'd been awake for a while, based on his comment.
"You look stressed," he offered looking up at her. "What's wrong."
She almost confessed what she had been thinking. Instead, she smiled and ran her hand through his hair. "It's nothing… How'd you sleep?"
"Amazingly well… this bed is even more comfortable then the chairs we fell asleep on the other night."
They were both quiet for a moment before she whispered, "I'm sorry about last night."
He propped himself up on his elbow. "Why on earth are you sorry?"
"Because I asked you to roll with me? It wasn't fair to you. You have a girlfriend, and I get really touchy-feely when I take it… I should have warned you."
"Addison, look at me..."
She reluctantly met his eyes.
"I didn't do anything I didn't want to." He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips. "Everyone gets touchy-feely when they roll. I knew what I was signing up for when I took it."
She kissed him back before gently pushing him away. "But your girlfriend..."
He sighed and nodded. "And this isn't fair to either of you… I'm sorry… I'll call her..."
Addison suddenly panicked again. "NO!"
"What?"
She hated what she was about to do. "Don't call her…I can keep a secret if you can."
A look of confusion crossed his face. "I thought..."
"Zed, we were both on X. We got a little carried away. I'd hate for you to throw your relationship away because of it…" she closed her eyes, forcing the next words out of her mouth. "We're just friends…."
She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so content. She sleepily reached up and ran her hand through his soft untamed hair. Her eyes suddenly popped open. Last night hadn't been a dream. She really was wrapped in his arms. She looked up, taking in his face. It wasn't fair that he was still so damn sexy even after all these years. She never could control herself around him. She knew he was awake from the small smile on his lips he was obviously trying to hide. She closed her eyes and settled back into him. Allowing herself a moment of happiness before they had to deal with the harshness of reality.
"It's too early to look that concerned..."
She smiled against his chest. "Another birthday, another awkward morning after… kind of feels like deja vu..."
"Is this the part where you tell me that we're just friends?" he whispered, running his hand up her back and through her hair.
Addison melted into his chest further, loving his touch, despite his words. "We're not even that this time..."
He sighed heavily and held her closer. "We didn't realize just how uncomplicated things really were back then."
She snorted out a laugh. "No. We definitely did not. I wish things were as simple as dealing with a long-distance girlfriend…"
Zed took a deep breath. He had to take a chance. "I miss you, Adds."
"Z…."
He continued to run his hands through her hair. "I know things are super-weird between us, and we've got one hell of a past, but… I miss you in my life. You were never just my girlfriend. You were also my best friend."
"Zed..."
"Addison, all I'm asking is that we try to at least be friends again."
"We were never just friends," she whispered.
"But we tried."
She finally looked up into his eyes. "And look where it got us… Do we look like we're well-adjusted adults here?"
He bit back a laugh. "Not even in the slightest… but come on, Adds… we're going to be on this tour for another four and a half months…"
She rolled her eyes. "You really think we could be friends?"
He nodded his head and gave her the smile he knew she couldn't resist.
"Friends don't have crazy hot sloppy drunk sex."
"We all rebel where we can," he winked at her.
"Way to steal my line," she giggled.
He pulled her in for a soft kiss.
"Friends don't kiss either," she whispered against his lips.
"Fair enough… how about we give the whole 'friends' thing a try once we leave this room...Until then..." he rolled them over and leaned down, capturing her lips in a deep kiss.
Addison could barely think. The feel of his hand on her breast, and his other hand sliding up her inner thigh… Their tongues battled for dominance as she fought an internal battle. Her world had been in ruins for so long because of him, but right now everything felt so right. He tugged on her piercing before sliding his fingers inside her. With a loud moan, she gave herself over to desire. She could hate herself later.
.
Addison checked her reflection in the bus door one final time before opening it and climbing up the stairs. "Hello…."
"Back here!" Bucky shouted.
She took a deep breath and made her way to the small kitchen at the back of the bus.
"At least it was a nice morning for a walk of shame," a familiar voice said as she walked in.
"Bitch, There's no shame in my game, I stride with pride, thank you very much," she snapped back before breaking into laughter and hugging her best friend. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Me too, girl… But you might want to take a shower. You reek of sex, tequila and..." she sniffed Addison's shoulder, "Dior?" she mouthed giving Addison a knowing smirk as she shook her head.
Addison just smiled and shrugged.
