Out of The Box Regifted

by Jennifer Theriot

  I wrap my arms around him, “Yeah? Well you know I’d do that for you. Oh and by the way, you should say excuse me when you burp goofball.”

  He chuckles. “Oh yeah, excuuuuse me. I’ll take your advice and call her bluff. If she continues with the video thing, I’ll ask Mr. H to help me out, but please don’t say anything about it just yet.”

  I point my finger and look him seriously in the eye. “I won’t, but you need to let Kyra know. Don’t risk having her read about this online. You’ve got to talk to her.”

  He grabs my finger, kisses it while forcing a smile. “I will, I promise. Shit, we’re leaving tomorrow and I can’t just spring this on her when we’re on the road.”

  “Well, tonight is about as good a time as any. When you’re on the way home, you need to let her know. What if this psycho girl comes up to her randomly and tells her? Kyra would be devastated that you didn’t tell her. Promise me you’ll do it tonight, please.”

  He acknowledges his promise and shortly after everyone decides to call it a night. The bus will be at Todd’s early in the morning, so everyone heads out. Tommy and Emily are staying at Todd’s house, along with the rest of the guys, and I’m not looking forward to seeing them off in the morning at all.

  We arrive at Todd’s place, armed with an arsenal of coffee for everyone, and the bus is parked out front with the motor humming. The guys have all their gear laid out on the sidewalk and are standing around talking, looking anxious and excited. Emily and Kyra are latched onto Tommy and Todd, and I can tell by her eyes that Emily’s been crying. Tommy’s reassuring her and is holding her hand, tenderly rubbing her wedding ring. Todd cocks his head and motions me to the back of the bus.

  “Well, so did you tell her?” I ask.

  He’s kicking the tire of the bus looking down. “Yeah, I told her everything. She was pretty pissed that I’d make a sex video, but I told her that was before I met her and that I’ve done a lot of shit I’m not proud of. Look I can’t take it back you know that, it’s done and all I can do is promise her that she’s the one I love,” He bends down to sit on the curb and I squat down beside him.

  He leans in and whispers, “I have no idea what Brenna’s gonna do with that fucking video. I can tell you that she isn’t the only chick in the video.”

  I’m horrified and I guess he can tell, because he puts his hand on my knee. “It was a pretty wild night. I haven’t seen it, but it I’m sure it’s not something a mother would exactly be proud of.” He leans back on his elbows with a smirk on his face. “Pfft! To put it mildly, it was a fuckfest.”

  I squint and grit my teeth.

  He looks at me, markedly ashamed, and shrugs, “Sorry, but that’s what it’s about. Like I said, I was only with her once and I’ve decided I’m not gonna give her money to not release it. That’s fucking extortion and I’m not giving in to her.”

  “Oh Todd, I just hope it all works out. Did you tell Brenna you want a paternity test?”

  “Fuckin a I did. I told her that my attorney would be contacting her. I’ve got this under control. Listen, I want you to take care of Kyra while I’m gone. I trust you Olivia. I told her that she’s welcome at your house anytime. I hope you don’t mind. I really hope you and Mr. H hang out with them when you can. It’s gonna be a long time and I just hope you guys can come see us. Plus, I don’t want any fuckwad moving in on my girl while I’m gone.”

  “Todd, you’ve got my word and we’ll come to watch y’all as often as we can. Remember that Ash and I are going to Paris in June and we’ve got Melissa and Trey’s wedding, but other than that, we’re down for coming to watch y’all.”

  He gives me a big hug and kisses the top of my head, “I’m gonna miss the hell out of you babe, I hope you know that. Aren’t you gonna miss my cocky ass harassing you?”

  “Yeah, something like that. More than you can even imagine.”

  Ash finds us at the back of the bus. “Moving in on my honey, are you?”

  “Slim chance of that WMD. I’d say she’s pretty happy with what she’s got.” Todd laughs.

  I point my finger at him, indicating he needs to dog it off and he shrugs his shoulders, as Ash smiles and nods his head.

  As Brian rounds the guys up, I find myself getting emotional. “You guys ready to hit the road? Let’s get it and go.”

  Brian, Steve, and Brady come up to Ash and I to say their goodbyes. Todd has his back up to the side of the bus with his foot propped up and Kyra is facing him. He pulls her into him and is whispering something in her ear, which makes her laugh through her tears and I can only imagine what he’s said.

