Zenith's Legend (The Zenith Series Book 6), page 21
Startled, Karlee’s eyes got as big as saucers as she gaped at her mom’s words. “I never pictured you telling me such things.”
“But I mean every word of them. Have fun. Live large. Don’t get hurt. But do it. I would have if I met Rob the way you met Xavier.”
“But we’re not like those girls. The divas and groupies and super fans.”
“No. We’re the ones the stars choose to come home to. So…” She shrugged, lifting her eyebrows with a smile. She appeared so superior and seductive, unlike Karlee’s usual impression of her mother. The kinship and respect she felt for Rebecca was never to this level before. Not with her own mother. Adult woman to adult woman. Damn. It felt different. New and strange. But totally awesome.
“They do, don’t they?”
“Damn straight.” Rebecca let out a laugh and Karlee joined in.
She threw herself against her mom, hugging her tightly. “Thank you. For not interfering with Xavier when the signs pointed to this. For not cutting me off from him. I might have listened. And thanks for trusting me to do this. Most parents would freak out over it and scare their kids in desperation instead of offering them advice and support. But this is everything I never knew I wanted. I want to be with him when it happens and that surprises me. But thank you for not hindering me. If you had disapproved or laid a guilt trip on me, I doubt I would have rebelled, no matter how big I might talk. I’m—”
“What, honey?”
“I’m pretty happy. Excited. I can’t wait to see what happens next and where we might go. I’m freaking good at managing his affairs and we’re having so much fun together. I thought it would be dreadful. Something I had to get through. Like Rob’s fame and career affected us. But being Xavier’s partner in this is very different and I love it.”
Rebecca grinned. “I understand. So live it. Embrace it.”
Karlee turned toward the crowds and something huge swelled in her heart. Had she finally found something meaningful to do? Something she loved? In the same industry she thought she disdained and resented? It wasn’t taking Xavier from her; it seemed to be pushing him toward her as she helped him succeed.
Reassured by her mother’s words, she finally decided it was okay to continue dating a freaking wannabe, up-and-coming rock singer who looked a lot like her stepdad. Now that she was increasingly becoming his most important sidekick, she was relieved.
She wanted this. It was finally okay to admit it and embrace it. And grow excited over it.
The first time Xavier heard from his useless, asshole, son of a bitch father, he ignored the text, and it went unanswered. So did the next ten that he sent. Xavier really detested the horrible man. He had no intention of ever seeing his family home again. He had no family. Nothing. Never. He had to raise himself. His mistakes were numerous but he did so much better than his pig of a father did. The man charged him rent to sleep on a filthy couch. He also had to pay for the food his father was legally required to provide for Xavier as a minor. The old bastard was cheap, mean and stingy. He beat Xavier for unwarranted punishment. His constant neglect was a trauma to Xavier that left him feeling stranded, hungry, ignored, and emotionally alone.
The bastard got wind that Xavier was making his splash around the area, so he decided to locate Xavier. Holding his hand out in order to get some of it was his basic plan. Xavier blocked him on his phone and let it die there. He had nothing for him anyway. Xavier had no father. He was an orphan. If his fame kept growing and his dream came true, the ensuing buzz would no doubt draw more attention his way. Eventually, some industrious music reporter would find the angle on him, and get the dirt on his father. Great. But Xavier had no comment; let his father’s demeanor speak for itself.
Luckily, he was done with him for good.
The album was scheduled for release in four months, but they insisted on circulating five separate singles beforehand. The model of releasing increased content over time instead of one big splash was gaining traction with the sponsors. Only an established artist could drop a secret album overnight and receive a huge wave of support. They released Xavier Moon’s album with a slow stream of only one song per month. Their intention was for all the streaming platforms to take notice long before the actual album was released.
The promotional work was successful. The photos and write-ups showed up everywhere. Some came from the backing of the label, but most of it was owing to Karlee’s hard work. She knew what made Zenith skyrocket and saw how much it changed in the fourteen years since Zenith attained success until now.
Xavier’s intrigue was building. Attention was being drawn to the mysterious Xavier Moon. He was rapidly attracting a loyal following. Karlee saw signs that the fans would be extremely rabid and possessive toward him. That meant he struck a chord with a huge slice of the population. That meant a huge break. That meant a chance to completely revolutionize the industry with his version of the music scape, reflecting Xavier’s life.
It was about to happen. Karlee tingled with anticipation. It was destined to be. That insane, epic adventure was just about to take off and become the wildest, most wonderful experience of both of their lives. Together, they were prepared for it all to happen.
Chapter 13
KARLEE GOT AN EMAIL one day. The subject line said: I’m Xavier’s dad.
She clicked on it, thinking even Spam wasn’t usually so direct or blunt. It was indeed from Xavier’s dad. He included a picture that she recognized from one Xavier had.
When Xavier and Karlee were moving his stuff out of the room he rented near the college, Karlee came upon a photo and she asked him who the guy was. Xavier shrugged, then he said it was his father before shredding it and tossing the bits into the trash. His utter lack of remorse in doing that with the only picture he had of his father concerned Karlee.