"Really? I don't want to hear that shit..." Bucky chimed in.
They both flipped him off.
"Where is everyone?"
"Here and there," he shrugged. "E went to go grab breakfast, I'm going to go meet up with her at the gym when I'm done here... no one else is back yet."
"Ok, go shower while I finish cutting your idiot step-brother's hair..."
"I heard that!"
"You were supposed to…" Bree responded sweetly before turning back towards Addison. "But don't wash your hair."
"Yes, ma'am."
Bree hugged her. "Happy birthday, Adds!"
"It's Casey!" Bucky called over.
Addison rolled her eyes. "Thanks. I'll be back in a few."
"Oh! And you're guitars are on your bunk."
Addison's eyes lit up. "YES! THANK YOU!" She squeezed Bree harder and smacked a loud kiss on her lips.
"Eww… I don't know where your mouth has been!"
"Yes you do," she teased as Bree broke into a fit of laughter.
"I think I'm going to be sick..."
They both turned to Bucky and flipped him off again.
"God, have I missed you!" Bree smiled. "Now, go shower!"
Addison rested her head against the wall of the shower as the warm spray hit her skin. Flashes of the night before running through her head. Her head, body, and heart were at war. With a heavy sigh, she grabbed her shower gel, humming a tune as she started to wash him off her skin.
"Just another morning
With shaky hands, pounding head
I guess I did it again
Try to leave, but I can't stand
Start to think that I'm better off dead
I'm sick of this condition
Your kiss is my addiction
I can tell you cast a spell that knows no moderation
It's dangerous, the things we do
Under the influence, I got no defense
It might be criminal, but still, I just can't quit
Under the influence, I'll take the consequence
Well if it's poisonous, let it take my last breath
Under the influence..." She smiled to herself and started to rinse off.
"Temptation, creeping up on me
Gets under my skin, won't let me be
Haunt my days and haunt my sleep, viciously unrelenting
Oh, lay down again
Oh, give in again
And oh, feel good again
Begging for another beautiful sin
It's dangerous, the things we do
Under the influence, the walls are closing in
It's inevitable, but I can't seem to live without
the destruction of your love
Oh, oh
Under the influence, I'll take the consequence
Well if it's poisonous, let it take my last breath
Under the influence, I got no defense
It might be criminal, but still I just can't quit..."
She had just leaned down to turn the water off when the shower curtain was thrown open.
"Oh. My. God! YOU SING?!"
"Ahhh! Tracey! Damnit! You almost gave me a heart attack!" she panted out, clutching her chest. "I didn't think anyone else was here!"
"Sorry, honey! Just got back... But DAMMMMM you have a voice!"
She pointed behind him. "Towel… please?"
He reached behind himself and grabbed her towel off of the hook, handing it to her. "Seriously, Casey… and don't you dare repeat this, because I will deny the ever-living fuck out of it, but you have the voice of a goddamn angel and you need to be singing with us."
"Yeah…." she said wrapping the towel around herself. "I'm sure Lacey would just love that one… besides… I don't sing in public."
"Why the hell not? I sing on stage every night and you're soooo much better than me."
She shrugged. "I just… don't. So…"
He gave her a disappointed look. "You know, secrets don't make sisters. Spill it woman."
"Nothing to spill. I just don't like being the center of attention."
"Mmhmm… not buying it."
"Tracey..."
"Casey..." he countered back.
She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Doesn't matter. Lacey is the lead singer, and you're the only one who is allowed to sing back up or share her spotlight. And quite honestly, I'm fine with that."
Tracey held his hands up in mock surrender. "Whatever you have to tell yourself, Dollface. I'll get it out of you eventually…" He pretended to ponder for a moment. "What if I tell you what happened with Zed?" he whispered.
Addison laughed. "You already owe me that story. Several times over. Speaking of which, did you return the Chanel combat boots you swiped yesterday?
"I did. They were fabulous!"
"And my Chanel sunnies?"
He bit back a laugh. "I may still have those..."
She rolled her eyes and smiled pointing to the small counter beside him, "Can you hand me my clothes?"
"Oh, sorry… I know I'm in the way…" he leaned over and let out a gasp, picking up a sheer black lace bra. "Oh. My god..."
"NO! I draw the line at my La Perla," she laughed, snatching it from him.
"I swear, next to signing a record deal, spending a day raiding your non-touring closet is my dream!"
