Chapter Thirty-three, Friends
Posted by DiF on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Title: Midnight Shift: Chapter Thirty-three, Friends
Rating: PG-13 [language]
Summary: Summer spends more time with Cameron. The band argue about Summer.
Throwing her arms around his neck, Summer giggled, “I had soooo much fun tonight, Cameron. Thank you so much. I need to walk Queenie. Want to come up?”
The young man smiled, pulling back, “Are you sure about that?”
She nodded, her hand slipping into his, pulling him towards the hotel, “I don’t want to walk her alone in the dark.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” Cameron responded, following her into the posh lobby. “Summer?”
“Yeah?” she pressed the button by the elevator.
“Why are you staying here?”
“Well,” she stepped into the lift, “I don’t have anywhere else to stay.”
He waited until the door closed, “Why?”
“Um… my mom’s dead and my dad… I don’t know how to explain my relationship with him. And I couldn’t… go to London, so Jimmy is putting me up here until he gets back,” she explained briefly.
“And Jimmy is…”
The elevator door opened and the young blond girl exited, “My boyfriend.”
A bit hesitant to follow her after that statement, Cameron slowly stepped behind her, “Does your boyfriend know that you’re out with me?”
“No,” she dug her key out of her purse. “I haven’t talked to him since he left this morning.”
He glanced over his shoulder, “And you’re sure he’s not coming back?”
“He’s in London, Cameron,” Summer stated. “Watch for the dog.”
As she opened the door, the puppy leaped out. Rather than bolt down the hallway, she hurried to Cameron, barking and sniffing him. He chuckled and scooped her up, following Summer into the suite. His eyes glanced around the suite, sensing he had been there before. Summer disappeared briefly into the bedroom, leaving Cameron with a wiggling dog. Releasing the dog after making certain the door was closed, he wandered about the living room. He stopped, his eyes falling on a very familiar acoustic guitar on the sofa.
“Summer?” he glanced over his shoulder as she stepped out with a jacket on. “That guitar…?”
“It’s Jimmy’s,” she commented nonchalantly.
Cameron stared at it, “It is really… familiar.”
“They don’t do an acoustic set, so I’m not sure why,” she squatted to click on the dog’s leash.
“Is… your boyfriend in a band?”
“Uh huh,” she stood back up. “Led Zeppelin.”
His eyes snapped to hers, “Your boyfriend is Jimmy Page?”
“Yeah,” her eyes dropped down to Queenie. “You ready to go on a walk, girl?”
“Your boyfriend is Jimmy Page?” he repeated.
Summer looked at him again, “Yeah. It’s not a big deal.”
“Uh, yeah, it kinda is.”
“Why?” she clicked her tongue and headed towards the door.
“You do know that Led Zeppelin is one of the biggest bands in the country, right?” he followed her out of the suite.
“Well sure. I’ve seen the crowds.”
Cameron reached for the elevator button and pressed it, “I don’t want to… alarm you or anything… but you do know he… isn’t entirely…”
“Jimmy isn’t sleeping with groupies, if that’s what you’re trying to say. Not since we got together,” she stepped into the elevator. “Wait, how do you know his acoustic guitar?”
“I wrote one of my first articles for the Rolling Stone on Led Zeppelin,” he answered, pressing the ground button. “Took a week of hanging out with them to get anyone to talk.”
“You know them?” her eyes lit up.
“Yeah, I do.”
“They’re pretty much my family now.”
He smiled crookedly, “Well least it won’t ever be a boring life.”
“It hasn’t been,” she responded, “but…”
The elevator halted, the doors opening, causing the dog to leap forward. Cameron slipped the leash from Summer’s hand and stepped out. The two exited the hotel, allowing the dog to lead them to the park. While she sniffed around, Cameron felt out Summer, trying to figure out what she was about to say. He had not known her long enough to come to any conclusion.
“Summer?”
“I’m really glad that we met, Cameron. I’m kinda… lonely.”
He smirked, “Jimmy has only been gone for a day.”
She drifted over to an empty bench, sitting under the park lamp, “It’s not that just that… everything has gotten so quiet and…”
“You want to talk about it?”
Her eyes went to his and she nodded slightly, “You’re not going to tell anyone, are you?”
He smirked, “This is completely off the record. You have my word.”
After spilling her entire life story to her new friend, Summer thought for certain he would run off. Instead, Cameron returned to the hotel suite with her and the dog. She filled Queenie’s bowl with puppy kibble while he sat down in front of the large TV and flipped through for something to watch. Leaving him be for a few minutes, she changed into an oversized shirt and terry shorts. He glanced over his shoulder as he put a bag of popcorn in the microwave, smiling at her as she returned to the living space of the suite.
