Hold Onto Me

***

"For fuck's sake, Nova! We have to go!" Gianna called out for the umptieth time, leaving me groaning in exasperation. I didn't even Want to go to the damn concert in the first place. They had had to come and drag me out of my bed and my chill Netflix and popcorn evening.

*And now they're being all pushy about it, damn them...*

"I'm coming! Jesus!" I called back out, staring at my outfit once more, one they had picked themselves of course. It had been so long since I'd been in anything but my work pants and skirt suits. Partying hadn't really been at the forefront of my mind since that incident...

*Which is exactly what they're using as an excuse to get me out...Damn *him* for still making my life a living hell...*

Okay, that was pushing it a little. My two best friends meant well, I knew that for a fact but that didn't mean I couldn't hate them just a little bit for interrupting my weekend.

I smoothed over the leather black miniskirt that showcased a zipper design at the front. The pairing with the stockings and garter straps was bound to pull in some attention, what I was sure was their plan all along.

*Always so damn cheeky...*

The red lacy bralette was a great pairing against the leather black jacket. I grabbed the black platform ankle boots, pulling them on quickly before adjusting the high ponytail of my waist-length red hair was in, the curls flowing effortlessly down to the small of my back. My blue eyes looked all the more accentuated with the black-winged eyeliner and mascara, the nude lip gloss a good neutral blend with the entire outfit.

*You can do this, Nova. It's just a night out with friends and your brother as it turns out...You're safe and allowed to have some fun. For chrissakes, you're only twenty-five. Might as well enjoy it while you can...*

Chuckling at my dumb pep talk, I grabbed my clutch bag before heading out of my room, the girls' catcalling and whistling low at the sight of me that had me playfully rolling my eyes. They could be so dramatic.

"Finally! But it was definitely worth the wait. You are going to make everyone bend over backwards for you, bitch."

Blue called out, her beautiful brown eyes assessing me from head to toe, leaving me flushed even as I admired her own outfit. It consisted of a black rugged band t-shirt that was tucked into the high-waist rugged jean shorts which she matched with black Doc Martens.

Her curly hair was in a simple, messy bun showcasing her mixed heritage. Her brown skin was littered with beautiful, intricate tattoos, all of which had a story behind them. She was the fashionista of our small band of friends, her outfits always on point and the one we called when we were wound up on what to wear.

A compliment from her was literally the holy grail of all comments. It meant you'd definitely done something right. It also didn't help that I'd always had the smallest crush on her back when we first met. She had always and still is so free and fierce which always had a part of me pulled to her and the confidence she exuded.

When she'd come out to us as pansexual, we'd been so thrilled for her and what was to come but I couldn't help but put my feelings on the back burner, knowing damn well that I couldn't give her what she wanted and vice versa.

Since then, our friendship had grown all the more but it didn't mean that I couldn't help but admire her.

*A girl is allowed to look...*

"Well, we did good, Bee. She's gorgeous. Now, we're late! Let's go before Leo gets impatient."

Gigi prompted, grabbing her own bag as Blue handed me a tequila shot I downed in one go before following the two out of my apartment and into the elevator where our fiery Italian friend was waiting impatiently.

"Your OCD is showing, Gigi."

Blue poked at her, earning the middle finger in return that had us all chuckling. She was one of my oldest friends, our relationship going as far back as senior year high school to being college roommates before we met Blue who became our new roommate down the line. Beautiful with the most striking hazel eyes, I had always been jealous of her petite figure which was currently clad in a beautiful, short, off the shoulder, black dress with buttons at the front that she paired with thigh-high boots.

Her blonde hair was loose against her shoulders, her make up light as well with black eyeliner, mascara and a red lip combination. She was equally just as impressive when it came to her outfits, her and Blue's style contrasting though.

Her relationship with my older brother, Leo, had been a shock at first for me seeing as I hadn't even realized they'd been dating. She had been scared I wouldn't approve, which was dumb honestly but I understood her thought process and yes, I had been hurt that she didn't feel she could come to me and tell me they were together but I was all in all, super happy for them.

They were complete contrasts of each other with Leo being more conservative, something I guess came with him being a trauma surgeon whilst Gigi was more outgoing and wild which melded perfectly with her job as a Social Media Manager at one of the top PR firms in Seattle and the states over.

Their relationship really was 'couple goals', despite my ardent distaste for that misused term. They had somehow made it work despite their crazy work schedules and different personalities that made them argue here and there but they always made a point to fix it. Seeing them together was almost enough to make me believe in love again.

Almost.

"Why are we taking a cab? I could just drive us?"

