Loving a Man Who Forgot Me Novel Chapter 73
I grabbed his collar. “What did you just say?”
He laughed and jerked himself free.
“You think getting high is the only thing Kat and I did together? You dumb fuck.
She’s with you for the bigger dollar signs man, but we’ve been screwing all along.
She was going to divorce your ass, take your money, and leave you for me all along.”
My pulse pounded in my ears, and I felt my face grow hot with the anger bubbling up.
“Woah, man.” Gabe stepped between us and grabbed my shoulder. “Don’t do anything stupid.
He’s not worth it. Let’s just get through this meeting and be done with him.
“You know what,” Lowell spoke up for the first time and all eyes shifted to him.
“I’m out. Y’all can do whatever you want.” With those parting words, he turned and strode off toward the elevator bay.
“This is bullshit!” Gio yelled and kicked the wall. “No, it’s what you have coming,” Gabe barked at him.
“This isn’t a productive use of our time,” James, my dad’s lawyer friend, said calmly. “We have to go back in there in a few minutes.”
“I have to agree,” Pete sighed. “I’m here to take care of the interests of the band, and as you’ve pointed out Abel, Lowell and Gio have violated their contract with the band on numerous occasions, which means I’m here to take care of you and Gabe, so what are we going to do when we go back in there?”
“What the hell is this?” Gio sneered at Pete. Everyone ignored him, and he began pacing and cursing. “Yes, the label is within rights to sue over the current tour you’ll be cancelling, as well as the other album and tour you’re still on contract for.
Are you willing to settle to break your contract? We’re talking millions,” Iverson said grimly. “He’s right,” James added. “However, the millions they would make from a lawsuit, hardly touch what they would make off the tours and another album.
I think they’re going to look for another way to resolve this.” Before we could discuss what those options may be, my phone buzzed in my pocket. When I slid it out and glanced at the screen, it was my father calling.
I debated letting it go and calling him after the meeting, but he could have had last minute advice. “Hey,” I answered. “The meeting went to hell real quick. We’re taking a break so the label can decide what they want to do with us.”
“I’m not calling about the meeting, Abel.” There was something wrong with his voice and worry instantly seized my gut. “Something has happened.”
“What is it? Is Mom okay?” That was my first thought. I don’t know that any of us would ever escape the fear of her cancer coming back.
“Your mom is fine,” he said slowly. “Aiden? Addie?” I was going to be sick. “They’re fine, listen. Molly and Amelia were killed in a car accident early this morning.”
“What?” I heard him. I understood his words, but it was like my brain rejected it. “No.”
“Jaime wasn’t with them,” he continued. “Ace, Sadie, and Darcy are on their way to Oregon right now. We won’t know much more until they get there. Your mom and I are getting Abbi and Aiden from school now. I’m going to call your sister next.”
Abbi and Addie. They weren’t going to take this well. “I don’t know if I can get a last-minute flight, but ten minutes and I’ll be in my car and on my way. Has anyone called Jesse or Nash. They’re still here in the city. I can grab them, and we can be there in a few hours.”
“Yes, I believe they know, but don’t drive recklessly, Abel. Just get home safely, okay? And we’ll see you when you get here.” “Okay. See you soon.” “Love you, son.” “Love you too, Dad.” I ended the call and looked immediately to Gabe.
“I have to go. You’re going to have to finish the meeting without me. My cousin’s family was in an accident. His wife and baby . . .” I couldn’t say it. “I just—I have to go.” “Okay, man.” He grabbed me into a rough hug. “You go and do what you gotta do. I’ll take care of this.”
He let go and I hurried toward the elevators not sparing anyone a second glance or thought. My family was crazy and unconventional, but we were also closer than most.
There was no way I could stay in New York while they were hurting, while someone who was as good as a brother to me was going through this. I had no doubt we’d all be on a plane to Oregon very soon.
After calling Jesse, who’d just spoken to his dad, he and Nash were ready to go when I pulled up to their place. It was a somber drive. We were all at a loss for what to say. Nash was the closest to Jaime, and he just kept randomly muttering, “Fuck.”
He was also Amelia’s godfather. I could picture her round cheeks, her toothless smile, her tiny fingers and toes, her big eyes. My own loss collided with this fresh grief. This wasn’t supposed to happen to ones so innocent. The grief was crushing, but it was the anger that was overwhelming.