by Blue Saffire
Linc turns to me with pain written on his face. He shakes his head at me and turns his back on Mandy. “She’s gone,” his voice breaks as he heads for his bike and takes off.
CHAPTER Seventeen
I’ve been home for two days now locked in the one place I never thought I’d return to. There was a time in my life when I didn’t think music would ever be able to make everything go away or make everything better. However these last two days music has been the only thing that makes me forget them and the hurt they brought to me.
I trusted the Chaney family. I have built a relationship with each of them. I learned to love each of them in a different way, Mandy like my sister, Chris like the best friend and older brother I always wanted and Nolan. I love Nolan like I never thought I would love any man. Yet each of them have destroyed and broken my trust and my love.
I don’t think Linc had anything to do with it but you know me. When I am hurt I push everyone away. They’re probably still on the road now having a good laugh about how they’ve hurt me. There are three days before their next show.
My phone hasn’t stopped ringing since I caught my uncle outside the club and climbed in the car with him. I flew back home in the jet with him. I was grateful that he understood for once it was not a time to push me. Aunt Mena has been down here knocking to check on me and making sure I eat. She hasn’t started to push yet either but I can feel it coming.
I’ve thought of booking a flight to a secluded island and hiding from everyone there. Would they even care? All the Chaney’s want is a record deal. It makes me wonder if the whole relationship was a sham to begin with. Get me to fall for one of the brothers and their deal was pretty much in the bag.
Stupid me, I probably fell for the wrong brother and messed up their plan. Chris was always nicer to me. It probably didn’t matter to them as long as they got the deal in the end. My feelings never matter to anyone.
I put my drumsticks down and gulp down some water as I wipe the sweat from my brow. I have sheet music scattered around the studio mapping out song after song after song. I have been down here day and night. Whenever I feel the tears coming I end up here on the drums.
When I feel like my heart is going to come unhinged I have my guitar in my hand and the songs have been coming to life that way since I have arrive back home. Home, it doesn’t feel that way anymore. This studio, this house it all feels empty. My friends, they had made it feel like home again but that was before I found out who they really were.
I stand to go to the piano when a tap comes at the door. I look at the clock to see that it is around time for dinner. I walk over and unlocked the door making way for my aunt to step in. Instead of handing me the tray and turning to walk back out she walks the tray over to the coffee table and pats the seat beside her.
My shoulders sag in defeat. I can’t avoid her forever. I knew this was coming. We would have to do this sometime. Aunt Mena places a plate with a sandwich on my lap then places one on her own. I pick at the sandwich still not able to eat.
“You know what I loved about my brother,” Aunt Mena smiles warmly as she stares off at something far away. “He loved his music and he loved his little girl. I remember the day he called me after you learned to play your first song on the Piano. He had me and mom on three-way and then he put us on speaker phone. I remember hearing the pride in his voice and you played so beautifully.
“I don’t think he would have married your mother if she wasn’t musically inclined somehow. Her voice was so amazing. I wasn’t shocked at all the first time I heard you sing.
“But you know what was the best part? The look on your face, you had the look your father got whenever he was around music, like you were in love. He saw it too. Your dad knew music was your first love. He had so many plans for your music career, always surrounding you with it, with the right people and with the courage he knew you would need for the business.
“I knew someday you would find your way back to your first love Kelly because it is in your blood and it has been calling to you since you walked away. I know you think your uncle is being hard on you but we don’t want to stand by and watch you give up the dream. Not just your dad’s dream but most of all yours.
“I don’t know what all happened and I am not taking sides, but you should at least talk to Linc. Make sure you know everything. He would never steer you wrong and he always wants what is best for you.”
“What if walking away from it all is what’s best for me,” I sniffle as I wipe away my tears with my sleeve.
“If that were true you wouldn’t be locked down here crying your eyes out and avoiding life,” Aunt Mena says softly. “You know you were so excited when you left for this tour. I think you owe it to no one else but you to finish it. Whatever happened between you and your friends you’ll find a way to fix it or at least have closure to move on.”
“I don’t know if I can stand to be around them,” I sob.
“Kelly did your father ever tell you about the first group he signed to the label,” she asks with an amused smile.
“No,” I shake my head and look her in the eyes.
“We were an all girl R&B group. What a hot mess we turned out to be. Oh we had the talent, but we let everything else get in our way. This one was upset because of this or that and in the end most of it was a misunderstanding of epic proportions.
“We did okay at first but Simon didn’t think it was worth the headache and he dropped us from the label. I went on to write, your mom got pregnant with you and Alisa with her baby girl, and the other girls went on with solo careers. In fact, you should go talk to our old manager, Nolan Chaney, Sr.”
“What,” I gasp.
“I thought you would respond that way. It took Alisa’s death to get your dad and Nolan, Sr. to see reason. Your mom and Alisa were very close when we all started in the business. Nolan was hurt and bitter from the music industry and made a killing in the tech business shortly after the break up.
“Alisa would have been happy to see all of you kids together. I know your dad was happy you had them in your life. Don’t be so quick to give up on people Kelly. Find out why they did whatever they did or if they even did it in the first place. Your dad and Nolan, Sr. found out too late that they were mad at things that never happened.