The man’s email complained that Xavier was ignoring him. And blocking him on his phone. He claimed he simply wanted to see Xavier. And talk to him.
Karlee politely declined to help, saying Xavier already made his decision so she intended to respect it.
His reply was about the last thing she expected. She was ready to delete it when the words caught her eye.
Fuck you, bitch, and just know this: he found you. He hunted you down and stalked you. For years he searched for a way to fuck you. Don’t believe me? This is what I found hidden inside the stupid shed where he wasted his pansy-ass time playing his stupid songs. Look for yourself. Who is that? Check the date on it. I found it here.
Karlee looked at a timeline of herself. Pictures of her. Clippings of Rob, Zenith, and her? All sorts of articles that were even vaguely related to them. The man snapped screen shots and uploaded them to the email. The evidence was hard to deny. But she had to. He obviously had it in for Xavier and intended to cause him harm unless Xavier agreed to pay him. This was designed specifically to stir up trouble. He probably wanted her to storm in there dramatically and…
She lowered her head and her heart thumped louder. Was that her class schedule? She instantly recognized the classes from her first year at the college. That was three whole quarters before she even met Xavier. Why did Xavier’s father have a copy of her class schedule? Why would anyone bother to collect it? It was damning for Xavier to have, not his father. Not like the stuff of blackmail that people demand money for. So why?
He enrolled in that little college just to meet you and he did. He was obsessed with your dad and that’s all he ever talked about when he bothered to talk. He pulled it off, huh? Used your dad to launch his idiotic career as a useless singer. Does he fuck you too?
Karlee suddenly recoiled as if the phone were physically contaminated by the filthy emails she received. Her breathing was harsh and irregular. No way could he be telling the truth. NO! There had to be something more than what she was seeing. There had to be an explanation.
Xavier did not stalk her for a year and become her partner just to… what? Expect her to someday get him an album deal? The logic of that was insane. So farfetched any sane person would instantly reject it. Wouldn’t they? If they didn’t, they would have to be unstable. Not mentally okay. There was just no way… None! No.
But, that’s exactly what appeared to have happened.
No. Who would do such a conniving, nefarious act? Going to so much work and planning? The chances of success were slim to none, certainly not enough to justify all the time and complete immersion required for becoming the innocent stranger he presented himself to be to her.
And she fell for it hook, line and sinker.
Had he been fucking with her the entire time?
Her stomach cramped at the horrible thought. No. Oh, no. Not Xavier. Her Xavier. The boy she discovered and fell for. The man she saw him becoming was about to enter the caliber of greatness. But they would keep it real and sane and healthy. They intended to do everything right. They had plans. Together. Their adventure was a ride to the stars on rainbows and sunlight.
How dare this rude man suggest he was fucking her just to get here? No. Xavier wasn’t like that. He was kind, sweet, and loving. He needed her and her family, and they needed him.
Xavier had merely survived until he met her. After escaping a horrible father, he had to endure his life alone until they met. The love, compassion, and care she showed him, along with her family, made Xavier feel like part of them. He wasn’t faking that; he couldn’t be.
Her shoulders sagged. She could not believe he was pretending all this time. Not with her. She shuddered and a sob escaped her mouth. Oh, no. She could not be so wrong. So terribly wrong.
Scrambling to her feet, Karlee started out the door of the hotel room they shared in a town near Las Vegas. They’d splurged after a particularly well-received and well-paid show. Traveling with their security details only, Karlee scrambled outside to the lovely grounds and started strolling through them. She stared down the street. Her thoughts were conflicting and hard to follow.
She needed to think harder. She wished all of it were not true.
Was she being dishonest by questioning if it were true? Xavier would be so angry if he knew she had. Right? And that would be the extent of it. She’d have to apologize and beg his forgiveness for doubting him. For not believing he was true and being fooled so easily. Anyone could claim to be his father. Even a troll or a fan. Look at what happened to Rob and Eric when one of Rob’s damn fans tried to take some shots at him and kill him. Anyone could plant a story about Xavier hunting her down to get here. Any jealous girls seeking the newest thing on the music scene, the promising new rock star, Xavier, could figure out a plausible story to sell.
Yes. Wasn’t that more feasible than Xavier using her to meet Rob?
The weather grew colder, but still she walked. She dug her hands into the pockets of her jacket and let the wind whip through her hair and around her face. Hot tears pricked her eyes. She and Rob and everyone else in her family couldn’t be that wrong. Could they?
No way could this boy, this guy, stalk and play all of them? Not all of them. With her as the catalyst? The contact? The point person? Dear God, the sheer commitment that was required for this to continue for so long. He lived with them. Wow, who does that for a singing career?
But the answer was: many. Many people would do that in a heartbeat.
Did Xavier?
She couldn’t bear the mental pressure when she tried to decide if he did.
The sky darkened and she had to go back. It was getting late and she was alone, so she quickly circled back to the hotel but hated the idea of going inside.
What and who awaited her?
Xavier called Karlee. Eventually, he found her phone thrown on the floor. It was in silent mode. She’d left it behind. Worry gnawed at him. Where could she possibly go? It was so unlike her to go out after dark without notice or taking her phone.
