by K E Osborn
Grabbing a seat, I pull it up next to Gregson who nods to me while the others take their seats and the station manager leaves.
“Well, hey guys, we don’t have long before the break is over, but I’m going to start by asking a couple of questions, then I’m going to open it up to phone calls. You all good with that?”
Danger seems more alert now Lunar isn’t in his presence, so I look over at him.
“Yeah, I’m good,” Danger replies.
“Me too,” Matt agrees.
“Whatever,” Nate adds.
I roll my eyes at Nate as Gregson raises an eyebrow and I shake my head slightly while taking in a deep breath. Gregson gestures to the headphones on the desk in front of us all, and so we each pick them up and place them on our heads. I can hear someone talking but I can’t see them as they count us in from the add break.
“And, we’re back in five, four, three, two…” It goes quiet as the theme song plays and then Gregson comes in like he knew exactly when. I guess he’s a pro, and you would be after working here for as long as he has.
“Welcome back listeners, and do we have a treat for you. I have with me the four members of the hottest band of the moment… Recoil are here. Say hi guys!”
“Hi,” we all say in unison and then chuckle.
“That’s right, ladies. Fan your fluffies ‘cause I’m sitting here right now staring at Danger, Ryan, Nate, and Matt. And I have to tell you, even my heart’s a little jittery.”
I chuckle. “Oh Gregson, you liar,” Danger quips.
He laughs. “No really, but it might just be my angina.”
We all laugh. “Yeah, now the truth is coming out,” I tease.
He laughs. “Okay, let’s get to the truth then, Ryan, shall we?”
“Oh God,” I groan.
He chuckles. “Yoga? Is it really as easy as you make it look?”
I glance over to Tillie. “It is when you have a good teacher like Lara, and also someone pushing you like Tillie. I wasn’t up for the challenge at first, but it’s actually been a good experience for me, and if you get a chance to have a go at it I would recommend it for sure.”
“Good to know. Now, Danger, I’m going to ask the question everyone wants to know.”
“Ah-huh…” Danger shifts in his seat.
“You and Lunar have been together for quite a while now, and people… the paps and myself right now, have spotted a rather large ring on Lunar’s ring finger. Anything you wanna tell the world?”
Danger looks over to Tillie with his eyes wide. They hadn’t gotten around to doing a press release regarding their engagement.
Tillie just smiles and nods in that unflappable way she has.
“Okay, well, I actually asked the beautiful Lunar to marry me, and she said yes… how’s that for an exclusive?”
Gregson smiles wide. “Well, you heard it here first, folks. Danger from Recoil is officially off the market. Hearts are breaking all over the world tonight… congratulations guys.”
“Thank you, we’re very happy.”
“When can we expect the wedding invites?”
“Urgh, that I don’t know, we haven’t even thought about that part yet. So don’t expect anything too soon people.”
“What about the pitter patter of tiny little feet? Any chance of that?”
Danger shifts uncomfortably in his seat this time and I smile wide watching him squirm.
“Okay, time to talk about something else,” Danger murmurs while Lunar chuckles in the background.
“Right, I think it’s time to take some callers. We have our first one on the line. Caller what’s your name and question?”
“Hi, I’m Carol. I love you guys. I’m really a huge fan. I have all your albums and I listen to all your songs on repeat… like all the time. I like to kiss your posters on the wall before I go to bed and—”
“TMI Carol, do you have an actual question?” Gregson interrupts as we all chuckle.
“Oh, right, sorry, I get carried away. My question is to the twins, where was the weirdest place you last had sex?”
Everyone laughs as Gregson rolls his eyes.
“On the band’s jet.” The brother’s both answer in unison. They look at each other and high five as we all break out in laughter.
Tillie shakes her head and I know she’s thinking this could turn into a PR nightmare if anything wrong is said. But so far everything is going okay.
“Wait, who did you have sex with on the jet?” Nate asks.
“Who did you have sex with?” Matt asks in return.
