The guys never lifted their eyes to give me away as I eavesdropped on my son’s conversation. Mica just winked at me giving me the heads up he was going to get Hunter to elaborate before I made my presence known. “So I take it Uncle Trev let you sit on his lap while you drove the golf cart around? Surely you couldn’t reach the pedals yourself,” Mica asked trying not to laugh.
“Nope! Uncle Trev sat beside me while he worked the pedals and Aunt Ember was holding the flashlight so we could see. We were way ahead of the security guards. I didn’t think the golf cart ran that fast uncle Mica. We must have been going a hundred miles an hour.”
Harvey lost it. I’m not sure if it was because I just heard something my son knew would get him into trouble or the enthusiasm my son had while telling his story. He couldn’t even pull himself together to respond to my sons “tell all” about the night he convinced Uncle Trev to let him drive Aunt Ember back to the bus from the stage. I felt a nice calm settle over me. Their little interaction made me realize that no matter what happens, Hunter and I will always have family. If his father wanted nothing to do with him he had plenty of men that would gladly fill that role. No matter what that little boy was loved unconditionally.
Shaking myself out of my thoughts I spoke up letting my little boy know I was on to him and he had some explaining to do. “So you mean to tell me you were running one hundred miles per hour on the security guards golf cart while uncle Trev worked the pedals and aunt Ember held the flash light so you could see while you out ran the security guards last night?”
“Yeah it was the coolest thing ever, but I can’t tell momma though. She’d skin me alive.”
“Uh dude you just told your momma,” Mica said between hysterics.
My little boy slowly turned around looking me up in the eye. The moment it clicked he just told on himself was priceless. All I heard was “AWW SHUCKS,” as my four-year-old took off. He went running as fast as his little legs would take him yelling for Auntie Layla to save him. I had to take a moment before I went after him to get my laughter under control. The two goofs he calls uncles sitting at the picnic table weren’t helping the matter as they kept repeating what he said before they started to laugh all over again.
Once I got myself together it didn’t take long to find him. Before I could get ten feet in his direction he was scooped up into the arms of a giant. Ben stood at least six foot four and at least two hundred and fifty pounds of solid muscle. He had my little car jacker in one arm while he held the hand of the woman my son was so desperate to find, Auntie Layla. His Auntie Layla would stick up for him no matter what and he knew it. He was quick to pull that card whenever he knew he would be in danger of losing his precious video games.
“Auntie Layla momma is gonna skin me. You got to hide me or send me to China! I’m in so much trouble this time.’
“Oh come on kiddo, it can’t be that bad can it. You know I can’t send you to china. You would starve to death. They eat with those chop stick things over there. Even Uncle Ben can’t work them,” Layla said just as serious as she could while covering her amusement.
“Okay well if I can’t go to China then where’d can I go. I can’t stay here. This is a matter of life or death Auntie Layla.”
“Oh my this is really serious,” Layla told Hunter as she looked straight ahead to me with a smile. “How about I hide you with me tonight mister. You can hang with Uncle Ben in our bus tonight and give your momma time to calm down.”
“That sounds like a plan little dude. We can hook the game console up and race on the big screen,” Ben added.
I walked up to the trio knowing that I would never win this battle with Layla. She might be someone I worked for but she was also one of my closest friends. She took to Hunter as soon as she met me. I joke with her all the time that the only reason she keeps me around is him and not because of my voice.
“Well, well, well what are you three up too,” I asked?
Hunter didn’t say a word. He just turned he gaze to Layla waiting for her to say something. “Apparently I’ve got a date tonight after the show. It seems that my nephew wants to have a little quality time with his Auntie Layla and Uncle Ben,” Layla said grinning at me trying not to laugh. “It seems Hunter thinks you might be a little mad and need time to cool down. I was told it was a matter of life and death.”
“I see. Did your nephew tell you why he thinks his momma will need to cool down,” I asked playing right along?