Addison laughed again, "I'll have to remember that if we ever make it to LA."
"Please tell me those are your special birthday brownies..." Zed said making Bree's head snap up.
"Boy, you better stay away from me and my brownies with your chia pet looking self."
He walked further into the room and pulled her into a hug. "Missed you too."
Bree narrowed her eyes and lowered her voice. "You've been on my shit list for a loooong time, Jacobs. Don't push your luck."
He rolled his eyes and released her. "Don't call me that."
"You know, I've had just about enough of the both of you not owning your own goddamn names. I know what my girl has gone through, and I'm assuming you've been through some shit too… fucking army…how the fuck did that happen... but Jesus Christ!"
He shook his head and smiled. "Same old Bree."
"Damn straight." She opened the Tupperware dish and offered him a brownie.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome… Be careful, they're strong."
"Even better," he laughed before taking a bite. He let out a loud moan. "Oh, man… these are even better than the batch you made for my nineteenth."
"How do you even remember that?" she smiled.
He shrugged. "It was a memorable night."
"So… speaking of birthdays," she said placing the container on the counter. "How'd you like her present I sent."
His eyes widened in surprise. "What are you..."
"Don't even… The only time I've ever seen her smile the way she was this morning was when you two were together… and she smelled like your cologne." She leaned over and smelled his shoulder. "Mmhmm… and you smell like her."
"That could be anyone's perfume..."
"How many people our age wear Chanel no.5?"
He smiled wide. "So, I'm assuming I have you to thank for the La Perla she was wearing then?"
Bree coyly smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
"What are you up to..."
"Don't know what you're talking about Z."
"Right…."
"Yo, Z! You here?" Bonzo called out from the hallway.
"Back here, man!"
Bonzo walked into the kitchen and smiled. "Didn't know you had company..."
"Goddamnit. The bad green continues! What the hell did you two do? Dye your hair with Kool-Aid?! I mean you're gorgeous, but come on!"
Zed laughed. "Bonz, this is Bree."
His head snapped towards Zed. "Bree? As in from high school Bree?"
"Yup… the one and only."
"I've heard a lot about you..." Bonzo smiled over to her. "But he forgot to mention how beautiful you are."
Zed rolled his eyes. "Sorry…" He turned to look at Bree. "B, this is James Bonzo. Former bunkmate in the army, and current bassist for Zombies. And he's obviously in on the secret."
Bree smiled as she stared into Bonzo's eyes. "Nice to meet you..."
"Um...Bree..." Zed said waving his hand in front of her face. "You have a little drool right there…." he wiped at the corner of her mouth.
She smacked his hand away. "Boy! Don't start with me. I'm playing nice right now, but don't think I'm not still pissed the fuck off at you."
Bonzo laughed. "I like this one…"
Zed rolled his eyes again.
"So, Bree… What do you do for a living?" Bonzo said, ignoring Zed.
"I own an overpriced extravagant hair salon in downtown LA."
"Well, that explains the hair criticism," Zed mumbled.
"Don't think I'm not fixing that shit either. Adds...fuck… I mean 'Casey'..."
Zed shook his head and smiled. "It's easier to just call her Princess."
"Princess?" Bree let out a laugh. "Boy, is that fitting."
"Right?" Zed laughed. "You can thank Eliza for that one."
"Oh, god… does she have bad green hair too?"
"We all did it together," Bonzo shrugged.
Bree rolled her eyes. "Anyway, she's in the shower now, but I'm about to re-bleach her roots. I might as well mix more and fix all of you too."
"How did you end up owning a salon? I thought you were going to USC for design?" Zed asked as he walked over and grabbed a bag of chips from the cabinet.
She shrugged. "Some things came up and shit hit the fan, so Mase and I decided to take a break from school… worked out in the end… at least for us anyway."
"How's Mason doing these days?"
"He's doing really well..."
"What's going on in here?"
They all looked over to find Addison and Tracey standing in the doorway.
"I was just telling the guys here that I was going to fix their hair… you could have given me a warning that they looked like they rubbed their heads in grass… At least this one has great hair!" she said motioning to Tracey.
Addison bit back a laugh. "Tracey, this is Bree, my bestie from back home. Bree, this is Tracey, my band bestie."
"Nice to meet you, Tracey. Glad my girl has someone so far from home."