  Tommy finds Ash and me, “Well Dad, Olivia, I guess this is it. I’m so freakin ass nervous. I just hope everyone likes us. Take care of Em for me, will you?” He gives Ash a hug and takes me into his arms.

  “Son, you know we will. Everyone is gonna love you. I have every confidence in you guys. You’re doing the right thing and this is exactly what you need to do to get your career to the next level. We’ll come as often as we can and we’ll make sure Emily and Kyra make it out too.”

  “Thanks Dad. Look, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love you, but you already know that, don’t you? And Olivia, I know you’ve got our backs and that you’ll take care of our girls. I love you as my own mother - I want you to know that.”

  “I do know that. I’m so proud of you and how far you guys have come. You can count on me, Tommy. I can’t wait to read about you in the news and see the videos. Y’all are gonna knock em dead!”

  Brian and Steve get on the bus and Brady follows, while talking on his phone. Todd is next, as he gives Kyra one last make out worthy kiss. Tommy and Emily are having a hard time letting go, and it breaks my heart to see them saying their goodbyes. Emily is trying to be brave, but she breaks down. “Damn. I swore I wasn’t going to do this, Olivia.”

  Tommy starts up the steps and she drops to the ground, crying uncontrollably. He steps off and takes her into his arms. “Emily Harper! You’d better behave while I’m gone. I have spies, you know.” He helps her up and motions for her to go stand by me. I take her into my arms and kiss the top of her head.

  “Emily, it’s gonna be alright. We’re all here for each other and we’re family, remember?”

  “I know, but this sucks. I promised I wasn’t going to make it hard on Tommy to leave, but I can’t help it. He doesn’t need me acting like this. I should be strong like you Olivia.”

  I’m flattered at her remark, but can’t help but think how I’m NOT the strong one. I just put on a good front, but I’m just as emotional as her. I’m gonna miss these guys so damn much, Todd especially. As Tommy gets on the bus, he hangs onto the rail, swings out and gives us all a thumbs up, and winks at Emily. The hydraulic sound of the door closing makes my heart stop, as I hear the bus switch into gear. My heart is beating fast, as I hear the dreadful sound of the engine. Tears well up in my eyes and I know that for the girls, I’ve got to be strong. I know this is a good career move for Avenue, but that doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye. Goodbye or until I see you again, this just isn’t easy. The motor races and the bus takes off down the street. As we watch it disappear, we’re all motionless and sad. No one is saying a word, and I think each of us is waiting for the other one to say something…anything. I’m afraid to speak, because I know I’ll cry. Kyra comes over to Emily and they hug. Ash realizes that we are three ladies who desperately need rescuing.

  “Okay girls. Enough with the sad faces. Let’s go eat. We’ll get some comfort food, it’s on me. Pancakes do it every time, plus I have the pleasure of escorting all of you lovely ladies. How lucky am I? Emily, you and Kyra go lock up and let’s get going.” Thank God my man is our rock in this time of need.

  ***

  The next week proves nothing short of an adjustment for us all. The house is way too quiet and I miss not having everyone around. Kyra moved in with Emily at Grammy’s house, and tonight we’re meeting them in town for dinner, then going t
o The Bank to listen to a new band Ross has booked. It’ll be bittersweet.

  As I’m getting dressed, my phone rings the Maroon 5 ringtone. I smile the biggest smile, as I answer. “Hellooooo?”

  “Hey babe. Whatcha up to?”

  I giggle into the phone, “Hey stranger. You’ve totally made my day and I’m smiling - can you tell? How in the world are you? And how is life on the road? I want details. And why haven’t you called me?”

  “Calm down Miss Fifty Questions, haha I’m fine. Busy as fucking hell, missing you guys a lot and I gotta tell ya, it’s a different animal being out on the road. Truth be known, I’m pretty fucking ass homesick, but don’t let that get out on Facebook. The fans are great and for the most part I love it, but it’s an adjustment. Sleeping on a bus and living out of a suitcase, is not my favorite thing, but things are good. But no worries. I miss Kyra so fucking much it hurts, though. This sleeping with a bunch of guys every night really sucks a big one.”

  “So you and Kyra talk every day, I hope?”