Plopping down on the sofa as the popcorn popped, she looked at him over the back of the couch, “I thought you were going to leave.”
“Why?”
“Everything that I told you…”
He opened up the microwave and pulled out the hot bag, “Is that supposed to scare me off?”
“Well… it isn’t exactly… normal.”
He popped a piece of popcorn in his mouth, chewed, and responded, “Summer, my life isn’t exactly… normal either.”
“How so?”
Cameron handed her the bag of popcorn before turning to retrieve two sodas from the mini-fridge, “Well when I was your age, I graduated high school. And then I started to write for Rolling Stone.”
“You’ve met my dad?”
“Yes. And I’ve met your boyfriend,” he held out the coke bottle after opening it. “And… well Robert too.”
Her eyes flicked down to the couch, “Can I tell you something that only Jimmy knows and no one else?”
“Of course,” he moved around the furniture and sat down.
“I’m pregnant.”
He blinked.
“And Robert’s the father.”
“How does he feel about that?” he took a drink and reached for the popcorn bag set between them.
“He doesn’t know.”
Cameron froze for a moment, “He doesn’t know?”
“I just found out a few days ago. Only Jimmy knows.”
“And?” he asked cautiously.
“He promised to take care of me.”
“I see.”
“What’s that look on your face mean?” she questioned.
Cameron set his soda bottle on the coffee table, “Summer, these kind of… guys… aren’t know for taking care of their groupies.”
Her eyes widened, “I am not a groupie.”
“Didn’t you go to LA with the intentions of sleeping with Robert?”
“No.”
His eyebrows arched up, “Haven’t you spent most of your time with the band having sex?”
“No.”
“Weren’t you left behind without knowing when or even if anyone is coming back?”
Her bottom lip trembled, “No.”
“Summer…”
“No, Cameron, I’m not a groupie. Both Robert and Jimmy told me that I’m not a groupie.”
He sighed, “Okay, sweetheart, whatever you say.”
“You don’t believe me?”
He touched her hand, “I know them well enough to know that they probably did tell you that, but…”
“You don’t think they’re coming back for me?”
“I hope I’m wrong. I really hope that I’m wrong.”
Stepping into Earls Court, Jimmy glanced around. His eyes were filled with darkness, having another row with Charlotte before leaving. She would not let up on the fact he remained in the States with another woman. He had made her no promises, not before tour, not ever. They were not married and that was for a very good reason: Jimmy did not wish it. He would marry when and if he wanted to. Charlotte was not the one, despite the fact she bore his child. Oh, he would be responsible and provide for her and the child, but he was not marrying her.
Especially since, he was in love with Summer.
Blinking at his realization, he stepped forward and approached the stage. Lighting was nearly all in place and so was the sound system. The video people were hidden somewhere installing the last bits they needed to. Everything seemed on track for the rehearsal later that afternoon – except the fact none of the rest of the band had arrived yet. It probably would not have concerned him much, if it had not been for a pretty young blond that they all befriended and left behind in the States. He was not entirely sure how it would go over that she was not present. Everyone was expecting her.
“Good afternoon, Jimmy,” John Paul broke his concentration. “Feels rather good to play for our home crowd again, does it not?”
“I suppose so.”
The bassist eyed the guitarist for a moment, “Something troubles you.”
“Of course not,” he responded without emotion. “What makes you think that?”
“Your left eye twitched,” he commented. “Is Summer not enjoying London?”
Jimmy turned to face John Paul fully, “Summer is not in London.”
“Oh. You took her to Scotland? Keep her away from Charlotte?”
“Summer is in New York.”
John Paul paused, “Don’t tell Bonzo until after rehearsal. Or Percy for that matter. It might be the only way we make it through.”
The other two filed in together a few minutes later. Robert stood some distance from Jimmy, his eyes narrowed as they looked over his former mate. Struggling to remain his cool in face of the one who had become his enemy, though lesser than Peter at the moment, Robert shrugged off Bonzo’s arm on his shoulder. He was not yet ready to face the devil.
“So Pagey,” Bonzo slapped his back, “where’s my girl?”
“You have lost your wife already? Pity,” he responded and stepped out of the conversation, heading up to inspect the stage.
“What did he mean by that?” he turned to the bassist. “I meant Summer. Where is she?”
John Paul shrugged, “Did you get a new kit for this show?”
“Okay now I know something is up. Where is Summer?”
He sighed, “She’s not here.”
“Well that much I already knew. Where is she?”
“Where is who?” Robert asked, approaching the two.
“Summer,” John Paul paused, glancing at the singer, “is in New York.”
