“Yeah, that sound interesting. I got a job offer by the way. Don’t judge me,” she quickly said.
I chuckled, wondering where Edel was going with her ‘Don’t judge me’ line.
“Tell me, as long as it is not writing crazy BSDM stories.” I giggled.
“Nope, this is better. Someone called me an hour ago. She claims to be a reporter from Gallant Magazine. She wants me to sell information about Daybreak Journal to her for a handsome reward,” she returned.
I couldn’t believe my ears. I was totally going to judge.
“How could you even tell me this? We both know that’s not a cool thing to do. If she is interested in knowing more about Daybreak, she may as well do it the right way. Don’t snitch on Penny, Edel. If she finds out, she could even sue you.” I didn’t like the sound of this, but Edel seemed not to care.
“Oops, and that would mean the loss of job and a jail term for me. I am scared out of my mind.” She broke into shrill laughter that pained my ears.
“I am serious, Edel!”
“Come on, Kira, don’t you think I considered that? I just told her a little about Daybreak and rejected her offer,” Edel said to me.
“You shouldn’t have even told her anything. How much did you tell her?” I hoped Edel had not divulged sensitive information about Daybreak Journal to a hungry reporter who was looking for the means to pull others down.
“Just a little…but I told her to help me find a job,” she stuttered.
“Damn, Edel! You told her about our financial problems? Pray this doesn’t get out; Penny would look for the snitch.” I was sure of this.
Edel sighed. ‘This was why I called you, so that would make two snitches.”
I rolled my eyes. She was taking this lightly.
“Just be careful and don’t talk to her again,” I advised.
“I’ve heard you. Can we hang out tomorrow? You sound bored. We should wear something nice and head to a club. We should meet new guys and flirt,” she suggested.
“Sounds good. We’ll talk more at work.” I yawned; sleep was calling.
“Goodnight, hun.”
“Goodnight, Edel.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
BLADE
I slept straight through the night for the first time in a while. I woke up with the sun smiling at my window, sending me an invitation as she poured her yellow beams on the sea-green curtains of my bedroom. I took in the golden light that seeped into the room. I took a mental journey of the events that had taken place the night before. Nothing came up. I had no memory of anything else but her pretty face and her striking eyes.
“Pretty Kira,” I whispered and pushed the bedcovers off me then got out of bed.
There was no going back with Kira. I had made up my mind to be with her and I was willing to wait for her. I was ready to sacrifice everything for her, even my career.
Usually, the first thing that entered my mouth when I woke was a shot of brandy or whiskey, but I had given all that up for my baby. I wanted her to be proud of me. I wanted to be a better person for myself and for her.
My insides yearned for a taste of bourbon. I licked my dry lips and ignored the urge. I was determined never to go back to my old life. As a matter of fact, I had set a goal for myself, and each time I overcame the urge to drink, I’d write a new song for the band.
I hummed the notes to the newest song I’d penned.
My feelings sometimes brew like a storm, then drizzles into a light rain
It mixes with my salty tears as I release the pain
The salt from my tears leaves bitter streaks on my face
It left dark marks on my heart like tiny holes in delicate lace…
My smile on the outside hides so much within
As the nights go by and the days begin
The pain inside sometimes becomes too much
Like a volcano, I suddenly erupt
I am so tired of feeling…I am so tired of the pain
So tired of the ones from whence it came
Laughter is my nemesis, the tears keep me sane, from the storm that brews and drizzles away the pain…
I stared into the sunshine, thinking of the new song. I was making significant progress. I grasped a bottle of water from the table where I usually ate and gulped it down, then seized my phone.
I smiled and stared at the picture of Kira that I had saved from Facebook.
“I am going to love you for eternity.” I kissed her face, then went down my feed to read other news.
“Best performance ever from the Trash Monkeys.” My eyes grew wide. I spotted that headline.
“Seriously?” I laughed. How could someone even say that? We’ve been performing for a long time. Why tag the performance of last night as the best?
The headline had two million likes and ten thousand comments—it was hot. I quickly clicked the story link then rapidly scrolled down to read the comments:
“Blade did marvelously well, the band can’t do without him.”
“The Trash Monkeys are super monkeys! I loved Blade’s delivery the most.”
“I just want to marry Blade Benefield, but he’s already with Trisha.”
“Blade killed it! How many likes for the Trash Monkeys?”
I was awed by these comments and happy that it was my first time performing without drugs that got me all high and riled up. I had only taken the advice from Starburst: getting Kira back was all the motivation I needed.
“Getting Kira Back,” I whispered. That would be the title of my next song.
I was really excited about it. I would hit the shower, have some breakfast, then settle down and write down the lyrics. I wanted this song to be unique, I wanted it to be the best.
I dropped my phone on the bed and strolled toward the bathroom where I would have a warm morning shower, which was always refreshing.
***
After fifteen minutes in the bathroom, shaving and cleaning, I put on my deodorant and sprayed a light-scented citrus cologne then sent a call to room service for my breakfast.
