by C. M. King
“I know, shush, we don’t need to talk about it. She thinks that she’s done damage, that I’m out of the picture, but we know better,” I soothed. The bitch was about to get hers, I would make sure of it.
He pulled away to look at me. “She’s sacked, right now I don’t care about the band, but I won’t continue to work with someone as conniving as she is.”
I cupped his face with my hands. “Good, I just wished I’d been there to give her a slap, ’cause trust me, I am more than ready to.”
“I would have liked to have seen that too.” He chuckled.
I kissed him long and hard before pulling away. He was panting lightly but there was still fear inside his eyes that unnerved me. “Come on, get into bed, I need to be near you, skin on skin.”
He smiled lifting his T-shirt over his head, his Converse and jeans soon followed. I peeled off my T-shirt and led him over as I pulled the sheets back and slipped inside. His body was warm as I nuzzled into his chest, his arms entwined around me, holding me close, like he was afraid to let me go. I kissed his neck and weaved my fingers into his hair, softly stroking it over and over. I knew that it soothed him and would hopefully lull him to sleep. Tomorrow was going to be hard, but tonight we would just hold each other.
Chapter Thirty
“Izzy, over here.” Micha waved. They were already eating breakfast. We made our way over to the table as they all looked on confused.
“Ooh, sneaky sleepover, looks like you’ve been at it all night. Did you even get any sleep?” she teased.
“I’ll just go get the coffee.” Joel wandered off looking embarrassed. I needed to get this over with before he came back.
“Long story short, over three weeks ago, I overheard Chantel telling her friends in the toilet that she was going all out to get Joel and push me out of the picture.”
“No fucking way,” Micha yelled, as all heads turned our way.
“Sheesh, could you say it any louder,” I whisper yelled.
“Sorry, but fucking hell.”
“I know and I’m not even at the worst part yet.”
“There’s more?” Corinne exclaimed.
“Yeah, she tried it on with Joel last night, tried to coerce him into a threesome with her and her friend, and when he declined, she forced herself onto him, with her friend on standby to take a picture. She sent it to me, but I didn’t see it because I was fast asleep. Joel drove fours to explain. He was almost frantic when he got here, that I wouldn’t believe him, but I explained about the conversation I’d overheard but I would have believed him anyway. I just had a bad feeling when I met her. She was so dismissive, speaking down to me. I could tell she had an agenda.”
“How long have you kept that quiet, Iz? That must have been hard keeping that to yourself,” Corinne asked, looking concerned.
“I ended up telling Elijah. He kept monitoring the situation. He called her Vamp Tramp. He’s been a good shoulder to lean on when I felt like tumbling down over and over. I couldn’t have got through these last few weeks without him.” I really couldn’t have, he was my rock.
“I wish you could have told us.” Corinne frowned.
“Hey,” I grabbed her hand and smiled. I didn’t want to burden you with my problems. You had just got things sorted with Josh. I didn’t want to tell you all because then it would be real, and I had to believe that something like that couldn’t happen no matter how much Chantel willed it. I never thought she’d force herself on him and try to blackmail though. I didn’t think she would sink that low.”
“You’ll be amazed how low people will go for what they want,” Micha added bitterly.
“Yeah.” I sighed. I knew that all too well now.
“Oh here’s Joel,” Corinne warned.
He walked back over with two coffees in his hand and smiled sitting down.
“Are you not getting anything else?” I asked, concerned by his lack of appetite.
“I don’t feel up to anything.”
“Now you have me worried.” He was always hungry, that was a fact.
“I just—”
“You know this is not your fault, Joel. You can’t help it that psycho bitch promoter had her eyes on you as being not only her meal ticket but boyfriend too.”
He frowned. “I know, but how could I be oblivious to it all?”
“Because some bitches are good at slowly spinning their web. You just thought she was doing her job. We all know you only have eyes for Izzy. No one would ever doubt that.” Corinne smiled reassuringly.
“It’s true, I only have eyes for you.” He brushed his lips up against my forehead and sighed.
“Do you know what would really make me happy?”
“What, tell me?” he urged.
“You going over there and plating up a huge breakfast for yourself. You have a four hour journey home and then all the shit to deal with when you get there. I don’t want to be worried about you. Oh and plate me one up too, I think I deserve it. She isn’t going to ruin our short time together and right now I need stodgy food.”
He grinned at my words. “Well, when you put it like that I can feel my appetite coming back already.”
“It’s business as usual then, she no longer exists. But get me scrambled instead of fried egg, please.”
“I am on it.” He jumped up from his seat and headed over to the breakfast area.
“Are you really okay, Iz?” Corinne asked again.
“Not really, I’m worried about the lies she’ll spread. The first thing he needs to do is change the password on the Facebook page so she doesn’t upload anything. As of right now, I don’t even know the depths she will go.” I dreaded to think what she would do next.
“Yeah, you don’t want that blowing up over Facebook.” Corinne pulled a face, mirroring my exact sentiments.
