Skyville Boys Page 24

  I press my palm to his cheek. “Your parents will come around eventually. I know they will.”

  He places his hand over mine. “It’s my hope, too. But if they won’t, there’s nothing else I can do.” He pecks my nose. “I have the support and love of my friends. That’s all I need. And thanks for paying for my dance lessons. I was upset at first because you, a stranger, saw the fire inside me when my own parents refused to. I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I just want to do whatever I can to help make your dreams come true.”

  “Kara, you’re one of the kindest people on the planet. Thanks so much for believing in me.” He fastens his lips to mine.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Carter

  “Thanks for coming over, Kara. That smells delicious.” I take the bag of Chinese takeout from her and slip my free hand into hers, leading her into the house. “You didn’t have to.”

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  “Kara?”

  My siblings are all over her and the food she brought. When we’re done with the meal, I take Kara to my room. “I have a favor to ask.”

  “Sure.” She gets comfortable on the bed, and I wince a little at how low it sinks.

  I sit down next to her and puff out my cheeks. “I think…I think it’s time I contact my dad.”

  Her mouth hangs open. “That’s great.”

  “And I’d like you to be by my side. For moral support.”

  “Of course. I’ll help anyway I can.”

  I twirl my phone between my fingers, my chest expanding and contracting so fast I’m worried I’ll hurt myself. For a second, I’m not sure I’m even breathing. Or that I can breathe. But then Kara slides her hand into mine and gives it an encouraging squeeze.

  Taking another deep breath, I dial the number.

  He picks up on the third ring.

  “Hey. Um.” I cough. “Is this Jeremy Hill? It’s um. It’s Carter.” My eyes snap shut and I release another heavy breath.

  There’s a momentary pause before his familiar voice says, “Carter, is that really you?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Carter. My son.” His voice drowns with emotion. “How are you? How are your brother and sisters?”

  I’m not sure if he sounds genuine or is just putting up an act. And that kills me inside. “Do you really want to know? Or are you just being polite?”

  He responds without hesitation. “No, I really want to know. I’ve missed you guys.”

  My thigh starts to shake. “Really? Why have you ignored us all these years?”

  He sighs. “It’s complicated, son.”

  “I’m old enough to follow.”

  He sighs again. “I sense the anger in your voice. That’s fair.”

  “It’s not just anger. It’s hurt. Disappointment. Do you know how it’s been for us these past few years? Do you know Mackenzie and Kevin hardly eat?”

  The next sigh is shaky. “I know. And it pains me.”

  “No, it doesn’t. You know who it pains? Me. Mom. Because we have to see it every day. You just live your own life in bliss and don’t give a shit about us.”

  “That’s not true, Carter. Is that why you called? To remind me how much of a deadbeat I am?”

  I shut my eyes tight and regulate my breathing. “No. I promised myself I wouldn’t lose it on you. I’m just…I’m just…”

  “I understand. I’ve ruined your life. I’ve ruined your mother’s life. I’ve ruined your siblings’ lives.”

  “You have,” I agree. “But it’s not too late to change it. Look, I’ll never see you as the dad of my dreams. I don’t even know if we could be friends. But we need you. We can’t continue living this way.”

  “Your mother’s been asking me for money for months, but—”

  “To hell with your excuses,” I say. “You’re the husband. You’re the father. You made a promise to Mom the day you married her, that you’ll support her. And you’re responsible for every kid you brought into the world. So enough, Dad. Enough. Fix your life. Get a damn job. Take care of your kids. Stop wrecking our lives. Or we’ll end up just like you.”

  He’s quiet for a long time. I’m not sure if he hung up.

  Then I hear a sob. “Carter…”

  “No. You’re not going to guilt me or manipulate me like you do to Mom.”

  “I’m not trying to manipulate or guilt you. I’m proud of the man you’re growing up to be.”

