Love Rock'ollection: The Brutal Strength Rock Star Trilogy, books 1-3

by Michelle Mankin

  “No problem, Boss. Have a good time Avery.”

  “Thanks Ray. Tell your mom hi for me.”

  Marcus slid his hand to the center of her back as they walked up the concrete steps to Cin Cin, a Tuscan inspired restaurant popular with locals and visiting celebrities alike. Inside the ornately appointed upscale establishment, the aroma of garlic and freshly baked bread immediately made his stomach growl. The maître d took their jackets and escorted them past the mirrored hand carved marble bar where it was standing room only, overflowing with sharp dressed men and women in cocktail dresses.

  Avery looked down at her off the shoulder grey cowl cashmere sweater and black skinny jeans and frowned. “I think I’m underdressed.”

  “You look hot, especially in those heels,” he reassured her as they entered a set of curtained double doors into a private dining room. The room was cozy but elegant, the gold walls accented with black and white photos of Italy. A chandelier dripping with crystal hung over the center of a long table that ran the length of the room. The rest were already gathered around it.

  Still handsome in his sixties, Marcus’ father rose from his seat at the head of the table and came over to greet them. His blue eyes sparkled with warmth as he kissed Avery’s cheek. “You look beautiful.” He clapped Marcus on the back. “Haven’t run her off yet have you?”

  “No, Dad. Not yet. Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Marcus said drily.

  Don chuckled and Avery kissed his cheek.

  As they moved down the length of the table to an open pair of seats, Rheta glanced up at Avery and smiled. Avery bent over and laid her cheek against her auburn hair and hugged her shoulders.

  Marcus’ mother patted her hand. “Avery, love. Sit here beside me. Lisa and I,” she motioned across the table toward Dwight’s wife, “were just having a discussion about names for the baby.”

  Marcus pulled out a chair for Avery and took the seat beside her. “Did you find out if it’s a boy or a girl?”

  “This afternoon.” Dwight beamed at Lisa’s side. “It’s a boy.”

  “Holy Cow!” Avery exclaimed, tears brimming. “That’s wonderful. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks, Avery.” The petite ebony haired beauty smiled. “How was the photo shoot this morning?”

  “Cold.” She laughed. “And a little weird. I’m not much of a model.”

  “She’s just being modest,” Marcus interjected. “She’s a real pro and obviously very photogenic,” he said proudly. “I got a peek at the digitals. They’re really good.”

  Avery leaned over and kissed his cheek. Marcus took her hand and stroked the sensitive skin of her inner wrist with his calloused thumb. She shivered.

  “So have you decided on a name?” Marcus asked.

  “I like the name Arthur, Art for short,” Lisa said.

  Avery’s face drained of color.

  “Art Anthony sounds like a Dr. Seuss character,” Dwight objected, oblivious to Avery’s reaction.

  “Not a good idea,” Marcus said, shaking his head at Lisa and Dwight while staring at Avery with concern.

  Avery twisted her napkin in her lap.

  With an abrupt gesture, she watched Marcus wave off the questions before they could be voiced. The table became quiet, everyone’s faces mirroring Marcus’ expression of concern.

  “Arthur is our father’s name,” Justin offered ending the uncomfortable silence.

  “I’m sorry, Avery,” Lisa said, leaning forward. “I didn’t know.”

  “It’s ok,” Avery said, meeting Lisa’s gaze. She took a deep breath and gave a tremulous smile. “Really, it’s not a big deal.”

  “Well,” Rheta said, deftly changing the subject. “I bet you three are excited about the tour. Who’s going to be the opening act?”

  “A heavy metal band from Seattle that Marcus picked,” Dwight muttered. “Unilateral decision on his part.”

  “Hey, bro. I had to move fast. Trevor found out they’d been cut by their label. Someone else would have signed them if we didn’t.”

  “Trevor Barnes?” Avery perked up at the mention of the name of the agent who had gotten her the gig with Brutal Strength. He was also a good friend.

  “Yeah,” Marcus said, exchanging a long look with Dwight that Avery couldn’t identify. “We’ve kept in touch.”