I spoke up once we got to the chilly lobby where the black Escalade was parked in waiting.

"Girl, you know damn well we're gonna get drunk tonight. And none of us wants to be the designated driver so a cab it is...And yes, we made the decision for you."

Blue finished with a mischievous smile and wink as she got in first, Gigi following suit with a small apologetic shrug that made me sigh in exasperation before bundling in as well and shutting the door behind me.

"You two are freaking insane,"

I muttered under my breath despite their chuckles and mini hi-five. We drove down the streets of Seattle that were alive despite it being 9:00 pm. Everyone seemed to be gravitating towards clubs and bars, the nightlife in absolute full swing.

"What band are we going to see again?"

I let out a wide cheeky grin even as Bee burst out laughing at Gigi's annoyed look, her eyes narrowing into slits as she glared at me for my question which was 100% meant to annoy her.

Of course, I knew the band she'd been fan-girling for since back in college although then, I hadn't been as malleable as I am now to be pulled to all their concerts.

It's not that I have anything against EverBreed. They were an amazing band, renowned all over the world and their music wasn't actually bad from the few times I had heard them blasting through Gigi's stereo. I just didn't see the need to go see them on Saturday when I was supposed to be watching anime on Netflix.

And it was a wonder that Leo had even gotten her the tickets what with her Crazy crush on the band's lead singer, the infamous Colton Alexander who had been in the tabloids quite a lot in the recent past. For what, I have no idea. I was sure Gigi had explained at some point but I probably wasn't listening. We were at the venue soon enough, the assortment of cars and people being a clear indicator.

"Let's go have some fun, ladies!"

Gigi said, exiting the car as we followed suit towards Leo who honestly stood out in the crowd of people especially due to the fact that he was six ft. two with copper colored, slicked back and cut into a fade hair that contrasted his forest green eyes. A wide dimpled smile stretched across his lips as he outstretched his hands for Gigi who launched right into him, holding onto him tight as he spun her around. Many of the passerby's glanced at them with small smiles, us included as we took in their love for each other.

*See? Couple goals*.

"I know he's your brother and Gigi's boyfriend and all but he could have Definitely gotten some if he was single,"

Blue muttered over to me as she skimmed her eyes appreciatively at him, taking in his black, well-fitting jeans, matching turtle neck underneath a grey trench coat and brown cut off shoes.

I rolled my eyes playfully at Blue, slightly shoving at her as I made my way towards them with her in tow.

"Little sister. Good to see you out of your cave."

Leo muttered as he hugged me tight, putting in as much feeling in that one simple embrace. It had been a while since we saw each other as I'd chosen to isolate myself for a while. Seeing him now brought a kind of warmth to my soul. I hadn't realized just how much I'd missed him.

"Oh, come on, Leo. Don't pretend you weren't the one who put these two psychos to the task of getting me out of my cosy apartment."

I retorted, earning guilty chuckles from the girls as Leo rubbed the back of his neck with his own guilty smile and shrug.

"Well, you had to get out at some point. Anyway, the concert's already started. The headliners though."

He clarified the last part for Gigi who, for a moment there, seemed ready to cry.

"Well, what the hell are we waiting for? Let's go!"

She prompted, pulling Blue with her as Leo and I stared at the lot of them in amusement.

"How are you really, little sister?"

Leo asked, pulling me in for a side hug as we made our way towards the arena. I knew the question would come but it was still a punch in the gut in terms of finding an answer.

"I'm okay. Taking it one day at a time, as always. Got nothing to complain about."

I replied with a small shrug and nonchalant smile that he didn't seem to quite buy but, fortunately, he let it go, granting me a small smile in return. Leo knew me well, knew that it wasn't wise to push. He was considerate like that but I knew I hadn't heard the last of it.

The arena's main entrance was packed to the brim with die-hard fans squealing in excitement, some of them already sufficiently drunk as it is.

"Come on, guys. This way,"

Leo prompted, leading us towards a more exclusive entrance that had Gigi squealing in excitement as she entwined her hand with his.

"Holy shit, Leo really went out on this, huh?"

Bee muttered over to me as we proceeded even deeper into the sparsely populated hallway that led straight to the VIP lounge no doubt. I nodded silently, smiling as I watched his eyes take in my best friend, so full of love as he watched her remark on the fact that we were walking on the hallowed hallways that EverBreed had walked as well.

*He really does love her. This is what everyone longs for, such passion and devotion to your partner's happiness...Wouldn't be so bad to have that one day...*

I chuckled at my thoughts with a shake of the head, tossing away the ridiculous notion.