  “Save it,” I say. “I don’t need your approval. I just need you to send some damn money so your young children could eat more than one proper meal a day. Can you do that?”

  “Yes,” he says. “I’ll promise to send over some money. Even if it’s just a hundred dollars. But I want more than that, Carter. I want my kids in my life.”

  “Maybe one day,” I say. “You have a lot of making up to do. Thanks for taking my call, Dad. Please send over the money as soon as you can.”

  I hang up and scrub a hand down my face. “Shit.”

  Kara wraps an arm around me, twisting me slightly so I can bury my face in her shoulder.

  “I blew it,” I say. “I told myself I wouldn’t yell at him.”

  “You did fine,” her gentle, sweet voice says. “I think you handled it well. Someone had to be firm with him.”

  I lift my head. “Do you think one day he can be the father we need him to be?”

  “Maybe,” she says. “You have to at least give him a chance.”

  I rest my head on her shoulder and she lays her head against mine. “Thanks for being with me, Kara. I don’t think I would have been able to do it without your support.”

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Jax

  Tonight is the night.

  Everyone is bustling backstage, shouting last minute things to each other. I weave through the crowd until I reach the girls’ dressing room. Kara, thankfully, is the only one there.

  She’s sitting in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. She’s dressed in the blue dress and her simpler wig is already on. This isn’t the first time seeing her in the dress—we’ve had two dress rehearsals—but I’m knocked off my feet every time. She’s the perfect Belle.

  She twists her neck toward me when the floor creaks beneath my feet. A large smile captures her lips. “Hi, Jax.”

  I flop down in the chair next to hers. “Nervous?”

  “Yeah.” She laughs lightly. “I can’t remember when I was this nervous.”

  Every part of me beats at her close proximity. I wish I could gather her in my arms and show her how much she means to me. But I’d ruin her makeup.

  I know. It’s a pathetic excuse.

  “Is there something else going on?” I ask when I note the troubled look in her eyes.

  Her eyes meet mine through the mirror. She sighs. “My agent called me last night. He wants me to audition for The Sound of Music. Liesl.”

  “The Sound of Music is coming back to Broadway?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Are you going to do it?” I ask.

  “I don’t know.” She fixes a part of her wig that doesn’t need to be fixed.

  “I see it in your eyes,” I say in soft tone. “How desperately you want it.”

  She slowly turns to look at me.

  “You don’t have to pretend in front of me. I know, Kara. I know you so well.”

  A hard swallow makes its way down her throat.

  I edge a little closer and take her hands. “Don’t be afraid. I know the asshole is still out there, but I wish you wouldn’t live in fear.”

  Her lower lip trembles. “I can’t imagine going through that again.”

  “You’re not alone,” I remind her. “You have your family and friends.”

  Her eyes search mine. “If I book, I’ll have to move back to New York.”

  “I know,” I whisper.

  “You’ll be fine with me leaving?”

  “No. But I want you to be happy. I don’t care about me, I jus
t care about you. Kara?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Will Carly be pissed if she has to fix up your makeup?”

  “I don’t know. Probably. Why?”

  “Because I’ve been dreaming about doing this for years.” I gingerly clasp my hands around her waist and tug her closer to me, pressing my lips to hers. She’s frozen for a second, totally caught off-guard, but then she falls into me and gently grips my hair, tugging on the strands. I’ve already styled my hair just right for Lefou, but screw that. I’m kissing the girl of my dreams.

  She’s so soft in my arms. Her lips so warm, inviting. Loving. I could spend the rest of my life kissing this girl and it wouldn’t be enough. Feels like my soul is dancing with hers.

  We pull apart, and I realize I did quite a number on her face. We both laugh. “I guess I should call Carly, huh?”

  “No.” Her fingers close over the back of my neck as she smiles. “Not yet.” She leans forward and swallows my lips with hers.