“WHAT!?” Robert shouted. “What did he do to her!?”
The bassist calmly replied, “I am certain he did nothing to her, Robert. I am certain there is a rational explanation for this.”
“Well?”
“I don’t know what it is. He just barely told me. Let’s hold off until rehearsal is over,” he suggested.
Robert narrowed his eyes more, “I am not waiting on more bloody minute. I want to know now.”
Before John Paul could even attempt to stop the singer, he hurried after Jimmy who walked across the stage to his side. Bonzo wasted not a moment in trotting alongside his best mate. Sighing the bassist trailed along behind, ever certain that something disastrous was about to unfold and it would likely impact the band’s future. He was only hoping that he could diffuse the bomb before it went off.
“Jimmy!” Robert shouted, his voice echoing in the empty hall.
The guitarist stopped, turning away from his amplifiers, “Yes, Percy.”
“Why is Summer in New York? Who is she with? Is she alone?” he quickly asked.
Jimmy slowly approached the singer, his eyes flicking briefly to John Paul, “Summer was unable to come to London with me, because her passport is still not in order.”
“So clearly the best option was to leave her alone in New York.”
“I had no choice. I did not wish it at all. Believe me, she is well taken care of and will not want for anything in my absence,” he declared.
“In the same way that your baby’s mother is?” he snarled. “I do not think you can throw money at Summer and expect her to be okay. She is not like that. She needs to be with people. She–”
“I am quite aware of what Summer needs,” Jimmy responded. “She will not be in New York long. I will return promptly.”
“Have you spoken with her since abandoning her? Is she okay?”
He narrowed his eyes, “Why does it matter to you, Plant? You did not call her after you left.”
“You took her away from the number I had!”
“Okay, boys, that’s enough,” Benji approached the group. “I checked with Summer’s hotel. She went out to dinner last night with a young man who later walked Queenie with her in the park. Neither she nor the young man have been seen this morning, but it is very early.”
Four pairs of eyes stared at the manager.
“A young man?” Robert was the first to recover. “Who?”
He shrugged, “It was not that easy to get that much information from the hotel. Just know that she’s fine.”
“She is not fine! She is with–”
“She is not alone. Is that not what you wanted?” Jimmy interjected.
The singer turned back to his band mate, “Are you not the least bit worried that she has found another and is doing so while you pay for her lodging?”
Emotions did not register on Jimmy’s face at all, “No, I am not worried. I know where Summer’s loyalties lie. She has merely found someone to keep her company, not her bed warm. I am not worried at all. I am however concerned about the placement of my amplifiers. If you will please excuse me.”
Robert’s eyes remained on the manager, “Tell me that Summer is in New York because she could not come to London.”
“Summer is in New York still because of unforeseen complications with her passport,” Benji answered. “Let’s get set up for rehearsal, okay?”
Waking with some nausea, Summer remained lying in bed for a few minutes, hoping it would go away. With it bubbling beneath the surface but not forcing her to stumble out of the large empty bed, she slowly sat up and reached for the glass of water at her bedside. Taking a few sips and a few deep breaths, Summer pulled back the bedcovers and headed into the bathroom. She pulled one of Jimmy’s black satin robes over her shirt and shorts a few minutes later and crept out of the bedroom. Her sapphire-colored eyes snapped to the couch, her heart jumping to only see a blanket where Cameron had once slept.
“Cameron?” she called softly, stepping fully out into the living space. “Cameron?”
As she moved about the room, she realized not only was her new friend gone, but so was her dog. If he was planning to keep her dog as hostage for whatever reason, she would–
The door to the suite opened and Queenie pulled Cameron in.
“Good morning,” he smiled.
“I thought… I thought…”
Cameron closed the door behind himself and dropped the keys on the sideboard table, “You were still sleeping and she seemed to need to go out. I didn’t think it was a good enough reason to wake you. So I walked her myself.”
Summer smiled, “Thank you.”
“Are you hungry? There’s a cozy diner not too far from here,” he suggested before bending over to release the puppy from her leash.
“Room service is fine. We don’t need to go anywhere,” she replied.
“It’s because I’m wearing the same thing I was yesterday, isn’t it?” he teased.
She shook her head, “Not at all. Besides Jimmy left some things here that you could borrow if that were an issue.”
“He did?”
“Yeah. Where are you staying anyways? I presume you don’t live here…”
“A few blocks from here,” he answered. “Is this how you’re asking me to leave?”
“No! Not at all,” Summer quickly replied. “Of course I want you here. I hate being alone.”
“Well… I’m done with all the interviewing for my assignment, just have to write it all out,” he claimed, “which I can do anywhere. Maybe after lunch we can head over there and get my things and I can just stay here with you until you want me to leave?”
