Juliet is a confident curvy girl with a sharp tongue and a sassy fun loving attitude who runs a pizza shop with her sister. Jude is a frontman in a rock band with a hard edge but boyish good looks and a retro style. The two couldn't be more different, and from opposite worlds. A chance encounter brings them together for one explosive night neither will soon forget. Jude is forced to take a hard look at his life and question where he wants it to go while trying to decide on the future of his band. Follow along in this cute short story of how love comes in all forms. This is a simple and straight-forward easy to read feel good series about everyday people finding love in the most unsuspecting of places! We all have our issues, insecurities but can we open up and allow ourselves to be vulnerable to the right person? **This is a five part series that follows a hard rock band called Feisty and the five men who are its trail blazers, taking the world by storm while looking for love. Love finds them in some of the most unlikely places, but for one it’s been under his nose all along. A new book will come out about every six weeks until they are complete, enjoy!** This is a five part mini-series and the stories continue in order but can be read as individual stand-alone books. This part one, Judes story.
View More~Juliet’s Point of View~
“I’m seriously done for the damn night, don’t call me I won’t answer,” I said, as I threw my apron on the counter and grabbed my purse.
Jakob gave me a salute as he went to answer the phone that never stops ringing. Job security, he would say. But tonight I was over it.
I’d been at my restaurant for thirteen painfully long hours, not uncommon for a Saturday. But tonight I was stuck here way later than usual. I grimaced at the clock in my car as I threw myself in, 12:01am. My whole body ached in every place imaginable and all I wanted was a long soak in the tub.
I owned a pizza shop and bakery in Charlotte, North Carolina with my sister Jada and her husband Jakob, and they were pretty much my only friends. Yup, I was turning the big 3-0 in a few months, I had no friends and lived in my sister’s guesthouse. Pathetic huh?
If I had a life I’d be at the Feisty concert tonight, a hard rock band that was playing at the stadium a few miles away. Well, in all fairness I did try to get tickets but they had sold out within about an hour of going on sale. The bottom line was that had I somehow managed to score seats, I would have had to go alone. Instead, us three owners were busting our asses so a lot of the staff could go. I had no clue how they were able to get tickets.
Jada was eight and a half months preggo and Jakob was the biggest workaholic out of the three of us, opting to pretty much spend all his weekends overseeing Cross Roads, our little slice of the world. We had this crazy pipe dream to open our own shop about seven years ago and it was pretty tough those first years but we got a following and then blew up. Now at peak lunch and dinner times we have a line down the block to get in.
We had just been a grab and go place for a long time but two years ago we were doing so well we bought the building next door, blew out a wall and put in seating which forced us to triple our staff but the money poured in.
Not bad for a culinary school dropout, a mad baker who just winged it … never using a recipe … and then me, a curvy girl with a spicy mouth that had no real direction in her life. The American dream was at work with our little team.
I normally don’t deal with people or food. My mouth, sarcasm and short fuse don’t usually mix well with the general public. Half the time I’m holed up in a dimly lit office in the back, handling the books, website, advertising and social media. We have over three million followers on I*******m, since my sharp tongue with some of our reviews has become a phenomenon. I get requests all the time for interviews or to show my face when I do a live broadcast but I never do it. Jada and Jakob are the face of Cross Roads and I tend to keep it that way.
I’d just peeled myself out of a nice long soak in my jetted tub when the dreaded phone rang. A quick glance at the screen told me it was 12:42am, and the caller was Jada. I was damn tempted not to answer but she is my sister after all.
“Juliet! Oh thank god. I need you,” she moaned, and it made me jolt.
“Are you okay? Is it the baby,” I snapped, suddenly very concerned. She was nearly 36 weeks, but it was way too early!
“Yeah, I think but could be false labor, not sure. Look we got a massive fucking order, twenty pies and wings, all kinds of shit like $600 worth. I was going to deliver it but well I’m delivering something else apparently. You’ll need the van. I left it out back with the keys in and got an Uber,” she said, out of breath.
