like you need me to.” I tap the table again. “Since so many different clubs are stopping by.”
“We’ll try to keep things friendly and casual.”
“Mallory’s staying here. You think you or Doe can check up on her?”
“You really need to ask?”
Chapter Fifty-Six
Chaser
I was only gone for a couple of days, yet the atmosphere’s turned sour when I catch up with the tour.
“Are they really that pissed at me?” I ask Alvin.
“You know how Jacob and Garrett are. They don’t get normal, human emotions and shit.”
“Who am I kidding, things were starting to go off the rails before I left.”
“True.” He pats my back. “Mallory doing okay?”
“Yeah, she seemed to be feeling better when I left.” Getting her out of L.A. was the smart decision. “Kept her away from papers and tabloid shows.”
He shakes his head. “Those stories were so bogus. No one believes them. You know that, right?”
“I don’t give a fuck what anyone believes. I know the truth.”
“Andrew’s a dick for not stepping forward and squashing the rumors immediately.”
“Nah, that would’ve made it worse.” I snort out a humorless laugh. “Besides, now that he doesn’t need me to collaborate with and he’s not trying to worm his way into Mallory’s pants, he’s got no reason to battle the press on our behalf.”
“Yeah, but this was really ugly.” Alvin shoves his hands in his pockets.
“He came to visit in the hospital.”
“Seriously? Surprised you didn’t tear off his head and use it as a bowling ball.”
So am I. “He helped us out. Seemed sincere. I didn’t have any extra fucks to give at the time, you know?”
“Good. Doubt we’ll be touring with them anytime soon.”
“Amen to that.”
“No, I mean, rumor is Vicious Vandals are breaking up. Andrew and Vinnie are fighting Kyle and Boner over rights to the band’s name and everything. It’ll probably go to court and be a huge mess from what Thom says.”
“Holy shit, really?”
“Yup.” He lifts his chin. “Be real with me, you think it’ll come to that for us one day?”
Jesus, this conversation took a sharp detour. A year ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated to say no. “What makes you ask that?”
“Ah, the old answer a question with a question. That’s not a good sign, Chaser.”
“That’s not an answer, Alvin.”
He stares down at the ground. “You and I have known each other a long time. I don’t want to play with anyone else.”
I lightly punch his shoulder. “Same, brother.”
“This isn’t me trying to guilt you.” He tips his head up and the serious expression he’s wearing seems so foreign. “It was disorienting having Nick take your place. We’re supposed to be family. The shows should’ve been cancelled so we could support you guys.”
“Aw, fuck, brother.” I pull him in for a quick hug and pat his back. “Thanks for saying that.”
“I mean it,” he mumbles.
“I know you do.” I draw back, still holding onto his shoulders. “We’ve always said the show has to go on. It’s okay.”
He nods and a hint of his usual playful grin returns. “Nick’s been shitting bricks that you wouldn’t get here tonight.”
“Poor kid. How’d he do?”
Alvin shrugs. “He’s not you. But he did all right. First night he played everything straight like a perfect rendition of our studio album.”
“Yeah?” I chuckle at that, impressed he knows our material that well.
“Next night he added his own flair.” Alvin holds up his hands. “Nothing crazy.”
“Cool.” I’m surprised how much I’m not bothered by it. I can’t decide if it’s a sign of maturity or impending doom.
Before the show, I find Nick backstage and thank him for filling in for me.
“No problem, Chaser. I didn’t do your sound justice. But I tried.”
“I’m sure you were great. I really appreciate it.”
“Hey.” He reaches out and steps closer. “I’m sorry about what happened.”
“Thanks.”
Jacob and Garrett roll into the arena close to the time we’re supposed to go on stage. After skipping out on the last couple shows, I feel like I’ve lost the moral high ground so, I keep my mouth shut about it.
Jacob wraps his fingers around my arm and drags me into a semi-quiet corner backstage.
“What’s going on?” I shake him off, still pissed about his shitty attitude last time we spoke on the phone.
He laces his fingers behind his head and stares up at the ceiling for a few beats.
“Jacob?” I prompt.
“I’m sorry.”
My shoulders drop and I blow out a breath.
“I’m not gonna make excuses,” he continues. “I felt like shit after we hung up but I didn’t want to make things worse.”