Wow it's been a long time since I updated!
I'm really sorry about that. things have just been really busy lately! But I have a new chapter today
I apologize in advance if it's crap
Rating: I'll say PG13 for language.
Disclaimer: I don't own U2. Don't know them. This is all fiction. Much to my utter disappointment.
heehee
I hope you all enjoy!
Exit Chapter 18
"You slept with Bono." Adge asked looking totally shocked as we sat in her and Edge's room enjoying an afternoon cup of tea. She stared at me with wide eyes. "Did I hear you right?"
"Yeah you did..." I nodded, wringing my hands around my tea mug and watching Adge anxiously. I'd decided to tell her quick and just get it over with but now I was worried I should have found some other way.
Adge sipped her tea staring off at the blank T.V. screen. I couldn't tell if she was about to start crying, scream, or stab me with a butter knife. All of which I'd rather not have occur. But telling her was a load off of my mind. I only hoped that while I was doing this Bono was with Adam like he'd promised and was telling him all about last night and the bite he'd left on my inner thigh.
Adge shuddered suddenly and yelled, "I KNEW IT! That bastard husband of mine is going to get it when I see him! I knew he was lying to me! And I KNEW something was going on with you and Bono! Bloody hell!"
"Shh!" I held up my hands and waved them around, alarmed at her reaction. "Yell a little louder would you? I don't think the people on the tenth floor heard you!"
Adge set her cup of tea down on the coffee table and glared at me, "Pardon me! So I guess that means I'm not the last person to know about this?"
I eyed her warily, "What are you talking about?"
She held up her hand in my face and counted off on her fingers. "Lets see! One and two is you and Bono obviously, then Edge knows, Adam knows, Larry probably knows and I can only guess who else you've told! And you didn't want to tell me, your best friend, that you're shagging Bono!!"
"Wait a second! I said I did shag, I mean sleep with Bono but I'm not doing it now!"
Adge laughed loudly, "Oh please!" She turned to face me better on the couch, maneuvering her rounded belly and leaning towards me she pointed a finger in my face as she sneered, "I know you didn't spend last night with Adam because he called me looking for you and he was pretty worried when I said I didn't know where you were! He loves you and I think you're being an arse to him by sleeping around behind his back and with Bono of all people! What the hell is wrong with you!?"
"Nothing!" I screamed in Adge's face and slapped her finger away. "I'm not sleeping with Bono! And I've never cheated on Adam! Even when I did shag Bono it was years ago and I thought Adam had left me! It was a mistake is all! And the whole reason I'm telling you now is because I just remembered! So if you would shut the hell up and let me explain, it would make sense!"
Silence rang out and Adge and I both sat breathing heavily and glaring at each other. Adge reached out, jerkily picked up her tea and took an angry sip.
We sat in tense silence until I couldn't take it anymore and sighed, "I'm sorry I yelled at you but it bothers me that you think I would do that to Adam...and it bothers me to think that I might have done it last night. But I didn't sleep with Bono. God, things are just so difficult right now.."
"Maybe you should tell me the whole story." Adge muttered and glanced at me with open curiosity. "So you really forgot that you slept with Bono? That doesn't say much for his skills in the bedroom."
I smirked, "It wasn't like that." I explained most of what had happened, editing out some things for my sake and for Bono's.
By the end Adge was shaking her head. "Wow. You and Bono. Well I guess I'm not too surprised. One of us had to shag him eventually."
I smiled. "yeah I guess so." I took a deep breath and asked, "So, have any questions?"
Adge snickered, "Hell yes. How the hell did it all happen? You told me yeah but really how did you and Bono actually do it?"
I grinned, "If you don't know I'm surprised you managed to get pregnant."
"Haha. Okay well what about now and last night? Does Bono have feelings for you?"
I hesitated. Adge sipped her tea waiting for an answer and watching me. I tried not to flinch. If only Adge knew the truth! Bono was in love with her. Not me. Never me. Ugh. I didn't need to add jealousy to all my other feelings. I pushed that away and sighed. "No actually we were just talking about that and we agreed that we're just friends and that's all we'll ever be..."
"Oh...so what was up with the loo thing this morning? And what happened last night with Bono?" I filled her in on most of what had transpired and she whistled. "Some night you had.."
"Yeah ugh. So...Edge knows then?" I asked quietly hoping the answer was no.
Adge scowled at being reminded. "I think he does. I'm pretty sure. I specifically asked him if he knew something about it and he said no! The bastard. I should have listened to my instincts. It's always a dead give away that something's going on when Edge repeats himself and gets all shifty. He's either hiding something from me or working on a song that he's excited about."
"Good to know." I chuckled.
Adge's eyes clouded as she turned to me. "Why did you and Bono do it? I mean what made you say okay I think this is really going to happen lets do it. It's a huge thing to sleep with a close friend!"
Groaning I sat back into the cushions. "That's one thing I can't tell you because I have no idea. I like to think we did it because we were both hurting and needed the comport. I've been telling myself that since I remembered."
