Tristan laughed and said, “She was young when I was born, and she became a vampire at only twenty-eight. The day I was born, my grandfather set my mother and me free. My father left the plantation to be with us, and I was raised by both of my parents. It’s a long story, and I have a lot of history. I promise we’ll discuss it at length in time.”
“All right,” said Jeff, reluctantly surrendering. “I have to admit; it does sound interesting.” He smiled and made eye contact with his daughter. “Riley, if you’re happy, I have no other option than to be happy for you.”
She rushed over and hugged him. “Oh, Dad, I’m so happy you’re okay with this, but tomorrow night is the CD release party.”
“Yes, and the sad part is we leave the next day,” said Laurie, wiping away a tear.
“I’ll see what kind of refund I can get on Riley’s ticket,” said Jeff on the verge of tears.
Riley raised her palm and said, “Mom. Dad. Stop. You’re going to make me cry, and my makeup isn’t waterproof. Don’t worry about getting a refund on my ticket. I’ll be using it. I still have some business to tend to and some things I want to pack and have sent here, so I’ll be returning with you for a few days. Tristan will come and get me when I’m ready to come back. I’ll be visiting often too. You know Tristan can have me in LA in the blink of an eye.” She gazed at Tristan and winked. “One of the perks of being with a vampire.”
That news eased the blow a little for Jeff and Laurie.
Tristan looked at his watch and then at Riley. “Shift change at Midnight Oasis. Are you coming with me to close out?”
“Yes,” she said with a smile. She turned to her parents and looked at them respectfully. “Mom and Dad, I’ll be out with Tristan, and I’ll be staying at his place tonight.” She smiled as they eased out the door.
Jeff slipped his arm around Laurie’s shoulder in an effort to comfort her. Laurie eased back resting her head on Jeff’s shoulder. She touched his hand stifling a tear and said, “I’m going to miss our little girl. She’s going to be a long way from us.”
“It was bound to come sometime,” said Jeff holding back a tear, “but I’m going to miss her too. It’s coming at kind of a bad time. Now that the band’s breaking up, I’m going to have a lot of time on my hands.”
His words were like a light bulb flashing in Laurie’s head. The band is breaking up, so Jeff doesn’t need to be on the west coast all the time anymore. They could easily move to New Orleans or spend time in both places. She lifted her head and said, “Maybe it’s not such a bad time.”
“What do you mean by that?” asked Jeff.
“This is just a thought, but, you just said the band’s breaking up, and you’ll have a lot of time on your hands, so what do you think about moving to New Orleans?”
A surprised Jeff said, “What? We can’t. I haven’t … I don’t know.”
“Jeff, you know we’ve always loved it here. The only reason we’ve lived on the west coast is the band, but that’s not an issue anymore. There’s nothing standing in the way now, and our daughter is going to be here. What do you say?”
Jeff scratched his head and said, “I haven’t thought about it.”
“What’s there to think about? Our daughter is here. Quinn said he and Nadia are using two alternating guitarists right now, but they would prefer a permanent one. That would be a perfect gig for you. Jeff, we have all the money we need, so maybe it’s time to settle down. Our family means everything to us. Look at it this way. No more touring, just a gig once a week. It would give you a chance to work on some solo projects. You’ve played with Quinn before, and I’m sure he would be happy to have you. I’m not trying to tell you what to do; I’m only suggesting that you think about filling that position. We can be close to our daughter. There’s no reason to stay in LA anymore.”
Jeff ran his hands over his face and said, “Okay, I’m convinced you’re right where Riley is concerned, but what about Jeffrey?”
“Jeffrey goes to school in New York, and he’s fallen in love with the big apple. He’s majoring in theater; he has a girlfriend from New York, and that’s where he plans to make his home. Our daughter is here, and our friends are here. Besides, New Orleans is much closer to New York, so we’ll be closer to our son too. Can you think of a reason not to stay?”
Jeff looked at his wife and smiled shaking his head. He took her hand and said, “You can be convincing, but you’re probably right. I wonder if that third-floor apartment is still for lease. We’d be in the quarter and close to Riley.”