“Sure,” she smiled again. “I’d like that.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to pressure you or anything. I can just go back with the other girls.”
“Other girls?”
Cameron rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah, when I travel with bands… I pretty much stay with the groupies.”
“Oh.”
“That’s not to say you are one,” he quickly followed up. “Really.”
“It’s okay,” she turned, heading back to the bedroom. “I’m going to… get dressed. We can go to your diner, I suppose.”
After breakfast, which included Summer being confused over menu items as normal, Cameron led her down the street to another hotel. He mentioned which band he finished touring with, but she did not pay him any attention at all. Her blue eyes were focused entirely on another person, her feet seemingly glued to the marble lobby floor, despite the sandals she wore.
“Summer?” Cameron stopped, turning towards her.
“I can’t… I can’t be here,” she muttered and turned towards the door.
His hand grasped hers, keeping her from running away, “Why?”
Before she could answer his question, he knew. A shriek sounded in the lobby behind him, echoing off the high ceiling and glossy marble floors. He had not even considered the fact that some of the groupies may know who Summer was, least of all Lori. The girl may not have been his most favorite, being much bossier than the others, but she did seem to have a knack of getting into places she should not be able to, evidenced by the fact she was in New York, not back in LA where she belonged. And now she was about to come after Summer.
Cameron quickly pushed Summer through the rotating door, “I’ll deal with her, get my things, and meet you back at your hotel. You can get back okay, right?”
She nodded.
“Okay, good. I’ll see you soon.”
Nodding again, Summer turned and pushed through the door. Without glancing back, she hurried away from the hotel. She did not glance up at her own location until she was a block away – and suddenly realized she had no idea where she was. Pausing and stepping out of the direct foot traffic path, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She could do this.
Opening her eyes, she glanced around, hoping someone with a kind face would walk by. Summer quickly noticed that all the passing New Yorkers looked sour and unlikely to help her. Though she did not think that LA was kind by any means, she suddenly realized how much she did not belong in New York. If it had not been for Jimmy she would… she needed to get back to her hotel. Glancing up through the tall buildings in search of the sky, she took another deep breath before letting her gaze wander over the surrounding buildings. Slowly she recognized landmarks and smiled to herself. She knew where she was.
With a bit of concentration, the young woman located her hotel and headed up to her room. She dug her key out of her purse, smiling as she heard Queenie’s protective barks. Catching the pup as she opened the door, Summer giggled as the dog licked her face and closed the door behind her. She dropped her key and purse on the sideboard table and called for the dog to follow her to check on her kibble and water.
Setting the water bowl back down, she practically jumped when the phone rang. Without a thought at all, she skipped over to the nearest phone and picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Princess…where have you been? I have been trying to ring you for an hour now.”
“Jimmy!” she squealed. “Oh, Jimmy, I miss you SO much. When are you coming back?”
“Soon, I promise. Where have you been?”
“Out with a friend.”
He remained silent for a long moment, “I see.”
“He’s going to be here soon, so if I have to hang up, that’s why,” she explained.
“He?”
“Yeah. You know him… Cameron. Right now he’s… getting his things so he can stay with me now.”
Jimmy remained silent.
“And he’s dealing with Lori.”
“Lori’s there?”
“At Cameron’s hotel, not this one. And I’m sure he’ll make sure it stays that way. Oh, Jimmy! What’s London like? I miss you.”
“Why can’t he stay at his hotel?”
“Because I’m lonely without you.”
“You have Queenie.”
“Who doesn’t really talk back to me when I talk to her. And can’t go eat with me. And doesn’t explain that French Toast is not really French people toasted. And isn’t going to take me to a movie tonight,” she explained.
Jimmy sighed, “Summer, I…”
A knock at the door distracted her, “Oh, I’m sorry, Jimmy. Someone is here. Hold for a minute.”
She set the phone down before hearing his reply. Quickly heading to the door, she cracked it open and smiled at Cameron. Summer captured her puppy before pulling the door open widely, allowing the young man to bumble his belongings into the suite. After the door slammed close, she released the dog who instantly had to inspect everything Cameron set down.
“Who’s on the phone?” he gestured to the handset sitting on the table.
“Oh! Jimmy!” she quickly replied and returned to the phone. “Sorry, Jimmy. Had to let Cameron in. Can you call me back later?”
He hesitated, “Of course, Princess. Whatever you desire.”
Summer smiled, “Excellent. I’ll talk to you later then, Jimmy. I miss you.”
As she dropped the phone back on the base, Jimmy’s voice barely muttered that he missed her too. Her attention had completely shifted away from her boyfriend to her new… boy friend.