“This business can be brutal. You have to be willing to give the truth time to reveal itself. Too many friendships get lost along the way,” Aunt Mena smiles and starts to eat her sandwich again as I sit thinking about everything she’s said.
~B~
It’s been two days and I am drunk out of my mind and sick to my stomach. Only the alcohol is not what has me sick. I’ve lost my dream and my dream girl all in one shot. I won’t speak to either of my siblings and we have four more shows that we are under contract to do with no Kitty in sight.
I wanted to go after her but Linc and my stupid siblings think that is the worst idea in the world. As if forcing Kitty to join a band that would audition for her own label was a better idea. I could kill them both. I haven’t even given them the time of day to explain. I asked Mitch to just keep them away from me.
I thought Linc would at least have the balls to go after her but he doesn’t think that is a good idea either. So for the past two days I have been calling her phone in vain. I miss her so much and I know she is hurting. I just need to hold her and make it all better.
At least Linc has talked to her aunt every day, so we know that Kitty did go back home and she is safe. I’d give anything to be there with her. If she doesn’t answer her phone by tomorrow I’m not taking any one’s advice. I’m going to get my girl.
I stumble to the front of the bus since we made a stop and I heard everyone get off the bus. I find Mitch sitting at the table with his bass and a pen in his hand. This band really is it for him. Like me, nothing else feels right to him.
“Hey man,” Mitch greets me as he looks up from his pad. “I was hoping to get to talk to you.”
“Oh yeah, what
about,” I say with my brow raised as I plop on the seat across from him.
“Mandy and Crush didn’t do what you think.”
“Yeah, not interested Mitch…”
“Nolan, listen. I know you’re pissed. But if you want Kitty back you have to know what we know,” Mitch reasons.
“Fine,” I grunt.
“When Chris set up the first meeting with Sam he had asked him to help out and get us on another label, not Suntrust. Sam agreed because the label wasn’t really interested in bands at the time. Mandy and Chris always thought we were going to another label. Sam promised to pull some strings. So when Mandy saw how sad Kitty was without her music she thought getting her in our band was perfect and she didn’t think that it would backfire because we wouldn’t be signed under Kitty’s label.
“Mandy sent Sam one of the demos with Kitty on it and he was excited about it. He took it to the execs to see if they would be willing to sign a rock band after all, before he gave us away to another label. They liked us and wanted to hear some more stuff and to hear us live. Kitty’s Uncle was pissed at Sam when he saw Kitty. He thought it was a joke but he used it as an opportunity to force her hand. We don’t get the deal unless Kitty agrees to start taking responsibility with the label.
“Mandy and Crush know Kitty and they love her. Dude if you could have seen how she was in the club that night,” Mitch presses his lips and shakes his head. “None of us wanted to witness that, less on be the cause of it. They wouldn’t have done that to her. Don’t be pissed at Kitty for not telling you about the label and don’t punish your brother and sister they didn’t know.
“I don’t think she can help us. Not that she wouldn’t want to. It hurts too much. She looked like she was in more pain with every word her uncle spoke.”
I slumped back in my seat and curse to myself, throwing my head back and running my hands through my hair. I have to get to my girl. I need to fix this.
CHAPTER Eighteen
I am so nervous and my palms are sweaty as I sit in the waiting area of Chaney Tech Industries. I don’t know what made me come here. The man’s children have crushed my heart to pieces but I just need to talk to him. I need answers, not that he has any.
I am floored and rocked to the core with pain when an older version of Rage opens the office door with a wide smile on his face. Somehow I have forgotten how much this man’s sons look like him. His intense blue grey eyes meet mine and he waves me over. I stand nervously and walk to the door.
“Kelly, you are still as beautiful as your mother but I can see your father in your eyes. It is so good to see you. To what do I owe this pleasure,” Nolan, Sr. greets warmly as he envelopes my hand.
“It is nice to see you again,” I say with a small smile. “I- I’m not sure why I am here.”
“Well come, let’s sit and we can see if maybe we can find out,” he says gently placing a warm hand on my back and leading me to the sofa in his office.
His warm hand is calming and makes me miss my dad. I tuck my yellow sundress beneath me and sit next to the seemingly kind man. His office is huge but inviting and I can see all the pictures around of his family. There is a large picture of Rage after his college graduation. Looking at it feels like a stab in the heart.
“I’ll take it things aren’t going so well with you and the kids. You all should still be on tour for at least two more weeks,” he says thoughtfully.
“Um, we have had some issues,” I say to my lap.
“You know I think the three of them have stumbled onto something great. They just needed a push. I tried to do that this time,” he says then pauses looking as if he is miles away in thought. “I think your father and I gave up too quickly on the girls. We were both so blinded by love and wanting the best for the girls, our girls in particular, that we forgot about the group.”
“So you were the manager for my mom’s group,” I reply.