I sat in a pair of well-worn, ragged jeans and a white tee-shirt. I took out my pen and a notepad and relaxed comfortably in my chair.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Getting Kira Back. I would be writing down lyrics for this song, so I needed all the focus and the quiet to write something profound.
I drew her brown face in my mind; I penned down her beautiful smile and the things that made her laugh. I spoke to the fire in her brown eyes. I saw her pure nature, the force that propelled me to her right from the first day we’d met.
I would sing about her, just the way I knew her. There would be no polishing, no additives. I just wanted to tell the world about the woman who had captured my mind, stolen my heart and imprisoned it.
“Prisoner of your heart, won’t you open wide…” I hummed a tune as I scribbled down the first words that came to my mind.
Then these followed; it was as if my thoughts and my entire being had been drenched in a pool of deep-seated inspiration.
Prisoner of your heart, won’t you open wide…
Open wide your arms, open wide your heart
A beautiful goddess, lovely and hardened
Won’t you open, open wide your heart…
Oh, baby, I am just a man, I am just a fuckin’ man
Oh, Kira baby, forgive me.
Rose with a million thorns, open wide your petals
And take me in, for everything I’ll get you back…
I couldn’t stop humming the tune and singing along the words I had just written, the melodious outcome pouring out from the thickest part of me.
“And take me in, for everything I’ll get you back.” This was a promise. I would fight for my baby with the last strength left in me.
The buzzing of my phone interrupted my songwriting. I moved to the bed and picked it up. It was Essie, the private detective I had hired.
“Speak…” I hoped she had called with the positive news.
“Hey to the hottest Trash Monkey,” she replied.
I couldn’t help but laugh at her description of me. “Come on, Essie, don’t tease me now.”
“Honey, I’m not teasing you. I heard you performed excellently last night, it’s all over the news,” she began.
“Um, I read that, too.” I was eager to know her findings.
As if reading my thoughts, she said, “I did find something on Daybreak Journal but I don’t think it may be of any use to you…’ She sounded like she wanted to say more but hesitated.
“Just tell me everything, Essie,” I spurred her on.
I heard her sigh; she’d just taken a deep breath.
“The Journal is breaking financially. Actually, it’s been in financial crisis for some time now, but it was once full of promise,” she informed me.
I was surprised to hear this. What did this mean for Kira? How was she surviving in such a place?
This made me feel guilty as I had not cared enough about her work in the past.
“A lot of employees may be let go soon, that’s all I could get,” she stated.
“Do you know who heads the Journal?” I asked eagerly. I felt I should do something, I should step in.
“Why?” Essie asked.
“I’m just curious,” I replied.
“Okay, Trash Monkey, I think the name is Penny Crisp. Sounds like chips and potato.” Essie snorted.
“Okay, thank you, Essie. Will you do me one last favor?” I realized I didn’t know much about Kira, and nothing could happen between us when she kept pushing me out and building a strong wall around herself.
“I need you to find everything on a certain Kira Martin who works there.”
“Aha! I knew this had something to do with a woman. Tell me, Blade, is she pretty like Cardi B or your band member Trisha? You know, the kind of women you usually pursue.”
“Just get me the answers, Essie, I’ll tell you everything later,” I said, ignoring her dig.
I was apprehensive about Kira. What if she was on the verge of losing her job? I had to do something!
A knock sounded at the door. I got up to allow room service in with a tray of French bread and a cafe of strong black coffee.
I would win my love back if it was the last thing I did.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
KIRA
I was hesitant at first. I didn’t want to go to any club or attend any party. I felt Edel was being too light-hearted about this whole thing. She wouldn’t allow me to mope.
“Hey, I thought we were supposed to be having a pity party.” I glanced at her.
“Humph! Are you kidding me? No pity parties allowed. Let Penny do whatever suits her, but I am not losing my job.” Edel rolled her eyes and increased her speed. “Can we take your car? I’ll drive us to Club Seduction,” Edel asked.
“Sure, but drive the speed limit. I don’t want any tickets going on my spotless record. I know you like to drive fast,” I warned her.
It seems I was the only one out of my two friends who was worried about keeping my job at Daybreak Journal. I had spoken with Tom some hours ago, and he had seemed unperturbed.
“Okay, but listen, Kira. This is life, and you only get to enjoy it when you’re young. I am not asking you to throw caution to the wind, although that wouldn’t be a bad thing either.” She paused.
“So what are you asking of me?” I wondered.
“Just loosen up and let yourself go for a change. Forget Penny and have a beautiful time tonight. I wanted us to go to a club if possible, to find ourselves some hot dudes to flirt with, because of the uptight behavior you’ve displayed these last few days at the office,” she said.
That got me laughing. This was the first time someone was calling me uptight. Last I checked, I was very down-to-earth and simple to deal with.
“You’re calling me uptight now?” I narrowed my eyes at her.
“Yep, you’re too serious, always gloomy, and I don’t even understand you anymore. If Penny wants to let you go, then she is risking one of her Journal’s finest assets. There will always be a solution to any problem, a way to manage it at its worst. I am very sure we’ll find a place to pitch our tent should Daybreak let us go,” Edel elaborated.