Laurie smiled and said, “Why don’t you call Quinn and find out?”
“I’ll call him right now,” said Jeff, reaching for his phone.
QUINN WAS ON THE phone when Nadia entered his office. He smiled and motioned to her to have a seat. She sat in the chair across from him.
“All right, sounds great. I’m looking forward to it. Okay. I’ll see you soon.” He disconnected his phone with a smile and said, “What a week.”
“I know. I can’t believe all that’s happened in the past two weeks. Randi reunited with her dad, Sebastien and Lance are back together, Tristan and Riley fell in love, and Riley is staying in New Orleans.”
He pointed to Nadia and said, “I think they can all thank you for their good fortune, but you haven’t heard the latest. Riley isn’t the only one staying.”
“What?” she said, surprised.
He grinned and said, “I have good news. That was Jeff on the phone, and After Dark now has a permanent guitarist.”
Nadia was speechless. She swung her arms up and said, “That’s incredible. When does he start?”
“In a couple of weeks, once he learns the songs and gets acclimated to playing with us. He and Laurie are coming later to look at the third-floor apartment.”
“I hope they decide to take it. Oh, Daddy, so many changes. Amber isn’t going to believe all the shit that’s gone down since she left for London.”
“They’ll be home tomorrow,” said Quinn smiling.
13
LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER
Amber looked adorable in a jean mini dress with her brown cowboy boots. She flung her loose blond curls behind her shoulders. Even though she was still suffering from jet lag after being in London for the past two weeks, she couldn’t wait to perform with her father and sister at the release party.
Nadia couldn’t wait to fill her in on all that had happened while she was away. “Damn,” she said. “I go away, and everything happens.” She looked forward to meeting Jeff and his family.
Little Rose missed her grandpa Quinn. Her little face lit up the moment she saw him. She ran right to him calling “Grampa Quinn,” putting a smile on his face. He picked her up and held her in his lap. He couldn’t get over how much she appeared to have grown in the past two weeks.
Chad had returned to Florida to pick up Jackson, and they arrived home near the same time as Amber and her family. Even though he had to leave his friends in Florida, Jackson seemed excited about starting eighth grade at his new school with his old friends in New Orleans.
Quinn felt overjoyed that the mansion was going to be full again. He loves having his family around him, and he missed the kids.
Before they knew it, it was time to get ready for the evening.
Quinn dressed in black snug jeans with a black sports jacket and black boots. His black button down shirt with red pinstripes matched Nadia’s miniskirt and bustier top. Black and red platform pumps with five-inch heels completed her look.
Randi, rocking a pair of black jean leggings with a black silk top and black high heels, left early to make sure everything was running smoothly for the event. Quinn and Nadia soon joined her as people were beginning to trickle into Vampyr.
Nadia was pleased to see Lance and Sebastien arriving together, and she was elated to learn they’re a couple again.
Randi hugged her dad and his partner. She congratulated them and seated them at the table next to the stage set up for the
ir VIP guests.
Randi seated Jeff and Laurie next along with Lenny. Quinn almost couldn’t believe his eyes. He rushed to the table, and he and Lenny hugged. Jeff had filled Lenny in on all the details. He couldn’t have been happier to find out Quinn was alive and well even though he was blown away by the vampire story.
Amber and her husband, Dee, arrived. Quinn proudly introduced his daughter and son-in-law to Jeff, Laurie, and Lenny.
“Amber is a country singer. She appears on two of our new songs on the album, and she’s part of the show tonight,” said Quinn.
Laurie smiled and took Amber’s hand. “You’re beautiful, and you have your father’s gorgeous blond curls. I can’t wait to hear you sing.”
Quinn returned to his office to go over the playlist.
Lacey and Chad approached the table. Lenny caught a glimpse of Lacey in a low-cut knit top with tight straight leg jeans and high heels. He did a double take unable to take his eyes off of her. He had always had a thing for Lacey, but she was Quinn’s girlfriend who later became his wife, and he respected that.