I quickly texted Lee. He’d been the one managing the Facebook page before Chantel took over. I asked if he still had the logins, he replied with a confused yes. I told him to change the password so Chantel had no more access. Within minutes, he texted back saying he’d done so. That’s what I loved about Lee, he didn’t question things, just did it. Joel would fill him in later. I hated to let him have to go back and handle it on his own, but I still had a week to go and I couldn’t penalise myself by leaving, even though I knew Joel wouldn’t let me.
Joel came back with two heaped plates, and we chatted and laughed as we tried in the best way to act normal. He seemed a little brighter and left me a couple of hours later with a plan after we discussed what would happen with the band. He was going to call a band meeting and discuss the impact of what Chantel’s actions had on the band. I knew all the guys would have his back and would go along with him no matter what the decision. One of the possible outcomes was that Joel said he would leave and they would then bring in a new singer as a replacement, but I knew not for one second would any of the guys even consider that option. The main issue was to try to do as much damage control incase Chantel became vindictive and started slandering Joel’s name. He was the innocent party, but Chantel was that vindictive. We had to be prepared for the worst, one being her leaking the photo and pretending that there was actually something between her and Joel. The wait was killing me, but all the worrying in the world would not help.
I had just finished my performance and taken a shower. Corinne and Micha asked me out to drinks, but I was not in the mood. I just wanted to sleep. Joel had kept me updated on what was happening. They had taken the Facebook page offline and Lee had changed the password and removed Chantel as an admin so she no longer had access. They had cancelled the two gigs they had over the next coming weeks and everyone agreed that Joel was not leaving the band. They would start over again with a new name if they had to and that made me smile. They were so fearlessly protective of him. So for now they were on a well-deserved break until the dust settled and then they would work out what to do next.
It had been a hard day and was just about ready to curl up with my Kindle when a unknown number
flashed on my screen. I was in two minds not to answer it, but I clicked the answer button anyway.
“Hello.”
“Oh I’m surprised you answered. I was looking forward to leaving you a nice little voice message,” Chantel’s evil little voice replied.
“Whatever you have to say, Chantel, I’m not interested.” I was just about ready to hang up.
“So you saw the picture then,” she asked tauntingly.
“No.”
“What?” she shrieked. “Oh don’t worry, I’ll resend it. Wouldn’t want you to miss this.”
“Seriously, don’t bother. I won’t believe your lies anyway.”
“So do you know Joel kissed me? It was inevitable really, we’ve had great chemistry from the start. These long distance relationships never last, if the guy isn’t entertained, he loses interest and looks elsewhere. Which is true in Joel’s case. I was only too happy to fill your spot.” I could almost see her smirking in delight.
“Listen here, you deluded bitch. I heard it all, the conversation in the bathroom of how you were going to make a play for Joel. I recorded it all. I have it on my phone. I knew what your plan was all along. I guess desperate times call for desperate measures when Joel still didn’t fall for your charm despite your best efforts. So you had to take it to the next level and lunge at him and then have your friend take a picture to then blackmail him. See what you don’t know is what we went through to get here. Joel loves me with all his heart and some little vindictive tramp is not going to make me think differently. So don’t even think about posting that photo anywhere because I will upload the voice recording file showing you to be a complete pathetic bitch who tries to steal other people’s fiancés. So are we clear? And don’t ever think of ringing me again or I will file a harassment case with the police. Now do me a favour and fuck off.” I hit the end call button, shaking so hard, but I was glad I held my nerve so it didn’t show in my voice. I was raging and I needed to vent, but I didn’t want to worry Joel. He’d enough to contend with. I was just going to have to hope my actions didn’t bring on any more consequences.
Chapter Thirty-One
The final performance was over. My eyes filled up as we took our final bow on stage before the curtain closed leaving us hugging each other in tears that our time had come to an end. The hotel was hosting an after party, which we were all to dress up. We all headed back to our changing rooms as we didn’t have long to get ready.
An hour later, we walked into the hall. It was all decked out with free food and more importantly alcohol, which everyone descended on. We stood in groups laughing and chatting away about our time together.
“I can’t believe it’s over. What are we going to do with ourselves?” Corinne asked, frowning.
“I’m looking at sleeping for the next month,” Josh quipped. We all laughed, completely agreeing. Sleep was so welcomed right now. I also couldn’t wait to get back to my Kindle. I had some pre-orders I was frantically waiting on that were being released within the next week.
“I’m going to miss it so much,” Corinne groaned, hugging Josh harder.
“What is happening with you guys?” Josh lived in Sunderland and Corinne lived in Chester. It was a fair few hours travelling for them both.
“Oh we’ll make it work. I can come down one weekend and Corinne will come up another.” He kissed her hair lovingly.
“Aww, you two make such a great couple. It’s hard to think that you used to be such a man whore,” Micha teased.
Corinne glared and Josh chuckled. “Excuse me, reformed man whore.” He winked and we all laughed. They did make such a cute couple.
“So did Tony say when his next production would be and do we know what?” Corinne asked anxiously.
“No, I think it will be towards the end of the year. He said would start auditions and then the tour would be spring next year,” Micha added.
“Oh god, I hope we can talk our way into this next one. I already have some auditions lined up next week. Hope I’m lucky.” Corinne grinned.
