Jaybird

  To my mom who’s a true rock star.

  Not everyone gets a second chance at love. So, to my dad, Frank, thank you for stepping into the madness and embracing our craziness with your patience, love, and most of all, your bravery. Thanks for always having my back.

  You’re an amazing dad and pop.

  And to my dad in heaven, I hope I’ve made you proud.

  Jaybird

  Copyright © 2017 by M.A. Foster

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN: 13-9781543299335

  ISBN: 10-1543299334

  Cover design: Robin Harper, Wicked by Design

  Interior Design: Angela McLaurin, Fictional Formats

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and purchase your own copy.

  Heaven ~ Live

  I Love You ~ Climax Blues Band My Sweet Summer ~ Dirty Heads Breath ~ Breaking Benjamin

  Take Your Time ~ Sam Hunt

  Sympathetic ~ Seether

  Life is Beautiful ~ Sixx A.M.

  Hate To See Your Heart Break ~ Paramore Gone Away ~ The Offspring

  Broken ~ Seether (Ft. Amy Lee) Rise Above This ~ Seether

  If You Only Knew ~ Shinedown It’s Time ~ Imagine Dragons

  Welcome To Your Life ~ Group Love How You Get The Girl ~ Taylor Swift Roses ~ The Chainsmokers (Ft. Rozes) Somebody That I Used To Know ~ Goyte (Ft. Kimbra) Hello ~ Adele

  Shut up and Dance ~ Walk The Moon Here ~ Alessia Cara

  Send My Love (To Your New Lover) ~ Adele Can’t Stop The Feeling ~ Justin Timberlake Stitches ~ Shawn Mendes

  All About That Bass ~ Meghan Trainor Wherever You Will Go ~ The Calling Fine Again ~ Seether

  We Will Rock You ~ Queen

  We Are The Champions ~ Queen Ain’t It Fun ~ Paramore

  Burning Bridges ~ One Republic My House ~ Flo Rida

  Kiss ~ Prince

  Nobody Knows ~ Pink

  Faithfully ~ Journey

  I Hate That I Love You ~ Rihanna (Ft. Ne-Yo) Give It To Me ~ The Deekompressors Ho Hey ~ Tyler Ward Cover (Ft. Alex G) Closer ~ The Chainsmokers (Ft. Halsey) Try ~ Nelly Furtado

  F**k Around (All Night) ~ Pepper Blank Space ~ I Prevail

  First ~ Cold War Kids

  You’re Going Down ~ Sick Puppies 24K Magic ~ Bruno Mars

  Girls Chase Boys ~ Ingrid Michaelson Cut The Cord ~ Shinedown

  Love On The Brain ~ Rihanna

  Animals ~ Maroon 5

  Blow Me (One Last Kiss) ~ Pink I Don’t Wanna Live Forever ~ Zayn, Taylor Swift Closer ~ Nine Inch Nails

  Famous Last Words ~ My Chemical Romance So Far Away ~ Avenged Sevenfold Fight Song ~ Rachel Patten

  So What ~ Pink

  The Fighter ~ Gym Class Heroes (Ft. Ryan Tedder) Scars To Your Beautiful ~ Alessia Clara I Lived ~ One Republic

  My Girl ~ The Temptations

  JAYBIRD PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY

  CHARACTER LIST

  Jayla “Jaybird” King ~ This story is based on Jayla’s path of self-discovery after experiencing one of the most heartbreaking moments of her life. Jayla also goes by Jay.

  Marcus King ~ Jayla’s father and the frontman of the rock band Royal Mayhem.

  Emerson (Mackenzie) King ~ Jayla’s mother and manager.

  Bass ~ Jayla’s bodyguard. He and Jayla’s mother, Emerson are best friends who met in college. Bass was hired by Marcus to protect Emerson until Jayla was born.

  Grace ~ The Kings’ housekeeper and cook.

  Andrew “Drew” Wild ~ Royal Mayhem’s drummer, Marcus King’s best friend and Jayla’s godfather.

  Royal Mayhem band members ~ Marcus King (lead guitarist and vocals) Andrew Wild (drums) Tommy Stone (bass guitar) and Chaz Vargas (keyboard / piano).

  Lucas Wild ~ Son of Andrew Wild. Lucas and Jayla grew up together. Lucas is also the frontman of his own band, LAW.