  “Why were they cut?” Dwight prodded.

  “Couldn’t meet their contractual obligations. Blew through their entire signing advance and then some during their first tour.”

  “Seriously?” Dwight’s brows rose.

  “Yeah, they partied themselves into a tight financial bind. The lead guitarist was over in England playing with another band trying to raise cash to pay off his portion of the debt.”

  “I don’t know.” Dwight’s brow furrowed. “Sounds like a shaky dynamic for the road.”

  “I did some checking. Personality wise they seem like a cohesive bunch, and they’re certainly great musicians.” Marcus ran a hand through his hair. “Mary thinks they’ll be alright with some financial direction and the proper management.”

  “Meaning, she’ll make sure they toe the line.”

  Marcus nodded. “Got ‘em signed last week. The lead singer’s a bit of a douche, but the lead guitarist kicks ass.”

  “Sounds like our band,” Dwight quipped.

  Marcus rolled his eyes.

  “What’s their name?” Avery asked.

  “Tempest.”

  “Tempest.” Avery tapped her lips. “Oh, yeah. I remember them. They had a real strong debut album. Top ten last fall. When do we get to meet them?” she asked eagerly.

  “Not till we land in Seattle, the night before the first concert. We have a joint meet and greet planned with them and some VIP’s and tour sponsors. The usual.”

  The waiter took advantage of the lull in conversation to step forward to take their drink and appetizer order. Avery gave Marcus a poke in the side when he asked if there was any candied salmon on the menu. By the time the waiter departed, the conversation around the table had taken off in many different directions.

  Justin was listening intently to something Don was telling him. He smiled when he saw Avery watching them. Good, she thought, happy to see him hit it off with Marcus’ dad. Justin could use a steady positive male influence in his life. Maybe he would even abandon his idea to talk to their father. She could only hope.

  “Say,” Dwight remarked, a mischievous look in his eye. He gestured to one of the large carafes of sparkling water the waiter had left on the table. “Reminds me of a story.”

  Suddenly, Avery felt Marcus’ hand tense in hers.

  He rubbed the other over his face. “No one wants to hear that story again, Dwight.”

  “What story?” Lisa asked, tucking a loose strand of her straight black hair back into her chignon. “I want to hear it. The pregnant woman’s desires takes precedent over any objections.” She grinned at Marcus.

  “Well, you see, it went like this,” Dwight began while Marcus glared. “One weekend, when my little brother was eight, we got permission to go to the movies with our older cousin, Stephen as our driver and chaperone.”

  Marcus groaned again and slumped down in his chair.

  “Now at the time,” Dwight continued, “there was a big news story about some sicko who was exposing himself in public restrooms, so Mom made us promise that we wouldn’t use the restroom at the theatre under any circumstances. So, we all went to the bathroom beforehand. Well, all of us, except Milhouse here.”

  “Milhouse?” Avery questioned, looking toward Marcus.

  “Bart’s nerdy friend on The Simpsons. That’s what Stephen and Dwight called me before I got big enough to kick their ass. Totally inaccurate, by the way. I was not a nerd.”

  “Whatever,” Dwight replied. “Anyways, not only did Marcus not go to the restroom, unbeknownst to the rest of us, he guzzled about a quart of lemonade before we left and then drank a big soda during the movie.”

  “It was summ
er,” Marcus protested. “I was thirsty.”

  “About halfway through the show, Marcus needed to go. Stephen told him, ‘You have to hold it. You know what Aunt Rheta will do if she finds out we broke the rules.’ So for a while, he was quiet, but then he really started whining. So, Stephen finally tells him, ‘Here. Go in this cup,’ and hands him his empty. Of course, Marcus didn’t want to, but in the end, he didn’t really have any choice.”

  Avery glanced over at Don, who was tearing up in an effort to restrain his mirth.

  Dwight grinned. “So, he’s whizzing in the cup, eh, and it’s getting pretty near the top, so Stephen starts whispering, ‘Shut it down!’ And Marcus is saying, ‘I can’t! I can’t!’”

  Don couldn’t help himself, bursting into laughter.