"OOOh! The best friend! You have got to tell me about her closet!"
Bree laughed. "Which one?!"
"ANYWAY!" Addison shot her a warning glare, silently urging her to shut up. She walked further into the kitchen, immediately spotting the Tupperware container on the table. She let out a gasp. "Please tell me those are what I think they are!"
Bree smiled and nodded. "Of course! Like I wouldn't bring birthday brownies with me!"
"They're hella strong, too," Zed said around a mouthful of chips.
Addison turned to glare at him. "You had one of my birthday brownies before me?"
"Birthday?!" Tracey said storming over to her.
Addison froze mid-bite. She looked at everyone before shrugging. She swallowed the bite of brownie. "Um… yeah… it was yesterday."
"HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL ME IT WAS YOUR BIRTHDAY CASEY!"
She smiled and shrugged again. "Brownie?" she offered, trying to change the subject.
"Don't think you can buy my forgiveness! We could have gone out and celebrated!"
"They're pot brownies?" she offered again.
Tracey looked at her in stunned silence for a moment before he broke into laughter. "Ok, fine… you can kind of buy my forgiveness..." he took one of the offered brownies. "But we're going out today!"
"Why?" Everyone in the room looked to the door, to where a very hungover looking Lacey and Stacey were standing.
"And who's the new chick?" Lacey added, nodding towards Bree.
"OMG! Yesterday was Casey's birthday! And she didn't even say anything!"
Stacey gave him a tired smile. "Shhh…. Too loud… And not everyone celebrates their birthday for an entire month, Tracey… Happy Birthday, Casey."
"Thank you," Addison smiled.
"If you'll excuse me… I have a date with my very dark bunk and a pair of noise-canceling headphones..." she said quietly as she turned around and walked off.
"This is my best friend, Bree. She came in for my birthday," Addison said to Lacey.
Lacey shocked everyone by walking in and hugging Addison tight. "I can't believe you didn't tell us it was your birthday! We definitely need to celebrate!"
"That's what I said!" Tracey laughed.
Lacey turned to Bree. "Please tell me you're hanging around for a while!"
"Um… only for today. I fly out on the red-eye."
Lacey frowned for a second before smiling. "Well, we'll just have to make the most of today then!" She turned to look back at Addison. "So… what's the plan!"
Addison shrugged and looked over to Bree. "We were about to re-bleach my hair… but after that?"
Tracey clapped excitedly, "Mexican and Margaritas!"
.
Addison was outside enjoying the peace and quiet as she let the violet toner in her hair work its magic. She had just lit a cigarette when she heard a set of heavy footsteps approaching from behind. She smiled to herself and took a fresh cigarette out and lit it before holding it up for him.
"How'd you know it was me?"
"Lucky guess..." She looked over to him and froze. She bit her lip and ran her tongue along the inside.
"See something you like, Gorgeous?" he teased throwing her a wink.
"In your dreams..." she smirked handing him the cigarette.
"Every night...over and over again..."
"Zed!" she smacked him and rolled her eyes. "Trouble…"
He laughed and sat down next to her. "Look at us, falling right back into the friendly banter shit..."
Addison shook her head and smiled. "Bree did a great job on your hair."
"Best cut I've had in a long time… not to mention the color is perfect."
"She's damn good at what she does. That's why half of Hollywood goes to see her."
"I think Bonz is smitten."
She bit back a laugh. "I think Bree is too."
"That explains why she just booted me out..."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments before Zed spoke again. "I think you need to know the reason I was avoiding you the last couple of weeks."
"So, he was keeping his distance because of Lacey?" Bree whispered as she pulled a flat iron through Addison's hair.
Addison nodded. "Yeah… He said that she was asking questions that could have led to her knowing that 'Casey Jacobs' doesn't really exist."
"Well, she's not wrong… It's cute that he was trying to protect you though."
Addison rolled her eyes and smiled. "He's trying to protect the tour..."
"Whatever you have to tell yourself."
She rolled her eyes again. "And we've agreed to try to be friends."
"Friends?"
"Yeah…Friends," she repeated, the word still not tasting right on her tongue.
"Righttttt….."
"Don't start."
"I'm not."
"Mmhmm… I've known you forever, B… just say what you're thinking."
"I'm thinking you two need to actually talk and by that I mean have more of a conversation than a few whispered words between moans."