*You're already past the point of no return, Nova...*

***

The show was in full swing, wild as ever with the crowd below screaming and dancing to EverBreed's greatest hits which was more enjoyable than I figured it would be. Their music was beautiful, their lyrics rough with experience yet sweet with longing for what we all wished to have and be.

*You really are drunk, Nova....*

I chuckled inwardly at my thoughts, sipping on my fifth cranberry vodka of the night as we danced with Bee. Gigi and Leo were a couple of ft. away from us, moving in synchrony to the beat, like lovers who knew each other's every motion.

With a small smile, I turned my attention back to the band who I had sorely underestimated. The drummer was a shirtless, tattooed greek god, his tattoos shimmering under the stage light with the sweat and shimmer making him even more breathtaking. Clad in a black marvin that hid his bald-tattooed head, he was handsome as hell and literally incredible on the set, his hands moving in an amazing synchrony. They had called him Tate Barker, one of the best drummers of his time and I couldn't agree more.

My eyes shifted to the bassist, a copper haired bombshell dressed in all black, the signature tattoos that seemed to be a recurrent theme for the band ever present on his hands as he played the bass guitar with amazing skill, whipping his shoulder length hair back and forth as he did so. I had been to Ryan Gray's solo show once before and thus knew his playing was unmatched. He was incredible and super fucking hot too, judging by the way the ladies piped up every time he smiled at the crowd.

Dorian Haver's voice popped through the speakers as he vocalized his part on one of their hit songs, the sound of it sending slight shivers through me. His skills on the bass guitars was amazing but his voice was equally one to die for honestly. It was beautiful and rough, one of a rock star. He embodied the role perfectly even now with his over-sized red and black sweater, black shorts paired with white socks and sneakers.

His hair was wild, the raven locks littered with streaks of pink. He had the quintessential rock star rings and chains, his nails painted a deep black. He was shorter than the other guys, at about 5"11 with Tate but still sexy and cute as hell with his own slew of female and male fans who went WILD at the sound of his voice.

"We're going to slow it down a little bit with this next song. A good friend of mine made a special request for his gorgeous lady and I definitely couldn't say no. Gianna Davis, this is for you."

Colton Alexander's voice was clear as day as he pointed right at a frozen Gigi and grinning Leo as he held her close but not before giving a quick salute to the rock star as strings of their new hit song, 'Forever, You and I' began to play.

"Holy fuck, Gigi!"

Bee shouted, holding our best friend's hand as she took mine as well, their squeals almost as loud as the crowd below that left the others in the VIP room laughing and raising their glasses to us.

"You did good, brother."

I shouted over to my brother who gave me a wink before Gigi tackled him into a deep kiss that left Bee playfully gagging whilst I chuckled at her drama. Turning back to the stage, I froze once I locked onto EverBreed's lead singer's gaze which was surprisingly fixed right on me, his electric blue eyes sending countless shivers down my spine.

*Holy shit, what the hell was that?!...*

*"And there she was, that beautiful girl, standing in the middle of the crowded room. Her smile and laugh, etched into my being and I couldn't help but wonder, if we'll be together forever. You and I. Together forever. You and I."*

I couldn't tear my gaze from his, even as he approached our side. To anyone else, it may have seemed that he was getting closer to where Gigi was but I could see it...the way his eyes held onto mine in a kind of crazy way. It was electric, the most alive I'd ever felt.

The crowd's insane cheers as the song ended were the jump start I needed to come back to the planet as I turned away from his bewitching eyes, focusing instead on my drink as I tried to calm my fast beating heart.

*Christ, what was that?....*

I knew it couldn't be the cliché 'love at first sight' bullshit everyone claimed was real. I had long closed that door, never ever willing to open it again.

"Its the sexual intensity that all these fucking rock-stars give off. Nothing more."

I muttered inwardly, sticking to that rationale as I turned my attention back to the stage where Colton had rejoined his band mates as they got ready for the final set.

"Interesting."

Blue muttered, her eyes full of mischief and secret knowing that left me confused as hell as she sipped on her own tumbler of whisky. She had always been very intuitive and observant. She may have seen something I didn't but I knew better than to ask.

*You might not like the answer....*

**

I stared at my ruffled up appearance in the washroom mirror, my ponytail now messier than before but it made the whole look somehow fit. The concert was over now and Leo had taken the girls to meet the headliners who'd performed. How he would achieve that, I had no idea. My bladder hadn't been kind enough to let me find out.

Fucking cranberry vodkas....

I was drunk, I knew for a fact considering how blurry the mirror looked. I knew how to handle my liquor though. I'd had to learn...