“Where are you? I thought Jakob didn’t let you deliver after 10,” I said, questioning.
Jada and I were too much alike, we both did and said what we wanted and there was no way around it. Poor Jakob always took it in stride but I knew we could be a bit much at times. During the day she stayed back in the kitchen, whipping up a plethora of baked goodies that helped contribute to the fact that I was happily plump. Overweight or not I was still sorta fit since I did run around the place a chunk of the day. I dealt with the mail, banking and all that.
“He doesn’t like me to, but we’re so short with the concert duh. Hector got a damn ticket speeding around tonight, trying to get all the deliveries done. I told him we’d pay for it. But that was an unhappy customer whose stuff was late and cold, probably will be a bad review,” she groaned.
Can’t please everyone, I dare them to say some negative shit, I’ll squash them.
“But where ARE you physically located at this moment in time bitch,” I snapped again, fumbling around to get some panties on. I had to do laundry and only had some sexy pairs clean that would probably ride up but there was no time. I usually only wore my nakee time knickers when I wasn’t planning on wearing them too long.
“I’m pulling up to the hospital now, calm your balls. Jakob kicked everyone out and he’s got the order ready to go. I just need you to carry it over to the hotel, it’ll probably be a fat tip too, it's already paid with a credit card … come on Juliet get your ass up, love you auntie,” she said, hanging up.
I groaned and tossed on a basic wine colored stretchy knee length house dress and flip flops, I didn’t need to win a beauty contest. My pride protested that I should at least put my Spanx on but there was no time. It was a miracle I caged the girls in a bra. I tossed my damp hair in a bun on top of my head and didn’t bother with make-up.
Thankfully we lived less than five minutes from the restaurant, but it took me four trips to get everything in the van. Was this for a damn party or something? At 1 in the morning? I just shook my head.
Between concerts, sporting events and all kinds of other things, there was never a shortage of happenings going on. Another reason we stayed so busy. My bank account wasn’t complaining but I would certainly be going through some resumes on Monday because we need more help ASAP.
I made my way to the hotel and immediately saw several large … tour buses. Oh fuck me. Is this … for the band? My stomach immediately did flips, my mind wandered a million miles a second. Was I … about to meet Feisty?
The immediate picture you get when you hear the name is that of their front man and lead guitarist, Jude Stone. He’s absolutely like the James Dean of our time. Just classically handsome without even trying. His jet black hair is a stark contrast against his green eyes, which are famous all over the world for tantalizing women. The guy was like the Gene Simmons of my generation, and probably had kids in every time zone he didn’t even know about. Never met a vagina he didn’t like.
I snatched a $50 bill out of my wallet and shoved it into my bra, opting not to take in my purse since there was already enough to carry. I did however have pockets on my dress and I dropped my keys in one.
I quickly bribed the hotel security guard into helping me get everything on to a cart and coming up with me. To a penthouse suite. Ohh fuck it IS for them, I just know it. I ran back out to move the van into a real parking spot since I was blocking the door and suddenly felt like a hot mess.
As the elevator moved my palms grew sweaty. Well when a chubby girl is nervous everything sweats. At least I was freshly bathed and had put on deodorant. I shifted on my feet, my thighs were rubbing together and scolding me for not wearing one of the girdles I never leave the house without. Oh what does it matter, no one is going to look twice at me or my muffin top!
Would I actually see the band or maybe just some of their lackeys? Shit, even their drummer, Lukas Trent is known the world over to be fine as hell. He was just on the cover of Rolling Stone for a solo project he’s dropping later this month after this tour ends. His first single was already out and it was pure sex, if I could manage to find someone to do it with I would certainly play that during! And yeah … I may follow them online just a bit. By a bit I mean all of their individual social medias and their official website.
“It’s down at the end,” the guard said, as he pushed the cart out.