“Why no he didn’t. It couldn’t be that bad. My little guy would never do anything too serious. He knows that if he gets in trouble he won’t be able to play any video games with any of his uncles,” Layla responded nonchalantly.
“Well I’ll tell you exactly what he did and let you decide how bad it is. Hunter are you okay with that or do you want to tell Aunt Layla yourself?” Hunter shook his head no. He knew he had been caught. He buried his head in Ben’s shoulder as I began to speak.
“It seems that our little guy over here decided he was going to high jack the security team’s golf cart last night. Apparently Uncle Trev let him sit on the seat to steer as he sat next to him and worked the pedals.”
“There’s no way my little guy would do that,” Layla answered playing the part putting her hand to her chest dramatically.
“Oh but he did. It seems they wanted to give Aunt Ember a ride back to the bus from the stage. She even held the flashlight so they could see as they ran away from the security guards trying to apprehend them. From what I hear they were going really fast. Like a hundred miles per hour fast. I think Uncle Trev, Aunt Ember and Hunter should all be in trouble.”
With his face still buried in Ben’s shoulder Hunter squeaked out, “I’m sorry momma. We won’t do it again.”
“See he says he will never to anything like that again. He’s very sorry,” Layla gave her speech as she began to rub Hunter’s little back. “I know he won’t do it again. If he does he won’t have to worry about his momma being mad because Auntie Layla will be even madder. Aunt Layla will take his video games away and make sure he has no TV.”
That got his attention. He leaned up and looked right at Layla then to me before he spoke. “I’m sorry momma. Please don’t be mad at me. We won’t do it again. It was my idea. Don’t be mad at Uncle Trev or Aunt Ember. Aunt Ember’s feet were hurting cuz she wore the boots taller than me. I was just trying to help her. I was just trying to help a lady just like you told me momma.”
Oh he was good. You couldn’t be mad at him even when he was wrong. It was so cute that he was taking the blame when truth be told his Uncle and his Aunt should know better. The whole situation was just too damn funny but I couldn’t let him think he was getting away with anything. If he was anything like the rest of my family, he wouldn’t have to look for trouble it would find him.
“Thank you for apologizing. I think I need to talk to Aunt Layla before we decide what you, Uncle Trev or Aunt Ember should be given for punishments.”
“How about I take Hunter with me back to the bus and leave you two ladies to sentencing,” Ben stated with a megawatt smile. He was so trying to keep his self together throughout this charade.
“I think that’s a great idea. What do you think Layla?”
“Why that’s an awesome idea Avery. That way we can figure out who will be scrubbing the toilets,” Layla added for good measure.
The two of us made sure to wave and keep our game faces until Ben disappeared out of sight with Hunter. As soon as I saw them turn behind the equipment truck I lost it. We couldn’t help ourselves. I knew I was going to have a talk with his Uncle and his Aunt. Hopefully I could get them to play along a little bit too. That is after they get a tongue lashing about corrupting my four-year-old. After getting myself under control I turned to Layla. “Thanks for the backup Auntie Layla.”
“Not a problem girlie. That little boy is going to be a handful. What am I going to do with myself when I don’t get to see him every day? I think he’s the only male that can
make me smile these days.”
“Aw honey, I’m sorry. Things will get better. Just think I get to be the cool Auntie when this little bundle gets here,” I say placing my hand to her tiny baby bump. I pulled my hand away quickly hoping no one had seen. “I’m sorry. I keep slipping like that. I’m probably the reason why the news leaked. Someone probably saw me rubbing your belly and called TMZ,” I said apologetically.
“Nah, I doubt that. With the exception of a slim few we have a loyal group here. There’s only one person I’m blaming and if the truth comes out his ass is fired. That’s enough about that. I’m not going to let it ruin anymore of my day and that is why you’re going to let my favorite little guy hang out with me tonight,” Layla answered me frankly.
