Chapter 10: Here and Now
Kendall was pacing back and forth in Logan's office. He had taken a lunch break to talk to Logan. He needed some advice and Logan always helped him out.
"I don't know what to do Loges," Kendall sighed as he paced back and forth in the small office.
"Considering what you've told me there is no way you can come out of this not looking like an ass," Logan said.
"I was afraid of that," Kendall sighed.
"Well, you did tell him you would support him no matter what he chose and going back on that is kind of a dick move Kendall. Not only will James be mad, he will feel obligated to not do the show. It's the next step in his career Kendall. You can't take this from him, trust me on this," Logan said.
"Our lives are too hectic right now. We've got two teenagers in the house and baby. I've got a job that could take me away for almost a year," Kendall said.
"I get that, but now that James really wants this. The second you tell him you're not sure it'll cause a fight. I went through this with Carlos and he started bombing auditions and not getting parts. You're going to have to figure out a way to make this work," Logan said.
"It's not that I don't want him to do this. It's just right now is not the best time," Kendall said.
"Ok go home and tell James that," Logan scoffed.
"I know, but..." Kendall sighed and sunk into a chair across from Logan. "I only want the best for James. This show will help him get further in his career," He said.
"I think you've got your answer Kendall," Logan said.
"I hate how you do that," Kendall said sending his friend a small glare. Logan just shrugged. "I have to go I have to get ready for Inside Joke's your launch party," he said.
"Party?" Logan asked.
"Not my idea but, my brats will be there, so I expect Lilly to be asking to go," Kendall said. Logan nodded his head.
-We Are-
Kyle tapped his foot on the leg of his desk. He was getting antsy. Kendall has decided to throw the guys a tour launch party at the Palm Woods. Kyle was excited, yet at the same time nervous. It meant Jared was one step closer to leaving for tour, but at the same time he was a step closer to being away from Kyle.
The bell rang and Kyle jumped up. He gathered his things and exited the room with Miles and Lucas. The two were talking, Lucas glanced over at Kyle.
"What got you so antsy?" Lucas asked curiously.
"His boyfriend is leaving, he wants to go see him," Miles teased nudging the blonde.
"Boyfriend?" Lucas asked.
"Yes, I have a boyfriend. I've had one for over three now," Kyle said turning to Lucas as they continued walking. "His name is Jared and he's an older guy," he added with a wink.
"I think you've got a thing for older people Kinght."
Kyle turned and saw Lilly and Leora standing together. Kyle's smile fell as he saw Lilly. He wasn't sure where they stood on relationships. He didn't want to brag in front of her.
"Yeah, I seem to," Kyle said slowly, his confidence lost. An awkward silence filled the air. "Well I gotta go," Kyle said slowly. He quickly made an exit with Miles and Lucas behind him. Miles hollered to Lilly that he was riding with Kyle and Lucas.
"I thought you guys were friends again," Miles said.
"Yeah, but I'm not gonna brag about my dating life in front of her," Kyle replied quickly.
"How thoughtful, but she's kind of seeing someone too," Miles replied.
"Good for her," Kyle said.
"Not according to papi," Miles said.
"Do explain," Lucas said as the three exited the school together.
"Someone she met on career day when she shadowed papi to work. His name is Tony Garcia and papi not happy with it. Apparently he's a bad egg," Miles said as they reached Kyle's car.
"Bad egg?" Lucas asked.
"Papi's words," Miles said quickly.
"Have you met him?" Kyle asked curiously.
"No why, jealous," Miles asked arching a brow at Kyle. Kyle quickly sputtered out a no, and climbed into the car. Miles and Lucas followed suit. "Apparently, he's someone on papi's show though. He has a rep for breaking girls hearts though," Miles continued.
"So what do you think, is she still crying for attention?" Lucas asked.
"Maybe, I mean papi has expressed his view and dad stand with him, but she's still texting him and I think she snuck out to see him last night," Miles said. "Look she's not moping around anymore. Living with her isn't a complete nightmare anymore," he added.
"A nightmare," Kyle asked.