Addison smiled and flipped her off. "You know I don't whisper… at least not during sex."
"You know what I mean. Try talking INSTEAD of having sex."
"We just did, thank you very much. And besides, we've been on this tour for almost a month and we've only slept together twice… well, three times if you count this morning."
"Adds, I'm serious… Now's your chance to finally get some answers… Put some demons to bed…"
"Bree..."
"And don't you think he should know about Penelope?"
"Bree!" Addison tried to peek down the hall to make sure they were still alone. When she was sure everyone was still upfront she turned in her chair to look at her best friend. "We've talked about this before! No. I don't think he should know… Not yet, anyway..." She sighed and closed her eyes. "I agreed to try to be friends… Not to pretend that everything has changed… I still don't trust him."
"But he's her father."
"And he used me… So..." she threw her hands up in the air. "Just because I can't seem to keep my traitorous vagina from letting him in, doesn't mean I'm letting him into the rest of my life… From here on out, we're just friends."
"Whatever you say..."
"Looks like we'll only need a table for six," Addison said as she closed the door of the van. "Stacey is still sleeping it off, and Bucky has 'manager shit' to do," she said using air quotes.
"What about, E?" Bonzo asked. "I thought she was getting ready?"
Addison shrugged as she tried to think of an excuse as to why Eliza would be staying behind that didn't involve spending 'quality time' with Bucky. "Um… female problems?" she offered, hoping they wouldn't press the issue further.
Bonzo and Zed both cringed. "Enough said..."
"I still don't get why you invited them in the first place," Lacey sneered.
Addison tried to keep herself from rolling her eyes. "Sorry, Lacey. It is my birthday. If we're celebrating, I'd like my friends to be there."
"Friends?"
She stole a quick glance over to Zed. "Yeah, friends."
"Whatever," Lacey mumbled under her breath as she pulled out her phone and started to check her social media.
The margaritas had been flowing for a few hours as they all sat around laughing and talking. After a rather embarrassing mariachi serenade that included the entire restaurant singing Happy Birthday, Tracey drug Addison onto the dance floor.
"So… Bree, right?" Lacey said as she sat down in the seat that Addison had just left.
Bree nodded.
"How long have you and Casey known each other?"
Bonzo elbowed Zed and tilted his head in their direction. No good could come from Lacey grilling Bree.
"Basically since birth."
"Really? That's awesome that you two are still friends… Where did you guys grow up?"
The conversation with Addison earlier that day ran through her mind. Maybe there really was something to Zed's concerns. "Southern California," she replied, trying to keep things as vague as possible.
Lacey obnoxiously giggled. "Well, I knew she was from California, but where specifically?"
"The Los Angeles area."
"So did you guys like go to school together too?"
Before Bree could answer, Tracey, interrupted. "Does anyone else want to dance?"
"What happened to Casey?" Lacey asked.
Tracey smiled. "Some hottie with a body asked if he could cut in… And since it's her birthday I selflessly declined so she could have some fun."
Zed's head snapped towards the dance floor. Without saying a word he downed his drink and got up from the table.
Tracey wiped his forehead. "Woo, that girl can dance."
Bree let out a laugh. "Sixteen years of training will do that."
Zed could feel the jealousy build in his chest as he made his way through the crowded dance floor towards them. With the liquid courage of a few margaritas coursing through his veins, he placed a hand on her waist and pulled her away. She spun almost effortlessly into his arms. The shock and surprise in her eyes quickly disappearing as a smile crossed her face. He knew the man she had been dancing with was saying something, but everything other than her in his arms faded away. As the song changed, he tightened his grip on her waist with his left hand as his right ran down her arm, taking her hand in his. Their eyes were locked as they started to move.
I love it when you call me senorita
I wish I could pretend I didn't need ya
But every touch is ooh la la la
It's true, la la la
Ooh, I should be running
Ooh, you keep me coming for you
Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. Forward, forward, forward, left, together. The chemistry between them was palpable as they glided effortlessly across the floor.
We danced for hours in the sand
Tequila sunrise
Her body fit right in my hands, la la la
It felt like ooh, la la la, yeah
Addison was lost in the moment as she let him lead. The heated look in his eyes burning through her, igniting a fire deep within and melting her further into his embrace.