If Lacey hadn’t been with Quinn, she might have dated Lenny. She looked at him and smiled thinking he still looks hot with his shoulder length chestnut hair and hazel eyes. Finding herself attracted to him, thoughts of a possible sexual encounter with her ex-husband’s former band member intrigued her. She hugged Lenny and sat next to him.
Clearly, he was still attracted to her, and he began to wonder about the possibility of dating his friend the vampire’s ex-wife. He couldn’t think of any reason not to. She’s not married to Quinn anymore. She hasn’t been in years, they’ve both remarried more than once since then, and Quinn is currently happily married. Even though his reasoning told him it was okay to date her, he still wanted to make sure Quinn was all right with it before making a move on her.
Nadia joined Chad and her mother. Jeff introduced her to Lenny. She noticed her mother and Lenny flirting and smiled shaking her head.
Tristan, Riley, and Giselle entered together. Randi brought them to the VIP table. They sat across from Jeff and Laurie.
Giselle looked at Laurie and Jeff. Since their children were getting close, she decided to attempt to make conversation. “Laurie, I heard you looked at Quinn’s apartment. How did you like it?”
Laurie smiled and said, “We loved it, and we love the fact that it’s furnished. We can keep our house in California for now and not have to worry about furniture here. My only question is, do I want to live above a bar? What about the noise?”
“You won’t hear a thing. It’s well insulated, and it’s quiet,” said Tristan. “It was home to me for many years.”
Laurie nodded with a smile and said, “I’m convinced. In that case, we want it.”
Lenny got up from the table and walked toward the back corridor. He found Quinn’s office. The door was open, and Quinn was at his desk. Lenny’s hand tapped the frame. “Can I come in?”
Quinn looked up and said, “Of course. Have a seat. I was just going over a couple of things before the show.”
Lenny looked around impressed with Quinn’s success. “Quinn, I hear you own three bars plus real estate. I can’t believe how well you’ve done. You must have your hands full.”
Quinn smiled and said, “Yeah, well. I have help. Tristan manages the other two bars. My day manager has been with me for a long time. My wife helps me with this bar. There are advantages to marrying your PA.”
“Your wife is stunning,” said Lenny. “You got yourself a young one, but physically you appear to be close to the same age.”
Quinn laughed and said, “She’s twenty-seven, and I’m forty-nine, but age doesn’t matter with vampires. I’ve had bigger gaps than that. Giselle and I were together for four years, and she has two centuries on me.”
“Lucky you. You get to stay young forever. I had the pleasure of meeting Giselle tonight. She’s beautiful.”
“Yep,” said Quinn smiling. “I think Jeff is getting used to the idea of his daughter and a vampire.”
Lenny sighed and shook his head. “Of all the things we thought of that could have happened to you, we never once considered vampires. I still can’t believe you spent all those years in seclusion.”
“Well, one day I’ll tell you all about those lost years in detail.” He leaned forward and said, “Let me know when you want to be bored.”
Lenny laughed and looked up as if he had something on his mind before asking, “Quinn, what do you think about maybe doing a West Side reunion show or album?”
Quinn laughed and said, “Well, it wouldn’t be much of a reunion without the original Quinn, would it? You and Jeff know who I really am, but, remember, the public thinks I’m his son.”
“I know, but I was thinking of West Side featuring Quinn’s children, you and Nadia. I’ve listened to your music and seen a video of you two performing. You and Nadia have what it takes to sell.”
Quinn shook his head and said, “Well, I’m sure Nadia would love that, but I don’t think it would be a great idea. I tend to proceed with a little more caution than my daughter. I go to great lengths to avoid letting the public get too close to us or see too much. It works for us locally. If we go international, we’re talking about a lot more public than our local and tourist audience not to mention tabloid gossip.” He smacked his lips and added, “I just don’t think it’s smart for those of us who have to live in secret.”
“Quinn, you know I’ll work with you as far as scheduling everything at night.”