Adge nodded frowning thoughtfully as she rubbed her belly. "That's better then saying you did it as revenge against Adam. Or even Ali."
I flinched, "I'm not even going there thanks."
Adge smiled sympathetically and asked the question I'd been dreading hearing. "When did you tell Adam?"
"I haven't." My voice was hollow. "How can I? It's torture to even think about it."
Adge sighed and sipped her tea contemplatively. "I figured you didn't tell him. If you had Bono would probably be missing a tooth or two."
"Haha not funny."
"Yes it is." She grinned and leaned in to me a little and whispered, "So how was Bono?"
I gaped and knew my face was quickly reddening. "What! I'm...I can't believe you asked that. Actually yes I can. But I'm not telling you."
Adge sat back folding her arms over her round belly and sniffing as she looked away, "Fine I get it. You slept with Bono when you knew he was in love with me." My stomach twisted with guilt. Adge went on in a frosty tone as she turned to glare at me. "You haven't told me until years later-"
"That's not fair! I just remembered-"
Adge ignored me, "AND! Now you wont give me, you best friend, the courtesy of knowing a few details? You know how I've felt about Bono over the years!"
I sighed, "Are you done with the guilt trip?"
She eyed me frostily. "Maybe. It depends."
"On what?"
"If you're going to tell me or not."
I threw my hands up in defeat. "Fine! Bono was good okay! Is that what you wanted?"
"Yep!" Adge chirped happily. "But there's one more thing...is he big?"
I sputtered in shock. "Shit! Wha...I'm...that's none of your business!"
Her stare turned icy again. "You owe me."
"I...god..." I gulped and despite everything felt my lips turning up into a smirk. "Well you have to keep in mind that the only other person I have to compare him to is Adam."
Adge grinned devilishly. "And we all know Adam is ginormous."
I flushed and shifted on the couch. "I didn't say that. But Bono is...well I'll just say that he's certainly got something to be proud of...and he knows how to use it." I covered my burning cheeks with my hands as Adge erupted into girlish giggles.
Just then the phone rang and I was busy trying to recover when Adge leaned over and answered it.
"Hello?" She said is a sing song voice. I watched her face transform into a wide grin. "Bono what a pleasant surprise we were just talking about you."
I watched anxiously as Adge greeted Bono over the phone. She glanced at me and grinned, "Yep Red is here B. She just told me something very very interesting." Her eyes gleamed so bright there was no doubt in my mind she was enjoying this.
Instead of sticking around for what could only be an embarrassing conversation I rolled my eyes at Adge, silently promising vengeance, and stood to leave.
She wrinkled her nose at me and mouthed, "You're no fun."
Slipping on my coat I stepped towards the door and narrowly avoided getting a face full of wood. I caught the door, yelping as it stopped an inch from my face.
"Shite!" Edge's worried face appeared around the corner. "Did I get ya?"
"No, just missed me."
Edge sighed in relief and slipped into the room with a stack of books in one hand and a steaming cup of coffee in the other. I closed the door after giving it one wary glance and Edge grinned sheepishly at me. "I would have held the door but my hands are a little full."
I eyed the tall stack of books that almost reached Edge's chin. "I can see that. Jeez I haven't seen you with that many books since you were studying like a maniac for our finals."
Edge cringed. "I don't recall those long days and nights fondly. I had more then my fair share of headaches that year."
"And most of them were caused by Bono." I added with a grin.
Edge smiled. His eyes roamed over to Adge as she laughed. His eyes lit and his face relaxed into a smile. Damn Adge is a lucky woman, I thought, observing the adoration in Edge's gaze.
I helped Edge unload his books onto the coffee table. He sighed and let his arm hang loose by his side. Noticing me watching him, he smirked. "My arm feels at least an inch longer after that." I smirked back.
Edge straightened his arm, groaning as he stretched his fingers. He faced me then, leaning against the arm of the couch, "You know I'm a little surprised to see you here Red."
My eyes widened a bit in shock. "You are? Oh right...I can see how shocking it is to see me in your room. I'm just never here." I grinned.
Edge chuckled as he sat down on the couch and motioned for me to sit next to him. I hesitated, glancing at Adge, who was still on the phone talking to Bono about god knew what, "I was just leaving actually..."
"Stay. I insist." When I still hesitated Edge tilted his head to the side, observing me curiously. "We haven't had a friendly chat in a while. I've missed you."
That did it and I grumbled something under my breath about manipulative friends as I sat down. "Okay what shall we talk about then?"
Edge leaned back, sipping his coffee and looking quite relaxed, "Whatever you want Red." He said with a tilted smile.
I eyed him suspiciously. "This was your bloody idea. You come up with a topic."
Adge's laughter burst into our stilted conversation. "No B that didn't happen! You're joking!" She laughed merrily and shook her head, "Bloody hell I wish I could have been there to see his face!"