There were people littering the halls on both sides. Were they groupies or roadies? Both? Did the band rent the whole damn floor? They must have. I kept my head mostly down and cringed at the slight flapping of my cheap flip-flops that I could just hear over various music coming from some open doors.
I got to the door that the guard indicated, took a deep breath and knocked. Hold it together Juliet, hold your shit together! Professional!
The door flew open to reveal a very tattooed and shirtless Corey Pierce, their bass player. He had on combat boots and tight black jeans. I could swear I felt my clit literally pulse. He was sweaty and reeked of booze. I licked my lips and tried to slap myself into reality.
“Did you order from Cross Roads,” I asked, trying not to seem phased.
I mean hell, I’ve met most of the Panthers roster and the Hornets, they love our place, why was this a big deal? We had celebrities in all the time and they loved me, I always managed to snag photos. Fuck, why didn’t I bring my phone!!
“Sure did, we’re fucking starving! Thanks a million,” he said, as a horde of people stormed us, grabbing at anything they could, damn near knocking me over.
He licked his lips and stepped toward me, I froze like an idiot.
“I know it’s late so thanks doll,” he said, handing me a wad of cash. I quickly looked at my hand to see at least five hundred dollar bills. I gulped and stuffed the cash in my pocket.
“Not a problem, actually if you wanted to thank me you’d give us a shout out on your I*******m,” I said, smiling and trying to put my business hat on.
“Oh yeah! I’ve had your stuff before you know, we’ve been like on tour continuously for years,” he said, snatching a slice from a box someone walked around with.
“Happy to hear it, sorry I missed the show tonight. We let a lot of the employees be off so they could go,” I said, wanting him to know I was an owner.
“Nice, you run the place,” he asked, actually still talking to me as he ate.
“Part owner actually, Juliet Cook,” I said, holding out my hand.
He smiled and wiped his greasy hand on his pants before shaking mine. His hands were rough and large, but warm.
He touched me.
Corey Pierce … touched me.
“You should hang out,” a voice said, pushing past him.
I gulped as I took in their also half naked rhythm guitarist, Trey Comstock. He was relatively low profile when compared to the rest of the guys but damn he was a sight for sore eyes. Eyes that hadn’t seen a male naked in over a year. I had a horrible encounter with Tinder, it’s a long story.
“Yeah Cook right? Cookie! Everyone this is Cookie,” Corey shouted and I was instantly mortified.
Yeah, the fat girl is cookie. Hardly the first time in my life someone came up with the nickname, but among a bunch of hot as fuck celebrities it was hardly the time I would like to have it used. Why didn’t I just leave it at my first name?! My good mood immediately soured and against every ounce of better judgment, I took a step back.
“Actually it’s really late and I’ve had a hell of a day, so just enjoy. Look forward to your post though,” I smiled, as Corey nodded, snatching another slice.
Fuck I must be out of my MIND leaving. But Jada … I had to check on Jada, or so I told myself.
“Nice meeting you Cookie, thanks again,” he said, as he shut the door.
I turned to see the guard and the cart were gone and most of the people had dispersed, likely gone to their rooms to eat.
I went from literally feeling high as a kite at getting to meet every girl’s wet dreams to feeling like the chubby size 14 that everyone saw me as. I made a face and turned on my heel, mumbling to myself.
I made it a few steps when a door opened and a man stepped out, blocking my path. The bright and dark colors of his arms mesmerized me.
“Damn baby, you’re exactly what I need. A real woman,” a voice said, making me look up.
Fuck … me.
Just inches from me stood Jude Stone, without a shirt and his leather pants undone. My eyes followed down his chest to see … the base of his penis just peeking out. Suddenly his colorful tattooed hands and arms were around my body and my feet were moving with him. His weight crushed to my chest, his lips catching me completely off guard. He smelled like the strong but subtle cologne of a real man, some sweat mixed in … but with a side of sin. My ovaries practically jumped out of my uterus.