"Oh please, she's been moody and whiny ever since we got back from Minnesota. She's finally getting out of the house and out of my hair," Miles said waving his hand.
"Ok so Lucas, do you want to go to a party," Kyle asked changing the subject.
"Where?" Lucas asked curiously.
"At the Palm Woods, it's for Kyle's boyfriend," Miles teased. Kyle smacked his arm.
"It's for his band, they are having a tour launch party, or as Noah calls it a going away party," Kyle said with a smile. "There will be live music and a pool, and girls," He said.
"Girls?" Lucas asked.
"Yep, lots of hot girls trying to make it in Hollywood, who are sick of all the actors/musicians/models that hang around the Palm Woods," Kyle said.
"Count me in," Lucas said raising a hand.
"I'm not invited?" Miles asked.
"I asked you this morning, you already agreed to go," Kyle said annoyed.
"No, you asked if I wanted to go to the Palm Woods, you never me mentioned a party," Miles said.
"Fine, Miles do you want to go to the party," Kyle asked rolling his eyes at his friend.
"Yes, was that so hard," Mikes asked.
"Shut up before I pull over and make your ass walk," Kyle said shaking his head.
"Touchy," Miles said.
"I'm serious," Kyle warned.
-We Are-
Leora moved about her bedroom. She was getting ready to Inside Joke's tour launch party. Lilly and Rion were over as well getting ready. Rion was sitting at Leora's vanity making sure her hair was fine and Lilly was sitting on the bed reading a magazine. They were all going to the party together.
"So Kyle's dating one of the band members?" Rion asked confused.
"Yes, he's dating Jared who's nineteen," Leora said shaking her head.
"You're dating Caleb and he's older than you," Rion pointed out.
"That's different, he a year older than me, not three," Leora said.
"She's got a point Ri, Kyle's only sixteen and Jared's an adult. He's taking advantage of Kyle," Lilly said.
"Kyle knows what he's doing. I don't think he'd let someone play him," Rion said.
"Let no, but Jared's on the road to becoming a famous popstar. He's gonna forget all about Kyle soon," Leora said.
"Right, cause he's gonna screw his boss' son and then break his heart," Rion stated matter-of-factly. Leora and Lilly stopped to look at Rion.
"She may have a point," Leora said slowly. "No way would my dad keep his band if he hurt Kyle. I think this may be serious," she said slowly.
"Oh please, this isn't serious. This is him experimenting and he will get bored and break up with him," Lilly stated.
"And come back to you?" Rion asked.
"What? No," Lilly said quickly.
"Oh please, that's where you were heading with that. You're still not over him," Rion said.
Lilly fell silent. Leora and Rion shared a look. Leora moved over to Lilly. She sat down on her bed beside her.
"Lilly I'm sorry," Rion said quickly. She had t meant to upset her.
"I want to be over him. I really do, it's just every time I see him it reminds me of what we had," Lilly said.
"Look Lil, we don't have to go to the party," Leora said.
"You have to, it's kind of for your dad too," Lilly said. "I'll be fine, maybe there'll be boys there," she said.
"What about Tony?" Leora asked.
"He's on to the next best thing. Apparently papi threatened him and he doesn't want to lose his job," Lilly said waving her hand.
"Lilly I really am sorry," Rion said.
"It's ok, and you're right," Lilly said.
"Yeah but it was kind of bitchy to say that," Rion said.
"It's ok, I forgive you Ri, but maybe I just need to see them together to get over him," Lilly said. Leora bit her lip and looked to Rion. She shrugged at the blonde. Neither of them knew what to say. Leora just hoped this night wouldn't end in disaster.
-We Are-
Adam led about his temporary bedroom. Mason was out trying to figure out a way to get home. The airline was being ridiculous and he was starting to get mad. Adam was getting ready to go see Cooper. He was almost four months pregnant now and he had to tell him. There was no more hiding it.
Adam left his room and saw Jake and Damien in the living room all dressed up and talking. Adam wondered what the occasion was. They looked to Adam.
"Please tell me that not what you're wearing to dads party," Jake said quickly.
"Is that tonight?" Adam asked.