“Candace.” They both say her name at the same time and the room fills with laughter as they groan and shove at each other.
“Fuck dude, I saw her first,” Nate says.
“Yeah, how do you know? When did you have sex with her?” Matt asks.
“Who’s the sloppy seconds?” Gregson quips as we all laugh, and Tillie puts her head in her hands.
“Wednesday,” Nate says.
“Tuesday,” Matt replies with a giant smirk and Nate throws his hands in the air.
“Fucking hell, always coming second,” Nate groans.
Everyone laughs except for a brooding Nate.
“Gotta love live radio,” Gregson says. “We have another caller. Caller, what’s your name and question?”
“Hi, I’m Alana, just wondering if you guys normally share girls? ‘Cause, I’m down.”
Gregson hangs up the call while we all laugh.
“Okay, maybe no more calls,” Gregson says shaking his head.
***
The rest of the interview went on without a hitch. The interview was actually quite funny and there was lots of laughter, but more importantly, the ratings were high so the studio executives informed us afterward.
I have to admit our first radio interview went really well, and as we head down the hall toward the penthouse noisily, we’re all happy with how it went down. Well, except for Nate who’s still arguing with Matt.
My fingers link with Tillie’s as she cuddles into my side. Oliver steps up beside us as we all chuckle at Matt and Nate.
“Those two will be at each other’s throats for hours, you know that, right?” I say to Oliver.
He rolls his eyes and gunts. “I’ve already fired Candace and found another air hostess to fill her position.”
Chuckling, I nod. “Good idea. Nate’s already a bitch, we don’t need Matt being one, too.”
“So true,” Tillie says with a slight chuckle. “So true.”
Chapter Nineteen
TILLIE
It’s the beginning of the final week of the tour. The guys have been going amazingly well, and the support and adoration of the fans has been unimaginable. These guys are seriously hitting it big. There’s nothing they could ask for and they wouldn’t get, and in all honesty they’re hot property right now, and they only have themselves to thank for it. They put in the hard work and it’s paying off. Not only is their music great, but they’re ridiculously gracious and humble with their fans. They spend time with them, they give them the attention they need and deserve. That is what’s setting Recoil apart from the other bands out there at the moment and that’s why they’re loved and adored. They may not be the all-time number one band in the world just yet, but sure as hell they’re clawing their way up there fast. It won’t be long. My guys will get there, I feel it in my bones!
They give back to their fans like right now they’re doing an intimate show with just two hundred people, mainly competition winners. With the few tickets that were sold, the money went to Lunar’s foundation which she’s running from the road with help from her foundation headquarters. She’s so amazing the way she can run her foundation across two countries, operate the merchandise stalls, keep her relationship perfect, live the life of a rocker’s fiancée and still look perfect every second of every day. She astounds me.
The strobing of the lights catches my attention as the music starts back up again for the encore performance of
the night. The beat hits hard as Nate slams heavy on the percussion. A smile forms on my face while the vibration makes my entire body move on the spot. The small room is dark, only lit by the shining lights from the stage—bright yellows and purples strobing out in time with the beats, thumping and thrashing a deep hard rumble.
An electric wave sounds through the air. My hairs stand to attention on my arms sending a tingle down my spine. I can’t see him, but I know he’s on the stage shrouded in darkness, plucking at his guitar sending the haunting sound through the room. The crowd’s in silence as the music fills the space. The guitar filters through with the drums, the rhythm a perfect tune, as Matt’s bass chimes in. They’re in perfect sync. Everything slow, a torturous tempo, a painful dance of anguish and woe.
Suddenly the tempo picks up. Ryan slams on his guitar, the lights shine down on him, illuminating him completely. He’s shirtless, his chest glistening under the heat of the lights. His muscles straining with the movements and the slight outline of abs starting to appear. The crowd erupts into a frenzy, cheering and screaming, jumping up and down in a mad haze of adoration for Ryan. He’s never looked as good as he does right now—in his element, center stage, fitter than he has been for most of his life and looking like the rock god he definitely is.