I pressed my lips together and glared at my hands, hoping like hell they weren't talking about Adam or anything remotely to do with me.
"She's talking to Bono?" Edge asked and I glanced at him narrowly.
"Who else does she call B?"
"Hmmm. Good point." I felt Edge's eyes on me for a while but didn't particularly want to look at him. "You know I've been thinking." He began. I stared at my hands, waiting for him to go on. After a few moments of silence I glanced up. Edge was watching me with a bit of a glazed look to him.
"You okay Edge?" I asked, wondering if he'd just disappeared into his head as he was known to do quite often.
Edge blinked, clearing the fog, and smiled. "Yes. But I should be asking you that. Are you alright?"
A cloud of uneasiness settled over me. "I'm fine. Why shouldn't I be? Everything is fine."
Edge was no fool and saw right through me. His smile softened. "Somehow I have trouble believing you." He said softly, no doubt trying to encourage me to unburden myself.
I huffed and shrugged. "I don't know why. There's nothing wrong."
"Amber."
I was startled enough by the use of my name that I met Edge's steady gaze. "What?"
"Bono is my best mate."
I blinked and nodded. "I know that."
"Then you know he's tells me mostly everything that goes on in his life."
I nodded again feeling like I was getting a lecture with the way Edge was talking. He was speaking like I was some five year old. "I know that too." I said slowly wondering where this was going.
Edge suddenly sighed loudly, which was very unlike him. "Red, he tells me everything." He stressed the last word and it clicked. Adge had said that Edge might know about me and Bono but I'd completely forgot what with the phone call and being preoccupied with escaping embarrassment.
I felt all the blood leaching from my face. Edge's face softened in sympathy and he placed a hand on my knee, squeezing gently. "So...you know?" I asked feeling suddenly very tired.
"I do. Bono told me almost right after it happened. Naturally I didn't believe him when he told me that you didn't remember a thing."
I stiffened, "Well it's true. I didn't remember anything."
Edge nodded removing his hand from my knee and rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I came to that conclusion shortly after." He got that scientific twinkle in his eyes as he went on, "I've often read about such things in scientific journals. It usually happens when the person simply isn't ready to process an event. So they block it from their memory completely, but you're the first person I've ever known to experience remembering just this kind of memory."
"Glad I could help further your scientific studies." I said dryly.
Edge's face cleared and his eyes crinkled at me in amusement. "I didn't mean it that way precisely. It has always struck me as odd that you would want to block out something so meaningful. I think Bono had trouble believing it himself. That's why he needed to share the experience. I'm happy he chose me. If he'd gone to Larry things would have been handled quite differently."
I blanched in horror. "Gods don't even say it."
Edge laughed, "Yes it would have been...unpleasant to say the least." I nodded agreement and studied Edge closely. He stared right back calmly, his face impassive.
I opened my mouth and closed it again, not sure I wanted to voice my thoughts. But in the end I decided to it would drive me crazy if I didn't. I sighed when I found Edge studying me as I was studying him. He was much better at reading people then I was. Knowing him he probably know what I was about to say.
"Edge, you've known all this time. I...I guess I can see why you got so upset when you thought I was cheating on Adam with David. Essentially I've already cheated on him." I choked back tears and looked away before I could see Edge's reaction to my words. I stared down at my hands. "I'm sorry that I gave you any reason to doubt me."
"It doesn't matter what I think." Edge scoffed, placing a hand on my arm lightly. "The important thing is what you think of yourself."
I looked up and blinked at Edge. "I think I'm terrible at this love business." There was more then a trace of bitterness in my tone.
Edge seemed amused. "I see. So you think you stink at love. Well, if that was true then why would Adam still be with you?"
"If he's even still with me." I muttered darkly.
"He is." Edge answered confidently and I shrugged. He shook his head. "You have so little faith in Adam's love?"
"No! That's not what I meant!" I sighed in frustration. "Of course I have faith in Adam."
"All right then let me ask you something." He raised a brow at my blanch. But when I made no comment he went on. "Do you think that if I'd gone to Adam when Bono told me and told him that he would have left you?"
I gaped and couldn't stop myself from yelling, "Hell yes!"
Edge smirked. "Is that having faith?"
"Well...no." I admitted quietly."But there's no way Adam could take that and still want to be with me. All this drama with David has almost ruined us."
"Has it really? Did Adam say he was close to leaving you over it?"
I frowned, "Well no not in so many words...not in any words actually. He...he said he wanted to move on and start new."
Edge nodded thoughtfully. "Right. I can see how you would interrupt that to mean he was leaving you."
I rolled my eyes. "Okay fine, so Adam wasn't as upset as I thought he would be-"
Edge leaned in, startling me. H startled me further when he grabbed my hand and spoke fiercely. "That's just it! You thought he would be upset with you. Why?"
"Well I...I just knew."
"How?"
"Be-because I just thought he would."
"But why? Why did you think that?"
"Because I was scared...I guess."