What the hell? Where was she? A sharp stab in his stomach made his worries more physical. He paced nervously but felt like he accomplished nothing. Grabbing his phone and key, he raced downstairs and searched the lobby. He consulted the front desk, and checked the bar and restaurant. No sign. No one at the pool, spa or workout room. He walked the grounds and the nearby streets for an hour but still nothing.
His growing fear colored his thoughts and a dreaded sense of unease overcame him. Where was Karlee and why didn’t she take her phone?
Stressed and tense, he hurried back to the room to call the police, her parents, and anyone else he could think of who might know how to track her down.
He stopped dead after bursting into their room. There she was.
He nearly dropped to his knees in relief. She was fine. Safe. Sitting on the bed. In the dark.
What the hell?
The drapes were still open and the city lights flashed white and yellow as they randomly crossed the room in shadowy shapes.
“Are you okay? I’ve been worried sick.”
“I’m fine. You were worried?” She lifted her eyes and her gaze drilled him, as unsmiling and stony-faced as he’d ever seen before. A different kind of nerves rippled through him. Obviously, she was angry at him. Maybe even furious. Cold as dry ice.
“Of course, I was.” Walking towards her, he stood a few feet back, putting his hands on his hips. “You left your phone behind and it’s dark outside and you’re in a strange city.”
“I had to take some time to think.”
“Okay. I’ll bite. Think about what? Obviously, you’re angry. Did I flirt too much last night? Or give you the impression I was watching one of the women after the show? I swear, no face comes to mind so I doubt I did. But I’m listening. Or I’ll listen if you have something to say. Or…” He shook his head. “Am I becoming the indulgent monster that you worry will be our downfall?”
“No. You were the perfect boyfriend. Huh? Weren’t you?”
“Were? Past tense? What are you mad about? Talk to me.” He straightened with the stress and tension. What the hell was going on? He was sure he didn’t do anything different last night. Not during the performance, or being with the crowd, or speaking to a few girls, nothing crazy by signing a couple of autographs. Nothing like what she often witnessed her stepdad wading through. Being jealous and acting insecure were not part of Karlee’s modus-operando. What the heck?
“Talk to me,” she snarkily mimicked him. Snorting, she added, “Always putting me first. Making me feel like you only have eyes for me. No matter what creature of perfection turns your head. Insisting that, although, I might not be the most physically ideal woman, I am the ideal woman for you. Only I could see and know the real you. Only I understood the Xavier who is afraid of needles and hates his father. Only I could help you achieve your dream and fulfill your potential. Only I could make you happy. You were astronomically good at doing all of that. Seriously. Kudos to you. You sold me one hundred percent. I was a firm believer. In you. In us. In all of this.” She whirled her hand around to indicate the hotel room.
“Karlee, what the hell are you talking about?” Growing angry now, Xavier’s mouth tightened and he stepped forward. She didn’t back up but jumped to her feet to put more space between them.
“You sought me out on purpose. Right? You saw me as the key to meet the great Rob Williams and Zenith. That uncanny resemblance in a younger version and better still, your voice was so much like his. I was the path you found to get there, huh?”
Xavier froze. What. In. The. Living. Hell? Where did this come from? How? Why now? What? He was so stunned he didn’t move and his mouth hung open in bewilderment.
“Karlee, what… what is this?”
“Don’t play dumb with me. That’s worse than the betrayal. Don’t insult me. You succeeded in your master plan, you duped me. I never suspected you. Not once. Damn. You were good.”
“Good at what?” he demanded. His stomach was cramping in sharp pain. She knew. How and why she knew seemed impossible. But she knew all the same. “Tell me exactly what you’re referring to.”
“You should have paid your daddy, Xavier. It would have only cost you a little bit of cash.”
He stopped his eyelids from slamming shut in confused defeat. Fuck. His father? How could his father know anything about his plan before he knew Karlee? “What did that lying piece of shit say to you? How did he say it? Karlee, he’s evil. He tried to blackmail me and bribe me in the course of two weeks. You witnessed it.”
She smiled sadly. “Oh, I know the truth of all that. He is horrible. Degenerate and disgusting. The way he talks…”
“How did he reach you?”
“Clever email titled, I’m Xavier’s dad. I looked at it and denied him any money. Then he showed me all kinds of evidence of his claims. He sent it just to hurt you… since I mean nothing to him.”
“I don’t know what he sent to you but, Karlee, you should know by now without a single doubt that I love you. I’m your boyfriend. If I only intended to use you, why would I keep this up? You know how we are and our experience belongs only to us. You are everything to me. I can’t deny that. And you can’t deny knowing that.”
She sucked in a sharp breath. “Oh. That’s what my long walk was all about. Deciding if one ugly, nasty plan with premeditation and ultimate betrayal is the real truth or the reality I believed and lived with you. The love and caring and growing we found together. Becoming best friends. At a minimum, I always believed we were that.”
He reached out, needing to touch her. Her skin and body were an anchor to him. “We are. All of that. I don’t know what he fabricated but he’s not above—”
