“No,” replied Lori. “I’m waiting for an email from a contact in Italy. One might be in a private collection in Milan. If it is, then it won’t be for sale.”
“Everything’s for sale, Mz Hyde,” he stated theatrically. “We just need to agree on a price.”
“Do you guys know Zack? Drummer with Time March,” introduced Tori.
“Pleasure,” said Jake, shaking the long haired drummer’s hand. “Loved Sands Of Time.”
“Cheers,” replied Zack. “It’s why I’m here. Rest of the band are overseas. We’re nominated for best new metal band off the back of it.”
Before any of them could continue the conversation, the final couple arrived at the table. To Lori’s surprise, it was Jason and Dr Marrs. The flamboyant Englishman was soon dominating conversation and pouring champagne for everyone. Being among familiar faces helped to settle Jake’s nerves, but, conscious that he had to sing later, he declined a refill to his champagne flute with a polite, “Maybe later.”
Shortly after eight, the compere for the evening took to the small stage and welcomed them all to the tenth annual MMR Magazine awards as voted for by the readers. From the programme that lay in the centre of the table, Lori guessed they were in for a long night as she scanned the list of award categories.
For the third year in succession, Tori lifted the award for MMR Rock Goddess. Having accepted her accolade, she remained on stage to present the next category. With her usual confidence, she read out the list of nominees then opened the matte black envelope tantalisingly slowly, “And the winner of the MMR award for the best new rock voice is the wonderful Jake Power from Silver Lake!”
“Shit,” muttered Jake, feeling himself flush scarlet as all eyes were suddenly on him.
Everyone at the table was congratulating him as he got to his feet to go up to collect his award. Running his hand nervously through his hair, Jake walked up the steps towards Tori. She hugged and kissed him as she presented him with his crystal statuette.
“Thank you,” said Jake humbly, holding the award up high. “My first ever! Thank you!”
“Ladies and gentlemen, the awesome Jake Power!” roared Tori, taking him by the hand and leading him from the stage.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the first of the two categories that Lori was nominated in. It was the MMR award for the best metal album cover. Holding her breath, she listened as the list of nominees was read out by Nick from Black Ashes. The iconic guitarist was older than the last time she had seen him, his black hair now streaked with grey. She noted his hands were shaking badly as he held the envelope.
“That’s Kola’s dad,” Lori whispered to Jake.
He looked at her in disbelief but, before he could whisper his reply, the elder statesman of metal was opening the envelope.
“And the winner is Mz Hyde.”
Her zombie drain design had won!
Taking her time, Lori got to her feet and, trying not to lean too obviously on her cane, she carefully negotiated the steps up to the stage. Chivalrously, Nick came over to take her arm, making a theatrical gesture of helping her. He bowed low before her as he presented her with the statuette.
“Thank you!” called out Lori to the assembled guests as she admired the modern crystal design. “Not a bad result for a design inspired by my laundry.”
Everyone in the room laughed.
“You can do my laundry anytime, Mz Hyde,” joked Nick with a wicked, slightly creepy, laugh.
“I’ll pass on that opportunity, kind sir,” laughed Lori, discretely stepping out of his reach.
She had barely sat down again at the table when Dr Marrs stepped up to present the next award.
“And to follow on from the award for best metal cover, we now have the nominations for the MMR award for the best rock album cover,” he announced to the crowd. “I’ve been honoured to produce all three of the albums on this list. In no particular order, the nominees are…”
Nudging his fiancée, Jake said, “I wouldn’t get too comfortable, li’l lady.”
Lori giggled nervously and turned her attention back to Jim Marrs on stage.
Teasingly slowly, he edged the card out of the black envelope, read it, then nodded approvingly. With a small smile of satisfaction, he announced softly, “And for her outstanding efforts on Weigh Station’s album, the winner is Mz Hyde.”
“Told you,” whispered Jake as he kissed her on the cheek.
With a flash of thigh, Lori got up from the table again and made her way towards Jim Marrs. The producer came partway down the steps to greet her and led her up onto the stage to a standing ovation and a thunderous round of applause from the invited guests.