"Uh yeah, he told us last week and we agreed to be there. I think he just wants us to keep an eye on Kyle," Jake said.
"Probably," Adam replied, "well you two can go and I'll meet you there. I have something I need to do," he said.
"What so important that you're going to risk being late for dads party," Jake asked.
"Cooper," Adam said simply. "I have to tell him."
"Oh, ok," Jake said.
"Yeah, so like I said I'll meet you guys there," Adam said. He quickly left the apartment. This was something he had to do. Kendall would understand.
-We Are-
Cooper was moving about his apartment getting ready for his date. He was seeing Jace again and he was nervous. So far things were going good for them. It almost seemed too good to be true. Cooper didn't want to do anything to mess this up. Cooper was nervous cleaning. It's not like Jace was coming inside, it's just he was so nervous. He needed to do something to keep himself busy.
Cooper had talked his mom into taking Miri for the night. He didn't have to worry about her, but he was. He couldn't help but think about what she was up to. It was always in the back of his mind despite what he had going on.
A knock at the door made him jump. Cooper quickly straightened up and called himself. He took a few deep breaths and walked over to the door. He opened it and came face to face with Adam.
"What are you doing here?" Cooper asked confused.
"Wow Coop, hi to you too," Adam said.
"Sorry, but I was expecting someone else," Cooper apologized.
"Oh, sorry," Adam said slowly. He started fidgeting with the hem of his sweater. "I just needed to talk to you real quick," he said slowly.
"Now's not really a good time," Cooper said.
"It's kind of important," Adam said
"Can't it wait, I've got plans," Cooper said digging his phone from his pocket and checking the time. Jace was bound to show up any second now.
"It'll just be a second," Adam said quickly. He was fidgeting with his sweater more.
"Ok what?" Cooper asked his patience wearing thin.
"I...I'm pregnant," Adam said quickly before he lost his courage.
Cooper froze in shock. Of all the things he had expected Adam to say, that had been no where near what he thought. His jaw dropped and floundered. He didn't know what to say to that.
"Yes it's yours, yes it's the reason I left. I didn't tell you because I was so scared since you didn't want another kid. I'm sorry,"Adam said.
"Addie," Cooper sighed. He didn't know what to say.
"I'll go I'm sorry," Adam said turning. He quickly made his way down the hall running into someone and apologizing quickly.
Cooper looked to the hallway. He saw jace standing there. He looked at Cooper with a look of sympathy.
"How much of that did you hear?" Cooper asked.
"Is now a bad time?" Jace asked slowly. Cooper mentally cursed himself. It's like there was some force that didn't want him and Jace together.
"I would understand if you left," Cooper said.
Jace stood there a moment. He seemed to be thinking about what he was going to say next. Cooper was so scared of what his next words would be.
"Whatever you two have is over right? I mean romantically?" Jace asked.
"Yes," Cooper said nodding his head. He wanted to believe it, but his heart wanted to think otherwise.
"If you'd like we can reschedule our date. I mean finding out your having another baby is kind of a big thing to take in," Jace said.
"No it's ok," Cooper said, "just let me grab my sweater and we can go," he said. Jace nodded his head.
-We Are-
Kyle laughed as he listened to Jared and Roldy telling stories of when they were younger. The party had started and people were mingling around the pool talking and laughing. There was music and it was a nice night out. The guys hadn't sang yet. They were just hanging out for a bit. Kyle was sitting in the fire pit with Jared, Roldy, Miles, Leora, Caleb, and Rion. They were all talking and sharing stories. Jared had his arm slung over Kyle's shoulders. Kyle liked that they didn't have to hide it anymore.
"Wow, that sounds like the time Kyle and I played hide and seek at Rocque Records," Leora said laughing.
"Oh yeah, it wasn't so much hide and seek as it was run from dad and pops," Kyle corrected his sister. Jared and Roldy laughed at that.
"Adam always had to ruin it though," Leora adds bitterly.
"The spoil sport," Kyle added.
"Oh please, you two were brats and I am not a spoil sport, that's all Jake," Adam said sliding into the empty spot next to Kyle.
