Sweetness

by S Gonzalez

  “I know you feel that way now. I just want to enjoy the time we have together and focus on us right now. After the month is over we will be separate again. I just don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. Let’s take this one step at a time, see where life takes us. Okay?”

  With a smirk on his dazzling face, he nods in agreement. “You got it. I will need to try harder to convince you. Message received.”

  “Dommmm,” I groan, slumping against the wall behind me.

  “I’m kidding. I hear you. I know what you’re saying. I just want you to know where I stand. I mean it when I say you are it for me. If you need time to figure out what that means to you, that’s fine by me.”

  Dominic kisses my forehead and walks back into the bedroom to finish getting ready. He has to meet the guys for rehearsal and I have to work on prepping for their interview tomorrow. They have an early interview with a local radio show to promote the show and their upcoming album. This one is fairly short; they won’t need to do any live performances to coincide with their interviews until they hit California. God help me if he is just as charming on camera as he is in real life. The women of the world won’t know what hit them.

  Chapter 13 Tonight is our last night in Texas before we head out to San Diego for the biggest part of the promo tour. The guys have interviews, small private concerts, and morning talk show appearances, for the remainder of the tour. We will be on the road bright and early so I have to make sure they’re not out too late. That is going to go over like a ton of bricks. Dom I can handle. Rocco is reasonable if I ask nicely, but Justin and Chris like the nightlife. Saturday night shows usually draw the biggest crowd which gets the guys all pumped up for one hell of an after party. Unfortunately, I have to remember why I am here and be the mother hen of this group. All in all, for rock stars they are not too bad. Some of the other bands that have opened for them have been barely able to perform by the time show time came.

  The after party tonight is hosted by, HMA, so while the boys are living it up I will be working on fan meetings and venue arrangements. I had to arrive a few hours before they did to make sure everything was running smoothly, and assure the fans that won private VIP access from a local radio station are accounted for before I pull Lost into the private room. After casing the room I am relieved. This group seems harmless enough. There are four college age guys, two women in their early thirties, and two barely legal blonds who looked like they raided a hooker’s closet and stole their mother’s high heels. Noting, they have not yet mastered the task of walking in heals and silently hoping they fall on their asses for my own entertainment.

  The college guys are giving the two younger girls their best pickup lines, while the thirtysomethings eye up the college guys; fixing their pushup bras to reveal a little more cleavage.

  Jesus. This should be interesting.

  These guys don’t stand a chance once Justin lays on his Aussie charm. His accent really is pretty spot on. He explained to me that his parents are from Australia and the whole family moved here when he was seven. That’s how he is able to turn it on and off like that. Just seems like a lot of trouble to go through to bed a sure thing if you ask me, but whatever floats his boat.

  Security alerts me that the band has just arrived. As I fight my way through the crowd toward the front door, I can hear the DJ announce the band. The guys step out of the limo that the record label sent and my heart beats a mile per minute. This is the first time I am running a job like this solo, without Gabe’s help. He is confident that I can do this so I have to show him I can. I stand at the top of the red carpet and I watch as the guys shake hands, sign autographs, and wave to adoring fans. Ryan, the bands security, holds back most of the fans as they reach over the red ropes in the off chance they will be able to make physical contact. Justin and Chris throw girls sexy smiles and pose for pictures while Rocco scours the crowd for his flavor of the night. He spots one quickly, a tall redhead with a short green dress, or long green shirt, whichever you prefer to call it. The girl walks to the front of the group and is lifted by Rocco over the red ropes, causing a commotion. Security quickly leads the guys into the building before a riot ensues and Ryan visually scolds him.

  As Dominic enters the building his eyes scan the room for me. With all the commotion he didn’t see me off to the side, standing next to the security guards posted at the building entrance. I take a second to admire the sight before me. He has on dark fitted jeans, heavy black motorcycle boots, a white v-neck t-shirt and a black fitted leather vest. His red tipped, blond hair is covered by a black leather fedora. He looks absolutely smoking hot if I do say so myself.