Ooh, you know I love it when you call me senorita
I wish it wasn't so damn hard to leave ya
But every touch is ooh la la la
It's true, la la la
Ooh, I should be running
Ooh, you keep me coming for ya
She pulled her lower lip in between her teeth and ran her tongue across his name. She could hear him swallow loudly before he dipped her low, running his down her body as he brought her back up.
Locked in the hotel
There's just some things that never change
You say we're just friends
But friends don't know the way you taste, la la la
'Cause you know it's been a long time coming
Don't let me fall
Bonzo nudged Bree's leg under the table to get her attention. He discreetly motioned towards the dance floor.
She quietly cursed under her breath. She looked over towards Lacey and Tracey who were thankfully deep in conversation. "Shit… I know that look… we're about to get Cabo part 2."
Bonzo's eyes widened. "I obviously don't know that whole story, but I know they were almost banned from the pool at the resort."
"Well, let's just say that the pool was a continuation of what started on the dance floor… If they're trying to keep their past a secret, they're about to blow it spectacularly."
"You take care of Tracey and I'll handle Lacey." Bonzo let out a deep sigh. "Please know that whatever is about to happen, I really didn't want to do it..." he placed a quick kiss on her cheek before standing up. "Lacey… what do you say you and I go somewhere a little more..." he swallowed, almost grimacing, "private..."
Ooh, when your lips undress me
Hooked on your tongue
Ooh, love, your kiss is deadly
Don't stop
Zed tightened his grip on her waist even more. The look she was giving him was quickly driving him over the edge of sanity.
All along I've been coming for you
And I hope it meant something to you
Call my name, I'll be coming for you
Coming for you, coming for you, coming for you
He ran his hand through her hair and held the back of her head as they danced even closer together.
For you (ooh, she loves it when I come)
For you
Their noses brushed together. Her eyes started to flutter closed.
Ooh, I should be running
Ooh, you keep me coming for you
"Can I cut in!"
They both suddenly looked to their right to see Bree dancing her way over to them with Tracey in tow.
"I really wish you didn't have to go back already," Addison whined as she helped her best friend load her bags into the back of the waiting car.
Bree let out a soft laugh. "It's probably a good thing I am. I may be able to party like a rockstar for a night, but I can not recover like one… work tomorrow is going to suuuuuuck…."
Addison smiled and hugged her. "Thank you for coming. I needed this."
"I'm glad I came out too," she stole a glance to where Bonzo and Zed were leaning against the bus.
"Did you get his number?"
Bree's smile widened. "Yeah."
Addison shook with silent laughter. "He's so totally the opposite of the kind of guy you usually go for."
"Maybe that's the attraction… and speaking of attraction..."
"Oh no, here it comes."
Bree rolled her eyes. "You two are still something else… Good luck with the 'friend' thing."
Addison flipped her off before laughing and pulling her back in for another hug. "Shoot me a text when you get back home."
"I will, girl." They closed the trunk and walked to the passenger side of the car. "You still coming home for Christmas?"
She nodded her head. "Yup. Christmas Eve with the wicked witch. Whether I want to or not."
"I'll see you then."
"Bree!" They both looked over to see Bonzo running towards them.
"I'll give you two some privacy," Addison whispered with a wink. She hugged her one final time and walked back towards the bus.
Bonzo slowed to a walk as he approached. "Would it be to forward of me if I drove with you to the airport?"
Her jaw dropped. "You wanna drive all the way to the airport just to have to come right back?"
"If it means I get to spend more time with you, yes."
She gave him a shy smile. "I'd love to spend more time with you."
"Well then…." he opened the rear passenger door for her. "After you."
When they got into the car they looked back towards the bus. Both of them laughing.
"Just friends my ass..." Bonzo mumbled. "I give it a week."
"Knowing them, they'll probably take months to admit anything to one another… But, hey! At least they're talking."
"So, were they always so… how should I put this…" he turned towards her, "completely oblivious to everyone else around them when they're together?" He asked with a laugh.
"So much worse," she giggled. "That little dance floor display tonight was nothing."
"Damn…"
"Yup… I swear the first time they met you could feel the electricity in the air. They were so in love it was sickening. Everyone thought they were going to be together forever. But then again, so did they," she sighed. "Every now and then someone will post a video or a picture of the two of them on our class Facebook page… always with the same 'whatever happened to these two?' question… It's no wonder she doesn't have any social media."
"Wait, there's video and pictures of them together?"