"Of what?"
I flinched at the fierceness of Edge's tone. "Edge...I...I don't know!"
"You do! You do know! Don't think, just answer!"
I cracked and screamed in Edge's face, "I was scared because I thought he would stop loving me! Okay!? I didn't want him to stop loving me and leave me alone!" Edge's eyes gleamed triumphantly and he tightened his hold on my hand as I stared shaking. I felt like the flood gates had been opened and there was no shutting them now.
"Adam can't stop loving me. B-Because I can't be alone again. I did it when I was in college and I can't do it again. I was so lonely without him that I...I searched out for other companions but no one ever seemed to compare to him. All those nights crying myself to sleep missing him. And...if he left me now..." I choked on a sob. "God, no I can't do it. I'm not strong enough. I'm just not strong enough! Oh god Edge what will I do if he leaves me!?"
Edge wrapped his arms around me and I turned to bury my face in his chest whimpering, "I'm just not strong enough to be alone."
"That's nonsense. Besides Adrienne, you're one of the strongest woman I know. I think that you've never given yourself a chance to be on your own. Really on your own. So you're frightened and don't think you can do it. But I know you can. If you look inside your self you'd know that too."
I cried out in denial even as I knew Edge was right. I'd never been totally on my own. Even when I was in college I'd relied on the lives of my roommates to dictate my own schedule. Then I'd moved in with Jack and let him take over that role. And now I was doing the same thing with Adam. When was the last time I actually did something because I wanted to? I couldn't really remember.
I had a lot of problems to face and the horrifying truth was that I couldn't see myself being with Adam while I dealt with any of it. It was something I needed to do. Without the burden of having someone else's needs to worry about.
I loved Adam so much that I would do anything to please him. I felt the need to make things just perfect to keep him from leaving me. What a pathetic thought.
And maybe somehow I'd seen what was happening and had tried fighting against it by searching out David. I still wasn't sure exactly why running away with David would have helped anything but this breakthrough did have something to do with it.
I sniffed and wiped my tears off onto Edge's shoulder as he patted my hair and soothed me. "Shh everything will be okay. I've got you."
"Jeez Edge don't you think you could have come up with a better way?" Adge growled in frustration as she sat down in the chair across from us. Edge remained silent and I sighed.
"I'm sure I'll be able to thank Edge for helping me see the truth. Just not right now."
Adge glared a bit longer at Edge but nodded in understanding.
I don't know how long we stayed like that. Once my thoughts settled I wasn't really aware of anything but the beat of Edge's heart under my ear, Adge's mutterings, and my own shaky breathing. My mind was blissfully blank for once. It seemed I'd just experienced an epiphany and now my brain simply couldn't function.
A soft knock at the door startled me slightly and I snuggled closer into Edge, not wanting to leave the sanctuary his chest was affording me. He still had his arms wrapped around me and I felt incredibly safe as his hand stroked my back.
"Don't bother to pull yourself out of my husbands arms Red. I'll get it." Adge said sourly. I smiled and when Edge's chest vibrated with his chuckle it turned into a small grin.
"Red, you have a visitor." Adge said quietly. With one eye I peeked toward the door and jerked back from Edge in surprise.
"Adam!"
Adam blinked at me in Edge's arms. "Eh..hello..."
"What are you doing here?" I asked thickly, wiping at my tear stained face and glancing at Edge. He smiled at me gently and I sighed in relief. At least I wouldn't have to feel bad for using his shoulder to cry on.
"Come on in Ad." Adge opened the door all the way and wattled over to sit on the sofa next to Edge. She butted me off easily and pulled Edge's now free arms around her. They snuggled briefly and then turned to stare at Adam and I, not bothering to hide their curiosity. I sighed. It looked like we were going to have an audience.
"Adge called and said you needed me." Adam said, standing tensely by the door and looking everywhere but at me.
I swallowed as I walked to stand right in front of him. He looked down at me and I smiled and stared up into his eyes. "I...I do need you Adam. Very much. But I think I need to think about things." Adam's face tightened and I clarified quickly. "It's got nothing to do with us. I mean of course it does but I'm not leaving you. I love you and want to get married still...if you do that is." I paused staring at Adam searchingly.
"I still want to marry you as well." He said softly.
I smiled in relief. "That's good to know. What I need is a little time to think that's all. This is really the first time I've put my feelings first in our relationship since I decided to go away to school." Adam inclined his head in what I took to be agreement so I took a deep breath and went on. "You should know this is the most nerve racking thing ever. I don't want to hurt your feelings or for you to think it's anything you've done because it's not. I know that I have some things to work out and If I don't I could be ruining our marriage before it even gets started."
Adam sighed and scrubbed his hands over his face. He dropped them and gave me a defeated smile. "I'm not going to pretend to understand any of this. Because frankly I don't." He glanced at Adge and Edge and shook his head. "I'm probably the most lost person here." His gaze met mine. "But if you need the time then I can't stop you. I want you to want to marry me with everything you are. And right now there seems to be something holding you back."