“I’m sure you will, but you and I both know it’s difficult to do when there are other people involved. Besides, there’s much more to it than that.”
Knowing Quinn had a point, he asked, “Will you, at least, think about it, Quinn?”
In an attempt to humor his friend, Quinn said, “Against my better judgment, I’ll think about it, but I’m not making any promises. You look like you have something else on your mind. What’s going on in that head of yours?”
“How could you tell, Quinn? I didn’t think I was that obvious.”
“Maybe not to the average person, but a vampire picks up on those things. What’s up?”
Lenny rubbed his hands together and said, “I’ll just get to the point. Quinn, you’re married now. Lacey and I are single. How do you feel about me dating her?”
Quinn laughed and said, “You caught me by surprise on that one, but I think it’s an excellent idea. In fact, if you decide to marry her, I’ll even give away the bride.”
Lenny gave him a wide-eyed stare. “Damn, Quinn. I didn’t expect you to be that enthusiastic.”
“Yeah, well, Lacey and I were over a long time ago. I’m married to the girl of my dreams now.”
Lenny thought he would never see the day when Quinn would say that about Lacey, or that anyone could ever replace her, but things change. “Hmm, I remember when Lacey was the girl of your dreams.”
“Yeah, well, that was a long time ago, and everything has changed. I want Lacey to be happy too. If you want to date my ex-wife, go for it.” He looked at Lenny out of the side of his eyes pointing to him and said, “I’ve always suspected you had a thing for her, you sly fox.”
Lenny raised his hands and said, “Yeah, I’ll admit it, but I’d never act on it without your blessing.”
Quinn gave him a sincere smile and said, “I appreciate that. Now you have it. Feel free to fuck my ex-wife.”
Quinn got up from his chair and walked out with him. They joined the others seated at the VIP table. Quinn announced that Jeff is going to be After Dark’s new guitarist. Lacey looked at Laurie and asked, “Is there something I don’t know?”
Laurie smiled and said, “We liked it here so much we’ve decided to stay. It was a spur of the moment decision that we just made last night. It all happened so fast, but Jeff and I are moving to New Orleans. We’re going to keep our house in LA for when we want to get away, but, for the most part, we’ll be living here.”
“That’s wonderful,�
� said Lacey. She and Laurie hugged. “I’m so happy to have my friends here.”
“Have you made a decision about the apartment yet?” asked Quinn looking at his friends and hopeful new tenants.
Laurie and Jeff looked at each other and then at Quinn. “I believe we have,” said Jeff. “We’re leaning toward taking it, but we haven’t talked money yet. How much are you asking a month?”
Quinn tilted his head and said, “I’ve had it listed for $2,700.00, but I’ll let you have it for $2,500.00 since you’re my good friends.”
Jeff smiled and said, “We would have been happy to pay you $2,700.00, but if you want to let us have it for $2,500.00, we won’t argue. You’ve got yourself a deal, Quinn.”
“What a relief,” said Quinn shaking Jeff’s hand. “Thank the Lord. If I was mortal; I’d have a stiff drink to celebrate. I’ll have the lease ready tomorrow. You can move in anytime.”
The lights dimmed. Quinn looked at Nadia and said, “That’s our cue to get our asses on the stage. Come on, Nadia.”
Quinn and Nadia got up from their chairs.
“Break a leg,” said Lenny.
They smiled and gave him a thumbs up.
As the lights dimmed lower, After Dark took their place on the stage. Quinn’s fingers stroked the keys as Nadia welcomed everyone. Her voice went into the first verse of the first song on their new album; a duet performed by Quinn and Nadia; a ballad for Randi that he wrote when they first married titled Blood and Wine.
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Sex, Blood, Rock ’N’ Roll, and Vampyr
Would you like to know the backstory on Quinn, Nadia, Randi, Amber, Giselle, Tristan, and Lacey? You’ll find their story in:
Sex, Blood, Rock 'N' Roll, and Vampyr (The Bloodline Series Book 1) Page 16