“I think we all want to hear a few words from you this time, Mz Hyde,” prompted the producer.
Having presented Lori with her second statuette, Dr Marrs called out, “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mz Lori Hyde!”
With no speech prepared, Lori took a deep breath as she stepped forward to the microphone. “I’d just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has welcomed me back as Mz Hyde. To all the fantastic artists I’ve had the privilege to work with in the past few months. And thank you to everyone who voted for my designs. It’s been quite some year and it’s an honour to be standing here. Thank you.”
Placing a protective arm around her waist, Dr Marrs accompanied her back to the table. Jake stood up as she approached. Wrapping his arms around her, he hugged her tight as the flash bulbs from the press photographers went off like fireworks around them. Nuzzling into her neck, he whispered, “I’m so proud of you. Love you, li’l lady.”
“Love you too, rock star.”
A few minutes before the end of the award categories, one of the backstage staff came over to fetch Jake. With one last sip of champagne, he slid back his chair and slipped away from the table to prepare for his appearance with Weigh Station. Up on the stage, the editor of MMR was preparing to welcome Weigh Station out to accept their MMR lifetime achievement award. The veteran British rock band took to the stage to a standing ovation from the audience. With his usual theatrical flamboyance, Dan bowed to the guests. Accepting their award, he stepped up to the microphone and declared, “We’ve managed twenty-five years together. This award marks the start of the next twenty-five! Thank you one and all!”
The heavy, red velvet drapes behind them opened up to reveal the remainder of the stage, set up for the live set. Handing their awards to a member of staff, Weigh Station began to sort themselves out as the compere quickly ran through the extensive list of “thank you’s.”
“To bring tonight’s proceedings to a close, ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Weigh Station!”
The opening chords of one of the band’s biggest hits had the crowd back on their feet, cheering loudly. As ever, Dan was the consummate professional, playing the room as if it were a sell-out stadium show. Sweat was running down the side of his face by the end of their first number. Wiping it away, he quickly introduced their second song, a slower rock ballad. At moments during the vocal, Lori detected that he was struggling a bit and wondered if age was catching up with his voice.
“We’d like to bring out the voice of the future to close the show with us,” said Dan, his own voice noticeably hoarse. “It gives me enormous pleasure to welcome Jake Power out here.”
From behind the velvet drapes, Jake stepped out onto the stage. He had abandoned his suit jacket and looked every inch the rock star in his dark suit pants and waistcoat with his crisp white shirt open at the neck. Clapping him on the back, Dan stepped to the side, allowing Jake to take centre stage. With a nod to the band, they began the intro to Broken Bottle Empty Glass. Despite the lack of rehearsal, Jake felt confident as he started to sing the hoarse, rasping lyrics. There was a warmth to his tone that hadn’t been there before, but it lent itself to the song. In front of him, the small audience remained on their feet. He could see Lori standing, with a steadying hand on the table, watching his ever
y move. As he brought the song to an end a few minutes later, he beckoned Dan forward.
“Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the legendary Weigh Station!” roared Jake with a huge grin.
“And show your appreciation for the incredible voice that is Jake Power!” added Dan. “Thank you and good night.”
The two singers exchanged a few private words, then Jake jumped down off the stage to re-join Lori. A member of staff had brought his suit jacket back to the table during the performance. Lifting it off the back of the chair, Jake put his hand on Lori’s shoulder and declared, “Time to go, li’l lady.”
“Where to?” she asked curiously, as she allowed him to lead her out of the room.
“Private party,” he replied with a wink.
“Jake, I thought we agreed…..” she began to protest.
“Shh,” he interrupted. “Trust me.”
It took longer than Jake anticipated for them to make it outside to their limo. The hard-core fans had waited all evening and begged both of them and the other departing celebrities for photos and autographs. Obligingly, they posed and signed their way down the red carpet runway, eventually making it to the waiting car. Sliding into the back seat, Lori watched as Jake leaned forward and gave an address to the driver.