"Mmhmm… tons, if you know where to look." Bree pulled out her phone. "Give me a second… I know someone just posted something the other day..." she said as she scrolled through her phone. She handed it to him. "That was right before graduation. She had just started to work on her album and wanted to test out a song in the quad."
Bonzo took the phone from her and pressed play. The video showed a younger very blonde Addison standing on an outdoor stage.
"Well you have me in, in your hands
Like a lit, like a lit cigarette
Now I'm here in your room hitting snooze
On the side of your bed
I should've known it the day we met
That shit is worse than a hit and run..."
He pressed pause and looked up at Bree. "Holy shit, she can sing."
Bree smiled. "Yeah, she can...keep watching, Z makes an appearance."
He pressed play again and continued to watch.
"My mom thinks I need therapy
'Cause I sing, only sing about you
But the thing is that she
Doesn't know how you do what you do
But you must do this to everyone..." she threw a wink to someone in the audience and bit her lip.
"That shit is worse than a hit and run
I wanna waste all my love on you
I wanna waste all my love on you…" Addison walked down the steps of the stage and over to someone in the front row of the audience, wrapping her free arm around his neck.
"I wanna waste, yeah, yeah
I wanna waste, yeah, yeah..." The camera panned around to the side to get a better view, revealing a much younger and happier Zed.
"I wanna waste
My love on you..." She quickly kissed him before climbing up on the table to continue the song.
"When you leave my house, leave my car
Walk away from the restaurant
I admit I panic, I can't breathe
I bet you do this to everyone
And it's so cruel, but I'm having fun.
I wanna waste all my love on you
I wanna waste all my love on you
I wanna waste, yeah, yeah
I wanna waste, yeah, yeah
I wanna waste
My love on you
My love on you
My love on you
My love..." Bonzo let out a laugh as she was cut off by Zed jumping up onto the table, picking her up, and kissing her. Hoots and hollers could be heard from all around them.
"See what I mean?" Bree said with a sad smile on her lips.
"Wow… I'm pretty sure if anyone in my high school showed that much PDA, they would have been expelled" he laughed.
"Yeah, well they were Seabrook Highs golden couple, they never got more than a stern warning… you can keep looking. There's more on that page."
He continued to scroll through the posted pictures, stopping when he came upon one of them together. "What's this one from?"
Bree looked over his shoulder. "Looks like it's from HoCo, senior year."
"So that must have been right after he gave her the locket she's wearing."
"You know about the locket?"
Bonzo looked up and laughed. "Yeah… everyone in our platoon did. It's been attached to his dog tags for years."
"Wait… he has her locket?! How?!"
"...Yeah… It was in with the letter she sent breaking up with him."
Bree grabbed his shoulders. "Addison didn't mail him a goddamn thing! She got a letter from him breaking up with her."
"No… Zed has that letter memorized… She broke up with him."
"No… I've seen the letter he sent. He said he never loved her and was only using her for her connections."
Bonzo started to laugh again. "I'm sorry, but that's just funny. She ripped his heart out and said that she could never love him and was using him to piss her mom off."
"This doesn't make any sense… The cheating at the party, didn't make sense, the letter she got that Christmas didn't make sense…"
"He says he didn't cheat on her."
"I'm starting to believe that too… maybe she sent a letter after and didn't tell me..."
"Wait… you said she got the letter at Christmas?"
Bree nodded her head. "Yeah, why?"
"Zed and I spent Christmas in basic. He was already wearing the locket..."
She looked down at her watch. "I really wish I had more time to stay and try to sort this out. Those two need to fucking sort this out."
"That might be difficult with the whole Lacey situation."
"I do not trust that girl."
"Join the club," he laughed humorlessly. "Can't we just tell them that this doesn't pass the smell test?"
"You know Zed pretty well, right?"
"Yeah."
"So you know how stubborn he is, right?"
"Yeah..."
"Now double that and you've got Addie."
"Shit."
"Yeah..." Bree shook her head. "I swear those two are the most stubborn and clueless people I have ever known in my life. Love them to death, but still…" she sighed. "We need a plan… But more importantly, we need proof."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you so much for all the love after the last chapter! I was more than a little apprehensive to go that far, but I'm glad I did.
Songs Used In This Chapter
Under the Influence- Elle King
Senorita- Camilla Cabello, Shawn Mendes
Waste- Dove Cameron