Back-Up

by A. m Madden

  “Let’s blow our show and celebrate.” Joe says, looking around the room nodding and grinning like a kid in a candy store.

  Lori points to the door and says, “Get to work.”

  Saluting his new drill sergeant, Joe laughs and hugs Lori. “Yes, boss.”

  The Cliffhangers all file out of the room like good little soldiers. Matt throws Lori one last look before leaving the room.

  Lori smirks prompting me to ask, “What are you up to?”

  She shrugs innocently. “Nothing.”

  “Bullshit.” A few seconds later, she winks confirming my suspicions.

  I watch her closely as she puts on her best poker face. I don’t have time to get into it this with her right now.

  “I’ve got to get out there. Thank you.”

  “What for? I should be thanking you. You were right. Those boys need me.”

  “Yes, they do. One more thing, I haven’t had a chance to tell you some of the details since our chat. I wanted to let you know that I told the guys I feel they need to replace me. They gave me a hard time, and think it’s unnecessary. It is now your job to convince them.”

  “Absolutely.” She says without a pause. “I love you Leila, and it will be hard for them to find someone as perfect of a fit as you were, but you’re right. This will be item number one on my “to do” list. No worries.” She leans in and hugs me tight.

  “I know you will take care of my boys and get them where they need to be. I love you.” I mumble into her shoulder as my voice cracks from emotions.

  Lori chuckles into my hair and hugs me tighter. “You aren’t going off to war, Lei.”

  As we make our way into the bar arm and arm, Alisa spots us and immediately and grins from ear to ear. Lori does not miss a beat and accuses, “She knows?”

  Oops…

  Alisa storms over to where we are standing with both hands on her hips. “Yes I know! Logan told me. I’ve been dying to talk to you about it for days. Jesus, Lori, what the hell? At least a hundred times I was going to bring it up, but this one over here made me swear on a stack of bibles not to say a word. Do you know how hard it was for me to act normal for the last few days? It’s been complete and utter torture. Logan was so stressed and every time I would bring it up he would make me zip it. Evan avoided me at all costs so he wouldn’t have to listen to me bitching on how unfair it was to keep this in. I could have gotten an ulcer from the stress. Both of you owe me so big for this. I want a spa day with the works, not to mention a percentage of the profits once those yahoo’s make it big.”

  She finally stops only to take a breath and is about to start another rant when I interrupt. “I love you Lis, and yes we owe you one. I know this was very hard on you. I wish I could stay and chat about it, but I have to go do my job now.” Kissing her cheek, I bolt towards the stage. Tentatively I look back to see Lori shooting daggers at me. I’ve just left my one friend alone to get reamed for the next four hours from my other friend with no escape. She is going to kill me for sure.

  Evan meets me at my keyboard. “Such a great idea you had. You are so awesome Lei.”

  “I know.”

  “Humble as shit too.” He kisses my cheek and saunters over to his side of the stage to grab his bass guitar.

  I catch a glimpse of Sal standing across the bar and pointing to his watch as Matt hastily addresses the crowd. “Hey, Hoboken. So sorry we’re late. I promise we’ll make it up to you!” A few girls call out crude, suggestive offers as Matt laughs jovially. He really should laugh more often. It’s so sexy. I swear he’s like Sybil with his multiple personalities. He ranges from dickhead to dreamboat.

  Matt turns to give us his cue and we finally start our first song.

  Sal tries hard to look annoyed, but he can’t quite pull it off. There is a decent crowd tonight, so naturally the girls are super busy at the bar. I’m hoping this is making it difficult for Alisa to continue her rant on Lori. When I glance over, though, Alisa is still yapping away and Lori is still rolling her eyes dramatically. I probably owe them both a spa day after this.

  Melancholy hits with a violent force. This has been my life for the past few years. Spending many nights a week on this very stage and singing with this awesome group of men with my two dear friends in the same room tending bar makes me realize how much I’m really going to miss this. A lump forms in my throat from the bittersweet events simultaneously occurring in my life. It’s bitter because these chapters of my life will all end very soon and sadness doesn’t begin to describe my emotions yet sweet because I have landed a job as a back-up singer with a very talented rock band and I’m about to live my dream in just a few weeks.