Taking a deep breath, I attempt to dull the throbbing ache I have for him by moving. He looks delicious, and I know I’m not the only woman in here with wet panties over him right now.
Danger runs onto the stage, the women love him too. They scream even more. This place is going off. And their music is only just audible over the screams. Even so it’s amazing, and as I stand back I sway to the sounds, taking in the melody that my guys create together, and enjoying their sound. For once I’m able to watch, not from behind a cell phone. There’s no live streaming for this concert seeing as it’s an exclusive event. Only the people who are here are able to see the show. It’s only fair seeing as they paid such a hefty fee to come. Even if the money does go to charity.
I’m swaying to the music, loving every beat, every melody, every crescendo when it finally comes to an end. I smile so wide as the crowd erupts into a fit of applause and foot stomps, as I clap along with them. The guys take their final bow and head off the stage. Shaking my head, not because I’m surprised, but because I’m in awe of them. They work the room so well and I’m so happy to be a part of this.
I make my way back behind the curtain and Ryan spots me, he turns racing toward me. I quicken my pace and launch myself at him. He chuckles as I jump into his arms into an embrace. He’s sweaty and sticky but I don’t care, he’s also shirtless and that’s very distracting as I wrap my arms around his neck and press my body against his completely. My lips smash against his and he chuckles kissing me back, his fingers run through my hair gently as he tenderly caresses my scalp.
We’re kissing in the back area where the competition winners will be entering shortly. Hell, they’re probably coming in now, but I don’t care as I kiss Ryan passionately like my life depends on it. Watching him up there on that stage does something to me, he turns me on like no man ever has, and seeing him handle his guitar really gets me fired up.
I’m lost in a deep sensual kiss when suddenly someone clears their throat right next to us breaking the moment. I pull back from Ryan and we turn toward the noise. Ryan’s face falls as he turns pale white looking at the beautiful blonde bombshell like he’s seen a ghost. He lets go of me taking a step back and tenses his body.
“Mel?” he asks as I swallow hard trying to read his expression.
“Hey fucker,” she says and launches herself at him. He thrusts himself at her and they collide in an epic scale hug as they sway each other from side to side.
“Fucking hell, what are you doing here?” he asks, his scared look now changed to utter jubilation.
She shrugs. “Won a competition.”
He slumps his body as I wrap my arms around mine. “If you wanted to see me you could have called.”
She sighs and winces as I stand back watching the two obvious friends? Exes? Relatives? Interact.
“I know, it’s just… hard.”
Ryan’s face falters and he nods in acknowledgment. “I know.”
“Katie would have been so proud,” she says making me furrow my brows.
“You think?” he asks as I wonder who the hell Katie is.
“I know! Being my best friend and all I think I know her pretty well,” she says gripping his shoulder tightly. Seeing her hand on Ryan’s bare skin is sending a wave of jealousy right through me and I hate that I feel that way.
“Who’s Katie?” I ask wanting to join in on their conversation.
Ryan looks at me, eyes wide like he’d forgotten I was even here. “Just someone I used to know.”
Mel stiffens while screwing up her face. “Really Ryan?”
“Mel, please… leave it,” he chides making goosebumps litter my skin.
There’s more to this Katie person whoever she is.
I want to ask, but I can see he’s shutting down.
Mel frowns shaking her head. “Fine! It’s been good seeing you… I’m proud too, Ryan,” she says leaning in kissing his cheek, then turns and heads off toward Danger.
I glance at Ryan who’s purposely not looking at me. Huffing, I grab his hand and he looks at me with glassy eyes. It worries me completely. He’s on edge and I have no idea why.
“Ryan—”
“Don’t, just leave it.”
I take a breath. “I’m your girlfriend, you can talk to me.”
“And I will, one day… just not today.” He walks off and I exhale wanting to know more than anything who Katie is and how she fits into everything.