  “These teenage girls behind us were snickering. Marcus finally managed to stop, but the cup was filled to the brim.”

  By this time, everyone at the table had joined in the laughter, except for Marcus.

  “You have to admit, it’s a funny story, little brother.”

  “Laugh now, bro.” Marcus gave Dwight a look. “I’ll get you back for this.”

  “Oh, lighten up,” Dwight said wiping tears from his eyes. “I still wonder what the usher thought when he picked up that warm cup after the show. Don’t you?”

  Avery grinned at Marcus and leaned over and kissed him. “I think it’s cute,” she muttered against his lips that were pressed into a humorless line.

  “You would,” he said mouth quirking up into a reluctant half smile. He turned to the table. “Ok. Ok. You guys have had your fun. Let me take a look at the menu and try to figure out what I’m going to have for dinner.”

  “Just go easy on the liquids,” Avery said with a smirk.

  “COLD SNAKE IS playing at the Venue tonight,” Justin told Avery, leaning over the back of her chair while Marcus paid the bill.

  “No way!” she exclaimed. “Why’re they playing at such a small place?”

  “I heard they’re testing out some material for a new album.” He glanced at Marcus. “I was thinking of going and I wondered if you guys wanted to come with?”

  “Go with him if you’d like,” Marcus said. “I’d rather not. I’ll spend some time with my parents. Take Ray with you, though.”

  “I don’t want to keep Ray up that late,” Avery said with a frown.

  Marcus sighed. “Avery, it’s his job to keep you safe.”

  “I know but not twenty-four seven.”

  He put his hand on top of hers. “Humor me, Ace.” He lowered his head and whispered in her ear. “It’ll make me feel better.”

  “Ok,” she reluctantly agreed, turning her head to brush her lips across his. “Don’t wait up.” She pushed back from the table and preceded Justin out of the restaurant.

  “Never gonna go to sleep…” Justin began.

  “Always wanna dream,” Avery joined in. “Tonight you’re mine to keep,” they harmonized making the hostess smile as they walked out the front door.

  “I love that song,” Justin said, opening the door of the Mercedes for Avery. She scooted in and made room for him to climb in beside her.

  “It’s one of my faves too,” Avery commented and patted Ray on the shoulder. “We’re going to the Venue.”

  “I know. Marcus already texted me. I’ll have you there in a few.”

  “Thanks, Ray.”

  “No worries.”

  With a nod, Avery settled back into the back seat, rubbing her hands together. “It feels so cold tonight.”

  “Lot colder than Los Angeles, that’s for sure,” Justin replied, gazing at her for a moment. He smoothed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “You look just like her, you know.”

  “Like Mom?”

  “Yeah. More and more the older you get and with your hair shorter like this.” He glanced away, continuing in a quieter voice, “I still miss her.”

  “Me, too. Every single day,” Avery whispered, tears threatening.

  “She had this way about her when she was with you, that made you feel as if you were the most important person in the world to her. The center of the universe.”

  Avery nodded. “Do you remember how she would always bake a special cake on our birthday?”

  “Uh-huh.” His expression turned wistful. “The last one was a train cuz I liked them and it had Cinderella as the conductor because you were in your big princess phase.”

  “And remember how she always made up a little rhyme and sang it to us. Today your eight, make it great…” Avery sang, stopping when her throat constricted with emotion.

  Justin turned in his seat and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “She was a great mom.” He pressed his lips together and stared at her. “A real special woman,” he said voice low and intense. “Like you, sis.”

  Avery closed her eyes and laid her cheek down on Justin’s shoulder. Justin smoothed her hair down and kissed the top of her head. A tear rolled down his cheek and in the mirror Avery noticed Ray’s eyes looked a little glassy, too.

  Cars were at a standstill lining both sides of Granville Street as they approached the club. People spilled out the door onto the sidewalk and every available space around the Venue like an animate puddle.

  “I’m not going to be able to get you even close to the front door,” Ray mumbled.

  “That’s ok,” Avery said, leaning forward. She patted him on the shoulder. “We can walk.”

  “Marcus wants me to go in with you.”