I knew it wouldn’t be easy to get to this level of positivity. Edel and I were different in so many ways. She hardly got discouraged or depressed, she was a fighter, and she never gave up on something she believed in.
“Okay, I hear you. I will try to relax, drink, and smile at any guy who comes my way.” I accepted her offer.
“Do you promise?” She slid her glance my way for a second before returning it to the road.
“Yes. I promise.” I nodded.
I fell into that dark part of me the moment we arrived at Club Seduction. It was one of the biggest clubs in this part of town. I had a strange feeling as I stepped out of the car.
“Are you okay?” Edel noticed I was not all right.
“Yes, of course I am. Let’s go inside,” I affirmed.
But deep down I felt horrible as all the memories of Blade and I making out in the club rushed back. His heavy drinking and drug abuse played back, and my tummy clenched.
Walking into this club was like welcoming Blade into my life; it was like walking into destruction, defeat, and heartbreak. It was complicated.
“Can I see your IDs, beautiful ladies?” A young guy in a dark-gray shirt and blue jeans offered me a smile.
I had a feeling he was flirting as I found his attention on my boobs.
I bet he wanted every woman that stepped through the door. He’s such a man whore, I thought to myself.
“I like your shirt…is that Gucci?” Edel licked her lips seductively, to my amazement.
I never knew she had it in her to flirt.
“Tommy Hilfiger, actually. My boyfriend got it for me at the New York Fashion week.” He grinned.
I almost laughed as Edel’s face fell, realizing the guy was not into women. Then I had to reprimand myself. He wasn’t into my breasts.
“I love your dress. I couldn’t help but stare, it’s exquisite,” he said to me once I offered him my ID.
“Thanks.” I smiled, relieved he wasn’t such a man whore after all.
“Can you stop wearing that frown? It makes you seem unapproachable.” I teased Edel as we marched into the club. I knew she was still disappointed about the good-looking guy at the door. Edel was the kind of woman who was attracted to men with excellent taste in fashion, so I could see why she’d been drawn to him in the first place.
“He’s such a downer. I can’t believe I wasted my flirting skills on him.” Edel placed a hand against her chest in disappointment.
This amused me all the more, but I had to keep myself from laughing so I wouldn’t annoy her. “Just let him go. You’ll find someone else to administer your flirting skills on.” I chuckled.
“Whatever.” Edel dismissed my words with a wave of her hand.
The music that played in the background was a mix of heavy metal and rock. It was not loud, but the vibration from the beat went through my body. I was surprised. I had expected an atmosphere charged with nothing but young people who danced off their high to too-loud beats, but the club was quite tame on this lower level.
“The club isn’t as bad as I first thought,” I remarked.
“Yes, Club Seduction is very disciplined. The ideal place to find a good man to date. But if you want fun, there’s another room on the upper level to watch strippers. I can take you there,” Edel suggested.
“What? No! I’d rather have a drink,” I countered.
“That’s why you were not able to give Penny a huge story. There’s a part of you that is holding back something.” Edel led us to the bar where I dropped my purse on the bar area.
Her words pricked me; she was talking to my ego now.
“Why would you say something like that?” I was a bit offended.
“It’s the truth, Kira. You take a l
ot of things and opportunities for granted. You could easily get to the fun room and watch strippers, interview one of the girls after, and get a fascinating story out of her. But you choose to stay at the bar…you prefer comfort to risk-taking.”
“You don’t have the right to talk to me like that, I don’t like it.” I was upset Edel would be this insensitive. I didn’t care if she was telling me the truth, I just didn’t like the way she’d presented it.
Maybe I was not a risk-taker; if I were, I would have released the story on Blade that would have landed me a lot of juicy contracts in various media houses. I just didn’t have the stomach for mischief. Doing something so shady didn’t translate to success in my world.
I believed in the straightforward manner of doing things.
“I have the right to speak to you any way I want, and there’s nothing you can do about it because you are my friend,” she stated and then called to the bartender.
“I would like scotch on the rocks,” she said to him. “What would you like?” Edel asked me.
I ignored her and faced the bartender. “I don’t care for anything, thank you.”
“Somebody is really upset.” Edel giggled.
“I wonder why?” I replied in a snippy tone.
Edel ignored my snippiness. “One more thing, Kira. I think you had a story to submit to Penny, but you just chickened out at the last minute. I don’t know if I am right, but my instincts tell me so. You’re still hiding something, and I will find that out sooner or later.” She grinned and took the glass from the bartender.
I’d had enough of her insults. She didn’t know what I had passed through so she didn’t have the right to judge me.
“You know nothing about me, nothing about my history. I think you should focus on finding big stories as well because last I checked, you were losing, and Penny is only keeping you there out of pity. I am just friends with you because no one in the office would want to be friends with a weirdo who walks like a turkey!” I yelled in her face, grabbed my purse, and hurried out of the club.
Edel had a horrific look on her face after I had told her a piece of my mind.
“Shit!” I cursed as I stepped out of the club.
Rock Fever Page 11