He was warm and tasted like whiskey, was this real?
~Juliet’s Point of View~ Slade had a freakin' unbelievable house, very California, something you would see on MTV Cribs. He had a sound system that seemed to play all over the place at a low volume and I hummed along to Prince's "1999" as we walked outside to a massive patio with a huge table all set up with food. I didn’t have a clue what was going on, but it seemed like nobody else did either. I was just heavily enjoying it all. Slade had a massive spread with everything you could want, and a chef in the kitchen constantly bringing out more. Fuck I would need a trainer again if I kept this up … but for tonight I’ll allow it. “Explain,” Slade said, tapping on the table and staring down Trey. Trey looked like he’d seen a ghost. He ran his hands through his hair and sighed. I was just grateful the focus was on someone else. I knew we’d have to bring up all my shit at some point but I welcomed the distraction. “About … shit, I don't know … eight years ago now I uhm, met this chick a
~Jude’s Point of View~ Jada and Jakob agreed it was best to close their shop for a few days, the publicity was just too much and while I offered to help cover the employee’s salaries for those days they declined. Slade had the Outlaws making rounds past Cross Roads over night, just to make sure no one did anything stupid. Slade always surprised me with the people he knew, but it shouldn't be too shocking anymore. Nobody could get along with literally everybody, but somehow Slade did. I absolutely hated this shit for Juliet’s family but it was just going to be something that had to run its course. Juliet wanted to continue with our plans to go out of town, which I had mixed feelings about doing. I wanted her to have the distraction, but the optics of us going out to enjoy our good lives may not be best. Really though, it wasn’t like she asked for this, and it wasn’t like the asshole didn’t deserve it. There was no way of knowing what he might have done. Clearly he didn’t have good in
~Juliet’s Point of View~ “I think we should let him in,” I said, rushing back to the kitchen. They both still just eyeballed me casually, not even phased. “Is he hot,” Jada asked, raising her eyebrow. “I obviously don’t know him personally, Jada,” I snapped. How could she not be concerned at this point?? Every single hair on my body was at attention and there was a rotten feeling in my gut. My phone rang again, again I silenced it. I put my hands on my hips as I saw something move in the backyard out of the corner of my eye. A figure. Someone’s fucking out there! No chance the biker got back there this fast since he parked on the street. “Get the fuck upstairs,” Jake shouted, throwing his bowl in the sink and smashing it. We all ran and I fumbled to call Slade back as my feet pounded the steps. Suddenly the sound of glass breaking and shattering, then the alarm going off broke out into the air. "Juliet!! I know you're in there," I heard, as my heart thundered in my ears.
~Juliet’s Point of View~ Jude was certainly right about the paps doing whatever they could to weasel into our world. They posed as customers at Cross Roads every day, grilling the staff and whoever else for information. There was a clause in the NDA’s that if anyone sold information on Jude or I that we could sue them for three times whatever they were paid. Clearly trying to snag a couple hundred dollars would hardly be worth it to anyone, not to mention losing a good job. I was pleased to find that the employees toyed with the paps, but that was it. Jude came in one night to eat with me and that was quite a scene but it gave the vultures what they wanted. Jada, Jakob and Janelle even joined us, posing for a few photos. We’d had to bring his security guard and it would take some getting used to that we had a shadow. Taylor wasn’t thrilled about getting more responsibility and giving up the “fun stuff” but I told him if it got to be too much I’d either come back more or we’d get a