"I guess there is." My eyes teared up again as Adam embraced me, hugging me tightly. I pulled back first and bit my lip. "There's something else. I...I'm sorry about everything with Bono last night."
Adam snorted and smiled with his usual good humor. "Apology accepted. Bono and I had a chat earlier and he seemed quite eager to keep all of his teeth."
Adam flashed a grin as Adge laughed, "I told you so!"
I spared Adge a withering glare which made her rest her head on Edge's shoulder and grin at me toothily. I rolled my eyes and smiled at Adam. He smiled back with a tinge of sadness. I swallowed thickly and whispered, "I really hope I'm not making a huge mistake here."
"Does it feel wrong?" Adam asked quietly.
I blinked and searched within me. I was saddened by what was happening and plagued with doubts that I was doing this for all the wrong reasons. Did I even know why I was doing this!? I wasn't sure of anything but essentially it just felt like something I had to do.
"No it doesn't feel wrong. But I don't know how long I'll need or what I need actually. This is all pretty fucked up really."
"Tell me about it." Adam chuckled and my heart ached. Was I really going to be able to do this? Just step away from Adam like it was no big deal?
"You'll have to find another place to sleep." Adge broke into my thoughts. She and Edge were still watching from the couch.
I winced as I met Adge's worried gaze. She probably thought I was out of my mind. "Well I can't afford to get my own room. And I'm not quitting this job. You all need me too much during this tour." Adge rolled her eyes while Edge grinned and winked at me.
"Why don't you stay with Bono?" Adge asked cheekily and I wanted to strangle her.
"I don't think that would be a good idea." Edge said dryly giving his wife a hard stare. She smiled and batted her eyes at him. He chuckled and leaned in for a kiss.
I looked away, suddenly uncomfortable and met Adam's likewise uncomfortable gaze. Fantastic. I sighed. "Well there's always Larry."
"Ha!" Adge snorted. "Like he would take you in!"
"I'm sure Abby will be thrilled with that arrangement." Edge put in dryly.
Adge snorted. "Didn't you know? They had a big fight last night and haven't talked since."
"Oh." I shrugged. "He might let me stay with him for a few days then. At least until we go to L.A. No harm in asking is there?" I turned to Adam. "Would you have a problem with that?"
Adam raised one golden brow. "Is it up to me? Because if it is I'd rather have you stay right where you are, with me."
I lowered my eyes. "I can't do that. I just need a little time. I promise I'm not ending things." I raised my eyes and desperately tried to communicate to Adam what I was feeling. "I'm not leaving you. Just taking a little time for myself."
Adam sighed and stepped forward. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into him and leaning his forehead against mine. I closed my eyes and inhaled his sweet scent. "Adam..."
"Whatever you need love. You do whatever you need."
I was speechless. Adam pulled back, his face lined with concern. "All right?"
"Yeah...I just didn't except you to...to be so nice about this."
Adam blinked in confusion. "Why not? I love you and I waited before didn't I? I'll damn well wait again if it means finally having us be together forever."
I stared at him in awe. "When did you become so perfect?"
His lips turned up into a smug smile. "Don't you know? I've always been this way you just haven't seen it because you've been too busy using me for my body."
"I have not!" I protested while Adam, Adge and Edge laughed.
"Yes you have." Adge said grinning from the couch. "Weren't we just talking about Adam's body earlier? Or maybe you forgot.."
I scowled at Adge, feeling Adam's amused stare. "You're lucky I love that baby of yours or I'd so kick your arse right now."
"Not before I kicked yours first." Adge shot back. "And while we're on the topic of arse kicking." She turned to Adam. "Why haven't you killed Bono long before now? After everything he's done and all..."
"Adge!" I hissed, wondering what the hell she thought she was doing. Adam didn't even know about the night Bono and I spent together! Adge just smiled sweetly at me and turned her attention back to Adam. I looked to Edge for help. He smiled reassuringly and shook his head. What the hell?
"Sit down Adam." Edge suggested lightly. "You're making me nervous towering over us like you are."
Adam smirked as he let his hands rest comfortably in his pockets and sat in the recliner across from the couch. I stood by, unsure what to do.
Adam leaned back and pursed his lips before he answered Adge's question. "For one, I wouldn't have much of a career if it wasn't for Bono. He's part of a four piece band so I can't very well kill him off can I? And I realized a long time ago that what happened wasn't anyone's fault." He shrugged at Adge's lifted eyebrow. "I could've gotten royally pissed at Bono and knocked a few teeth out but I reckon that I played my own part in it as well."
I stood by awkwardly, gawking, and wondering if I was losing my mind because I really had no idea what Adam was talking about. "Care to tell me what the hell you're talking about?"
Adam looked me steadily and then shrugged. "I'm talking about you shagging Bono."
The room seemed to spin and I gripped the arm of Adam's chair and stared at him with impossibly huge eyes. "You...I...but how? How do you know?"
