A Rock & Roll Romance by Sophie Monroe Read Free Book Online Page A

I was glad pre-meltdown Aubrey was back. “Just saying… Anyway, I have to get to sound check. I was kind of hoping that you would come along since you’re coming to the show anyway. It will be painless, I promise.”
    “I guess.” She shrugged.
    I grinned excitedly. Brett told the cabbie to head over to Terminal 22. We pulled around to the stage door and hopped out. I took Aubrey’s hand, and pulled her inside. I grabbed Brett’s stage pass off his neck and gave it to Aubrey since the crew already knew him. He shook his head bemused. I introduced her to a couple of our roadies and some of the stage crew. I led her out onto stage, my home away from home. I stood on the X and grabbed the microphone.
    I wanted Aubrey to see the real me, not the rock star. I started singing and dancing the Macarena. I was gyrating my hips and waving my hand around flamboyantly. I knew that I looked ridiculous, but when I looked at Aubrey laughing hysterically it only added fuel to my fire. When I finished I did an exceptionally theatrical bow and put the mic back in its stand. I walked over to her.
    “Do you think Los Del Rios will pick me up if Battlescars ever kicks me out?”
    “I think you should stick to your day job.” She teased.
    I put the back of my hand to my forehead feigning hurt. She leaned in and kissed my cheek. Hell yeah!
    “If that’s all it takes to get a little of your attention little lady , I reckon I’ll be partaking in a lot more foolish activities.”
    “Oh , shut up. You’re annoying me now.” She rolled her eyes.
    She’s so hot when she does that.
    Since we had a little bit of time to kill before the show started, I took her up to the rooftop to show her the view of the pier. We stared wordlessly out at the boats and the approaching sunset. I put my arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to me. She turned and looked at me.
    “ Jake…” She stopped.
    “What is it Aubrey? Just come out with it already, I know you want to.” I pleaded.
    “I’m scared. I want to try and let you in, but the last time I let someone in it ended very badly. For some reason you can touch me and I don’t shy away. That has never happened with anyone that isn’t my family, or someone I’ve known my whole life. It scares me, Jake.” She whimpered. That sound fucking killed me.
    “Aubrey, I don’t know what happened . I won’t hurt you, at least not intentionally and never physically. Is that what you’re worried about?” She nodded. “We’re going to take this one-day at a time, as friends. I’ll earn your trust. You’ll see.” I vowed.
     
    Aubrey
     
    I was standing off to the side of the stage watching the opening act finish their set. I actually found myself looking forward to watching Battlescars play tonight. I always loved the aura of concerts. It was crazy to think that all these people came here to listen to Jake sing. He was turning out to have more depth than I originally gave him credit for. I thought back to this morning, and how compassionate he was during my episode and then his interaction with Mama Bee. He looked at her with fondness and respect. It was sweet. He was sweet. It was so easy to remember how he looked in the tabloids and the things they said about him. There was more than one side to Jake Parker and now I had a decision to make. Could I let him in?
    He came and stood next to me with a huge grin on his face.
    “I figured something out.” He exclaimed.
    “Oh yeah? Is it how to tie your shoes?” I looked down at his boots that had the laces tucked in. He looked at me dumbfounded and shook his head.
    “What? No. I figured you out.” He said proudly. I felt myself tense. Did he know? “You, my sweet Aubrey, are like a Tootsie Roll Pop. You’ve got to get through all the layers before you can get to the sweet inside.”
    Whew! If he only knew…
    I wasn’t ready to bare my scars just yet.
    “Right.” I said sarcastically.
    “Anyway, we’re up . How about a kiss for