“Adam!”  I slap at him. “Would you act your age?  Jesus.”

“I don’t think they’re used to seeing you like this,” Pete says. He slaps Adam on the back of the head. “Don’t mess up her hair, dick face.”

“Hey, now.” My dad uses his stern voice. Coupled with his signature glare, it’s enough to make my grown brothers behave.

Once my family steps to the side, I hug the crew from Torque and sign things for them. “You guys know you can get my autograph anytime. You didn’t have to come all the way here.”

“Mi amor.” Felix’s voice is smooth. “Montamos en el coche siempre para ti.”

“Huh?” I frown.

“We all rode in your car.” Gwen sounds as excited as my mom. “It was cozy but fun!”

“All five of you fit in my car?” My surprised eyes jump to Pete. “I thought only you and Jules were bringing it back.”

I had to get my car from Chicago somehow, so the plan was for the two of them to drive it to Michigan for the concert. Then, after, they would take the train home.

“Road trip!”  Carter grins. “Any excuse to see our favorite bartender.”

Gwen elbows him. “Thanks a lot.”

“What?” He shrugs. “She’s your favorite, too.”

“Okay, you’re right.” Gwen gives me a smile.

I feel a tap on my arm and turn around to see Roxanne behind me. She whispers, “I’m all for the family reunion, but we need to keep the line moving.”

I nod and face everyone. “Okay, guys. I’ll see you from the stage.”

“We get to go to the after party, right?”

I nod my head and push Adam’s arm. “Yes. Go. I’ll see you later.”

Everyone waves goodbye, and my parents give me a quick kiss. Pete lets the group walk ahead of him and then quietly asks, “After “Over-Exposed”, right?”

“Yep.” I grin my first legit grin in weeks. Operation Propose to Jules is officially in motion.

“Break a leg.” Pete fist bumps me.

“You, too.”

He starts to walk away, then stops. “Listen. I caught the look on your face earlier. I’m sorry Latson isn’t here with us. I tried to talk him into –”

“Stop.” I push on his arm like I did Adam’s. “It’s fine. Go have a good time.”

Pete smirks like he doesn’t believe me, then leaves through the exit. Before I turn around to meet the next person, I take a deep breath. The last thing I need right now is to get emotional. I have one more show to play, and it’s important. After tonight, I can wallow in misery for as long as I want. It will make me happy.

Cardinal rule.

Chapter Twenty Eight

“Think what you want

See what you see

Deal with the lies that you think of me.

All I ever am

And all I’ll ever be

Is the truth behind the lens

That you’ll never see.

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?”