I walk into school on Monday in a daze. Everything is different today. This past weekend, my world completely shifted and then it shattered.
Put one foot in front of the other Cadence. Don’t stop.
Dutch isn’t here, but Sol is.
He stops me in the hallway. “Cadence, can I talk to you later?”
I nod, averting my eyes and wondering if he can see the marks that Dutch left on me. Wondering if he can smell Dutch on me still.
He doesn’t though. He looks troubled. I wonder what he wants to talk about.
When we near the hallway for music class, I see a crowd of students craning their necks, trying to look inside. Two grizzly bouncers are stationed at the doors leading into the room.
My lips tighten when I near the crowd. They’re all whispering, cell phones raised and eyes glinting with hero worship.
Is there a celebrity inside?
I stumble forward and try to look into the class too, but there are too many people in my way.
“You.” One of the bouncers points me out of the group.
The crowd parts.
I press two hands into my chest. “Me?”
He glances at a little clipboard, holds it up to my face and closes one eye. Then he nods. “You’re in this class.”
“I am.”
“Show me your ID card.”
I hold it up to him.
He scans it and steps aside, admitting me into the room. Sol is behind me. The class is buzzing with quiet whispers, laughter, and excitement. Every eye is pinned on someone who’s standing near the front of the room.
I stumble in my tracks when I see him.
Jarod Cross.
With his messy hair, twinkling eyes, and arms full of tattoos, he looks as out of place as a nun in a strip club. What is he doing here?
“Cadence. Sol.” He crosses the room with a big smile. “Sorry for the fuss at the door. I thought it was important to keep some structure. We’re not trying to disrupt your learning time here.” He leans close and winks. “But it’s a bit of a hassle, isn’t it?”
“Uh…”
He flashes me another smile and I can tell instantly that the Cross boys got their charm from their father. He might be pushing fifty, but the rockstar still oozes charisma and sex appeal.
“Take a seat. We’re about to begin.”
“Begin what?” I ask.
“Class.” He steps back and tilts his chin up, reminding me of Dutch when he feels particularly pleased with himself. “I’m your new music instructor.”
My jaw drops.
A round of whoops and applause breaks out from the rest of the class.
Jarod extends his hand, biceps rippling. “It’s only for two months.”
A chorus of groans resound.
“But,” he lifts a finger, “I’m going to stuff five years’ worth of information in these short few weeks. So get ready.” His eyes slide over the class and land on me. “I won’t go easy on you.”
It’s not an empty threat.
Jarod moves at warp speed, jumping through music theory to practical assessments and finally to tips about performing on stage.
“It’s all about drawing the audience in with you,” he says, prowling the class like it’s his own sold-out stadium. “You’re selling them something. Selling them a dream. And it’s your job to believe that dream first.”
The melody chimes, signaling the end of class.
Jarod eases into a lopsided smile. “Well, that’s it for now.”
Groans break out in the room.
I’m equally disappointed. There’s no denying Jarod Cross’s artistry. He’s the hope of every musician—being able to make money living off your art. Not everyone can do that. Not everyone can even dream of that.
I stuff my notebook into my bag and rise. When I look up, I notice Jarod Cross motioning to me.
My peers give me envious glances.
Sol slants me that heavy look that makes me wonder if he ran over someone’s cat lately.
Everyone spills out.
It’s just me and Jarod left.
“Hey, Cadence.” The rockstar leans against the teacher’s desk and crosses his long legs at the ankles. “I noticed my boys weren’t in attendance today.” He makes a circular motion with his fingers. “Are they always like that?”
I squeeze the strap of my bag.
“Don’t feel uncomfortable.” Jarod sees my reaction and dips his head, causing his wavy locks to tumble into his eyes. “I’m just trying to get a lay of the land.”
“I don’t really pay attention to those guys,” I answer vaguely.
Why am I protecting Dutch and not admitting he attends when he wants to? I have no idea. But ratting him out to his dad doesn’t feel like the right play here.
Jarod folds his arms over his massive chest. The ink on his forearms bend and contract along with his muscles.
“Mulliez didn’t tell me the details when he asked me to vouch for you. He only said something about there not being enough scholarship spots and that if anyone was going home, it shouldn’t be a talent like you.”
I blush. “Mr. Mulliez is being generous.”
“Nah.” Jarod tilts his head back as if he’s recalling a memory. “Mulliez never backs anyone he doesn’t believe in. Trust me.” His eyes return to mine. “You’re graduating next spring, right? What do you plan to do after?”
I dig my fingers into my bag. A cold sweat breaks out thanks to the dreaded ‘what are your plans for the future’ question. I think of my mother and the warning she gave me.
“I don’t really have any plans.”
“If you’re not sure yet, I have a proposal for you.” Jarod leans forward.
I lean back, my pulse skittering.
“I’d like to offer you a full ride scholarship to my university alma mater. You can study music and get your degree in something you love.” He straightens up. “In exchange, I want you to work for me.”
“Work for you? Doing what?”
He motions me closer.
I freeze, my heart pounding.
He makes the ‘come forward’ motion again.
I take a hesitant step. And then another.
Jarod whispers, “I’d like you to spy on my son.”
Jinx: Can Two Kings Exist In One Kingdom?
Whether it’s an early morning rendezvous or an after-class private meeting, it looks like New Girl is in high demand with Redwood’s royal family.
The OG Bad Boy himself came back to Redwood in all his seasoned rockstar glory. Inquiring minds want to know. What did New Girl and her fairy god-father have to discuss all by their lonesome after class? Does it have anything to do with why the hunky Solar System, the mysterious new return to Redwood Prep, seemed so defeated today?
There’s one thing you can count on. I’ll be sure to find out.
Until the next post, keep your enemies close and your secrets even closer.
– Jinx