  We’d go on for hours, days, weeks, months, years, if not for Carly barging in and nearly busting all the lights with her shrill when she sees the state of our lead female star. She boots me out of the room and threatens to slit my throat if I dare step in again.

  I lean back against the wall and smile like I’m high. I can die a happy man now.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Kara

  I peek through the curtain and spot Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Kitty sitting in one of the first rows. Kitty catches sight of me and waves enthusiastically. I disappear backstage

  “This is the moment we’ve worked so hard for,” Miss Lewis announces. “I’m proud of each and every one of you. Your dedication and hard work will surely pay off tonight. Break a leg, everyone.”

  “Kara?” the familiar voice of Carter calls.

  “What are you doing on stage?” Miss Lewis hisses. “We’re two minutes to places!”

  “Sorry, just a sec.” He takes both hands in mine. “My whole family is here. Including my dad. Kara, did you pay for their tickets?”

  “No, I…okay, I did. Sorry, does that upset you?”

  “Are you kidding?” He gathers me in his arms, careful not to ruin my costume, wig, and makeup. “My siblings are so happy to see my dad. And he even looks decent. Thanks, Kara. I think you’ve helped bring my family together.”

  “Don’t give me the credit.” I stroke his cheek. “This was all you.”

  “Carter, if you don’t get your behind on that piano seat in the next five seconds—”

  “Okay, Miss Lewis. Sorry.” He blows me a kiss and scurries off stage.

  I wait backstage with Jax and the others as Ezra walks onto the stage. I have a feeling this night will be magical.

  ***

  The applause and cheers are almost deafening. The cast bows over and over again. The night was more than magical. It was out of this world.

  My heart bursts as I stare out at the audience. I remember this feeling far too well. I love it. I revel in it. This feeling makes me who I am. I’ve lost a big part of me the day I left New York City.

  When I enter the girls’ dressing room, I find a bouquet of flowers and a note.

  “I wonder who that’s from,” Kelsey says with a laugh. “Ezra, Carter, or Jax. I can’t believe you have the three of them wrapped around your finger.”

  There’s no hostility in her voice. I raise an eyebrow at the light glimmering on her face. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy, Kels.”

  She squeals and throws her arms around me. “I had such a blast! I was an amazing Mrs. Potts. But you know something?” She steps back to flash me a genuine smile. “You were an even better Belle. Sorry I was such a pain. And thanks for everything you taught me.”

  I wave my hand. “Please. I’ve gotten enough praise all night. Any more and my head might explode off my body.”

  “You deserve to be there, you know,” she says. “On Broadway. You’re one of the most talented people I know. And your voice is beyond anything I’ve ever heard. I’d hate you if I wasn’t so inspired by you.” She throws her arms around me. “So are you gonna read the note or what?”

  I unfold it.

  Kara,

  Congratulations on a wonderful performance. You are and always will be our shining star. Meet us in the backyard. We have a surprise for you.

  Love,

  Jax, Ezra, and Carter

  I’m all smiles as I undress and carefully hang the golden ball gown on a hook in the room. I study it for a few seconds, taking in its stunning beauty. Every part of me fills with warmth. Tonight’s performance restored something in my heart. It built me with a confidence and bravery I didn’t think I had inside me. That stalker took away a large part of me, but I got it back tonight. I don’t know if I’ll return to New York because he’s still out there somewhere, but he can’t take this amazing feeling away from me. He can’t take performing away from me. I’ll stay here and continue to perform, whether in the school production, my dance classes, vocals lessons, or at the nightclub. Maybe I’ll continue with my YouTube videos. Kara Starr has been reborn.

  I leave the girls’ dressing room and make my way past everyone to the school’s backyard. There really isn’t anything here, but I guess this would be the best place for privacy.

  The place is pitch black, save for a small lamppost that hardly gives any light. A chill runs down my spine. Something doesn’t feel right. Why would the guys ask me to meet them here? And where are they?

  “Kara Starr,” an ominous voice says from behind me.