“Rock star, where are we going?” she asked as he settled himself back on the seat beside her.
“Home,” he replied, reaching over to kiss her.
“But I thought….”
“Shh,” said Jake, kissing her teasingly again. “It’s a private party. Just you and me. It’s all arranged.”
When the limo pulled up in the underground garage at the apartment building a few minutes later, the driver got out to open the door for them. Slipping him a generous tip, Jake said, “Remember the route I gave you. We want the press to think we partied like rock stars all night.”
“Yes, sir,” agreed the driver, pocketing the cash. “I believe I got you back here for four, sir?”
“Perfect. Thank you,” said Jake, putting his arm around Lori’s shoulders. “Night.”
With a nod to the concierge as they passed through the lobby, they headed into the elevator hand in hand. As the doors slid smoothly shut, Jake pulled Lori into his embrace and began to deliver soft, sensual kisses to her neck, then worked his way round to her ear, nibbling it gently. When the door opened, he led her across the tiled hallway into the apartment. In the few short hours that they had been out, the entire lounge had been filled with bouquets of flowers. On the coffee table, between two large vases of red roses, sat a large champagne bucket with two bottles chilling in it. Two crystal champagne flutes stood beside it.
“How did……?” began Lori gazing round, eyes wide in wonder.
“I knew you had won at least one of the awards after rehearsal,” revealed Jake softly. “One of the organisers asked me if the steps were going to be too much for you and what table would it be easiest to seat you at.”
“And you never said!” exclaimed Lori.
“When we arrived, Jim told me he was presenting his award to you,” added Jake. “So when you received the first one, I already knew you were getting the second one.”
Laughing, Lori sat down on the nearest couch. He never tired of hearing her musical laugh.
“And you ordered the flowers before you came back here to get ready?”
Jake nodded.
“I love you, rock star,” declared Lori. “Now, are we opening this champagne?”
Expertly, Jake wound the cork out without a huge bang, then carefully poured them each a flute, more bubbles than alcohol.
“Congratulations, Mz Hyde,” he toasted as he sat beside her.
“Congratulations to you too.”
Their awards were sitting on the table in front of them and as they sipped their champagne, Jake joked about them having “His’ n’ Hers” MMRs.
“Lord knows where we’re going to put them,” giggled Lori as she snuggled closer to her fiancé.
“Windowsill in the bathroom,” he suggested, taking her glass from her.
“Perhaps,” she mused.
Before she could suggest an alternative, Jake had reached over and begun to kiss her. His initial kisses were teasing and feathery then she felt the tip of his tongue between her lips. She needed no second invitation. Lifting her, as though she were a doll, Jake laid her on her back on the couch, amidst the soft plump cushions. With a sharp bite to her lower lip, he turned his focus to her décolletage. Nibbling his way along her exposed collar bones, he then ran his tongue down into her cleavage.
“I want to make love to you right here, li’l lady,” he murmured, slipping his hand up inside the skirt of her dress. “This slit skirt has been turning me on all night.”
As Lori arched her back, Jake slid her black lace panties down her thighs. Holding them aloft like a trophy, he commented, “A black lace thong? Naughty, Mz Hyde.”
Blushing, Lori said, “No panty line that way.”
Casually he dropped them onto the floor, then stood up to remove his suit pants.
“Leave the shirt and vest, rock star,” she instructed with a wicked grin. “They’ve been having the same effect on me as the slit has on you.”
“Your wish is my command.”
With his shirt unbuttoned, Jake moved back over beside her and slowly raised the soft fabric of her dress to reveal her slim tanned thighs. Tickling her with his hair, he slowly kissed his way up her inner thigh, then returned his attention to her cleavage. As he licked the curves of her breasts, Lori could feel his erect penis pulse against her.
“Make love to me,” she pleaded softly, running her hands down inside his shirt.
He needed no second invitation and entered her hard and fast. His urgency took her breath away, but two could play rough. Reaching up, she began to kiss his bare tattooed chest, then bit his left nipple hard.