Rating: PG-13 [language]
Summary: Summer spends more time with Cameron. The band argue about Summer.
Throwing her arms around his neck, Summer giggled, “I had soooo much fun tonight, Cameron. Thank you so much. I need to walk Queenie. Want to come up?”
The young man smiled, pulling back, “Are you sure about that?”
She nodded, her hand slipping into his, pulling him towards the hotel, “I don’t want to walk her alone in the dark.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” Cameron responded, following her into the posh lobby. “Summer?”
“Yeah?” she pressed the button by the elevator.
“Why are you staying here?”
“Well,” she stepped into the lift, “I don’t have anywhere else to stay.”
He waited until the door closed, “Why?”
“Um… my mom’s dead and my dad… I don’t know how to explain my relationship with him. And I couldn’t… go to London, so Jimmy is putting me up here until he gets back,” she explained briefly.
“And Jimmy is…”
The elevator door opened and the young blond girl exited, “My boyfriend.”
A bit hesitant to follow her after that statement, Cameron slowly stepped behind her, “Does your boyfriend know that you’re out with me?”
“No,” she dug her key out of her purse. “I haven’t talked to him since he left this morning.”
He glanced over his shoulder, “And you’re sure he’s not coming back?”
“He’s in London, Cameron,” Summer stated. “Watch for the dog.”
As she opened the door, the puppy leaped out. Rather than bolt down the hallway, she hurried to Cameron, barking and sniffing him. He chuckled and scooped her up, following Summer into the suite. His eyes glanced around the suite, sensing he had been there before. Summer disappeared briefly into the bedroom, leaving Cameron with a wiggling dog. Releasing the dog after making certain the door was closed, he wandered about the living room. He stopped, his eyes falling on a very familiar acoustic guitar on the sofa.
“Summer?” he glanced over his shoulder as she stepped out with a jacket on. “That guitar…?”
“It’s Jimmy’s,” she commented nonchalantly.
Cameron stared at it, “It is really… familiar.”
“They don’t do an acoustic set, so I’m not sure why,” she squatted to click on the dog’s leash.
“Is… your boyfriend in a band?”
“Uh huh,” she stood back up. “Led Zeppelin.”
His eyes snapped to hers, “Your boyfriend is Jimmy Page?”
“Yeah,” her eyes dropped down to Queenie. “You ready to go on a walk, girl?”
“Your boyfriend is Jimmy Page?” he repeated.
Summer looked at him again, “Yeah. It’s not a big deal.”
“Uh, yeah, it kinda is.”
“Why?” she clicked her tongue and headed towards the door.
“You do know that Led Zeppelin is one of the biggest bands in the country, right?” he followed her out of the suite.
“Well sure. I’ve seen the crowds.”
Cameron reached for the elevator button and pressed it, “I don’t want to… alarm you or anything… but you do know he… isn’t entirely…”
“Jimmy isn’t sleeping with groupies, if that’s what you’re trying to say. Not since we got together,” she stepped into the elevator. “Wait, how do you know his acoustic guitar?”
“I wrote one of my first articles for the Rolling Stone on Led Zeppelin,” he answered, pressing the ground button. “Took a week of hanging out with them to get anyone to talk.”
“You know them?” her eyes lit up.
“Yeah, I do.”
“They’re pretty much my family now.”
He smiled crookedly, “Well least it won’t ever be a boring life.”
“It hasn’t been,” she responded, “but…”
The elevator halted, the doors opening, causing the dog to leap forward. Cameron slipped the leash from Summer’s hand and stepped out. The two exited the hotel, allowing the dog to lead them to the park. While she sniffed around, Cameron felt out Summer, trying to figure out what she was about to say. He had not known her long enough to come to any conclusion.
“Summer?”
“I’m really glad that we met, Cameron. I’m kinda… lonely.”
He smirked, “Jimmy has only been gone for a day.”
She drifted over to an empty bench, sitting under the park lamp, “It’s not that just that… everything has gotten so quiet and…”
“You want to talk about it?”
Her eyes went to his and she nodded slightly, “You’re not going to tell anyone, are you?”
He smirked, “This is completely off the record. You have my word.”
After spilling her entire life story to her new friend, Summer thought for certain he would run off. Instead, Cameron returned to the hotel suite with her and the dog. She filled Queenie’s bowl with puppy kibble while he sat down in front of the large TV and flipped through for something to watch. Leaving him be for a few minutes, she changed into an oversized shirt and terry shorts. He glanced over his shoulder as he put a bag of popcorn in the microwave, smiling at her as she returned to the living space of the suite.