I smoothed down some of my curls as I re-applied my nude lip gloss, leaving the slightly smeared mascara as is, loving the after concert look it was giving off.

And I am going home in a bit to wash it off so...

I made my way towards the door, my mind spinning with thoughts of the girls' excitement at meeting the celebrities. I'd had my fair share of life in the limelight and I'd hated it...

Now I'm content with simply meeting them at work...Yeah, that's less messy and definitely works to keep my PTSD in check...

The sound of a woman's shouting voice sobered me up a little bit as I paused in the middle of opening the door, the sight before me surprising me and sending shocks of surprise through me.

"You will NEVER find another woman like me, Cole! Fuck you and fuck everything we ever had! Fuck your music! Fuck your feelings! I HATE YOU! You have NEVER been and will NEVER be anything! Everyone will forget you! You'll become insignificant and when that day comes, when you come begging for forgiveness, I am going to SPIT in your fucking face!"

The beautiful brown haired woman's words were full of venom, hurtful and disconcerting to hear, especially considering she was shouting them right into The Colton Alexander's face.

What could he have done to deserve that? All that hate?...

The sight left me uncomfortable and strangely annoyed by the woman's blatant unhinged behaviour even as Colton stared down at her with a blank,cold look. His eyes were dead, devoid of the wild emotion that had been when he had been performing earlier. It was such a massive shift, almost familiar.

Of course you recognize it, Nova...Its the same look you see every morning in the mirror, staring back at you...

"Its time to go, Blair. That's enough." A tall averagely muscled man dressed casually in blue jeans, a black muscle shirt and brown leather jacket that matched his loafers. He was bald, handsome in that older guy kinda way and walked with a kind of confidence that seemed to make the woman take a small step back at the sound of his voice and sight of him.

"Papa bear Dex to the rescue as always! You fucking coward! Say something, dammit!" She screamt, punching at Cole's chest that had the men who had come with Dex approaching her, pulling her off of him despite her pulling away harshly from them. The rockstar was still silent as ever, his expression hardly different from what had been.

"Fine! I'll leave. But know this, Colton Alexander, you and I are DONE! For good this time! I never want to see your fucking face ever again! I'm gonna burn ALL your shit at my house!" She seethed, earning a shrug from him which was the first show of emotion he had portrayed, one that seemed to bubble over her anger as she moved to come at him again when the bodyguards held her back at Dex's orders as they began to escort her towards the back exit.

"Oh and just so you know, your best friend Mathew and I have been fucking behind your back and we're getting married soon! 'Meditate' on that, asshole!" And then she was gone, silence reigning through the private washroom area once more.

"I'm gonna make sure she's gone. Don't worry, we made sure no one was in the area when she broke through." Dex muttered over to Colton who sighed, nodding silently.

"Make sure she gets home safe, Dex. She was super drunk..." He muttered, the concern in his voice taking me aback as it did Dex who gave a kind of small exasperated sigh before nodding.

"I'll make sure she does, like always. I'll call Megan too to ensure she checks in on her." Dex finished, earning a silent thank you before he too was gone, leaving a seemingly exhausted Cole who took slid down against the wall, sitting on the floor, almost as if overwhelmed by what had happened.

My heart went out to him. No one deserved that, especially after the three hour show he had just had.

Jeez, and I thought I had a catastrophic break up...

"You can come out now. Coast is clear." His words had me jumping slightly, the sound of his deep voice sending a chill through me as I noted his beautiful blue gaze was now fixed on me, eliminating my thoughts that he was talking to someone else.

Ah shit, he saw me...You should have stayed in the fucking washroom, Nova...

"Sorry, I didn't think it was wise to come out in the heat of the moment." I muttered, earning a small nod from him as he ran a hand through his natural curly platinum blonde hair that was sexily messy from his hands no doubt.

Jeez, Nova, get a freaking grip...Guy just got gutted by his ex- girlfriend...

Her last words swirled within my mind as they undoubtedly did for him too. Wow, his own best friend. That must be rough as hell.

"I'm sorry you had to witness that. I would appreciate if you didn't tell anyone what you saw here. I can give you an autograph or something in exchange for your silence. Whatever you want," He muttered all this under his breath but the words were clear as day in the silent hallway. His hands were over his face as he propped himself against the men's washroom door. The cold demeanour was gone, replaced with utter exhaustion.

Yet another familiar sight...Fuck, Nova, you need to leave...Now before he begins unearthing memories you long buried...