  “Oh you better believe we do. I fuckin fall asleep every night talking to her. We do that facetime thing and I gotta tell ya, she’s pretty fucking hot in her skimpy little jammies.”

  “Okay Todd, TMI seriously. I don’t need those kinds of details.”

  “Oh yeah right sorry.”

  “So, you got lots of girls chasing after you?”

  “Yeah, pretty much. Hey, we’re hot sexy guys, or did ya forget? Me and Tommy though, we’re taken, so we just send em over to the rest of the guys. They’re definitely gettin some action, if you get my drift. Hey when are you guys coming out to see us? Can you come this weekend?” He suddenly sounds really homesick.

  “Aww not this weekend, but really soon, I promise. Actually, Memorial Day weekend is when we’re coming. We’ve got Melissa and Trey’s wedding this weekend in Palm Beach. I can’t wait to see y’all play. Ash is taking us all in his plane. Have you ever flown in his plane?”

  “I sure have! He’s taken us a few times, it’s pretty badass. Big mother fucker - one of those things the rich and famous fly around in.” He laughs. “I can’t wait to see you guys. We’re gonna have so much fun, Olivia. You think there was a crowd at The Bank, you ain’t seen nuttin yet girl - this is crowd fest. You are gonna love it.”

  We talk for about an hour. He tells me the fans really like their music and that their manager has arranged for them to do a music video. I asked him point blank if he’s behaving and staying true to Kyra, and I believe him when he said yes.

  “So Olivia, have you found a new smoke buddy yet, or are ya being true to me? And don’t fucking say something like that, because you’d better not find anyone else.”

  I have to laugh, “No new smoke buddies, I promise. You’re the only one for me. Matter of fact, I haven’t smoked since you left, can you believe it? I do miss our smoke time, though. Now you’ve made me think about it and I want one. Gee, thanks Todd.”

  Ash comes into the bathroom and hears me on the phone. I let him know its Todd and I give him the phone. They talk for a few minutes and he laughs, as he gives the phone back to me. I have no idea what Todd said to him, but I’m sure it was something concerning WMD and it makes me laugh. Todd asks me all about the kids and told me that they all text pretty regularly, which makes me feel so good. He said that Sarah is flying to L.A. this weekend to see Smash, so I guess that fling is still going strong. Sarah doesn’t share much about her private life with anyone, for good reason I guess.

  “So, I guess we’ll see you guys in a couple of weeks. The music scene here is pretty fucking awesome. We’re pretty stoked. Listen, I gotta go babe - we’re heading out to play our music. I can’t wait to see everyone. You take care and watch out for my Kyra. Love you. I’ll be better about callin you - I promise. It may just be a text, though. Peace out.”

  They’ve only been gone for a week, but it feels like forever. They’ll be home for the holidays, thank God, and hopefully we’ll have one of the holidays in Houston at our new condo and everyone can come. Lainey will have had the baby by then, so we’ll be doing some major celebrating.

  Ash and I fly out to Melissa and Trey’s wedding, and I’m looking forward to seeing Palm Beach. I’ve heard it’s beautiful and Ash says I’ll love it.

  Once we land in Ft. Lauderdale, we grab our luggage and head to the rental car area, where Ash has rented a sporty navy blue Mercedes convertible.

  I gasp and put my hands over my mouth, “Wow! What a gorgeous car, Ash. I love it.”

  He opens my door and proudly stands while I get in. “Gotta drive my lady around in style. She’s gettin awfully spoiled, you know.”

  I put my seatbelt on and blow him a flirty kiss, “Uh that would be thanks to you Mr. ‘I Spend Too Much Money’, Ash Harper.”

  The drive to Palm Beach down the scenic coastal A1A highway, and the view of the spectacular mansions, is breathtaking. The day is sunny and as we are driving, I wonder what these people do for a living, to be able to afford these sprawling homes. I attempt to find my favorite, but they are all equally as gorgeous with immaculately manicured grounds. Lush palm trees line the property lines and I love the spanish style of the tiled roofs. Each mansion has a story and I wonder as we pass each one, what lies within?

  Once we make it to Palm Beach, we drive down the famous Worth Avenue and my mouth is watering seeing all the shops.