  “I’ll be fine, Ray. I’ve got my brother with me.”

  Ray gave Justin an uncertain glance. “I don’t know.”

  “I’ll take good care of her,” Justin assured him, hopping out of the car.

  Avery scooted down the seat toward the open door on Justin’s side. She looked back at Ray’s worried face. “I promise I’ll call if I need you.”

  She followed Justin toward the long queue to get into the club. There were at least fifty people in front of them, all huddled together and shuffling their feet to try to stay warm in the freezing drizzle. As they took their spot in line, several people turned to stare.

  Justin unzipped his red hoodie and handed it to her. “Here. Might want to put this on.”

  “You’ll be cold,” Avery protested.

  “I’m ok.” He leaned in. “Besides, I think you need it more. Looks like some people have recognized you.”

  “Uh-oh.” She nodded. “I forgot my hat in the car.”

  “Hey,” said a beefy tatted guy with skull capped brown hair standing in front of them in line. “Aren’t you Avery Jones?”

  “Yes.” Avery smiled hesitantly and tucked her hands in the hoodie pockets. “How long have you been waiting?”

  “I dunno. Don’t have a watch,” Skull Cap Guy replied, turning to his slightly pudgy companion. “How long we been out here, Joseph?”

  “Two hours,” Joseph muttered, glancing up from a game of Fruit Ninja on his cell. “It’s bullshit.” His eyes widened when he saw Avery. “Say, aren’t you, Av…”

  “Yeah, asshole,” Skull Cap said in a loud whisper, knocking Joseph on the side of the head. “Keep it quiet. Can’t you see she wants to remain incognito?”

  “Sorry, Matt.” Joseph ducked his head.

  “No worries, guys,” Avery said shuffling forward with the rest of the line as it moved forward. Under the street lamp she noticed the misting drizzle changing over to intermittent snowflakes. She tilted back her head and stuck out her tongue.

  “Avery Jones?” asked a man in a Venue jacket with a security band around his arm.

  She nodded.

  “Why the hell are you standing in line out here in the cold?” He threw up his hands. “Come on. I’ll escort you on in.”

  “Sweet.” Justin stepped out of line to follow him, but Avery hesitated. He gave her a questioning look.

  “I can’t leave my friends. Matt, Joseph,” she called. “You coming?”

  Two sets of eyebrows rose with surprise. “Hell
yeah!” Matt exclaimed, jogging up to her. “Later, popsicles,” he said to the people in line as they passed by.

  Inside the club the temperature was as balmy as the tropics. Avery immediately shed the hoodie and handed it back to Justin. He raised a brow but tied it around his waist. Glancing around the interior, Avery felt like she had stepped back in time. The set up was very similar to Club Indigo in New York. A huge mirrored bar took up a lot of space near the entrance. Drum chandeliers with bronze accents dangled down from the black ceiling, casting muted light onto high backed crescent booths which lined each side of the interior. The stage at the back was definitely the centerpiece along with the forty foot light display board that hung above it.

  Cold Snake was well into their set, playing their number one hit, “Party at the Gate.” The heavy beat of the bass saturated the air and pulsated through Avery’s bones. Ty, the platinum headed lead singer, took a sip of bottled water and then poured it over his head during the guitar solo before returning to the center mic. Joel, the guitarist, joined him there belting out the closing lyrics.

  Avery grinned at Justin and started cheering along with everyone else when they ended the number. He smiled back and took her hand, threading his way through the press of people out onto the crowded dance floor.

  “You guys want some more?” Ty shouted into the mic.

  The crowd in front of the elevated stage went nuts.

  “Alright then, let’s go.” Ty gestured to Joel. The guitarist opened with a wicked fast guitar riff that held Avery enthralled until it finished, but the frenetic tune that followed inexorably drew her into motion.

  The flame haired, emerald eyed twins began to bounce up and down with the rest of the crowd. The noise level made hearing each other totally impossible, but irrelevant. They communicated their shared enjoyment with smiles instead.

  Avery’s hair soon became drenched with sweat and her skin was so damp that her sweater stuck to it. Eyes closing, she swayed back and forth.