"I want nothing from you. It was none of my business in the first place. Was just in the right place at the wrong time, that's all. Though I would suggest putting some ice on that or its gonna turn ugly."I muttered, gesturing at his cheek which was an angry red from the slap she had no doubt probably dealt him.

Jeez, that's rough...

I moved to leave when his voice surfaced once more, stopping me in my tracks.

"Thank you...for being so kind. Its rare to meet someone who doesn't want to kick you when you're down, especially in this business." He gave me a slight smile, his eyes mesmerizing as they held mine, the emotion deep within lost on me, or better yet, I couldn't decipher as my mind and body swirled with reactions so foreign to me...

"You should probably hang around other people if everyone is gunning for your neck...Anyway, great show tonight. Despite everything that just happened, you should hold onto that. You made a lot of people happy tonight, including my best friend so thanks for that. Goodnight." I finished, granting him a small smile as I turned and kept walking, his voice not surfacing again.

The drive home was filled with reflections of the night that had been though I chose to keep silent as promised, instead trying to get the image of his blue eyes and smile from my mind.

Good thing you're never going to see him again, Nova...My body's reactions were appalling, traitorous....For some reason, I couldn't control myself and didn't want to think of what could happen if we ever met again...

***

I stared at my ruffled up appearance in the washroom mirror, my ponytail now messier than before but it made the whole look somehow fit. The concert was over and Leo had taken the girls to meet the headliners who'd performed. How he would achieve that, I had no idea. My bladder hadn't been kind enough to let me find out.

*Fucking cranberry vodkas....*

I was drunk. I knew this for a fact considering how blurry the mirror looked. It was a welcome surprise considering I've always been good at handling my liquor. I had to learn the hard way.

I smoothed down some of my curls as I re-applied my nude lip gloss, leaving the slightly smeared mascara as is, loving the after concert look it was giving off.

*And I am going home in a bit to wash it off so...*

I made my way towards the door, my mind spinning with thoughts of the girls' excitement at meeting the celebrities. I'd had my fair share of life in the limelight and I'd hated it.

*Now I'm content with simply meeting them at work...Yeah, that's less messy and definitely works to keep my PTSD in check...*

The sound of a woman shouting sobered me up a little bit as I paused in the middle of opening the door, the sight before me surprising me and sending shocks of surprise through me.

"You will NEVER find another woman like me, Cole! Fuck you and fuck everything we ever had! Fuck your music! Fuck your feelings! I HATE YOU! You have NEVER been and will NEVER be anything! Everyone will forget you! You'll become insignificant and when that day comes, when you come begging for forgiveness, I am going to SPIT in your fucking face!"

The beautiful, brown haired woman's words were full of venom, hurtful and disconcerting to hear, especially considering she was shouting them right into The Colton Alexander's face.

*What could he have done to deserve that? All that hate?...*

The sight left me uncomfortable and strangely annoyed by the woman's blatant unhinged behavior even as Colton stared down at her with a blank, cold look. His eyes were dead, devoid of the wild emotion that had been when he had been performing earlier. It was such a massive shift, almost familiar.

*Of course you recognize it, Nova...Its the same look you see every morning in the mirror, staring back at you...*

"Its time to go, Blair. That's enough."

A tall, averagely muscled man spoke up. He was dressed casually in blue jeans, a black muscle shirt and brown leather jacket that matched his loafers. He was also bald, but handsome in that older guy kinda way and walked with a kind of confidence that seemed to make the woman take a small step back at the sound of his voice and sight of him.

"Papa bear Dex to the rescue as always! You fucking coward! Say something, dammit!"

She screamt, punching at Cole's chest that had the men who had come with Dex approaching her, pulling her off of him despite her pulling away harshly from them. The rock star was still silent as ever, his expression hardly different from what had been.

"Fine! I'll leave. But know this, Colton Alexander, you and I are DONE! For good this time! I never want to see your fucking face ever again! I'm gonna burn ALL your shit at my house!"

She seethed, earning a shrug from him which was the first show of emotion he had portrayed, one that seemed to bubble over her anger as she moved to come at him again when the bodyguards held her back at Dex's orders as they began to escort her towards the back exit.

"Oh and just so you know, your best friend Mathew and I have been fucking behind your back and we're getting married soon! 'Meditate' on that, asshole!"

And then she was gone, silence reigning through the private washroom area once more.

"I'm going to make sure she's gone. Don't worry, we ensured no one was in the area when she broke through."

Dex muttered over to Colton who sighed, nodding silently.

"Make sure she gets home safe, Dex. She was super drunk..."

He muttered, the concern in his voice taking me aback as it did Dex who gave a kind of small, exasperated sigh before nodding.