  Hot and all mine.

  I walk up behind him and wrap my bare arms around his waist; he flinches slightly at the intimate contact before twisting around to see it’s me groping him and not some random girl trying to cop a feel.

  “Hi’ya’ handsome.” I wink.

  “Hey, beautiful,” he replies before laying a kiss on me that makes my knees weak. When I pull away I am reminded that we are not alone when I thick finger taps my shoulder.

  Since the music is so loud I can’t hear Ryan try to ask me something. I point to the direction of the VIP room where the guys are expected to make an appearance before mingling with the crowd, in hopes that was what he needed. Ryan nods and steers Rocco and his new date, Justin, and Chris to the back of the club. When we get inside, I see that two of our guests have disappeared; one of the college guys and one of the older ladies are kissing and petting, heavily, in the corner. Justin yells out a few words of encouragement and the two of them pull apart. Blushing a very deep shade of red, the two rejoin the crowd hand in hand.

  I remove myself from Dominic’s arm and stand by the door with Ryan so the contest winners can get a little one on one time with the band. Once Dominic and Justin take a seat on the long, white leather couch, the two bimbo’s settle themselves on either side of Dominic. Justin moves closer to the taller blond girl and lays his arm on the back of the couch behind her. Chris takes a seat near the college guys on the couch opposite Dom. A perky waitress, who is desperately trying to grab Justin’s attention, brings them all beers and stumbles a bit when Justin winks at her in appreciation. Dom, clearly uncomfortable being flanked by the bottle blond squad, moves off the couch and settles in a club chair closer to Chris. Rocco and his date take Dominic’s seat and resume their provocative petting session, completely ignoring the petite blond next to them. The shorter blond looks deflated and crosses her arms across her chest while the taller blond now only has eyes for Justin.

  Noticing my eye roll as everyone stakes their claim for the evening, Dom raises his beer bottle to me and flashes a smile before taking a long pull from it. The hour-long private party goes smoothly and without a hitch. After a few more hours the guys party with everyone else at the club.

  They have a Monday morning talk show appearance in San Diego so we have to head out tonight if we are going to make it. I inform the group we have to get on the road and they reluctantly leave their guests high and dry.

  Once we are back in the limo I see that Justin makes an effort to sit next to me, which is odd. When Ryan closes the door behind us the atmosphere in the car takes a nosedive.

  “Emma,” Justin slurs in a soft tone of voice. “my sister, Julie, is going to come out a join us on tour for a few weeks. I just wanted to let you know too.”

  Dominic puts his arm around my shoulder and squeezes it a little. Normally I wouldn’t think anything of it but the way everyone is looking at me I can’t help but think it is an odd gesture.

  “Ok. That’s great, I guess. But why is everyone being weird?” I toss questioning looks to everyone but from the way they hang their heads I know what is coming next can’t be good.

  From the corner of my eye, I notice Justin’s jaw tic under the dim interior lights of the limo. Again Dominic squeezes my shoulder but instead of looking at me, he looks past me, as if he needs approval for what is going to be said next.
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  What the hell is going on? Do they think I have exclusive I-am-the-only-girl-allowed rights or

  something? My head is playing ping-pong as I look between Justin and Dominic.

  “Emm,” Dominic pauses when his eyes meet Justin. “Julie was beat up pretty bad the other night. Her parents want her to come out here with Justin to get away from-“ Dominic stops speaking, as if he is having trouble speaking the rest of his sentence. My eyes shoot to Justin, praying to god the next words out of Dom’s mouth aren’t what I suspect them to be. Justin’s face is tight and his hands are balled up into fists. The guy looks like he is ready to blow a gasket.

  “Justin, I am so sorry. Whatever you need, whatever she needs, please let me know and I’m on it.” I place my hand on top of his, in hopes to comfort him as we pull up to the arena gates.

  The car is silent all the way to the bus. When we exit the car Justin whispers in my ear that he wants to talk to me in private once we’re on the road. Privacy is tricky on this bus but the bedroom does have a door. At least we can get partial privacy if we keep our voices low.