Plopping down on the sofa as the popcorn popped, she looked at him over the back of the couch, “I thought you were going to leave.”
“Why?”
“Everything that I told you…”
He opened up the microwave and pulled out the hot bag, “Is that supposed to scare me off?”
“Well… it isn’t exactly… normal.”
He popped a piece of popcorn in his mouth, chewed, and responded, “Summer, my life isn’t exactly… normal either.”
“How so?”
Cameron handed her the bag of popcorn before turning to retrieve two sodas from the mini-fridge, “Well when I was your age, I graduated high school. And then I started to write for Rolling Stone.”
“You’ve met my dad?”
“Yes. And I’ve met your boyfriend,” he held out the coke bottle after opening it. “And… well Robert too.”
Her eyes flicked down to the couch, “Can I tell you something that only Jimmy knows and no one else?”
“Of course,” he moved around the furniture and sat down.
“I’m pregnant.”
He blinked.
“And Robert’s the father.”
“How does he feel about that?” he took a drink and reached for the popcorn bag set between them.
“He doesn’t know.”
Cameron froze for a moment, “He doesn’t know?”
“I just found out a few days ago. Only Jimmy knows.”
“And?” he asked cautiously.
“He promised to take care of me.”
“I see.”
“What’s that look on your face mean?” she questioned.
Cameron set his soda bottle on the coffee table, “Summer, these kind of… guys… aren’t know for taking care of their groupies.”
Her eyes widened, “I am not a groupie.”
“Didn’t you go to LA with the intentions of sleeping with Robert?”
“No.”
His eyebrows arched up, “Haven’t you spent most of your time with the band having sex?”
“No.”
“Weren’t you left behind without knowing when or even if anyone is coming back?”
Her bottom lip trembled, “No.”
“Summer…”
“No, Cameron, I’m not a groupie. Both Robert and Jimmy told me that I’m not a groupie.”
He sighed, “Okay, sweetheart, whatever you say.”
“You don’t believe me?”
He touched her hand, “I know them well enough to know that they probably did tell you that, but…”
“You don’t think they’re coming back for me?”
“I hope I’m wrong. I really hope that I’m wrong.”
Stepping into Earls Court, Jimmy glanced around. His eyes were filled with darkness, having another row with Charlotte before leaving. She would not let up on the fact he remained in the States with another woman. He had made her no promises, not before tour, not ever. They were not married and that was for a very good reason: Jimmy did not wish it. He would marry when and if he wanted to. Charlotte was not the one, despite the fact she bore his child. Oh, he would be responsible and provide for her and the child, but he was not marrying her.
Especially since, he was in love with Summer.
Blinking at his realization, he stepped forward and approached the stage. Lighting was nearly all in place and so was the sound system. The video people were hidden somewhere installing the last bits they needed to. Everything seemed on track for the rehearsal later that afternoon – except the fact none of the rest of the band had arrived yet. It probably would not have concerned him much, if it had not been for a pretty young blond that they all befriended and left behind in the States. He was not entirely sure how it would go over that she was not present. Everyone was expecting her.
“Good afternoon, Jimmy,” John Paul broke his concentration. “Feels rather good to play for our home crowd again, does it not?”
“I suppose so.”
The bassist eyed the guitarist for a moment, “Something troubles you.”
“Of course not,” he responded without emotion. “What makes you think that?”
“Your left eye twitched,” he commented. “Is Summer not enjoying London?”
Jimmy turned to face John Paul fully, “Summer is not in London.”
“Oh. You took her to Scotland? Keep her away from Charlotte?”
“Summer is in New York.”
John Paul paused, “Don’t tell Bonzo until after rehearsal. Or Percy for that matter. It might be the only way we make it through.”
The other two filed in together a few minutes later. Robert stood some distance from Jimmy, his eyes narrowed as they looked over his former mate. Struggling to remain his cool in face of the one who had become his enemy, though lesser than Peter at the moment, Robert shrugged off Bonzo’s arm on his shoulder. He was not yet ready to face the devil.
“So Pagey,” Bonzo slapped his back, “where’s my girl?”
“You have lost your wife already? Pity,” he responded and stepped out of the conversation, heading up to inspect the stage.
“What did he mean by that?” he turned to the bassist. “I meant Summer. Where is she?”
John Paul shrugged, “Did you get a new kit for this show?”
“Okay now I know something is up. Where is Summer?”
He sighed, “She’s not here.”
“Well that much I already knew. Where is she?”
“Where is who?” Robert asked, approaching the two.
“Summer,” John Paul paused, glancing at the singer, “is in New York.”
“WHAT!?” Robert shouted. “What did he do to her!?”