  From my position on stage, I slowly scan the room to commit every single detail to memory. I want to recall where the boys stand at their respective places on stage, the girls at the bar working hard, the back of Matt’s body as he suggestively seduces the crowd with his voice, the worn wooden floors and well weathered walls, the view from the stage of the dimly lit corners, and even the faces of the patrons as we perform. I need to remember every single detail.

  The bar doors suddenly open throwing a temporarily glow into the room from the streetlamps outside. This happens so many times during the course of any given night that it can become distracting. Casually glancing up at the doors just as I do every time they open, I suddenly freeze from panic. I recognize that posture.

  OMG…it’s Jack.

  Guardedly I watch as he looks around the bar while taking a few steps deeper into the room. I still can’t see his face, but I don’t have a doubt in my mind that it’s him.

  My body starts to tremble from nerves or from being so damn horny. Perhaps it’s both?

  Jack leans in to talk to his friend. I can’t see the other man’s face either but spiky hair tells me its Hunter. They move towards an empty table to the right of the stage adjacent to my position. Jack takes the seat directly facing me while Hunter sits next to him. Their table is under one of the recessed lights and affords every female in the bar an unfettered view of his gorgeous face.

  Case in point…

  Kelly, one of our waitresses, is chatting at another table and turns to tell them she’ll be right with them. One look at Mr. Sex God and her mouth hangs open in the most unflattering way.

  Lori and Alisa are working opposite ends of the bar. Lori notices him first, quickly followed by Alisa. They both stop in their tracks, completely stunned into silence. It’s a definite first.

  Every female in the room is gawking at him and either he doesn’t have a clue or he couldn’t care less. Matt, I’m guessing does have a clue. His head turns towards Jack, probably because he noticed all female eyes are no longer looking at him.

  As for myself, I can feel his gaze on me like Superman’s x-ray vision. But I chose to keep my head down to avoid staring into his gorgeous eyes. Because once I do, I’m toast. I can feel him watching my every move. It’s unnerving. My knees are wobbling, my hands are trembling, and I’m pretty sure I can feel sweat trickling down my back. It’s a ridiculous reaction to someone I barely know.

  Although he’s taken my breath away every time I’ve seen him, this reaction I am having tonight is different. The onslaught of nervous jitters that are now controlling my body must be because he is here to size up my performance. What if he doesn’t like what he sees?

  The wobbling, trembling, and sweating go on until the last song before our break begins. It’s a duet between Matt and I, front and center sharing a microphone.

  That means I need to walk across the stage and pray that I don’t fall, or pee my pants, or throw up. In fact, at this very moment I should be standing next to Matt instead of being rooted to the floor at my keyboards.

  At ten seconds into the song, Evan gives me the “what the hell are you doing?” look.

  At twenty seconds into the song, Matt gives me the “get the fuck over here, now!” look.

  I take a quick glance at Jack, who is leaning forward with his elbows on h
is knees as if he’s waiting for the plot of a murder mystery. Could this get any more humiliating?

  My brain starts screaming at my body like a drill sergeant.

  “MOVE YOUR ASS AND SING SOLDIER!”

  With a deep breath, I turn and make my painful, humiliating way over to Matt as gracefully as I can manage while ignoring his evil stink eye. I pick up the vocals at the chorus, and hope everyone in the room thinks it was planned.

  A higher power takes over and bestows me with an outer body experience. As if possessed, I begin to play the role of rock singer somewhat convincingly. Rasping the lyrics in a very seductive, suggestive manner, I place my hand over Matt’s while he is holding the microphone stand. His eyes widen slightly at my touch and a slow smile creeps on his handsome face.

  I move closer so Matt and I are now a few inches apart, close my eyes and imagine singing with Jack. The image in my mind is breath taking. Jack’s face is so close that I can feel his breath. Wanting to feel his lips on mine, I impulsively lean in even closer, as we seduce each other with the lyrics.

  I completely lose myself in the daydream I have conjured up in my mind, until I hear the crowd’s applause cruelly yank me back to reality. The applause is different than I’m used to. The whistling is deafening!