  I give him a curt nod, indicating that I understand, before moving up the metal stairs to our home on wheels. Chris and Rocco attack the leftovers in the fridge and Dominic and I head to our room with Justin a few steps behind. Dominic closes the door and studies me while I take my shoes off. He steps in front of me and lifts my chin, forcing me look at him. When he leans down to kiss me I can tell there is something wrong. There is something wrong, I can feel it in my bones. I know their worry is because they think Glen did this.

  “What?” I ask.

  “What? What?”

  “What is going on? Why are you being weird?”

  Dominic looks at the ceiling and lets out a deep breath. I put my hands on his waist while I wait for him to start talking. He knows more than what he is letting on. He is obviously trying to protect me, or protect Glen. Either way he needs to tell me what he knows. I don’t know if I can help Julie, but I can try.

  “Sit down,” he commands in a soft voice; I comply. “Julies parents called Justin after the show yesterday and told him that Julie was beat up pretty bad. She went out with some friends and when she came home she could barely make it through the door before she collapsed. They took her to the hospital and the police were called. They asked her questions but she kept telling them that she was attacked and claims she doesn’t know who did it. But, her parents think Glen did it.” His voice trails off at the end as if for the first time ever he may possibly believe it too.

  I freeze instantly. If feels like someone turned the heat up in the room. My hearts beats rapidly, my breathing becomes labored, and I break out in a cold sweat. I had my suspicion but for him to confirm my fears, that’s something else all together. Dominic notices the change immediately. I am sure my face paled as soon as his words hit me. My hands start shaking as I careen into a full-blown panic attack.

  Damn it!

  “Emma, are you okay?” Dominic looks scared as he kneels down in front of me. I shake my head as the beads of sweat start spilling down my forehead. “Jesus! Breath, baby. Just breath.”

  Dominic takes the hem of my shirt and pulls it over my head then wipes my face with it before walking out of the room. I sit here trying to process his words. Glen beat up Julie. Why? I feel a rush of wet coldness hit my face and chest. I am pulled from my thoughts gasping for air as the icy water drips down my face onto my chest.

  “Dominic! What the fuck!”

  “I’m sorry. You weren’t breathing. You looked like you were going into shock. I didn’t know what to do. I needed you to snap out of it,” he explains as he pulls me into his chest and wraps his arms around my shoulders.

  “I’m sorry. What happened? Why did you freak out?” He repeats while kissing my temple, trying to sooth me.

  “I don’t know. I just…I don’t know.” I lie.

  “Emma, I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have told you if I knew it would upset you this much.”

  “You didn’t upset me. I just feel bad for Julie. Glen is my family and he hurt Justin’s sister. I kind of feel responsible.” He pulls back sharply and our eyes lock. The pupil of his eyes can barely be seen as I watch anger and confusion dance across his face.

  “You’re not. Justin doesn’t think that and neither do I. If Glen did this then he is the only one to blame and he will pay for what he did. Julie is like a sister to me I want to make sure she’s okay, just as much as Justin does. It was either she came out here with us or her parents were going to send her to Australia to stay with her grandparents for a while.” He’s mad. He should be mad. He is being manipulated by one of his best friends while Julie takes the brunt of Glen’s anger. Anger that is meant for me.

  I snuggle into his chest needing the comfort he always brings. This is a dangerous topic of conversation and I can’t allow my own anger to cloud my head. It is well known that I shoot off at the mouth. I can’t take the chance of giving away too much with Dominic. Goosebumps perk up on my body from the cold water drying on my skin. I laugh into Dominic’s chest, to which he breaks our chest-to-chest contact and holds me at arms length. His face scrunches up in confusion; watching me like I am crazy.

  “What’s funny?”

  “You are. I am almost naked and you threw ice water on me. You are usually trying to heat me up, not cool me off,” I continue to laugh, tugging on his shirt to close gap between us.