The bassist calmly replied, “I am certain he did nothing to her, Robert. I am certain there is a rational explanation for this.”
“Well?”
“I don’t know what it is. He just barely told me. Let’s hold off until rehearsal is over,” he suggested.
Robert narrowed his eyes more, “I am not waiting on more bloody minute. I want to know now.”
Before John Paul could even attempt to stop the singer, he hurried after Jimmy who walked across the stage to his side. Bonzo wasted not a moment in trotting alongside his best mate. Sighing the bassist trailed along behind, ever certain that something disastrous was about to unfold and it would likely impact the band’s future. He was only hoping that he could diffuse the bomb before it went off.
“Jimmy!” Robert shouted, his voice echoing in the empty hall.
The guitarist stopped, turning away from his amplifiers, “Yes, Percy.”
“Why is Summer in New York? Who is she with? Is she alone?” he quickly asked.
Jimmy slowly approached the singer, his eyes flicking briefly to John Paul, “Summer was unable to come to London with me, because her passport is still not in order.”
“So clearly the best option was to leave her alone in New York.”
“I had no choice. I did not wish it at all. Believe me, she is well taken care of and will not want for anything in my absence,” he declared.
“In the same way that your baby’s mother is?” he snarled. “I do not think you can throw money at Summer and expect her to be okay. She is not like that. She needs to be with people. She–”
“I am quite aware of what Summer needs,” Jimmy responded. “She will not be in New York long. I will return promptly.”
“Have you spoken with her since abandoning her? Is she okay?”
He narrowed his eyes, “Why does it matter to you, Plant? You did not call her after you left.”
“You took her away from the number I had!”
“Okay, boys, that’s enough,” Benji approached the group. “I checked with Summer’s hotel. She went out to dinner last night with a young man who later walked Queenie with her in the park. Neither she nor the young man have been seen this morning, but it is very early.”
Four pairs of eyes stared at the manager.
“A young man?” Robert was the first to recover. “Who?”
He shrugged, “It was not that easy to get that much information from the hotel. Just know that she’s fine.”
“She is not fine! She is with–”
“She is not alone. Is that not what you wanted?” Jimmy interjected.
The singer turned back to his band mate, “Are you not the least bit worried that she has found another and is doing so while you pay for her lodging?”
Emotions did not register on Jimmy’s face at all, “No, I am not worried. I know where Summer’s loyalties lie. She has merely found someone to keep her company, not her bed warm. I am not worried at all. I am however concerned about the placement of my amplifiers. If you will please excuse me.”
Robert’s eyes remained on the manager, “Tell me that Summer is in New York because she could not come to London.”
“Summer is in New York still because of unforeseen complications with her passport,” Benji answered. “Let’s get set up for rehearsal, okay?”
Waking with some nausea, Summer remained lying in bed for a few minutes, hoping it would go away. With it bubbling beneath the surface but not forcing her to stumble out of the large empty bed, she slowly sat up and reached for the glass of water at her bedside. Taking a few sips and a few deep breaths, Summer pulled back the bedcovers and headed into the bathroom. She pulled one of Jimmy’s black satin robes over her shirt and shorts a few minutes later and crept out of the bedroom. Her sapphire-colored eyes snapped to the couch, her heart jumping to only see a blanket where Cameron had once slept.
“Cameron?” she called softly, stepping fully out into the living space. “Cameron?”
As she moved about the room, she realized not only was her new friend gone, but so was her dog. If he was planning to keep her dog as hostage for whatever reason, she would–
The door to the suite opened and Queenie pulled Cameron in.
“Good morning,” he smiled.
“I thought… I thought…”
Cameron closed the door behind himself and dropped the keys on the sideboard table, “You were still sleeping and she seemed to need to go out. I didn’t think it was a good enough reason to wake you. So I walked her myself.”
Summer smiled, “Thank you.”
“Are you hungry? There’s a cozy diner not too far from here,” he suggested before bending over to release the puppy from her leash.
“Room service is fine. We don’t need to go anywhere,” she replied.
“It’s because I’m wearing the same thing I was yesterday, isn’t it?” he teased.
She shook her head, “Not at all. Besides Jimmy left some things here that you could borrow if that were an issue.”
“He did?”
“Yeah. Where are you staying anyways? I presume you don’t live here…”
“A few blocks from here,” he answered. “Is this how you’re asking me to leave?”
“No! Not at all,” Summer quickly replied. “Of course I want you here. I hate being alone.”
“Well… I’m done with all the interviewing for my assignment, just have to write it all out,” he claimed, “which I can do anywhere. Maybe after lunch we can head over there and get my things and I can just stay here with you until you want me to leave?”