Edge cleared his throat lightly, turning our attention to him. He smiled sheepishly. "I believe I can answer that." His green eyes met mine. "I asked you earlier if you thought Adam would leave you if I'd told him years ago. Well...I did tell him. And he didn't leave you."
"Edge! How could you do that!" Adge raged , smacking Edge over his head. He flinched and scowled lightly. Adge glared at him. "How could you tell Adam but not me!"
Edge floundered. "I-I couldn't tell you because I knew you'd tell Red and then everything would blow up. But I had to tell Adam. He deserved to know."
"And I didn't!?" I asked, becoming increasingly agitated by this conversation.
Edge opened and closed his mouth before shrugging and looking mildly ill. "I guess I made a mistake telling anyone at all."
"You mean you told someone else besides Adam!?" Adge asked as she, Adam and I all stared at Edge in horror.
He shifted and glanced around nervously, not making eye contact with any of us. "Just one other and he tricked me into telling him. I'd had a wee bit too much to drink and-"
"Stop right there." Adge said wryly holding up a hand. "We all know how loose your tongue gets after a few drinks. Just tell us who you told."
Edge sighed. "I'm sorry. I never meant to tell him. But well..."
"Get on with it Edge." Adam growled. "Who in bloody hell did you tell?"
"Guggi." Edge said quietly.
"fuck." Adam swore as he glared daggers at Edge. "You just had to tell him of all people? He's probably still smirking about it. The bastard."
"Oh god." I said faintly holding onto my stomach and feeling quite queasy. Adam glanced at me worriedly and stood up, offering me his seat. I took it with a weak smile.
"Well that's just fabulous Edge." Adge started sarcastically but was cut off by a knock at the door. We all shared a wide eyed look and stared at the door.
"This is silly." Adam muttered. "We're all afraid to open the fucking door." he went to answer it.
Larry's scowling face greeted us. "Where the fuck is everyone?" His eyes swept past Adam to the group sitting around and his scowl deepened. "Sorry to break up this little party but while you've all been sitting around on your arses we've been waiting on you in the lobby!" At our blank looks Larry growled, "Do I have to do everything? We've got rehearsal in two hours and before that we have a radio spot all the way across town. And if we'd left ten minutes ago we still would've been late! Bono, Paul and I are apparently the only ones who know how to tell time."
Edge checked his watch and cursed. "I hadn't realized what time it was." We all flew into action and managed to get Edge and Adam down to the lobby in record time. Adge stayed behind to catch a ride to the stadium with Dallas so they could discuss the insulation of Edge's newest peddle. I stayed behind as well to get the food prepared for the rest of the day.
As Adam left through the hotels front doors with everyone else he glanced back and caught my eye. I smiled and waved feeling like my face was made of plastic. Adam nodded once and was gone.
Adge blew a kiss to Edge who winked back. She turned to me as the door closed behind her hubby. "I hope you know what you're doing with Adam."
I laughed weakly. "I have absolutely no bloody idea what I'm doing. But I know I need to do it."
Adge searched my face and seemed to have found what she was looking for because she nodded firmly as she slipped her hand in my arm and we made our way back to the elevator. "You need something Red, that much is obvious. I only hope this is it."
"You're not the only one." I muttered
Adge snorted out a laugh. "I'm sure it'll all work out."
"Yeah."
"It will."
"Okay."
"Don't worry."
I laughed. "You always have to have the last word don't you?"
Adge blinked at me innocently as we stepped into the elevator. "I don't know what you mean."
"Fine."
"Okay."
I rolled my eyes and smirked but kept quiet. If Adge wanted to have the last word she bloody well could. I was getting kind of tired of talking anyway.
"I just thought of something." Adge mused. "If you sleep in Larry's room then you'll have been in bed with every member of U2."
My jaw dropped. "No way! I wasn't ever in bed with Edge!"
Adge arched a brow. "What about that time when you first stared dating him and you were sick? He came over with chicken soup and laid in bed with you all day."
I scowled. "Crap. Trust you to remember something like that."
"I remember everything." Adge said smugly.
"Of course you do. How could I forget?"
"I've no idea."
***U2***
U2 business took up the rest of the afternoon and we all had to grin and bare it. Except Bono, who seemed to be at ease with everything, like usual he flirted, charmed and looked like a prince. The radio host asked all the usual questions and U2 got out of there as quickly as possible. The concert that night went off without a hitch much to the relief of everyone. Afterwards we met and drank with a few people backstage. Then agreed to go back to the hotel to eat.
Dinner was tense. What with everyone making conversation and pretending not to see that Bono and Adam were not looking each other in the eye, that I was not looking anyone in the eye and that Adge was watching us all with an unusual quiet air about her, I forced myself to think about going to the room I'd been sharing with Adam to get my things.
"You sure you don't want me to go with you?" Adge asked quietly as I excused myself from the after dinner drink. I could feel eyes on me but didn't look around to see who they belonged to.