“Yes, I was, not half as good as Mandy is. You know she calls me for advice a lot. Her brothers don’t know I was in the business but Mandy found some pictures and you know her. She is going to find out the ins, outs and in betweens. If you know your best friend you’ll know you need to go talk to her. Mandy will always make sure she thinks before she hurts someone she loves. After talking to her you’ll see things differently,” he pats my hand and gives me a warm smile.
I swallow the lump in my throat and nod my head. “So you think I should go back,” I say looking up at him through my lashes.
“I think you should do what your heart tells you to do. Your father and I loved each other like brothers once, but one thing happened here and another there and we got lost along the way. I didn’t know I hurt him and he didn’t know he hurt me. We were both seeing things without the whole picture.”
“I understand, but there is more to it. Um, I, um,” I stammer.
“You are seeing my son,” he chuckles. “Yes, I know. Tommy is another old friend of mine. I felt more comfortable having my children out with someone I know. I would have recommended someone I was close to if you hadn’t given Mandy the recommendation first.”
“You’ve been spying on them,” I gasp.
“I’ve been spying on all of you,” he says with a hearty laugh. “What kind of friend would I be to Simon if I let his only little girl run off with my whore sons and their friends and not look out for her.”
I laugh with him at that statement, but when it rings true in my brain and I see images of Rage with other girls. I can’t hold back the tears. I sob like an idiot in front of a man I haven’t seen in years. He envelopes me in his arms and rubs soothing circles on my back.
“Kelly, Nolan is a good man. He can be stubborn, temperamental, and even defiant at times. But when he cares for someone or something he gives his all to protect them. I don’t know what has upset you but I think you should talk to him. From what I hear he cares for you.”
“What if he doesn’t? What if he changed his mind? I – I think he changed his mind. I think I hurt him and he changed his mind,” I sob.
“If a beautiful girl like you hurt me, I would be upset but it wouldn’t make me change my mind. It would make me determined to find out why she hurt me and see if we can keep it from happening again. Nolan is a lot like his father,” he chuckles now wiping away my tears with his handkerchief.
“What if he hurt me back? I don’t think I can handle things with the band knowing that he hurt me,” I sniffle.
“Kelly, it sounds like we need to get you on a plane and back on that bus so you can clear things up with my children. I think I raised them better than the pictures you have going on in that pretty little head of yours,” he laughs again and places a kiss on my forehead. “You have a lot on your shoulders Kelly. You have big decisions to make and having all of this weighing on you while you try to make them can alter your choices. Know that your father will be proud of you no matter what you do.”
“You think so,” I say with a genuine smile.
“Of course, I know I am tough on Nolan but I want to see him succeed. What your uncle wants for you is no less. Now don’t you go telling Nolan his old man is an old softy,” the broad all straight teeth smile he gives me makes me think of his son.
“Thank you so much,” I say and give him a big hug.
~B~
“Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit,” Mandy squeals.
“What,” all us guys called in unison as she comes running from the back of the bus. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I am already looking at flights back home.
“She’s on her way back. Daddy’s flying her out,” Mandy squeals.
“You’re kidding,” I say sourly. How has my father gotten involved? I would think he would hide Kitty away from us.
“No, she went to see him and he’s flying her back. Daddy is freaking awesome,” Mandy chimes and does a little dance.
“What time does she land,” I ask jumping up to get my car unloaded.
“Oh no,” Mandy says and presses her lips.
“Chris and I get to talk to her first. Don’t give me that look. Something else is happening with you two. Let us fix the band problem then you can fix things with her.”
I snatch at my hair from the roots as I glare at my sister. She is right but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. I flop back down in my seat and put my elbows on my knees and drop my head in my hands.
“At least she’s coming back,” Linc says beside me. He was ready to fly back with me a moment ago.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” I grumble.
Linc and I had taken a much needed ride while the others waited for Kitty to arrive. Mitch let me borrow his ride since I wasn’t sure how Kitty would feel about me taking hers. It seems really quiet around the bus when we get back.
“You ready for this,” Linc sighs as we swing off the bikes.
“As ready as I’m going to be,” I grumble.
As soon as we board the bus Kitty’s scent assaults me. It is like coming home. I need my girl in my arms now. I don’t see her or Mandy. Crush, Mitch and Sleep all sit at the table looking like they lost their best friends. The looks on their faces make me more anxious to see my girl. I lift my eyes to the back of the bus to see the door is shut tight. She has to be in there.
I start for the back of the bus and Mitch grabs my arm and shakes his head. “She doesn’t want to see you. She agreed to stay if you stay away,” Mitch murmurs.
“What, what the fuck are you talking about,” I snap.
“Dude, she heard Mandy and Crush out. She’s willing to finish the tour but she’s not ready to talk to you,” Sleep clarifies.
“You’re kidding me right?” I don’t recognize my own voice it is so hollow.
Crush, Mitch and Sleep all shake their heads. I just crumble dropping to my knees. I feel so small, so broken. Since I heard she was coming back all I wanted was to have her in my arms. I don’t understand. She knows we didn’t plan this. Why is she still mad at me? I run through my brain for answers and find nothing. Then something from the corner of my thoughts nudges me.