"You're late," Kyle said.
"I had something I needed to take care of," Adam replied.
"So, why is it whenever there is something important you're always the last to show up?" Leora asked.
"Yeah, you've always gotta be late and make a scene," Kyle said.
"I had to talk to Cooper," Adam said.
The twins quickly shut up. Miles jumped in and directed the conversation away from Adam's tardiness. Soon the group was back to sharing stories and laughing.
"Jared, Roldy, we are being summoned," Matt said walking up to the group.
"For what?" Roldy asked.
"What do you think moron?" Jared asked jumping up. Roldy rolled his eyes and stood up as well. The two left saying quick good byes.
Once Jared left everyone started bombarding Kyle with questions about him and Jared. Apparently they all wanted to know everything about the pair. Adam and Leora had a never ending line of questions.
"So, your dad is really cool with you two dating even though he's like twenty?" Caleb asked.
"He's nineteen," Kyle corrected his friend ,"and my dad is doing that thing where he acts like he's cool with it, but he's secretly hoping we'll break up," Kyle said honestly.
"How long has this been going on?" Adam asked.
"Since a couple weeks after Miri's birthday," Kyle replied. "Look guys it's nothing special really. So please stop, let's just go watch the guys," Kyle said pushing Adam gently. Adam rolled his eyes and stood up. Kyle quickly walked away.
"I think we made him uncomfortable," Rion said quickly.
"You think?" Miles asked. "Subtle you two," he added to Adam and Leora. He stood up and took off after his friend.
"What did I do?" Leora asked confused.
"Not a clue, he can't blame us for being curious, Kyle isn't very talkative anymore," Adam replied as he too stood up and left the group.
-We Are-
Kendall watched as the guys moved about the small stage singing and dancing. It was nice to see it all come together and people liking it. The weeks of rehearsal and songwriting had paid off. The guys were so ready for tour.
Kendall couldn't help but notice that Jared kept looking to Kyle and smiling even brighter. Kyle was smiling as well. He hated to admit it, but they both seemed really happy with one another.
"You did great with these boys Ken," James said walking up to his husband. Kendall glanced over at him with a smile.
"Remember when it was us here, doing this for our friends?" Kendall asked.
"Yeah, it was so much fun," James replied with a nostalgic smile.
The two returned their attention to the four on the stage. Kendall couldn't help but be proud of the work he had done with these boys. They were amazing before he got his hands on them, but now they could dance and really put on a show. It was nice to see things come full circle.
Kendall glanced around and saw his kids hanging out. Leora and Lilly were sitting by the pool watching the guys and chatting a bit. Adam, Jake, and Damien were standing together laughing and watching the guys. Kyle was standing off to the side of the stage watching Jared. Kendall knew his eyes were glued to the bleached blonde. He was glad that his kids were here enjoying this and supporting him.
Inside Joke reached their last song, That's What Makes You Mine. Kendall looked to James waiting for him to freak out. He knew it was coming and braced himself.
"Please tell me he didn't write this for Kyle," James asked looking from Jared to their son.
"Jared wrote most of it for Kyle, but Noah helped with inspiration from Roldy," Kendall said quickly.
"Kendall, are you sure this will flame out?" James asked still looking at the two.
"I don't know anymore," Kendall admitted.
"So this is happening, our sixteen year old son is dating a twenty year old," James asked.
"He's not twenty for a couple more weeks," Kendall replied.
"Oh because that makes it so much better," James snapped finally turning to face Kendall. "You told me this wouldn't be a problem," he said.
"It won't be the guys have their LA show next week and then they will be gone for three and a half months," Kendall said.
"I hope this works, I don't trust Jared, not after what he did to you," James said shaking his head.
"Jared's not a bad kid James, he had a lapse in judgment yes, but you can't define who he is by that. I've really gotten to know these boys. They aren't that bad. If worst comes to worst Jared would make a pretty good son in law in my books," Kendall said. James looked at Kendall shocked. "Besides Kyle is sixteen, he's gotta make a few mistakes before he gets it all together."
"I guess, but he is not going to be my son in law," James said pointing to the stage.