“Sure,” she smiled again. “I’d like that.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to pressure you or anything. I can just go back with the other girls.”
“Other girls?”
Cameron rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah, when I travel with bands… I pretty much stay with the groupies.”
“Oh.”
“That’s not to say you are one,” he quickly followed up. “Really.”
“It’s okay,” she turned, heading back to the bedroom. “I’m going to… get dressed. We can go to your diner, I suppose.”
After breakfast, which included Summer being confused over menu items as normal, Cameron led her down the street to another hotel. He mentioned which band he finished touring with, but she did not pay him any attention at all. Her blue eyes were focused entirely on another person, her feet seemingly glued to the marble lobby floor, despite the sandals she wore.
“Summer?” Cameron stopped, turning towards her.
“I can’t… I can’t be here,” she muttered and turned towards the door.
His hand grasped hers, keeping her from running away, “Why?”
Before she could answer his question, he knew. A shriek sounded in the lobby behind him, echoing off the high ceiling and glossy marble floors. He had not even considered the fact that some of the groupies may know who Summer was, least of all Lori. The girl may not have been his most favorite, being much bossier than the others, but she did seem to have a knack of getting into places she should not be able to, evidenced by the fact she was in New York, not back in LA where she belonged. And now she was about to come after Summer.
Cameron quickly pushed Summer through the rotating door, “I’ll deal with her, get my things, and meet you back at your hotel. You can get back okay, right?”
She nodded.
“Okay, good. I’ll see you soon.”
Nodding again, Summer turned and pushed through the door. Without glancing back, she hurried away from the hotel. She did not glance up at her own location until she was a block away – and suddenly realized she had no idea where she was. Pausing and stepping out of the direct foot traffic path, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She could do this.
Opening her eyes, she glanced around, hoping someone with a kind face would walk by. Summer quickly noticed that all the passing New Yorkers looked sour and unlikely to help her. Though she did not think that LA was kind by any means, she suddenly realized how much she did not belong in New York. If it had not been for Jimmy she would… she needed to get back to her hotel. Glancing up through the tall buildings in search of the sky, she took another deep breath before letting her gaze wander over the surrounding buildings. Slowly she recognized landmarks and smiled to herself. She knew where she was.
With a bit of concentration, the young woman located her hotel and headed up to her room. She dug her key out of her purse, smiling as she heard Queenie’s protective barks. Catching the pup as she opened the door, Summer giggled as the dog licked her face and closed the door behind her. She dropped her key and purse on the sideboard table and called for the dog to follow her to check on her kibble and water.
Setting the water bowl back down, she practically jumped when the phone rang. Without a thought at all, she skipped over to the nearest phone and picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Princess…where have you been? I have been trying to ring you for an hour now.”
“Jimmy!” she squealed. “Oh, Jimmy, I miss you SO much. When are you coming back?”
“Soon, I promise. Where have you been?”
“Out with a friend.”
He remained silent for a long moment, “I see.”
“He’s going to be here soon, so if I have to hang up, that’s why,” she explained.
“He?”
“Yeah. You know him… Cameron. Right now he’s… getting his things so he can stay with me now.”
Jimmy remained silent.
“And he’s dealing with Lori.”
“Lori’s there?”
“At Cameron’s hotel, not this one. And I’m sure he’ll make sure it stays that way. Oh, Jimmy! What’s London like? I miss you.”
“Why can’t he stay at his hotel?”
“Because I’m lonely without you.”
“You have Queenie.”
“Who doesn’t really talk back to me when I talk to her. And can’t go eat with me. And doesn’t explain that French Toast is not really French people toasted. And isn’t going to take me to a movie tonight,” she explained.
Jimmy sighed, “Summer, I…”
A knock at the door distracted her, “Oh, I’m sorry, Jimmy. Someone is here. Hold for a minute.”
She set the phone down before hearing his reply. Quickly heading to the door, she cracked it open and smiled at Cameron. Summer captured her puppy before pulling the door open widely, allowing the young man to bumble his belongings into the suite. After the door slammed close, she released the dog who instantly had to inspect everything Cameron set down.
“Who’s on the phone?” he gestured to the handset sitting on the table.
“Oh! Jimmy!” she quickly replied and returned to the phone. “Sorry, Jimmy. Had to let Cameron in. Can you call me back later?”
He hesitated, “Of course, Princess. Whatever you desire.”
Summer smiled, “Excellent. I’ll talk to you later then, Jimmy. I miss you.”
As she dropped the phone back on the base, Jimmy’s voice barely muttered that he missed her too. Her attention had completely shifted away from her boyfriend to her new… boy friend.
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