  Evangeline “Weenie” Skye ~ Jayla’s best friend and only girlfriend, growing up.

  Jayla, Lucas and Evangeline have a strong bond between them and although they are not related by blood, they consider each other family, siblings.

  LAW ~ Lucas’ band LAW stands for Lucas Andrew Wild or Lucas Wild, Ace Matthews and Wesley Brooks.

  Alex Reyes ~ Family friend and Evangeline’s boyfriend.

  Dr. Jasmine Ramos ~ Jayla’s therapist.

  Side Characters (California)

  Chandler Skye ~ Evangeline’s father, former manager of Royal Mayhem turned CFO of King Records.

  Miles Townsend ~ Owner and head writer of Rhythm and Riffs Magazine.

  Jack Reynolds ~ Attorney and longtime family friend.

  Tyge Reynolds ~ Son of Jack Reynolds, family friend, pitcher for the LA Heat and Liam Mackenzie’s teammate.

  Lauren Michaels ~ Cameron “Cam” Parker’s ex-girlfriend.

  Nikki Fox ~ America’s Voice winner, recently signed with King Records.

  The Mackenzies

  Max “Mac” and Ella “Mimi” Mackenzie ~ Jayla’s grandparents (also known as Mac Daddy and Mimi). Max and Ella are the parents of:

  Max Mackenzie ~ Jayla’s uncle and the oldest of the three. Max is married to Jessica and they have four children:

  Dylan ~ Jayla’s cousin.

  Cole ~ Jayla’s cousin and Zach’s best friend.

  Aiden ~ Jayla’s cousin.

  Willow ~ Jayla’s cousin.

  Emerson Mackenzie (King) ~ Jayla’s mom and the middle child.

  Liam Mackenzie ~ Jayla’s uncle, single and the youngest of the Mackenzie siblings.

  The Parkers

  Jameson “James” and Katherine “Kate” Parker ~ Zach’s grandparents. The Parkers are longtime friends of the Mackenzies. James and Kate have two children, Elizabeth (Liz) and Cameron (Cam). Elizabeth and Emerson grew up together as best friends until they graduated high school. But after a falling out shortly after graduation, the two went their separate ways and haven’t spoken since. Despite the falling out between their sisters, Liam and Cam have remained friends through high school, college and into the major leagues.

  Elizabeth Parker ~ married to Mike Easton. Liz and Mike are high school sweethearts and married right out of high school. They have two sons:

  Logan Easton ~ Zach’s brother.

  Zach Easton ~ Zach is the popular high school quarterback. He’s also Jayla’s childhood friend, first and only love.

  Cameron “Cam” Parker ~ Zach’s uncle and Liam Mackenzie’s best friend.

  Heritage Bay

  Brad Manning ~ Zach’s friend and teammate.

  Brice Manning ~ Brad’s older brother.

  Evan Martinez ~ Zach’s friend and teammate.

  Grayson Martinez ~ Evan’s older brother.

  Lexi ~ Evan’s girlfriend who befriends Jay from the moment they meet.

  Justin Phillips ~ Zach’s friend and teammate.

  Carter Nixon ~ Zach’s friend and teammate.

  Dex White ~ Zach’s friend and teammate.

  Derek “the do
uchebag” ~ Zach’s friend and teammate.

  Reagan Vaughn ~ Co-captain of the cheer team and Zach’s ex-girlfriend.

  Ashton Grant ~ Co-captain of the cheer team and obsessed with Cole.

  Hannah Scott ~ Cheerleader and Brad’s ex-girlfriend.

  Brooklyn Manning ~ Cheerleader and Brad’s little sister.

  Piper ~ Cheerleader.

  Kali ~ Cheerleader, Jay’s classmate and friend.

  Jayla’s Project Mayhem Group

  Cherry, Olivia, Eric and Jones.

  Side Characters (Heritage Bay)

  Lindsay Miller ~ Grayson Martinez’s ex-girlfriend and Zach’s friend.

  Lisa ~ Salon owner, Emerson’s high school friend and Bass’s love interest.

  Xavier ~ Jayla’s stylist.

  Levi Martinez ~ Evan’s cousin and Jayla’s bodyguard.

  Troy ~ Jayla’s bodyguard.

  Principal David Avery ~ Principal of Heritage Bay Academy

  Patty “Miss Patty” Avery ~ Principal Avery’s wife works in the front office. Students call her Miss Patty.