“Layla I can’t let you do that. You and Ben need to enjoy your time together while you can. In a few months you won’t have the opportunity to have a night alone for a good while.”
“Nonsense. Ben and I were looking for you before we found out he completed grand theft auto last night. We wanted you to have a night out. Your twenty-five years old woman. You deserve to act like it once in a while. Besides we still have over five months left and I know you’ll return the favor.”
“You know I can’t wait to spoil that little one just like you have done with Hunter. I can’t wait to be able to tell him. I guess if you’re sure about tonight then I’ll just take you up on your offer. Maybe I can head out with Trevor or Demi after the show,” I said with a smile. I haven’t been out with Trevor and the crew for a while. I need a little fun to get my mind off my impending trip home.
“Go honey. Have fun. Do a couple body shots for me while you’re at it,” she exclaimed pulling me close to whisper the next part in my ear. “Just a heads up. We plan on telling Hunter tonight that he’s going to have a baby cousin.”
“He’s going to be so happy but you know that little boy can’t keep a secret for shit.”
“Yeah I know but I only have you guys for five more days before everyone breaks off. We wanted to tell him and we didn’t want to do it through a video chat or throw it on him without either one of us there to explain. I know he’ll be excited but for almost four years now he’s been my little guy and I need to make sure he knows that he always will be,” Layla said choking back tears. “Goddam pregnancy hormones. All I do is cry.”
“At least you have an excuse. I want to cry right along with you.” I said trying to reassure my friend.
“Oh I almost forgot. I need you to meet us in the green room in an hour or so. We’ve got some things to go over before everyone crashes before the show,” Layla informed me.
“Ok chick no problem. I’m just going to run Trevor some lunch, thirty-minute power nap and I’ll head over.” I gave Layla a hug and told her that I would just crash on the couch on their bus when I got back tonight. That way if the buses left before we got up they wouldn’t be stuck with hyper Hunter all day tomorrow by themselves. I left her in line to get her sugar fix, which I knew half of what she orders would be going back to the bus with her, and turned towards the buses to take Trevor his food and have a little conversation about my sons driving skills.
Chapter 2
Madison
I made it into Florida a couple hours ago stopping for gas at one of the travel plazas. While I pumped my gas I let my eyes wonder aimlessly around the surrounding area. I had spent most of the early morning hours cruising down the interstate stopping only a to take a piss. Now that I had an empty bladder it was time to fill up and figure out where to go from here. I really hadn’t planned this out too well but I needed some time away to clear my head. When I left I knew I wouldn’t be gone forever or even a few weeks. I just needed some space. A little vacation so to speak. Now I needed to find out where I planned to take this vacation.
Deep in thought I put the handle back to the pump and waited for my receipt only to get the message “see cashier”. Being the trucker’s daughter I learned at an early age you get a receipt for everything. Even though I cussed the damn machine for having to go inside after using the pay at the pump option I made my way to see the cashier. I reached for the door and froze in place. I couldn’t believe my eyes. There plastered on the glass of the entry door was a poster of a concert taking place later tonight in Jacksonville. Break Away was one of my favorite bands. I had all three of their albums and rocked out religiously to the raspy voice of the lead singer Layla. The all-girl band could give any of the hard core metal bands a run for their money. Not only was I in awe of the band performing less than an hour away, I was stunned to see a familiar face in the background of the poster. “FUCKING A! Our girl did it,” I yelled to no one in particular.
There on the poster was our long lost club brat. Avery was finally doing what she loved. I knew she was touring with a band but the little bitch never told me who. I guess she knew if she ever told me I would go total fan girl. Avery, Romy and I were the die-hard metal heads of the group.
I stood up from in front of the door just in time for someone to walk out. If I hadn’t moved when I did I’m sure I would have suffered a decent crack to the head landing me square on my ass. I rushed in to get my receipt and flew back out to the car. I took off down the road in my trusty GTO towards the arena were the band was performing. I saw on the poster that the doors opened at 4 pm and the GPS shows I can be there in fifty-four mins. I was overwhelmed with excitement. This was shaping up to be a great start to my little vacation.