"I'll make sure she does, like always. I'll call Megan too to ensure she checks in on her."

Dex finished, earning a silent thank you before he too was gone, leaving a seemingly exhausted Cole who slid down against the wall, sitting on the floor, almost as if overwhelmed by what had happened.

My heart went out to him. No one deserved that, especially after the three hour show he had just had.

*Jeez, and I thought I had a catastrophic break up...*

"You can come out now. Coast is clear."

His words had me jumping slightly, the sound of his deep voice sending a chill through me as I noted his beautiful, electric blue gaze was now fixed on me, eliminating my thoughts that he was talking to someone else.

*Ah shit, he saw me...You should have stayed in the fucking washroom, Nova...*

"Sorry, I didn't think it was wise to come out in the heat of the moment."

I muttered, earning a small nod from him as he ran a hand through his natural curly, platinum blonde hair that was sexily messy from his hands no doubt.

*Jeez, Nova, get a freaking grip...Guy just got gutted by his ex- girlfriend...*

Her last words swirled within my mind as they undoubtedly did for him too.

*Wow, his own best friend. That must be rough as hell.*

"I'm sorry you had to witness that. I would appreciate if you didn't tell anyone what you saw here. I can give you an autograph or something in exchange for your silence. Whatever you want,"

He muttered all this under his breath but the words were clear as day in the silent hallway. His hands were over his face as he propped himself against the men's washroom door. The cold demeanor was gone, replaced with utter exhaustion.

*Yet another familiar sight...Fuck, Nova, you need to leave...Now before he begins unearthing memories you long buried...*

"I want nothing from you. It was none of my business in the first place. Was just in the right place at the wrong time, that's all. Though I would suggest putting some ice on that or its going to turn ugly."

I muttered, gesturing at his cheek which contained an angry red mark from the slap she had no doubt probably dealt him.

*Jeez, that's rough...*

I moved to leave when his voice surfaced once more, stopping me in my tracks.

"Thank you...for being so kind. Its rare to meet someone who doesn't want to kick you when you're down, especially in this business."

He gave me a slight smile, his eyes mesmerizing as they held mine, the emotion deep within lost on me, or better yet, I couldn't decipher as my mind and body swirled with reactions so foreign to me.

"You should probably hang around other people if everyone is gunning for your neck...Anyway, great show tonight. Despite everything that just happened, you should hold onto that. You made a lot of people happy tonight, including my best friend so thanks for that. Goodnight."

I finished, granting him a small smile as I turned and kept walking, his voice not surfacing again.

The drive home was filled with reflections of the night that had been though I chose to keep silent as promised, instead trying to get the image of his blue eyes and smile from my mind.

*Good thing you're never going to see him again, Nova...*

My body's reactions were appalling, traitorous. For some reason, I couldn't control myself and didn't want to think of what could happen if we ever met again.

***

*One Month Later*

I waved off the Martin family who had just purchased a seven million dollar family home. With a ten percent commission on the deal, I was fated to receive a sizable amount in my bank account.

*Well, this is turning out to be an amazing month...*

I muttered silently as I made my way towards my matte black Audi R8 which was one of the very few indulgences I had.

*Besides amazing shoes of course....*

It had been an inherited quirk passed down to all of us from our father who was actually one of the most respectable Formula One drivers of his time. All of us had very fast cars, much to our mother's chagrin of course, and we all knew how to drive them and do it well.

My phone buzzed in my white designer bag that matched Christian Louboutin shoes that I'd paired with a black, body fitting dress. My hair was in a high bun with a few stray strands. My make up was light, as always, with winged eye liner, mascara and matte red lipstick.

I fished for my phone within the bag, answering Leo's call.

"Well, this is a sudden call. What's up?"

I asked, putting the call on the Bluetooth speakers before pulling out of the compound and onto the road, beginning the thirty minute journey back into the city.

"Well, can't I check up on my little sister, especially after a month of not seeing her?"

He replied after a small laugh that made me chuckle in return. I actually hadn't realized how long it had been since that night at the concert. Time had literally flown by and all the work I'd been swamped with hadn't helped me keep track.

"I missed you too, brother."

I replied, a few seconds of silence stretching as we both took time to take it in before he spoke up again.

"So, I was hoping we could meet for some coffee and conversation? I have some stuff I wanted to talk to you about,"

He replied, his words taking me aback as I mused inwardly on what all this could possibly be about.

"Sure. We can make some plans for the weekend?"

I prompted as I turned into the highway, free reign consuming me as I sped up and drove through the moderately trafficked roads.