  Ash is sensing my astonishment, grins as he remarks, “We’ll come back tomorrow and I’ll take you shopping, Liv. You haven’t lived until you’ve shopped Worth Avenue. We’ll get you some things to take to Paris.” He winks and pats my leg, “How bout it?”

  My face lights up, “Are you kidding? Of course I’d love to!”

  As we pull into the world famous The Breakers hotel, I’m in awe. The grounds are indescribable. Lush tall palm trees line each side of the long paved drive and there is a long esplanade that follows the drive, which is impeccably landscaped with lush foliage and colorful flowers. Ash leans over to me, as we pull in the long driveway and points out my window, “Beautiful isn’t it?”

  I screech, “It’s amazing!”

  “It was built in 1925 and has played host to many a millionaire and celebrity.”

  The valet is there to help us out of the car and we’re escorted inside. I stand in the lobby and gaze at this Gatsby-esque landmark, as Ash gets us checked in.

  He takes my hand and leads me to the elevator, as we follow the bellman that holds his arm out waiting for us to enter. Ash has his arm around me and is gently rubbing my shoulder. The bellman notices me smiling and asks, “First time visiting us folks?” Ash looks at me and winks. “It’s this pretty lady’s first time here.” The bellman nods and tips his head, “Wishing you a pleasant and memorable stay ma’am.”

  When the door to our room is opened, my mouth falls open and I stand there mesmerized. Ash grins and motions for me to step inside. “Well? Will this do?”

  “Wow!” I exclaim. I see a shiny brass plaque that bears the raised words Royal Poinciana Suite and I rub my finger over it. The suite has three balconies, complete with a beach view. I walk into the bathroom and Ash follows me. “Nice digs, huh?”

  With two fingers, I touch his chin, “Very nice indeed. I can think of a few things I’d like to do in here.” I give him a seductive little wink.

  He playfully grabs my fingers, puts them in his mouth and sucks on them gently. “And I can think of a few things I’d like to do all over this room. We’ll definitely revisit this later.”

  We get settled in and Ash calls Ellen to let her know we’ve arrived. I fall onto the bed and kick off my sandals, while Ash calls for some wine and a fruit and cheese tray, as he unpacks our things. When the wine arrives, he pours us each a glass and we head out onto one of the balconies to observe the view. It’s overwhelming. The beach looks so different from our beaches in Texas, and I could get used to this lifestyle. The water is a beautiful blue green and the breeze is blowing softly. The sound of the ocea
n is relaxing and Ash motions me to sit with him in the chaise lounge. “Let’s relax for a bit. I wanna hold you.” I sit with my back to his front and he begins to rub my shoulders.

  “Mmm that feels so good.” My neck arches as breathes into it, softly kissing my ear lobe. We sit silent, just watching the waves of the ocean. We aren’t talking, but there’s no need to. Just being in his arms is so relaxing and tranquil, and I could just stay here forever, wrapped securely in his embrace.

  A bit later, I mention how I miss Tommy and the guys, and we talk about them being out on the road and how the girls are going to need our support. Ash tells me that he has the schedule and we will be at every stop we can possibly make. “I thought we’d take my plane when we go to L.A. would you like that?”

  I turn around to face him. “So what kind of plane do you have anyway?” I give him a pouty look. “You’ve never even taken me to see it.”

  He laughs, “I used to fly a lot, but since I met you, flying just hasn’t been on my list of priorities. Tell you what; I’ll take you to the hangar once we get back home. You’ll love the plane. It’s a Gulfstream and she’s a beauty Liv, just like you.” He lifts my hand and kisses it.

  I can only imagine what his plane looks like; I’m so excited to finally get to see it and for him to take me flying. I’ve never been on a private plane before, much less known a pilot, other than Alan, who gave it up once he left the Air Force. I have no idea what a Gulfstream is. But I’m sure it’s over the top though.

  Relaxing on the terrace, we decide to forego the rehearsal and make our appearance at dinner. Ash reassures me one will miss us.

  “Don’t you think that’s kind of rude? I mean Ellen is probably expecting us.” I reply.

  With a devious look, he taps the side of his face with his index finger, “I took the liberty of calling her, and said you had a little headache. I hope you don’t mind, but I thought we’d just stay here a bit longer and get rid of your ‘headache’ if you get my drift.” He winks and smiles that damn arousing look at me. How can I say no to that?