After arriving I found the show was sold out. I searched for anyone in the parking lot selling tickets which proved to be a waste of time. It was too early for scalpers. It was just my damn luck. Maybe I could call Avery and get in anyway. I had texted her on my way but still haven’t heard anything out of her. She was probably just busy so I planned on trying her again. Finally, just as I was about to give up she picked up the phone. “Madison you always were the persistent bitch. Someone better be dead.”
“Well, hello to you too sunshine. Glad to see you’re still the grouchy bitch you always use to be,” I responded with a snicker.
“You called me twenty-eight times woman. I’m thinking maybe you have decided to start stalking me.”
Well I might as well tell her I’m here. “Funny you should say that because I guess I am kind of stalking you at the moment. I need some help.”
“Look can I call you back. I promise I’ll help however I can but I’ve got to finish up a few things. I’m running late for an impromptu meeting with the band. I’ll help…”
“I’M HERE,” I shouted stopping her mid-sentence! She said nothing as I waited patiently. Finally thinking she had hung up on me I spoke in the phone. “Avery, you still there chickie? Avery?”
“Holy fuck Madison! Way to give me some notice woman. Have you ever heard of giving someone a heads up?”
“Look your running short on time but I need your help. I just took off leaving a note on the kitchen counter in the wee hours this morning. I’ve had two hours of sleep and I need a shower. I’ll explain the details but I need you to come get me from out front.”
“Please tell me you didn’t do this just to come to a concert. By god girl I could’ve got you tickets to a show if you had just asked for them.”
“This has nothing to do with the show, although I can’t lie and say it won’t be fabulous, this is about sneaking off in the middle of the night to get away from all the club bull shit and not thinking of a plan first. I just needed to get out of dodge for a few days. I need to be able to breathe. You of all people should understand that,” I said hoping she would take sympathy on me.
I was beginning to think she hung up again when I heard her blow out the breath she must have been holding before starting to speak again. “Yeah I get it. I can’t come get you though. I’ll send Trevor to get you. After I finish meeting with the girls we’ll talk and see what we can work out. Are you at the front gate?”
“I will be. I walked out to the parking lot to call you.”
“Oka
y get there. I’ll send Trevor. You can’t miss him. He’s like sex on a stick and he’ll be looking for you. He’s seen plenty of pictures of all my girls so he should be able to recognize you.”
“Oh my god! Thank you Avery! I’ll never be able to repay you for this. I will find a way to make it up to you,” I screamed into the phone.
“Okay! Okay! I got to go but do me a favor and keep the fan girl under wraps. These are just people. People who pay my salary.”
“Yes ma’am,” I said into the end of the phone right before I heard the phone click.
I wasted no time moving towards the front gate. When I reached the concrete sidewalk that led to the venue I felt the hair on the back of my neck rise. I suddenly got the feeling that someone was following me. I began to put a little more pep in my step making it to the front gate in no time. I turned to see if I could make out anyone behind me but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I must be losing it. I turned my back to the wall and waited for this guy Trevor to collect me and take me to my long lost friend.
Avery
Ok what the fuck did I just agree too. I wasn’t prepared for this. Hopefully with Hunter staying with Ben and Layla I can get Madison in and out without her finding out. Oh who the hell am I kidding? That chick probably already knows. I’ve always told the feisty perceptive bitch she should have been a damn detective. This was so not going to end well. One look at Hunter and she’ll know who his daddy is. The blue eyes are a dead ringer for her and her brother. Looks like the cat will be out of the bag before long but I couldn’t focus on that. Right now I needed to get my ass in gear. I had less than twenty-five minutes to get my ass dressed, wake Trevor to send him after Madison and get over to the band meeting.
Coming Home: Dominant Devils Book 2 Page 2