“Like that, is it tonight, li’l lady?” he goaded quietly.
In the heat of their lovemaking, Jake manoeuvred her off the couch and, with her skirts tangled up around her back, he continued to thrust powerfully inside her as they lay coupled together on the floor. With a primal growl, Lori responded to his demands, and as she arched her pelvis up, encouraging him to penetrate deeper inside her, they climaxed simultaneously. Moaning softly, Lori felt her orgasm consume her in crashing waves as Jake collapsed on top of her. Spent, they lay together hot, sweaty and panting.
“Wow,” sighed Jake, rolling over onto his side. “Where did that come from, naughty Mz Hyde?”
“Must be the effects of all of that champagne combined with the heady aroma of the flowers,” purred Lori seductively. “Pour another glass and we can test the theory again.”
The two empty champagne bottles lay on the floor under the coffee table, the glasses discarded beside them. Sunlight was flooding into the room. Wrapped in each other’s arms, with Jake’s suit jacket draped over them, both of them lay sound asleep on the floor.
An incessant buzzing noise wakened Jake. It took him a few minutes to realise it was his phone in his jacket pocket and that it was vibrating on his chest. He reached for it just as the vibration stopped. The missed call was from Dan but he’d left a voicemail. Slowly, Jake wriggled his other arm out from under Lori’s neck, causing her to stir. Opening one sleepy eye, she asked, “What time is it?”
Looking at his phone, Jake answered, “Ten forty-five.”
His fiancée groaned beside him.
“You ok?” he asked as he sat up. His back was aching after the night spent on the hard floor.
“Champagne’s evil,” she grumbled.
“Ah! Suffering?” mused Jake, feeling his own head pounding and a nauseous wave wash over him.
“You mean you’re not?”
“A bit,” he confessed. “I’ll get us both a juice.”
As he scrambled stiffly to his feet, Jake decided he was too old for spending the night on the floor. His back was in agony. Stretching and rubbing it, he hobble
d through to the kitchen, still wearing his shirt and waistcoat. As he poured the juice, he heard Lori curse loudly as she got up from the floor. With a glass in each hand, he came back through to the lounge to find her sitting on the couch.
“Here, drink this, li’l lady,” said Jake, passing her one of the glasses.
“I ache all over and my head’s pounding,” stated Lori bluntly as she sipped the ice cold orange juice. “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this rough.”
“A hot shower will soon sort you out.”
“Sounds like a plan,” she muttered, abandoning her half-finished juice on the table. Stiffly she got to her feet, gathered the skirt of her dress in one hand and limped slowly towards the hallway. With a melancholy smile, Jake watched her go. Even hungover and dishevelled, she was truly beautiful in his eyes. With a sigh, he sat back and finished his juice. Remembering the voicemail, Jake picked up his phone to retrieve the message.
“Morning, Jake. If you’re still in town, give me a call. If you can do lunch today that would be good.”
Curious to know what the Weigh Station front man wanted, Jake called him back.
“Jake!” came the prompt and cheerful greeting from Dan. “Good morning to you.”
“Morning, Dan. How’s the head this morning?”
“Fine,” replied the older man. “I was tucked up in bed, stone cold sober by two. You?”
“A bit rough but nothing that a hot shower and a strong coffee won’t fix,” admitted Jake, surprised to learn that the renowned party animal from Weigh Station had gone to bed sober.
“What’s your plans for the day?” asked Dan, cutting straight to the chase. “I was hoping to catch up with you before I leave later.”
“No plans as far as I know,” replied Jake. “We could meet you for lunch around one.”
“Just you and Lori?”
“Yeah. Where are you staying?”
“I’m at a friend’s apartment down in the village,” answered Dan, pausing to clear his throat.
“Where do you want to meet?”
“Somewhere quiet,” said Dan.
“Why not come here?” suggested Jake, confident that Lori wouldn’t object. Quickly he gave Dan the address.
Impossible Depths (Silver Lake series Book 2) Page 34