  Despite the crowd’s reaction, I think, actually I know, that I just made a complete fool out of myself. Evan, Joseph, and Logan are all frozen with shock while Matt is grinning like a fool. He shakes his head and he announces to the crowd we are taking a short break.

  Wishing the stage would swallow me whole at this very moment, I walk over to my keyboards afraid to make eye contact with anyone. Evan’s loud bark in my ear causes me to jump. “What the hell was THAT?!”

  I can attempt to lie, but it won’t work. Evan knows me too well. “He’s here. Jack and Hunter are both here.” I whisper desperately. As Evan tries to look behind him, I grab his face violently. “Don’t you dare turn around, I’ll kill you!”

  He laughs. “Is that who your little performance was for?”

  I narrow my gaze and whisper, “I don’t know what came over me.”

  “Why are you freaking out? So he came to see you perform? Don’t you think you need to get used to his presence?”

  “Yes, but not tonight and not in my bar!”

  Evan throws me a look. “Lei, don’t be ridiculous.”

  “He makes me so nervous.”

  “You need to get over it. You are probably looking at him like a celebrity and not your band mate. He’s just a guy, Leila, just like me.”

  “See, here’s the thing. I am looking at him like he’s my boss. And what if my BOSS hates my performance?”

  “Now you’re being even more ridiculous.”

  I sigh and whisper through clenched teeth, “Fine.” Then I grab his hand in a death grip and drag him off the stage.

  “Your hand is sweating.”

  “Shut up!”

  Matt, Logan and Joseph head straight to the bar, as they do every time we perform. “Guys, come over here when you get your beers. I want to introduce you to my new band mates.”

  Joe turns to see who I’m talking about. One look at Jack and Joe instantly figures out the reason for my new found sex appeal on stage. With a wide smirk he walks backwards to the bar, making obscene gestures with his hips. Jackass.

  Matt also figures it out, but he looks annoyed and pissed off.

  I ignore him and approach Jack’s table. Not realizing I’m still squeezing the life out of Evan’s hand. “Ow.”

  “Hi. What brings you to Hoboken?”

  Hunter smiles warmly. “Hey Leila. We wanted to see you guys perform. You sounded great up there. I loved the last song.”

  “Thanks, Hunter.”

  I turn towards Jack and I think I hear a whooshing noise in between my ears, as I get hopelessly lost in his smoky grey eyes. We suspend time by intently staring at each other.

  Evan attempts to capture my attention by squeezing my hand, but it doesn’t work and I effectively zone out. Thankfully he takes control of the situation.

  “Evan Miller.” He shakes Hunter’s hand first then Jack’s. Jack gaze flicks over to our clasped hands as he shakes Hunter’s other one.

  Awkward silence stretches between these three gorgeous men and me. Jack speaks first directly to Evan. “You guys sound awesome.”

  “Thanks. I’ve seen you guy’s play as well. Congrats on all your success. You deserve it.”

  Jack and Hunter flash quick, shy smiles at Evan’s compliment. My heart swells from the pride I feel for Evan. He’s truly a class act.

  “Leila, I can never get tired of your voice, but now I have an awesome visual as well. That was hot. You sure know how to work a crowd.”

  Whoa, what?

  All eyes now focus on me.

  “Um…thanks?”

  With a laugh, Jack follows up. “Compliment. It’s definitely a compliment.”

  He liked it? But more importantly, he thought it was hot? Having Jack Lair tell you something is hot is by far the hottest thing I’ve ever heard.

  Evan squeezes my hand painfully, which causes me to flinch and break eye contact first.

  “She says thank you.” He speaks for me. My hand is throbbing from Evan’s assault. I glare at him and he counters by raising his eyebrows. Without words, we are able to have a very heated conversation. He thinks I’m acting like a complete ass and I believe he’s blatantly trying to embarrass me.

  “Um…you should meet the rest of the guys.” I announce in a pathetic attempt to cover the embarrassing exchange that just occurred between Evan and me. I’m still rubbing my hand as I motion to my fellow band members to come over. This is good. The more people to distract from my absurd behavior the better.

