Free Rocked All Night (BBW New Adult Rock Star Romance) by Clara Bayard Page A

it means a lot that you get that.”
    He sighed. “I always have, Becca. And I know I’m an asshole to everyone, but it really isn’t personal. I’m just…”
    “An asshole,” she replied, laughing. “I know that.”
    “Yeah. Well, that probably isn’t going to change, but you’re kind of like family now, right? So I’m the jerk everyone tolerates and ignores.” His voice was light and casual, but the deeper emotion behind the words was clear. Rick would never be a sweet, cuddly guy. But he could admit when he was wrong and that meant a lot.
    “Okay.”
    “So, anyway, you get back to work and I’ll do the same. Oh, and one other thing. Whatever Dex did, forgive him. He’s an idiot but it tears him up when you’re mad at him.”
    “I…okay. Thank you.”
    He strolled out of the room and right into my path.
    “Hey.”
    I grinned. “Hey yourself.”
    “How much of that did you just hear?”
    “Enough. Come with me.” I grabbed his hand and dragged him down the hallway.
    “Where are we going?”
    “To the bathroom. I’m feeling very much in the mood for some fun suddenly.”
    “Wait, what? Last night you liked me being rude and broody. Now I’m barely nice for a second and you like that too?”
    “I’m a complicated girl. Just go with it.”
    He chuckled. “Whatever gets me laid, sweetheart.”
    “Stop talking before I change my mind and leave you to your own devices in a broom closet, jackass.”
    *
    By the time that night’s rehearsal was over, I was close to collapsing. A great day, to be sure, but a long one. And, having satisfied my need for Rick with a quickie in a restroom backstage, I could go to bed alone and actually sleep. The morning would bring another long day and I wanted to be well-rested for a change.
    So, I went back to my dressing room, changed back into my street clothes and was packing up my bag to leave when someone knocked on my door.
    “Come in,” I called reluctantly.
    “Julia, I’m glad you’re still here,” my mother said. She walked into the room and stood in the middle, under the light fixture as if on stage.
    I considered making a snotty comment about how in that light I could see her age and her roots coming in, but managed to keep it to myself.
    “What’s up, Mom?”
    “I was trying to get you earlier, but so much to do.”
    “Sure.”
    “Well, I got you something.” She reached in her pocket and pulled out a small velvet pouch.
    I groaned. “Please tell me you didn’t waste money we don’t have on expensive stage jewelry. You know I don’t care about that shit.”
    She held out her hand. “It wasn’t expensive. And it isn’t for the stage.”
    I took the pouch, confused, and struggled to undo the knot holding it closed. Whatever was inside was small enough to fit in the palm of my hand, but has some weight to it. “What is it?”
    She smiled and smoothed down her hair. “It’s not worth much, I don’t think. But it’s been in the family for a long time and…well, it’s yours, now. Just don’t bother trying to pawn it. Everything that could get a good price left with your father or got sold off at some point when we were fighting to keep the house.”
    I flinched at the mention of the really hard times from my childhood. I gave my mother a hard time about only caring about my career, but the truth is, she had to. Every penny she earned had gone to lessons and classes and costumes and instruments until I started making enough to support us both. And, beneath the resentment I had towards her, I did appreciate the sacrifices.
    “Well, you didn’t need to get me anything.”
    “Of course I did,” she insisted. “I’m your mother. And this is a huge occasion. Maybe I don’t gush over you like other parents but I’m very proud of what we…what
you
have accomplished. The hard work it took to get you back on top of the world where you belong.
    I smiled and finally managed to open the pouch. I turned it upside down over my hand and a