  I whirl around and come face to face with a man, maybe in his mid-twenties, standing there with a large smiling cutting his face. His entire outfit is black.

  I stumble back and whimper, because I know exactly who this is.

  He grabs my arm, his grip so tight I cry out. “Yes, my lovely. I found you. You didn’t think you could hide from me, could you?”

  “Let me go,” I say. “Get the hell away from me!”

  “I was upset when you left New York.” He pouts. “Why did you run from me?”

  “I wasn’t running from you.” I try to snatch my arm away, but his grasp is too tight. “Why would I run away?”

  His face washes with relief. “Good. Now you can come with me and we can spend the rest of our lives together.”

  Every part of me is frozen. I manage to croak, “Why me? What do you want with me?”

  “What do you mean? I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you for the past five years.”

  “I’m only sixteen,” I say.

  “Age doesn’t matter to me.”

  “How did you find me?”

  “You think someone like you can hide from the media? A girl from your school posted a photo of you online weeks ago. I’ve been planning this for a long time, sweetheart. I’ve seen the way those other guys look at you. You’re mine, do you hear? Now come, I have a nice house waiting for us. And you don’t have to worry about performing. The only audience you need is me.”

  He starts dragging me away.

  “Let me go!” I cry. I knee him in the stomach.

  He curses, but doesn’t loosen his grip. “Why do you have to be so difficult?” He shakes me. “Don’t make me hurt you.”

  “Help!” I cry, but he slams his hand over my mouth.

  He continues dragging me away, to a car that’s hidden under a tree almost invisible from sight. I thrash my arms, my legs, try to yell for help. But it’s all useless.

  Suddenly, the guy is knocked off his feet. He tumbles to the ground, taking me down with him. Strong hands wrap around me and lift me off the floor. I twist my head around. “Jax?”

  Ezra kicks the guy in the ribs, once, twice, three times. Carter gives him his own whack before whipping out his phone and dialing 911. The guy tries to overpower Ezra, but he’s no match for his muscles. Ezra keeps him pinned to the ground.

  Jax’s lips brush across my temple as he holds my shuddering body securely in his arms.
“It’s okay,” he whispers. “You’re safe now.”

  I fall into his arms and weep. “How did you know?”

  “We looked for you in your dressing room and found the note.” He kisses the top of my head.

  It’s not long before everyone finds out about this. My parents, Grandma, and Kitty hurry to my side just as the police cars pull up.

  “Is that…?” Mom asks, her frantic eyes locked on the guy still pinned under Ezra. He mutters under his breath how he and I are meant to be together, which gets him a punch from Ezra.

  I nod. “It’s him.

  She marches over and yells, “You stay away from my daughter. If you try to contact her again, I swear I’ll—”

  Dad wraps an arm around her and pulls her way before she can finish her threat.

  The rest of the night is spent answering police questions. I tell the guys to go home as soon as they give their statements. They’re reluctant, but they agree when they see I’m in good hands. By the time we get home, we’re so exhausted that we fall on the living room couch and recliners.

  “What a night.” Grandma shakes her head.

  “I’m sorry he ruined your night, honey,” Mom says.

  “He didn’t. I’m glad he’s caught and it’s finally over, but I won’t let him take away my night. I’m done letting him take anything from me.”

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Kara

  I join Carter at the piano in the school’s auditorium. He’s playing a new tune now, one that enters my soul and makes me feel like I’m floating to the clouds.

  His fingers stop as he glances at me. “How are you doing, Kara?”

  “I’m okay.”

  He searches my eyes. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m a little traumatized,” I admit. “And I don’t know how long it’ll be until I can finally sleep through the night. But I’m okay. I’m glad he’s been arrested and can’t hurt anyone else.”

  He’s quiet as he continues playing the tune. Then he says, “I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life.” He squeezes his eyes shut. “I care so much about you, Kara. You’ve done so much for me and my family. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”