  Patrick Avery ~ David and Patty’s son and Max Mackenzie’s best friend.

  INTRO 00:

  TRACK 1: DADDY’S GIRL

  TRACK 2: TOO LATE FOR REGRETS

  TRACK 3: PIECE OF ME

  TRACK 4: SYMPATHETIC

  TRACK 5: LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

  TRACK 6: BROKEN

  TRACK 7: RISE ABOVE THIS

  TRACK 8: CAN’T LET GO

  TRACK 9: ALL FOR YOU

  TRACK 10: IT’S TIME

  TRACK 11: SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW

  TRACK 12: JAYBIRD

  TRACK 13: WHEREVER YOU WILL GO

  TRACK 14: WHAT ARE THE CHANCES

  TRACK 15: CHANGES

  TRACK 16: WELCOME TO NORMAL

  TRACK 17: HELLO

  TRACK 18: SHE’S LOVELY

  TRACK 19: OLD FRIENDS

  TRACK 20: MISSING YOU

  TRACK 21: IN MY DREAMS

  TRACK 22: NEW KID IN TOWN

  TRACK 23: BACK OFF

  TRACK 24: HOW DOES IT FEEL?

  TRACK 25: YOUR DEMISE

  TRACK 26: A MILLION REASONS

  TRACK 27: BEG FOR IT

  TRACK 28: NOT WITHOUT YOU

  TRACK 29: BREAK THE SILENCE

  TRACK 30: STARTING OVER

  TRACK 31: NEVER AGAIN

  TRACK 32: NO MORE GAMES

  TRACK 33: BEAUTIFUL LIAR

  TRACK 34: GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT

  TRACK 35: BELIEVE ME

  TRACK 36: MAKE YOUR MOVE

  TRACK 37: TRY

  TRACK 38: FAKING IT

  TRACK 39: I GET IT

  TRACK 40: KICKING ASS & TAKING NAMES

  TRACK 41: NOT WHAT IT SEEMS

  TRACK 42: IT’S YOU

  TRACK 43: SPECIAL

  TRACK 44: YOU’RE GOING DOWN

  TRACK 45: NEVER FAR APART

  TRACK 46: UP TO NO GOOD

  TRACK 47: CLOSURE

  TRACK 48: UNEXPECTED

  TRACK 49: EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE ALL RIGHT

  TRACK 50: FALLING APART

  TRACK 51: CIRCUS OF LIFE

  TRACK 52: BAD DAY

  TRACK 53: MY BIGGEST MISTAKE

  TRACK 54: OUT OF CONTROL

  TRACK 55: FINALLY

  TRACK 56: FAMILY AFFAIRS

  TRACK 57: IT’S BEEN SO LONG

  TRACK 58: CAN’T HOLD ME DOWN

  TRACK 59: DEEP IN MY SOUL

  TRACK 60: FINDING MY WAY BACK HOME

  TRACK 61: CRUMBLING BENEATH THE SURFACE

  TRACK 62: BACK WITH A VENGEANCE

  TRACK 63: DONE WITH THE LIES

  TRACK 64: PIECE OF ME (PIANO VERSION)

  TRACK 65: I LIVED

  BONUS TRACK 01: SOUL MATES

  BONUS TRACK 02: WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T HAVE IT ALL?

  THEY SAY THAT right before you die your whole life flashes before your eyes. Like photographs on shutter speed. But as I drift in and out of consciousness, it’s not my life that flashes before my eyes; it’s the faces of the people I love, and the fear of leaving them behind.

  And regret for everything I’ve taken for granted.

  “I’M HOME!” I announce as I open the front door. “Daddy? Mom?” I call out, dropping my bags in the foyer. The house is unusually quiet for the middle of the afternoon, and that has me feeling a little uneasy. A few seconds later, Bass—pronounced ‘Base’—my bodyguard, comes through the door with the rest of my bags. “How’s he doing, B?”

  “He’s hanging in there, Princess.” He jerks his chin toward the stairs. “They’re upstairs.”

  I race up to my parents’ room and find them on their king-size bed. My mom is lying on her side with her head resting on my dad’s chest, arm curled around his waist, and leg hooked over both of his thighs, holding onto him as if he’s being pulled away from her. My dad croons their favorite love song, “I Love You,” while running his fingers through her hair.

