can’t even claim I got my talent from you. We write the songs. We play the music. You coming in and buying a company we already work for doesn’t make you responsible for our success.”
“How easily you forget everything I’ve done for you. The barn, Jeremy, the White Poison gigs. None of that would have happened if it weren’t for me. So suck it up, why don’t you, and give credit where credit is due.”
Garrett steps between us. “We’re grateful for what you’ve done, Dirk. Thank you.”
“Now that’s more like it,” Dirk says and climbs into the limo.
“What is it between you and Dirk?” Garrett asks.
I glare at him. “What is it between you and your brother?”
“No way could it be as bad.”
“I promise you, it’s a whole lot fucking worse.”
I can feel Garrett’s eyes on me as I walk away.
“You should tell him,” Crew says.
“No.”
“He’s one of your best friends. You said you were going to release the video. At least tell him about Luke. It doesn’t have to be about you.”
“I said no.”
“You’ve decided not to release it then?”
“Right now, I’m going to get through tonight.”
He puts a hand on my shoulder. “You know I’ll support whatever you do.”
“I know.”
Brad comes over. “I’ll sit next to Dirk so you don’t have to.”
I stand on the sidewalk until everyone else is inside. Jeremy pokes his head out. “You coming?”
I climb in and sit next to Bria, then put my earbuds in so I don’t have to listen to Dirk.
Twenty minutes later, we pull up to the venue. As always, Ronni has the driver wait until a crowd forms. We exit and sign some autographs on our way in. I look around, disappointed I don’t see Ella.
We’re guided into a back room set up with food and drink. I pull Jeremy aside. “Can you see if Ella is out there? I need to know where she’s sitting.”
“Sure thing.”
He returns a minute later. “Table to the right of the stage, about fifteen feet back. She’s got two friends with her.”
“Thanks.”
He cocks his head. “You’re not going to do anything stupid.”
“Depends on how you define stupid.”
He shakes his head, laughing. “I love my job.”
Ronni shows up. “Okay, people. This is your first show since the tour. Fans are taking notice. Sales are up. You’re rock stars now. Go out there and give them what they came for.”
If one of the five of us had given that little pep talk, we’d be fired up, but we look at her as if she announced we’re getting a tax audit.
“Thanks, Ronni,” Bria says. “We’ve got it from here.”
She pouts and leaves.
“She may be the devil’s whore, but she’s right,” Garrett says, pouring us each a shot. “We’re on our way up. Let’s go out there and enjoy the goddamn ride. Bring it in, guys. On three.”
We each take a glass and huddle around him as he counts it off.
“Let’s get reckless!” we scream.
During the first song, I locate Ella right where Jeremy said she’d be. She’s with Krista and Jenn. I’ve met them both several times over the past few weeks, and I’m pretty sure they couldn’t care less if I’m a douchebag or a cheater. They want their friend to date a rock star.
Sometimes I wonder if she’s told them about me. I didn’t tell her she couldn’t, but I don’t think she has. Most people look at you differently if they know you’re a freak.
She doesn’t, a voice in my head says.
The lights pointing at the stage aren’t as bright as at some of the other venues, and I can see Ella’s face. She’s singing along with every song, chair-dancing to the beat. I can’t wait to be between those legs again.
We have a short break, long enough to get some water, but not so short Ronni can’t come backstage and piss us off a little. “Will you stop staring at her?” she says.
“Who?” I ask innocently.
“Don’t pull that shit with me, Liam. Women notice that sort of thing. They want you to look at them. Do you want them to buy your records?”
“Of course.”
“Then for Christ’s sake, throw them a goddamn bone.”
Bria pulls me aside as we return to the stage. “Give Ronni a little of what she wants. She’ll be happy for about two minutes before you go rogue.”
As I play, I make eye contact with several women. They give me their fuck-me eyes. Three months ago that might have made me hard. I might have taken them backstage and fucked