Faded (Rock Star Trilogy)

“Get a shower so we can go home.”
    I laugh with her. “Fine!”
    Alec smacks my butt as I start to walk up the stairs. “It is about time somebody talks some sense into you.”
    I roll my eyes, but smile.
    I missed Alec, too.
    After a quick shower, I throw my hair up into a messy, wet bun, and get dressed. I just put on a pair of skinny jeans, and an Alec Torch concert t-shirt. I've had the shirt since I was fifteen, so it's a little worn. Alec signed it, but over time the permanent black marker has faded and you can hardly see his signature anymore.
    Alec laughs when I come downstairs. “Wow. It's been a while since that tour.”
    “I think we are due for another tour together.”
    “After you graduate,” he promises. “I'll have my manager book a summer tour. We have got to promote your new CD.”
    I look at him cautiously. “What new CD?”
    He grins. “The one that I'm producing for you. Be prepared for long nights in the studio, honey.”
    “Are you serious?” My voice may have just gone up an octave.
    He nods. “One hundred percent. And Bridgett is overseeing the project. She wants to make sure the CD is you .”
    I let out a squeal. “Bridgett?” I’m not sure if I’m more shocked or excited.
    She smiles. “As your manager, I have to make sure than the album is up to par.”
    And just like that, my bad day turns amazing. I'm speechless, and I honestly don't know what to say. For the first time in my life, I feel amazing about my future. I have something to look forward to. With my best friend and sister by my side, I could easily take over the world.
    Except, of course, one thing is missing.
    Stephan Montgomery is missing .
     
    Hope, Florida
    5:53 PM
    Touch my sister, and die.
     
    Between the four-hour flight, and the three-hour time difference, it's almost six o'clock when we land at the airport. And I swear Alec is worse than a girl. He has five suitcases, and he's already talking about all the stuff he's going to have to buy because he couldn't pack everything.
    “How long are you staying with me, again?” I ask him.
    “As long as it takes,” is his reply. “Probably two or three months.”
    Fuck. The next two or three months are going to be very long.
    As we pull up to my house, I try not to focus on the fact that Stephan is less than five hundred feet away from me. I just keep focusing on the fact that I'm home . With Bridgett and Alec! And as much as I want to run into his arms, I know he’s probably very mad at me. I can only take one step at a time.
    Plus, I don't want to think too far ahead. There is a lot of crap I have to deal with that I just don't want to , one of the things being my parents. I have to deal with them soon, but right now, I can't. I'm not strong enough.
    When we get inside, I show Alec to his room, which he complains about. I have a feeling that he is going to complain about a lot of things. “Your house is too small for three people.”
    He's just mad because he has to cross the hallway to get to his bathroom.
    “You're welcome to stay at the Holiday Inn,” I suggest.
    He rolls his eyes, and makes a gagging sound. “I'm Alec Torch. I don't stay at the Holiday Inn.”
    I laugh, because I know that Alec is never going to be the same after living in Hope. “Stop being a spoiled brat.”
    I hear Bridgett behind me. “The Holiday Inn isn't that bad. Trust me, I've stayed at a lot worse.”
    When Alec sees Bridgett, he blushes a little.
    What?
    Oh my God, how cute. ALEC FREAKING BLUSHED !
    “Well, I wouldn't be opposed to going to the Holiday Inn if you were there,” Alec flirts with Bridgett, and I gasp.
    “ Touch my sister, and die .”
    Alec laughs for half a second, and then he sees that I am not joking. The smile quickly fades from his face. I look at Bridgett who looks like she's ready to bolt out of the room, and then back at Alec.
    “I was kidding, Scarlett.” He quickly clarifies.
    “I wasn't.” I glare at him. “My sister is off limits.”
    Bridgett starts laughing, and then grabs my hand. “Come on, Scar. Let him unpack. You have some apologizing to do anyway.”
    I let Bridgett pull me from the room, but I stop her once we reach the stairs. “Who am I apologizing too?” I already know the answer before I ask, but I have to confirm.
    “A brown haired, green-eyed boy, who happens to be your boyfriend .”
    She tries to pull me forward, but my feet stay firmly in place. “I can't.”
    She narrows her eyes. “Yes, you can. And you