"Actually, this is all a little urgent. I'm leaving the hospital as we speak. You think we can meet at Arby's today? Where are you?"

He prompted as I heard him close the door to his own Porsche turbo 911 s.

"On the highway. Was closing a deal in the city outskirts but I can be at Arby's in five. I hope everything's okay though?"

I asked, genuinely a tad worried about him and whatever could be happening.

"Yeah, everything is okay. Don't worry. I'll see you soon."

He replied before hanging up, leaving me to my thoughts of what he had in store for me just as a song I had come to quite like popped onto the radio with the presenter raving on and on about the infamous EverBreed.

"This is for the ladies. 'Forever, You and I' playing now! Enjoy."

He finished just as Colton Alexander's voice surfaced clearly, his beautiful voice hitting every single mark. He was amazing.

*I can't believe I'm the one listening to EverBreed now...What the hell happened to me?*

It was a little scary how much I'd grown to like their music which I strongly attributed to the man I had met and what I had seen that night. It also helped that their music wasn't actually all that bad.

*God, Gigi will Never let me hear the end of this...*

Their music wasn't the only guilty indulgence I had began to revel in. After fighting a losing battle one day at work, I had found myself googling the bad boy rock star. I had rationalized it away as slight curiosity but I had fallen deep down the rabbit hole.

*I probably know more than Gigi now...Fuck...An idle mind really is the devil's playground...*

There had been nothing about the incident after the concert. Dex Jones, who I had found out was actually the band's renown manager, seems to have kept it amazingly under wraps. But I did now know who the woman was. She had seemed familiar but I guess it had been hard to tell with the rage she had been exuding.

Blair Pierce was one of the most sought after models of the century with her roots going as deep and far back as her grandmother being a model during her time. Her father was equally a business magnate with a million dollar corporation under his belt. Her mother was a model herself, her beauty reminiscent of that of her daughter who no doubt inherited it from her.

Wavy shoulder length brown hair, hazel eyes and a beautiful smile, her petite body was enough to make any woman jealous, myself included. She was tall and lithe, perfect for her career indeed. Her relationship with Colton dated back to three years ago of which there were rumors that it could have been way before that seeing as their mothers were actually good friends from back in their modelling days. It had been on and off with some dubbing them as 'couple goals' while others thought they were downright toxic. I tended to agree with the former after what I witnessed.

They had broken up and made up multiple times over the years with all the blame falling on Colton's rock star status and crazy work schedule of touring all over the world which I think is unfair considering she did the same.

*Jeez, since when did I take his side? Its not even your business, Nova...*

Fans had been heartbroken when both their representatives removed a statement to the press that they had officially called it quits and gone their separate ways. The rumor mill began to spew out hate towards Colton with reports of cheating but his fans avidly came to his defense of course, fighting for his honor. It had been a week and a half long Twitter battle with Colton releasing no statement to clear the air.

*He didn't seem like the kind of guy who cared about what people think...Its pretty sad to know that the whole scenario was actually in reverse... And that had come from the horse's mouth herself...*

I sighed in exasperation, clearing my thoughts of the same as pulled up outside Arby's where a valet was already waiting.

*Its none of your business, Nova...Besides, its not like you're ever going to see the guy again...*

Grabbing my bag, I handed the key over to the flirty valet who I granted a small smile before making my way into the coffee shop that had become a favorite for our entire crew, mainly because it held so many memories. It was where my father had first laid his eyes on our mother. It was also where Leo had asked Gigi to be his girlfriend. It was a special place indeed.

*Plus their coffee and cinnamon rolls are to die for...*

Leo looked dashing in his black trench coat that he'd worn over his black scrubs and matching Tommy sneakers. I paused in surprise at the sight of Blue who gave me a wide grin and wave as I approached them.

*Okay, this is new...*

"Hey guys!"

I greeted, giving each of them a hug before settling beside Blue whence Leo pulled my chair for me before he sat on the opposite side of us.

"I didn't think you'd be here too. You look hot."

I complimented her outfit. With a white button up shirt tucked into navy blue pants and black high heels that matched her blazer, she was absolute perfection as usual as she echoed and showcased her lawyer status.

"Well, I could say the same about you. Congratulations on selling David's Lane by the way! Though you've become such a pro at it, I never doubted you for a second!"

She said, pulling me into a side hug as Leo also hi-fived me.

"Proud of you, little sister. You've really embraced the Seattle Real estate market. Already made a name for yourself just like you did in New York."