“Already?” I asked. I was ready for this holiday that Joel had promised me. I was more than ready to spend time with him twenty-fou seven, relaxing on the beach with Ruby beside me.
“Yeah, well you’ve got to get back in the game. It’s dog eat dog and I’m ready for my next adventure.”
“I’m having a holiday first.” That was for certain.
“Oh me too,” Micha agreed.
We had more than earned it.
“What time do we have to be out of our rooms tomorrow?” I asked, thinking of all the packing I had to do.
“Ten in the morning.” We all groaned in unison.
“That’s enough talk of packing and leaving. Tonight’s our party and we deserve it, so here grab a glass.” Josh handed them out one by one. “And let’s celebrate what’s been an amazing tour. Hopefully there’s more to come and we’ll see each other.”
“I second that,” I added.
“I third that.” Micha grinned
“We’ll always be together,” Corinne sang.
“Err mixing your musicals up there. Fuck, I was born to play Sandy. I need to get in that audition next month,” Micha pondered.
“Message me the audition dates, will you, Micha? I’d make a good Rizzo.” She winked and we laughed. Yep her bark was definitely worse than her bite, it was the perfect role for her.
“Enough talk about auditioning, let’s get drunk,” Josh screamed and everyone cheered. Out of our rooms by ten, yeah righto.
* * *
“I can’t believe this is goodbye,” Corinne whimpered, beginning to cry.
“But we’ll FaceTime and message and text each other,” Micha soothed.
“I know but it’s not the same, but I promise we’ll all keep in touch.”
“You better had, come here.” She pulled us both into a hug. All you could hear was sniffling as we squeezed the life out of each other before pulling back and drying our eyes.
“What time is your train due in?” I asked both of them.
“Shit, mine’s in five minutes. Gotta go, love you both. Will text you later on.” Corinne hugged us hard and then legged it over the bridge with her case bumping along behind her.
“Mine’s due in twenty. I guess I’d better make it over to the platform. I need to grab a coffee on the way, my head is pounding,” Micha groaned.
“I’m not surprised with all those shots last night.”
“Yeah, that wasn’t a good idea, especially with the early check out.”
“You live and you learn.” I chuckled.
“Don’t you just. Keep us posted on the Joel situation. If you need any bodyguards to help slap a bitch, then we are your ladies.”
“Thankfully we’ve heard nothing since, but it’s always there at the back of my mind. I just can’t wait to go on holiday and escape it all.”
“We’ve definitely earned it. Oh god, I really had better go. I need some paracetamol too. I’m planning to sleep on the train. Just hope I don’t miss my stop.” She laughed pulling a face.
“Set the alarm on your phone to wake you up fifteen minutes before.”
“What am I going to do without you? So wise.” She winked and hugged me hard before she scurried off. She always was a hundred miles an hour. I grabbed a coffee and a doughnut making my way over to the platform, more than ready to head home.
* * *
“Izzy.”
A smile crept over my face, I would know that voice anywhere. I turned to find Joel at the platform gate. I squealed and ran over leaping into his arms.
“You are finally home.”
“Yep.” I giggled between kisses as lots of amused onlookers watched us make out on the platform.
“Errm, Joel, as much as I am loving all these kisses, can you wait till we get somewhere more private?”
“I don’t think that’s possible. We might have to do it right here.”
“Joel.” I batted him playfully and he chuckled
before putting me down. He grabbed my suitcase off the ground, and we headed out of the station ready to catch the tube home.
Pushing open the front door, I smiled walking into my home. It felt good to be back, even better when Ruby bounded over with a welcome slobbery kiss.
“I think she’s missed you.” Joel smirked.
“I’ve missed you all so much.” I hugged her hard, trying to avoid being licked to death but it was pointless. Eventually she settled down, but I knew she wouldn’t leave my side for the next few days.
Joel made a round of coffees as I got myself comfortable on the sofa with Ruby lying across me.
“Someone’s comfortable,” Joel remarked, handing me the mug.
“Yeah, she’s making sure I don’t leave again.”
“We’ll have to soon because I want you all to myself.” He grinned and a shiver of excitement ran through me at just the very thought.
“Well, give me time to get some caffeine into my system as I need all the energy boost I can get.” I was completely drained.
“Drink up because my patience is wearing thin. I want you stripped and that naked body wrapped around mine in ten minutes.”
I threw back the coffee and burned my tongue.
Son of a bitch.
But I knew what was ahead was so worth it.
* * *
“Fuck, Izzy.”
“Oh god, Joel.” My eyes rolled back as he thrusted hard into me, taking my breath away each time with every movement.
“I-oh-my-god.”
“Iz-fuck-Iz.”
I laughed as I clenched him hard. I was close so damn close. I gripped his back tight finally letting myself be taken over by the orgasm that surged through my body.
Joel flopped down on top of me, his head between my breasts as he panted heavily. I think I had well and truly exhausted him.
“I swear you take my breath away every time.”
“That’s good to hear.” I giggled.
“I’ve missed you in our bed,” he said, looking somber.