I shook my head at Adge, "No I'll be fine. I just want to get in there and get out. You shouldn't be lifting stuff anyway."
Adge reluctantly agreed but stopped me again as I was in the hallway. She put a hand on my arm and I turned to her warily, trying not to see Edge watching us from a few feet away.
"Yeah?"
"I'm going to talk to Larry and get him to take you in."
"Well don't force him. I don't want to be a bother." I said dryly, feeling stung by her words. It wasn't her fault that Larry and I had never been particularly close though.
Adge rolled her eyes and waved a hand. "You're not a bother. That's just Larry. But I'm sure after I explain, and with a little help from Edge, we'll have him rolling out the spare bed for you."
"Fabulous."
Adge scowled in displeasure at my sarcastic attitude and snapped. "If you don't want my help then just say so! I'll be more then happy to stay out of this whole thing! You can just get your own room!"
My blood started boiling and I was about to snap back with some hurtful comment when Edge popped up next to Adge, smiling calmly. "Is there a problem?"
"Yes. Red is being a bitch." Adge snapped. Edge blinked while I gaped.
"Me?! I'm a bitch!? Listen here you cream puff! I'll-"
"I think that's enough." Edge interrupted smoothly. He took Adge by the hand and pulled her resisting form into the dining room, leaving me to glare after them. Edge slipped back out after a few minutes and I debated if I should have just left.
Edge turned to me, his face lined with a chiding frown. "There's no need for you to fight with each other. I know things are tense-"
"You think!" I fumed.
Edge went on tersely, "But, she's trying to help you. This is a difficult situation and we're all trying to adjust."
"Maybe I should just quit then. It might better if I leave." I said, feeling defeated. What was the point in dealing with all this? Just to keep a job?
Edge's sigh brought me back. "You can't quit. You are a valuable member of our team."
"Maybe, but will you still need me when you're living in L.A? I mean can you see all of us living in the same house? And you'll have a baby added to the mix soon! Can Adam and I really live under the same roof with things like they are?"
Edge's face eased into a smile. "We'll simply put you and Adam on opposite sides on the house. And should you feel the need to bite each others heads off you can do it out of the house limits. But when you're in the house it's only strict politeness. Sound fair?"
"You...how the hell did you get like this? I mean did you buy your brain or something? Maybe you're an alien.."
Edge's eyes crinkled with his chuckle. "Don't question. Just abide me and be glad I'm on your side hmm?"
I nodded, smirking. "Yeah, sure Edge. I'll talk to you later. I have to go and get my things." The weight of that settled on my shoulders and I wanted to sink into the nearest bed and never come out. Edge wrapped an arm around me and guided me in the right direction.
"It wont take long and who knows, you might feel better afterwards. Adge and I will talk to Larry for you. If that's alright?"
I looked into Edge's patient gaze and mumbled. "Sure, it's alright." I left quickly, feeling like a right arse for...everything.
***U2***
An hour later I stood before Larry's door clutching one of my suitcases and on the verge of crying my eyes out. Moving my things had been as hard as I'd predicted and I almost couldn't bare to close the door behind me as I left. But somehow I'd made it. Knowing that it was my choice had helped. And I refused to get all weepy about it and act like it was the end of the world. With my resolve once again intact I straightened my spine and knocked swiftly on Larry's door.
"Comin'!" Larry yelled and the door opened.
I fixed a smile on my face. "Hey Lar."
Larry blinked and frowned as his eyes traveled over me and landed on the luggage at my feet. "Oh. Edge told me what's going on." He said stiffly and met my eyes. I could see the confusion in his eyes.
I swallowed. "Yeah...it...it's wasn't easy but I just had to do it."
Larry nodded, letting me off the hook for now and without another word he bent and started bringing my luggage in. I thanked him quietly and stepped inside.
"I've got twin beds here. You can use the spare." Larry said quietly while leading me further into the room towards the bedroom.
He set my things on what I assumed was the spare bed and stood awkwardly for a moment. "Er...have you got anything special you'll be needing?" He asked tentatively, running a hand trough his hair. He reminded me of himself at 15 or so with all the fidgeting and I found it adorable. Larry probably didn't share that opinion so I re framed from mentioning it.
"No I'm okay." I answered instead and sighed. "Lar you don't have to act like I'm going to explode any second. I'm fine. And I really appreciate you doing this. It means a lot."
Larry mumbled something, obviously embarrassed and shifted from foot to foot. I smiled and left to put a few things into the bathroom and to give him time to get over his embarrassment. This was an odd situation for both of us but with a little luck we could make it work. It was only for one night after all. We could handle that. Hopefully.
***U2***
Laying in the bed next to Larry wasn't that odd. I'd done it once before so there weren't too many surprises as we got ready for bed. It was a tad awkward as we exchanged good nights. Larry fell asleep after only a few minutes. But I was unaccustomed to sleeping alone and that led to a long night of tossing and turning. Sleep just wouldn't come. At three in the morning I resorted to counting the different hair styles Bono had had over the years and soon dozed off.