I blushed slightly at my brother's praise. It was true that I had dominated the New York Real estate world when I first started out but after some circumstances, I had decided to move back home and continue practicing in my own Real Estate firm that had done so well so far.

*So many people told me I couldn't do it and yet here I am...Never thought I'd get here....*

"Thanks guys, I really appreciate it, though Nathan has been doing a pretty incredible job as well. I'm so glad he decided to bring me aboard and take the leap with me."

I muttered, referring to my firm partner who had established the business himself but after his old partner flaked and left him in a bad situation, I had taken up the mantle and we had built the firm to where it was, an international enterprise featured on countless magazines.

Our food orders were brought out soon enough and we caught up, laughing and enjoying each others company despite it feeling weird with Gigi not present. She had taken a business trip to Portland and would be back soon.

*Could it be that Leo took the opportunity to call us together when she wasn't around? What is he up to and why is he so fidgety?*

"Now, don't get me wrong, this has been super fun, but there is more here. What's going on, Leo?"

I prompted, earning a nod from Blue as the two of us leaned back and took in my brother who chuckled nervously as he scratched the back of his neck, a nervous tick he'd always had since we were children that meant he was Definitely hiding something.

"I'd rather show you."

He muttered, putting his hand in his pocket before pulling out a red colored box that showcased the Cartier symbol at the front and within in gold italic lettering but it was nothing compared to the oval shaped engagement ring within that shimmered underneath the restaurant's lights. A small gasp escaped my lips as I admired the ring, my hand automatically going to my mouth as Blue whistled under her breath.

"Holy fuck..."

She breathed, picking up the box with shaky hands as we both took time to admire the expensive ring that was exactly what Gigi had always talked about and wanted.

"I want to propose when she comes back this weekend and I need both your help to make it possible. Will you help?"

He muttered, seeming suddenly shy and my heart literally- impossibly warmed at the sight as I found myself automatically standing, pulling him into a tight hug.

"I am so happy for you, big brother! Jesus, I'm even crying. This was the last thing I expected."

I echoed as I wiped away my tears, going back to admiring the beautiful ring as Blue hugged a grinning Leo. He'd always had such a beautiful heart, so open with love. It was one of the main reasons he had become a doctor. To help people.

I had always seen the way he looked at her. I knew she was it for him but I never thought it would come so soon.

"Jeez, I should change careers if doctors are getting paid enough to earn freaking Cartier!"

Blue muttered as she handed the box back to him, earning a shy smile and chuckle from him.

"Oh, I've been saving for some time now. And I'm pretty sure you're being modest, Miss Junior partner."

He called out, earning a shrug and stuck out tongue from Bee that had us all laughing.

"Anyway, I've been planning this out for the past two weeks and the final part of it all involves the two of you so please tell me you can help."

"Of course, we've got you! What do you need?"

Bee echoed for the both of us as I nodded eagerly, agreeing whole-heartedly.

"So, she'll be landing from Portland on Saturday at midday. I'm going to pick her up and take her home to change with some ruse about attending some doctor's event with me. We've gone together before so she won't suspect a thing. I have a venue in mind, one you might recognize actually, Nova."

He muttered, sliding his phone over to me as I stared at one of my listed properties, one that Gigi had fallen in love with the moment she saw it during one of the open houses I had invited her to.

"I'm buying it. For us. Its going to be our family home. I mentioned it to Nathan and he has been doing some paperwork for me on the down low. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner but I was hoping you could be there when I close the deal. I wanted to propose to her with the key of the property together with this ring."

Silence reigned at the table before Bee burst out laughing, clapping Leo on the back with a proud grin.

"You've outdone yourself, Leo. She's going to LOVE this! You've definitely restored a bit of my faith in your gender."

She said with a wink and laugh that Leo joined in on before they both turned to me, awaiting my own answer.

"I am so proud and happy for you, brother! Of course I'm going to help! We're on a time crunch considering today is Thursday but we can do this! Now then, all we need to do is discuss is dress code, how many people are coming, food, drinks and entertainment!"

I spoke up, already crunching the numbers in my head.

"Its going to be just the four of us as always. Mars won't be able to make it time but he sends his love and Nix has a game that day. Mom and dad are still in Morocco but they are just as happy for us and said they'll fly back as soon as they can. Her foster brother is yet to confirm but so far, its just us. I already have a caterer providing the food and drinks. As for entertainment, well, I talked to a good friend and he was more than happy to come in. Ladies, Colton freaking Alexander is going to sing at our proposal."

His grin was wide and proud as he and Bee hi-fived while I remained frozen, unable to comprehend his words.

*You have got to be fucking kidding me...*

***