"I was just saying, relax James," Kendall said laughing. "Remember Kyle is never getting married," he added. James chuckled at that.
"I guess, but just wait we'll be welcoming another grandkid soon if we're not careful," James said warningly.
"Don't even joke, two is enough for now," Kendall said.
-We Are-
Adam sighed as he made his way up to Jake's apartment. He had left the party early. He just wasn't feeling up to it anymore. He had apologized to Kendall and wished the guys luck before he left.
Adam started down the hallway to the apartment and froze when he saw Cooper standing there. He seemed to be debating something.
"Coop?"
Cooper turned to Adam shocked for a second time that night. He seemed at a loss for words.
"I wasn't lying if that's what you're going to ask," Adam said.
"No, I believe you, it all makes sense now," Cooper said finally finding his voice. "I've been standing here for like twenty minutes debating on what to do."
"Would you like to come in?" Adam asked fishing his key from his pocket. Cooper nodded his head.
Adam let them into the apartment, locking the door behind them. He knew Mason would be out at a club or something. He wasn't one for sitting still and he was pissed at the airlines. Adam didn't blame him, and was actually happy this worked to his advantage.
"So what's up Coop, why are you here at ten at night?" Adam asked.
"I can't stop thinking about what you said," Cooper said quickly. "Why didn't you just tell me. Sure I might've been a bit mad that we let this happy again, but you know me. Look at what happened with Miri, I came around," he said.
"I was scared, I was scared you end it," Adam admitted looking down at the floor.
"I would never do that Adam, don't you know me well enough by now?" Cooper asked.
"Oh please Cooper, we were a ticking time bomb. I got scared and I didn't know what to do. I am sorry I made a bad decision and it took me too long to get the courage to face my family and you," Adam said wringing his hands together.
"Adam, I spent so many nights just wishing you would come back. I didn't know what to do and I didn't know why you left. It all makes sense now, sort of," Cooper said slowly. Adam moved to stand in front of Cooper. "I moved on with my life here Adam. I was just getting things back in order and you have to go and...this," he said gesturing Adam's stomach.
"I'm sorry," Adam said hanging his head.
"No don't be, I would've been mad if you kept this from me any longer," Cooper said.
"Well I'm almost four months pregnant Coop, I know this doesn't change a thing. You've got your boyfriend and I just thought you should know," Adam said quickly.
"It changes everything Adam, I can barely afford stuff for Miri," Cooper admitted.
"I'm sorry, I really am Coop, look we can try and figure something out with Miri and this baby. I can get a job or two. You don't have to quit school we will make this work somehow I'll-"
Cooper cut Adam off with a kiss. Adam was taken aback by the suddenness of the kids. Cooper back him into a wall. Adam gasped as he felt a tongue at his lips. Adam let the all too familiar sensations haze his mind. He let Cooper take control and lead the kiss. It was all tongue and teeth. It was hot and heavy.
The door opened and voices were heard. Cooper and Adam sprang apart as the laughter stopped suddenly. Adam looked to Jake and Damien. Cooper seemed to realize what had happened. He turned and bolted from the apartment.
"What was that?" Jake asked looking to Adam.
Adam just shook his head. He ran to his bedroom and quickly shut the door behind him. He clenched his eyes shut fighting the tears. He didn't want to think about the kiss. It meant nothing. Cooper was upset and Adam was emotional. It was a bad combination. They weren't going to get back together. What they had was irrevocably damaged. He had to let go and just see Cooper as a friend now. That's all they would ever be.
So there you go, Kendall is trying to be ok with Jyle, but will it last? Will the tour be the death Kyle and Jared's relationship? Adam finally told Cooper he pregnant, how will this affect Cooper? Lilly wants to move on, can she? Will she ever meet someone who can mend her broken heart? Cooper kissed Adam! What drama will that bring? Kendall is having second thoughts about James' show? Will he share his fears with James?
There you go another chapter. I hope those still reading this enjoyed this. I have more drama coming and more twists and turns for the Knights and Mitchells. So stay tuned for more.
Always
OUTOFMYMIND