***U2***
An insistent clattering clanking noise woke me. "Oh God. What the hell is that?" I grumbled as I rubbed my eyes.
"fuck!" Larry's shout made me jump and squint across the semi dark room. The shades were drawn and I couldn't see much.
"Larry?"
The only answer I got was more cursing coming from somewhere around the loo area. I sat up and leaned to the side, reaching for the lamp. Light illuminated my corner of the room and I blinked my eyes trying to focus.
"What's wrong Lar?" I called out tentatively, hoping that whatever it was wouldn't involve me having to leave my nice warm bed.
Larry cursed again and growled, "Fuckin' toilet isn't working!"
"Oh god." I rolled my eyes and flopped back into bed. "Don't tell me you're trying to fix it yourself!"
The cursing got louder and switched to Gaelic. That meant I had one pissed off drummer in the loo. Sighing I swung my feet over the edge of the bed and stood. I was careful to arrange my pajamas so that I was decently covered. I'd suffered enough embarrassment lately.
The light from the loo guided me across the room and I peeked inside. My eyes widened at the sight before me. Larry, kneeling on the tiled floor, bare-chested, in impossibly tight jeans, holding some kind of wrench, and still cursing up a storm. In a nut shell he made one hell of an attractive sight to see first thing in the morning.
I cleared my throat lightly as I tried not to ogle Larry's arse and instead eyed the toilet seat which was now on the floor along with other parts I didn't recognize. "Um Lar? Why don't you just call the manager and have him send someone up?"
Larry flung me a dirty look over his shoulder. "What a grand idea! Why didn't I think of that? Oh I know! Because I woke up this morning and said to myself, 'Bloody hell I feel like taking apart a toilet today!" He sat back on his heels and flung the wrench out of his hand with a look of disgust. "I already called the fecking manager. There wont be someone up here until eight."
"Tonight?" I asked in astonishment. "We'll be gone by then!"
"Not tonight!" Larry groaned as he stood. He reached back to rub a hand over his back and cringed. "This morning at eight." He looked up from glaring at the offensive toilet and took in my appearance. His eyes widened. "You look like shite. The shower still works at least if you want to, you know, fix yourself up a bit."
I scowled. "Gee thanks. Yes I'll take a shower and 'fix myself up.' but first...wait.." I blanched. "Did you say eight this morning? What the hell time is it then?"
Larry shrugged as he washed his hands at the sink and scowled at his reflection when he spied the gunk on his cheek. "A little after six last time I checked." He mumbled, scrubbing his cheek harshly.
Groaning I left the loo in search of a clock. It was only seven thirty! We still had three hours before check out time and by all rights I shouldn't have been up for another hour at least. And it being that early meant I had only gotten four and a half hours of sleep.
With a deep sigh I laid face down on my bed and screamed into my pillow. Could things get worse then this? I'd had two arguments with Adge in one day and talking with Edge about the whole Bono thing hadn't exactly soothed my nerves or solved my problems. Then I'd gone and told Adam I needed to take a break from our relationship but of course we still had to be within spitting distance of one another for several more months. I still didn't know if I should tell Adge about Bono being in love with her...again. And there was still the little problem of me not jumping Bono's bones because suddenly I found myself extremely attracted to him. So really I didn't have that much to worry about. I whimpered and prayed for sleep to take me away. Far away.
"What are you going on about?" Larry grunted from somewhere on my left.
I turned my head and opened one eye to glare at him. But it was not noticed as Larry's back was to me. He was too busy throwing clothes into a suitcase to look at me.
"I'm not going on about anything. I just have a lot on my mind. And do you have to start packing now?" I grumped at him.
He snorted and folded his leather jacket slipping it gently in with the rest of his things. "Yes I do need to pack now. I want to get all this shite done so we can get the hell out of here." The last three words were punctuated with Larry flinging shoes into his case and slamming it closed.
I pulled myself up onto an elbow and frowned. "But we don't have to leave until eleven..."
Larry shot me an only slightly sympathetic look. "We're leaving as soon as possible. Paul's orders. He reasons that with the publicity about the fight in front of the hotel it would be smart for us to leave as soon as possible." Larry and I shared a flinch. "So you better get packing."
"I'm still packed from last night." I said quietly, not able to keep the emotion out of my voice.
With his back facing me again Larry froze. "Oh. Er...guess that saves you some time then." He resumed putting some things from his bed side table into a personal bag and I rolled my eyes and gave up any hope of sleeping.
"Yeah I guess so. I'm going to take a shower." I grumbled at Larry's back.
He grunted, not bothering to turn around.
"Well I'll say right now that this day is certainly cheerier then yesterday." I muttered and closed the loo door sharply, wishing I could close the door to all of my problems just as easily.
So sorry that Bono was absent in this chapter! He'll be in the next one...promise!