~Jude’s Point of View~ The whole ride home from the Cook’s house, Juliet was quiet and I needed to let her process whatever was in her head. I knew my life growing up was fucked, my parents were barely around. But her parents were right fucking there, with her everyday. But completely not there. I don’t know if I could believe it without seeing it. What a mind fuck. I needed to do something to sweep this beautiful woman off her feet. I absolutely needed her to know I was here for her, I would give her anything and everything. Clearly for Juliet that wasn’t shoes, handbags or shit from a store. It took every ounce of restraint not to flip out on her parents when they went on about that damn cat. Her incredible daughter is sitting right here, in front of them bearing part of her soul. Their granddaughter is feet away. They couldn’t care less. My heart broke for Juliet, not just for today but for the fact that this has happened her whole life. I absolutely had a new appreciation for
~Juliet’s Point of View~ “Wanna talk about it,” Jude asked, as we pulled away from the grocery store. He held my hand and stroked the back of it. I made a face but went ahead and gave him the low down, more than the condensed version I’d already told him. I explained about that last day, how I felt empowered. I felt like I was taking back control of my life. While I had spent all those years convinced I was in an equal partnership, it was clear I wasn’t. I was completely a housewife to Marcus the whole time we were together. He never washed clothes, dishes, or cleaned up. I had grown up so used to seeing my mom do all those things, maybe for a while I just assumed it was the woman’s duty. Or some shit. But he used me, all the time. He used me to look cool to his friends, he used me so he wouldn’t be alone. So he wouldn’t have to do all that shit for himself. Looking back now I realized we always went where he wanted for trips, even for dinner. I just went along with it all and ne
~Juliet’s Point of View~ For me, going back to my hometown is always a good idea … until I get there. Jada had to be at the shop since Monday is one of her busiest days and it would have been weird for Jakob to come without her. I instead brought Janelle because I felt like I needed something. Some buffer. Who doesn’t love a baby anyhow? Okay maybe it was a cowardly move, but I needed someone else. Even a non-verbal drooler that would likely sleep the whole time would do. “Why do I feel absolute panic and stress radiating off of you,” Jude asked, as he drove. He said it was too weird for me to drive him, and I wasn’t complaining. It was taking some getting used to having someone open my doors, think and plan things along with me. But so far I was loving it. Okay it’s not like it had been all that long with his help and input … but still. I was glad I at least got a new car last year, if he was behind the wheel of my tiny ass Ford Fiesta that would certainly be something. He looke
~Juliet’s Point of View~ RING RING RING “Excuse me,” Jude said, looking down at his phone. He got up and wandered outside, looking every bit a model even in an old Anthrax t-shirt and basketball shorts. Still absolutely mouth watering. “Helllllo,” Jada said, waving her hand in front of me. “Yep,” I said, turning my attention back to my dear sister. “You’ve fallen for him like a fucking body sleeping with the fishes,” she said, making me laugh. Jada is always graphic, in the weirdest but best ways. It certainly breaks up the day. I watched as Jakob took the baby away to get a bath. “I’m just nervous you know? There’s not been anyone you’ve been serious about since Marcus. It’s been a long time since you looked at anyone like that. I’m just--” I cut her off. “You don’t think I know? Of course I’m terrified he’ll break my heart. But what can I do? He’s asked me to keep an open mind, to be in the moment with him. I’m sure he’s on with his manager or publicist right now finalizing
~Jude’s Point of View~ “I’ll give you all the cash I have if you’ll drive me to Charlotte tonight,” I said, jumping into my Uber. The kid turned around, he couldn’t be more than 20. “What are we talking about dude,” he said, interested. I fumbled around in my wallet and counted out $800. It was probably cheaper than a last minute plane ticket. I hadn’t told Juliet but I had planned to come back, I left all my crap mostly at the hotel in Charlotte and extended my stay by a week. I just had a small backpack with me. “You got it man, must be going to see about a girl huh,” he said, laughing and grabbing his GPS. “Absolutely, and she’s more than worth it,” I said, leaning back. I was still way too keyed up from the show to drive myself, and I’d had a fight with Slade about bringing Gavin with me. What the hell would he do while I was with my girl? He’d heard/seen me with women before but with Juliet? No way, some things are just fucking private. The band and everyone called me nuts
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