  “Christ, you scared the hell out of me. Don’t do that shit again.” Dominic holds me tight to him and I shiver, this time not because I am cold.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Are you really okay?”

  “Yea. I don’t know what happened. I just-“ I duck out of his grasp leaving my statement hanging in the air. I open my drawer, pulling out yoga pants and a t-shirt, I remain silent as I dress. I can feel Dominic watching me move around the room.

  “Is that why Justin wants to talk to me? Because of Glen?”

  He leans against the bedroom door and tosses his hat on the bed before rubbing his eyes. “Probably, but if you don’t want to…“ he leaves his comment lingering.

  “No, its fine. Can you send him in?”

  “Emma.”

  I turn to face him, plastering a fake smile on my face. A smile I use to protect me from the ugly world that surrounds me. A smile I have perfected over the years as my own suit of armor. A smile that throws up another row of bricks on the ever growing wall I tuck myself behind.

  “I’m fine baby. I just need to talk to him. I owe him that. I mean... my stepbrother beat on his sister, the least I can do is talk to him. Try to help with Julie if I can,” I tell him while I pull my hair into a messy bun.

  “Ok. I will be right outside if you need me.”

  Dominic kisses my forehead before exiting the room. I hear him tell Justin to not upset me as he passes him in the kitchen. I glace toward the door and see Justin clap him on his back before turning toward the bedroom, putting his own mask on for the sake of his friend. If there is one thing I have perfected over the years, it is reading people. I have the ability to have, bullshit x-ray vision, if you will, so I know his grin is not genuine.

  When Justin walks into the room and closes the door he loses the act and takes a deep breath before slumping onto the bed. I can see how much this is troubling him, it is written all over his face. Justin may be a man whore but he is a decent guy. He loves his sister and his family. He has always had Dominic’s back and even though he jokes around with me to get a rise out of Dominic, he has always been nothing less then a gentleman to me. The more I am with these guys the more I consider them my friends as well. It may actually be a good thing that Julie is going to be joining us for the ride. It would be nice to have some more estrogen on this bus.

  “Emma, I know you hate Glen as much as I do so I need to know why Glen is doing this to my sister. Do you know?”

  I have an idea. But I can’t tell Justin. I have to talk to Julie and find out what is goi
ng on first. I don’t know what she knows and I am not about to tell Justin anything if I don’t have to. If I do then Dominic will know the truth about what Glen did and dump me like yesterdays garbage. He will know how damaged I truly am and want nothing more to do with me. If my secret gets out it will ruin us. Ruin me.

  “I am really sorry about Julie. Dominic told me what happened.”

  Justin leans forward, placing his elbows on his knees, and grasps his head. He looks so distraught; I can’t help but feel sorry for him. I sit on the bed next to him and rub his back to try and comfort him.

  “Emma, I don’t know what to do. She tried to stay away from him but he won’t leave her alone. It’s as if he gets off on hurting her,” Justin pauses to look up at me. His knowing expression makes me still my hand on his back. “I know Glen hurt you too, in some way. When we were in Miami you implied as much. What did he do to you?”

  I look at the floor and scrunch up my face. I don’t want to talk about this. I put my hands in my lap and fiddle with a string on my shirt as I shake my head. Justin kneels in front of me and takes my hands in his. He tries to look at me but I make very sure to avert my eyes on anything but him.

  “Please Emma, I have to know what kind of monster he is. I know he hurt you. Did he hurt you the same way he hurt Julie? Did he used to beat you up or something? What? I need to know.”

  I shake my head in the negative. “Justin I…I can’t talk about this…I’m sorry. I will talk to her and try to get her to tell me it was Glen. Then he can be arrested. If she tells, then he will go away.”

  Justin sits back on his heels. “Emma, I know this is hard. I am asking as Dom’s friend, as your friend, please help me understand, because right now I don’t know why he is doing this. I am afraid he is going to go too far. My mother took her to the hospital because she had bruises on her arms and legs, it looked like he slapped her around a few times, her clothes were torn, and…and they think she was raped.”