  This right here is what true love looks like.

  It’s beautiful. And heartbreaking.

  Most kids would probably be horrified at the sight of their parents being affectionate with one another, but I’m not most kids. I think it’s amazing that, after twenty years of marriage, they’re still in love.

  Maybe it’s because I’m still swooning over Zach, my longtime childhood crush. The same boy I just spent two of the most amazing weeks of my life with in St. Thomas.

  Maybe it’s because I believe in fairy tales and that every princess gets her prince… or princess.

  Hey, I don’t judge.

  But if I’ve learned one thing in the past two years, it’s that fairy tales don’t always end with a happily ever after. Because, in this particular real-life fairy tale, Emerson’s prince—my dad—is dying.

  It’s been two years since the doctors discovered my father’s inoperable brain tumor. My parents have accepted his fate. I, on the other hand, have not.

  “Hey,” I say, pulling their attention to me before pushing off the doorframe and making my way over to their bed. Bending down, I give both a kiss and perch on the edge of the bed.

  “How are you feeling?” I ask, running my fingers through my father’s short, dark hair.

  He reaches for my hand and brings it to his chest, placing it over his heart, and covering it with his other hand. “Just a little tired,” he answers with a wink.

  My father, Marcus King, lead singer of the rock band, Royal Mayhem, is loved by all because he’s charismatic and talented. His Latin charm, handsome features, and tattoos give him that bad-boy rock star image, making him popular with the females. He’s my dad, but I’m not blind; he’s a good-looking man. But he’s no bad-boy.

  As a celebrity, he’s one of the most down-to-earth and genuine people in the industry. He’s even earned the nickname “The Gentleman of Rock ‘n’ Roll” in the tabloids. As the front man of Royal Mayhem, and America’s favorite judge on America’s Voice, he has a wide fan base.

  However, his number one fan is and will always be me.

  “Did you have a good time?”

  I always have a good time in St. Thomas, and recently, it’s become one of my favorite places. “You’re my girl, Jay,” Zach’s whispered words have been on constant replay in my head since I boarded the plane back to California.

  I was just a few months shy of turning six, the first time I met Zach and his brother, Logan. It was the beginning of an annual summer tradition, and my first vacation, with my grandparents and cousins, Dylan and Cole. Zach and Logan, came with their grandparents, who happen to be my grandparents’ closest friends.

  Unfortunately, I couldn’t go every summer because my life revolved around concerts, tours, interviews, award shows, and all the other fun stuff that comes with being the child of a rock star.

  However, I looked forward to those vacations where I got to be a normal kid, and hang out with my grandparents, cousins, and their friends. No bodyguard. No looking over my shoulder for cameras. N
ot that there would be cameras since no one really knows who I am, but still….

  Just normal.

  Turns out this summer, it was just Zach and me. My cousins, Dylan, Cole, and Aiden, stayed in Heritage Bay, and Zach’s brother, Logan, was wrapped up in summer college classes. Our vacation couldn’t have been more perfect. For two whole weeks, our days were spent either lying on the beach, swimming, fishing, sailing, snorkeling, shopping, golfing, or just exploring the island. And our nights were spent sneaking into each other’s rooms and doing things my parents would not approve of.

  “Of course, Daddy,” I say with a smile. “You know how much I love it there.” I pull my phone from my back pocket and tap on the photos app before passing it to him.

  Of course, I made sure to delete anything questionable.

  Now, Marcus King, my dad, is as overprotective as they come. And for most of my life, he’s kept me on a short leash. Wherever he goes, Mom and I go. And if my parents go somewhere without me, I hang with Bass. My mom has been homeschooling me since day one, and when I’m not studying, I’m writing music or practicing. My friends are limited to the few I grew up with. And boys? Out of the question until I’m thirty.

  Mom reaches for my phone. “Is that Zach?”

  “Yes.” I smile. I can’t help it.

  “Wow. I can’t believe how much he looks like his father.” She looks over at me. “He’s gorgeous, Jayla.” She winks.

  Zach is gorgeous with his dark blond hair, bright blue eyes, and perfect smile.

  He’s perfect.

  My parents know I’ve had a crush on Zach for like ever, but as far as they know, it’s innocent—just like me. And we’ll leave it at that because it would crush me to see them disappointed. Luckily, having a mom in PR, I’ve learned to keep my facial expressions neutral.