Page 86 of Defying Ella
“And I thought James would be the one sneaking off for smooches.” Dan chuckled.
“As if you’ve not copped a feel or two from your girlfriend already,” James grumbled on his way off the stage.
I side-eyed Jared for signs that their good-natured teasing got to him. It hadn’t been long since he filled them in on his fears and anxiety issues. They’d taken it all in stride with barely a blink having already suspected something was wrong. I hadn’t asked the girls yet, but I suspected they were all relieved. It could have been much worse given their profession.
They’d made a point of not treating him differently, however. Mild concern that he’d take them serious rippled through me.
One glance at his grin settled it.
“I mean I’m not saying I’m opposed to finding a storage cupboard backstage.” He winked at me before settling in behind his drum kit.
“Keep those kinds of remarks to yourself.” Dan rubbed his eyes. “I didn’t need that image of my future sister-in-law in my head, jackass.”
Laughter swept around the room before Jared started hammering the drums with a devious look in his eyes. I’d almost think he meant it…
“It looks good on you,” a familiar voice said behind me.
I turned to find Nia smiling at me, decked out with her various cameras. As Rhiannon’s official photographer, she pretty much went everywhere they did. It also helped that she and James had reconciled after ten years apart.
“What does?”
“Love.” She grinned as I blushed, then her gaze shifted to Jared. “You’re good for each other. I never would have paired you together, but then I’ve never seen you this relaxed.”
“I relax.” I crossed my arms.
“Hmm, maybe.” She shrugged a shoulder. “It felt like you were in constant motion before, searching for that elusive thing to fulfil you.”
I chewed my lip, assessing the weird mix of emotions inside me. It shocked me that she’d noticed — I hadn’t even noticed until recently — but it also made me oddly defensive.
Get over yourself, Ella.
She hadn’t even suggested that Jared fulfilled me, yet my hackles were definitely up.
Strong independent woman right here, I didn’t need a man to feel fulfilled.
“It’s like he focuses you and helps you put everything in perspective, while you ground him.” She shook her head, pure wonder in her blue eyes as her gaze roamed between us.
The defensive edge faded and I uncrossed my arms.
“I never would have believed it had I not seen the pair of you fighting on tour.” Amusement filled her voice. “I’m pretty sure all of us thought you’d murder him in that lodge too.”
“He might have come close in the beginning.” I chuckled.
“I’m not surprised.” She stepped closer, placing her hand on my arm as the mirth drained from her expression leaving behind a gentle smile. “Enjoy it. I know how hard it’s been for you, not knowing what you wanted to do with your life. You’ve pulled the pieces together, don’t be afraid to enjoy that feeling.” She grinned. “But fair warning, it’s kind of addictive.”
And she would know. A year ago, she’d turned her back on the family accountancy firm, cut her controlling father out of her life and dived into the deep end of chasing her passion: music photography. She fought to make herself happy and reconciling with James had only been a part of it.
Minus a few details, our drives weren’t all that different. Life could be short, why waste it doing something you hated?
School hadn’t even started yet, but for weeks, I’d felt like I was walking on air. I knew there would be days when that feeling would fade, so I’d just have to draw out every second I could.
“Thanks, Nia.” I hugged her one-armed, trying to dodge the various cameras hanging from her.
“Any time.” She squeezed my waist. “If you tell your sister I went soppy on you,” she mumbled from the corner of her mouth, “I’ll order tequila on Saturday during our lunch date.”
I groaned at the threat. Once upon a time, I’d drunk far too many tequilas, suffered the consequences and the smell had turned my stomach ever since.
My face scrunched up. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
