Hidden in the Stars (Falling Stars #2) Read Online Free Page B

front of an empty washer.
    Stepping forward, I start loading the machine.
    "Will tonight's show be the same? Or will it be something different?"
    "Tonight will be different since it’s Friday night. We'll go more modern, rather than the old school burlesque route. Next weekend will be old school stuff. It switches back and forth." With the last towel in the wash, I push in the coin tray and turn the washer knob to start the cycle.
    Sid starts mumbling something under her breath.
    "What now?" I jump up to sit on the washer.
    "Oh, nothing. It's just a luck chant an old college roommate taught me." She shrugs.
    "A chant?"
    "Yeah, a chant. Too bad I don't have a curse for Jizzswallow." Her grin is mischievous and infectious. Soon, I'm smiling with her.
    "Leave Jazzmin be, she's not so bad." Shaking my head, I jump off the washer. "Come on." I motion for Sid to follow. "I'll come back down in twenty to throw this stuff in the dryer. Lucas will be home soon."
    "Is it that late already?" Sid asks, looking at her bare wrist. "I do need to spend some more time with him before we leave for the club."
    "He'll love it."

Chapter Three
    Jackson
     
    After going over my schedule for the next week, Julia informs me of a package left by a guy named Randall and motions to a table near the entryway. Quickly, I make an excuse to retreat to the bathroom, snatching up the paper wrapped package along the way. Once in there, alone with my thoughts, I dig through my black carry-on bag until I reach my brown vial. Taking it out, I refill the little bottle and scoop some up before stashing the package back into my black leather bag. Two bumps later, I'm in a steaming shower, feeling remarkable.
    When the car arrives at the hotel, just as Julia said it would, my mood is lighter and carefree. Coming face-to-face with Xavier brings back a ton of memories. I can't fight the smile taking over my face.
    "My man." Xavier grasps me by the forearm. "Fuck, it's been too long." He pulls me in for the one arm bro-hug.
    Flashes of light surround us, causing us both to slip quickly into the car. Damn reporters!
    "Well, you let your hair grow, even tried to cover your face, but the beard doesn't hide that you're still ugly as fuck." Laughing, I settle into the backseat of the limo.
    "Look here, you overgrown bastard." He flips his middle finger up, the smiley face tattoo complimenting the smile on his face.
    "I don't fuck on the first date. Oh, wait, how old are your daughters?" I grin.
    He scowls.
    "Their only thirteen, you fucking pedophile."
    I put my palms up between us. "Okay, so I've got five years."
    "More like only if I'm dead, you little fucker."
    "Little?" I raise my brow. "Have you seen the size of me?"
    I gesture to my crotch.
    "Christ, you haven't changed a bit, have you?" His scowl melts into a grin.
    "I'm a bit wiser." Shrugging, I see the look on his face. I know exactly where he's going to go and I'm powerless to stop it.
    "Listen, man, I'm sorry about that Laney shit. You don't need that bitch. She didn't deserve you." He shakes his head, furrowing his brow.
    "No big deal." My voice cracks unintentionally, but I shrug it off.
    "Yeah, sure. Besides, you just have to get over that whore, ya know?"
    I snort.
    "What?" He gives me a curious look.
    "Nothin'." With a shake of my head, the conversation changes.
    We talk for the next forty minutes about old times on tour and I don't miss the edge of sadness in his voice. He clearly misses the band. Instead of opening up old wounds, I change the subject by asking where the hell Red has us going tonight.
    Xavier grasps the subject change like a fucking lifeline. He tells me Redman will meet us at the club and is really serious about taking over the ownership. He also discloses that this is the first time he's asked anyone to come check the place out.
    We pull up to a rundown brick building in East L.A. Stepping out of the car, I hear and feel the music coming from inside. Above two black doors, an arched red