That’s not a no.
“Why do you stay with the band?”
“Because it’s an amazing job with the pay to match. Edge and I have a truce. I don’t see him for fittings. My assistant does everything for him. To everyone else, we keep up the pretense that all is long and gone. But for me, it’s just a show. It still hurts.”
Because she loves him.
It was time for a change of subject. Now that I knew the backstory, I would keep my eyes open for an opportunity. And at some point, one would present itself. “How about that ice cream?”
“That would be amazing. Do you have fudge?”
“Umm, hello? Emotional eater here. Of course I have fudge.”
We laughed, silently agreeing to steer the conversation to lighter topics.
* * *
A couple of hours later, I was nearly ready for bed when there was a knock. Nina had left about twenty minutes earlier, and soon we’d be pulling
out. To pass more time, I read the latest market statistics of our tour. “Lost” and the newest album continued to be well received.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
I nearly jumped out of my skin, and I looked at the door. It was Edge. I hit the unlock button and opened the door. “You nearly scared me to death. Come on in.”
“Sorry, I know it’s been tough. How are you holding up?”
“Good. Is Kurt almost done?” I was ready to be in his arms and know everything would be okay.
Edge ran his hands through his hair, looking tired. “He’s almost done. He got your text that Nina left. I’m going to keep you company until he’s done.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary.” Though part of me wanted someone to be here, it seemed selfish to ask someone to stay.
“It’ll make Kurt feel better, if that’s okay with you. You can go to bed, and I can just wait out here.”
Maybe this was my opportunity. I figured I might as well test the waters. “You want a cupcake and a beer?”
“Sure.”
We took a seat on the couch. Edge devoured nearly the whole cupcake in one bite and then took a swig of his beer. The direct approach would be the best way to learn what I needed to know. If I caught him off guard, I might get the truth.
“So…do you still love Nina?”
Edge nearly choked on his beer. “Where the fuck did that come from?”
I pressed on. Kurt will not approve. “Just give me an honest answer.”
Edge leaned forward, his brown eyes intent. “Did she say something to you?”
“Maybe.”
His eyes lightened, and his face lost some of its stress. “What did she say, Sawyer?”
“Answer me first.” I raised my eyebrow.
Blowing out a breath, he seemed pained to say it out loud. “Yes. I never stopped.”
Now I was irritated and wanted to slap him upside the head. “Then why have you been fucking your way through the different cities?”