Phoenix Rising Issue #3 - S. R. Watson Page 0,2

at me to stay out of it. He’s not willing to see how unreasonable he’s being. How can he look at you as some groupie who ruined his dreams? I barely know you, and I can see that you don’t give your heart easily.”

“You also know my history, Lily. He doesn’t. He has every right to be pissed at me. His words were more than a little harsh, but considering I may have just ruined any shot for those guys, I deserve it.”

“Nobody deserves that. The name-calling was totally uncalled for. Is this what our future holds? Is this the behavior he’ll resort to when I upset him? I’m rethinking even being on this bus.”

“No! Stay. Give things between you two time to simmer down and then find a way to talk. Don’t let our fight be your fight. He loves you and will need you more than ever to get through this band crisis.”

She doesn’t respond to my plea, but I can see her shoulders drop as the tension dissipates from her body.

“Where is he?” A familiar voice cuts through the silence on the other side of the door. It’s Desiree, and I don’t need to see her to know she’s fuming. Between the twin scandal unleashed on television, the fight, and Phoenix’s disappearing act, I can’t say I’m at all surprised by her arrival.

“He hasn’t come back.” I hear Killian speak up. “But we have a plan. Sevyn is going to perform with us tonight.”

I don’t realize I’ve gotten up and put my ear to the door until I feel Lily’s hand on my shoulder.

“Are you fucking insane? This is my ass on the line here. I went out on a limb for you guys with the label.”

“He’s just as talented as Phoenix is. He can even hit a few notes Phoenix can’t. It’s not a permanent solution … just one until we can sort this mess out,” Ren offers.

Asher has yet to weigh in on the conversation. I don’t even know if he’s still on the bus.

“I volunteered to help, ma’am. The media is slaughtering my brother and me over our plans to take over my father’s company. I think proceeding with the tour will show that we’re not as affected as some are hoping.”

Desiree mumbles something unintelligible.

“It’s not the best scenario, but it’s the best one we’ve got for now,” Ren insists.

“I need to hear him sing. I can’t put my reputation on the line for a subpar substitution because he and Phoenix share a face. I’d rather cancel tonight’s show and deal with the fallout than jeopardize all that I’ve worked for.”

Silence falls on the other side of the bus once again. I’m waiting for Sevyn to show her what he’s got, but it’s in vain.

“This isn’t an audition, doll. I volunteered to help, but I’m not gonna jump through hoops to prove I’m worthy. You decide.”

“Gah. You’re definitely cocky like your brother … whatever. You better not make the guys look bad. You get one shot at this.”

“To the contrary—”

“Let’s find the nearest studio and get some practice in,” Ren suggests, cutting Sevyn off. “We’re going to be better than good.”

“What’s wrong with a rehearsal on the bus?” Asher finally speaks up.

“Just think it’ll do us all some good to get off this bus for a while on neutral ground.”

Asher grumbles but doesn’t fight the idea. I pull my ear from the door and head to the bathroom for a shower. I don’t know if Lily plans to follow them out, but the farther Asher and I stay away from each other, the better.

I undress and step into the shower, letting the hot water massage away the tension in my muscles. My prune-like fingers remind me I’ve been under the now cool stream longer than I realized. Sure that everyone is gone by now, I wrap a towel around me and head back into the bedroom but find Asher sitting in the chair Lily had occupied earlier. I try to head back to the bathroom, but he stops me with one word—literally.

“Stop.”

I freeze, but my back is to him. I refuse to see the hate in the depths of his eyes. His voice alone is telling.

“What’s up?” I ask coolly even though I’m anything but.

“Look,” he begins. “The mess you’ve caused is unforgivable, but I’m not willing to throw away what I have with Lily on top of it all.” He lets out a frustrating breath before he continues. “She is threatening to leave