Jez had written a masterpiece. Lyric after lyric spilled out of my mouth as we practiced, followed by the soft pluck of his acoustic. The song spoke about love in a way I'd never experienced. The all consuming type I had not yet been on the receiving end of. Sure, I longed for Jason but he didn't return those feelings. I'd never known love from someone of the opposite sex. Even my own Dad couldn't give a shit.
"Key change coming up!" yelled Jez, giving me fair warning.
Once again, I threw myself into into the chorus, using the sheet music as a guide. I loved that he trusted me enough to sing his originals. He was so talented when it came to songwriting and I felt truly blessed sharing these moments with him.
"Jeramy Andrew Taylor. That was fantastic!" I delighted, beyond ecstatic. "Did you write it for Cordelia?"
He nodded. "The one and only."
I returned his papers back to him and reviewed our set list one last time, happy with our final choices. We liked trying new things and never did the same set twice. For Saturday's gig, we were kicking things off with Ed Sheeran's Shape of You and ending it on a classic; Amy Winehouse's Valerie. Both were great for riling up the crowed and directing keen party-goes to the dance floor. Our audience deserved a good night and we enjoyed being the ones who gave it to them. Plus, one hundred dollars each cash in hand...yes please!
"Did you wanna run through anything before you head off?" he asked, mindlessly playing a tune on old Harley (AKA his guitar).
"Nah, I'm good," I replied, feeling confident.
Jez and I bounced off of each other well. If ever the other was in a sticky situation, we'd be there to pick up the pieces; both on and off stage. He was the only one who knew of my feelings for Jason, though I suspected Cordelia had an inkling too. She always was good a reading me.
"Want me to come round on Friday night for a last minute rehearsal?" he offered, knowing what a perfectionist I was.
I hated going on under rehearsed.
"Can I come to you? Jason has his brother staying and he tends to work from home. I don't think he'd appreciate our rendition of Livin' on a Prayer."
"It's your house, babe. You're entitled to do what you want."
He had a point.
"I know and I'm sure he wouldn't mind but to make things easier, I'll just come here if that's okay?"
He shot me a smile. "Of course it is," then paused. "Is his brother nice?"
"Looks or personality?" I asked, packing away my belongings.
Jez raised both brows. "Oh dear lord..."
I laughed. "What? The Hart brother's are damn fine both to talk to and to look at."
"Yes, But you're already in love with one of them. Try not to complicate the matter," he pleaded, throwing a cushion at my head.
I laughed his brutality off.
"I'll try not to," I insisted, thinking back to my last conversation with Alex. "But I can't make any promises. I don't have the best of luck when it comes to love."
"And you won't if you keep going after guys you live with and their brothers!" he warned, throwing me some serious shade.
Jez didn't care too much for Jason. The pair didn't clash per say. They just didn't particularly gel.
"I know. Next time, I'll make better choices," I ensured, keeping my tone light but feeling a little sad.
The truth was, as much as I loved Jason, I didn't like that I did. Having my feelings unreciprocated was exhausting and damn right hurtful. Watching him with Anna was torturous at best and I felt guilty for pining over a guy who wasn't even single. I would never act upon my feelings but that didn't make me feel like any less of a fraud. Sometimes, I wish I had never met him at all.
"I'm gonna shoot. Catch you later!" I hollered, blowing him a kiss.
I passed Cordelia on my way out and offered the gorgeous brunette a tight hug. I loved this lady so much and adored how happy she made my best friend.
"You guys practicing for Saturday?" she asked, seemingly excited.
She was a fashion major and had various textiles overflowing in each hand. Reds, greens and golds spilled out; all bright and energetic.
"Just finished. Thanks for landing us the gig."
She brushed it off. "Don't mention it."
She dumped the material samples on their kitchen table and set about organising them into neat piles.
"I just saw Jason in Coffee-To-Go. Who's that hottie with him?"
"I heard that!" yelled Jez, making his whereabouts in the next room known.
She simply rolled her eyes.
"That would be Alex. The older brother," I explained, helping her out by folding a silk swatch.
On their own accord, her hands grabbed mine, portraying utmost interest.
"He's staying with us for a while. His house flooded."
"Lucky you."
"Babe! I'm right here!" insisted Jez, humour present in his tone.
"Oh, shut up! You know you're the love of my life!" she argued.
Aww.
"Yes, I do know," stated Jez, entering the kitchen to land a kiss on Cordelia's cheek. "But don't encourage her. That Hart boy is bad news."
"Which one?" I asked.
He scowled. "Both of them!"
Cordelia and I shared a smirk, amused by his overprotective nature. Jez was my honorary older brother and I welcomed such a relationship, seeing as I was an only child.
"Yes, sir!" I teased, once again, blowing him a kiss. "Gotta dash. See you guys later. Love ya!"
"Love ya too, chick," replied Cordelia.
Jez shot me a stern look, silently conveying his every thoughtâSTAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ALEX.
Pfft. Like I'd do anything else.
The very possibility of romantically pursuing him was laughable. Sure, he was a lovely guy and very pleasing to look at but he was Jason's older brother. It would be too weird. Too inappropriate. Too...nice.
Wait! What?
****
Oh no!
Ebony is already tempted.
She stands no chance against Alex and his charming ways.