  Evan makes the rest of the introductions, since I’m rendered useless. Joe and Logan grab some chairs from a nearby table so we can all sit. They all strike up a conversation effortlessly, except for Matt. He is the only one sitting in silence.

  Jack turns towards Matt. “You have a great voice man.”

  “Thanks.” He answers indifferently.

  More silence.

  He sits there like a total lump and does not participate, in the conversation. Occasionally sipping his beer in complete boredom. Dreamboat is gone and dickhead is back. In spite of Matt’s obvious jealous brooding, the rest of the guys discuss their music and future plans.

  Kelly sashays over with a pitcher of beer and smiles sweetly at Jack. I’ve never seen Kelly move her hips that way before. “It’s on the girls. I’m Kelly.” She thrusts her hand at Jack, then at Hunter. She’s talented enough to pour a round for the guys while her eyes remain firmly glued to Jack. It’s quite a performance.

  Jack looks confused. “Girls?”

  Pointing at the bar I answer his question. “Alisa and Lori are our bartenders as well as our good friends.”

  He turns and like a magic trick both of their mouths drop open at the exact same time. There isn’t a doubt in my mind they are both experiencing the crotch clenching at this very moment. Logan raises his eyebrows at Alisa’s behavior just as Jack raises his glass and nods a thank you.

  He turns away from the girls and misses the best part which is Lori clutching the bar and mouthing obnoxiously, “OH MY GOD!”

  Alisa shows more class by resuming her bartending duties, all the while sneaking nervous looks at Logan.

  “That’s really nice of them. Thank you, Kelly.” Hunter says.

  “My pleasure.” I could swear Kelly grazed Jack’s arm with her ass before walking away.

  Oh brother.

  The guys all interact so comfortably with each other while drinking their free beer. You would think they all have known each other for years. As Jack discusses details of the tour with Evan, his eyes continually find mine. Each and every time, I’m caught staring. It doesn’t seem to stop me from staring though. Watching him shooting the breeze with my close friends and speaking passionately about his music is rivet
ing.

  Lori waving her arms at me like an air traffic controller interrupts my trance. “Um…I’m sure the girls want to meet you guys. I’ll introduce you if you want.”

  Jack turns and Lori waves at him. “Sounds good.”

  “We’ll catch you guys later. You’ll stick around after the show?” Evan asks as he stands.

  Hunter nods, “Sure, we’ll be here.”

  “Cool.” Evan and Joe both head to the back room and leave Logan and Matt to linger a few seconds longer.

  Matt starts to follow as well but then stops suddenly. Almost as an afterthought, he looks over at me and then at Jack. “Take care of her.” He says, his tone a touch threatening.

  “We fully intend to.” Jack responds, taking his challenge.

  “Did you hit your head?” I ask, clearly shocked by his comment. Matt pats my shoulder before walking away.

  Looking over at Logan, I voice my concern again. “Seriously, did he hit his head?”

  “Not recently, but maybe it’s finally caught up to him.” Logan shrugs. “Let’s go meet our lovely bartenders.” He adds shooting daggers at his lovely bartender girlfriend.

  The girls see us coming, Alisa hides behind Lori to avoid Logan’s glare while Lori adjusts her boobs and fluffs out her hair.

  “Hey guys, this is Jack and Hunter. They are both in Devil’s Lair. Guys, this is Alisa and Lori. They are two of my closest friends, and they both make a mean margarita.”

  Alisa introduces herself as Logan’s other half in hopes of scoring some points with her displeased boyfriend. Lori shakes their hands and adds, “Bartending is a side job. I’m the Cliffhangers agent as well.”

  Oh lord.

  “Hi girls, it’s nice to meet you.” Jack woos them with his dazzling smile.

  Hopelessly I watch as the possibility of setting Lori and Hunter up spins into a fiery crash and nosedives to the ground. She hasn’t noticed him because she hasn’t taken her bulging eyes off Jack.

  Damn it!

  “You’re gorgeous.” Lori announces dreamily while looking at Jack. As an afterthought she throws, “You too, Hunter.”

  Amused, Jack sneaks a sideways glance at me before answering. “Why thank you. You gals aren’t so bad yourselves.” Jack’s words have Lori giggling like a schoolgirl and flipping her hair.