He sets up with the other guys to meet his fans and I stand back inwardly dying. Ryan has a secret, a past that he doesn’t want to share, and I’m not sure if that says more about him or me.
Where the hell do we go from here?
***
After the meet and greet, Ryan did his very best to keep away from me. He managed to find a way to always be talking to someone else, he even sat with Nate on the way back to the hotel, which is weird, because he thinks Nate’s the biggest complainer of all time and he hates hearing him bitch and moan.
Now we’re walking to the penthouse and I’m starting to wonder if he’s going to even sleep in the same room as me tonight.
Lunar steps up to me and raises her eyebrow. “You guys have a fight?”
I shake my head. “No, I don’t think so… I don’t know. I just asked him who Katie was and now he’s avoiding me.”
She furrows her brows and purses her lips. “Katie… you say?” I nod. “Never heard that name mentioned before. What makes you think he knows a Katie?”
“Was something a friend of his said. I think Katie might be an ex or something, maybe the girl that broke his heart. I don’t know, but I pushed a button and I think he’s pissed at me.”
She frowns. “Well, if he decides to be too much of a bitch come tell me. You can sleep in my room tonight and I’ll make Danger sleep with Ryan. Deal?”
“I don’t think Danger would—”
“Deal!” she says opening her eyes dramatically.
“Okay, okay… deal.” I giggle shaking my head. “Thank you.”
“Hey, what are friends for, if not to throw our men out on their asses if our bestie’s man is being a douche, hey?”
I laugh. “Right.”
“It’ll be fine. Ryan doesn’t hold onto temper tantrums for long, I’m sure once you get in the bedroom he’ll forget all about it.”
I nod and fake a smile. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”
She pulls me to her side and wraps her arm around my shoulders hugging me to her as we all walk inside the penthouse. She kisses the side of my head lightly and then giggles. “Right I’m off, let me know if you need me to kick Danger out.”
“Will do, and thanks again.”
“Chicks before dicks, Tillie!”
she calls out as she crosses the living room, and all the guys look at her and furrow their brows, especially Danger. I giggle shaking my head as I move down to the bedroom and walk in to start getting changed for bed. It’s late, and I really just want to go to sleep. It’s been a weird night and I can’t be bothered with any more drama, so I pull out my Recoil T-shirt from the suitcase, place it on the bed and start to undress. I strip down just to my panties, then slide on the T-shirt and climb in under the sheets just as Ryan walks into the room. Swallowing hard, I figure I’ll let him talk first so I lay in the bed facing him and watch as he takes off his shirt and jeans, then slides into the bed. I take a deep breath waiting for him to face me so we can talk, but instead he rolls over, his back facing me and moves over right to the edge of the bed as far away from me as possible, not saying a word.
A sinking feeling pounds down on my chest and I feel like I can’t breathe. My stomach twists and my chest aches so much I wonder if I’m having heart palpitations. My bottom lip quivers as hot salty water fills my eyes. The silence in the room is deafening and the view of the back of his head is the worst thing I’ve ever seen. He’s shutting me out, and I have no idea why or what this means.
Sniffing back subtly, I roll over and face the wall, wiping the tears now falling silently down my cheeks. I feel deflated, I feel let down, and most of all I feel completely in the dark. I hate this. I have no idea where we stand or what’s happening to us. All I know is a sense of overwhelming dread lies over me, and nothing can fix it except for Ryan, who’s completely ignoring me as I silently cry into my pillow.
***
The last few days have been horrible for me. Ryan has done everything he can to avoid me during the day, and every night he sleeps with me in the bed, but he turns away not looking or talking to me. Since Mel spoke to him there’s been a rift between us, and I have absolutely no idea how to make it right.
It’s the band’s last concert in LA, and it’s a great show as always. I’m feeling down even though the music is amazing, but I still have a job to do. So I’m live streaming their encore song for the night on their Facebook page. The comments are coming in thick and fast as always, and Hunter’s Girl is here again sprouting her usual crap. But it is getting worse. And I furrow my brows as I read her comments.
