Vote Then Read: Volume I

by Carly Phillips

  “Umm, yeah. Why?” She turned to look at it, and I wondered if she saw the same thing I did. I wouldn’t let my worst enemy drive this shit mobile around.

  “It looks like it’s about to fall apart, there’s no way the thing is fuckin’ safe. I don’t know how you haven’t broken down yet.”

  “Shhh…don’t say that. I’ve been praying it doesn’t. I won’t be able to keep up with you if it does,” she answered as she opened the trunk and dropped her bag inside.

  “Are you at least driving with someone?”

  “Nope, I don’t know anyone.”

  Okay, this was totally fucked up. She’d been following us since Philly and she’s alone in this piece o’shit mobile. I’ve never seen a groupie alone, but then again, we only had our local followers before now. Maybe it’s not as strange as it seemed.

  Shaking my head, I walked around to the driver’s side as she got in. “Do you know where we’re headed?”

  “Oh yeah. You’re playing at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for two days, right?”

  I nodded. “I’m not sure what hotel we’re staying in, but the busses will be at the Bridgestone while we unload our stuff first.”

  “No worries, you aren’t gonna get rid of me that easy. I’ll find you.” Winking she put the key in the ignition, turned it and nothing happened.

  I had to hide my smirk. She was probably going to think I had something to do with it. I backed away from the disaster waiting to happen as she tried it again. Still nothing.

  “Fuck a duck,” she yelled banging on the steering wheel, then got out of the car and looked under the hood.

  She knows stuff about cars? Seriously? She’s full of surprises. Her hands were baby soft with long nails, no way would I have figured she even knew how to open the hood.

  “Sounds like the starter to me.”

  She narrowed her eyes as she looked me over. “Did you have anything to do with this?”

  Ha, do I know women or what? “No way, why would I? Besides, I didn’t even know this piece of shit was yours until now.”

  She chewed on her lip as I watched her check the oil and the water along with the battery. I didn’t know much about cars, but it was more than a dead battery. It wouldn’t even turn over.

  “Well, I guess I’m screwed now. It looks like you won’t be stuck with me. I’ll have to see if I can afford to fix whatever’s wrong or hitch back home.

  No way, no fuckin’ way was I leaving her stranded and alone. “C’mon, grab your shit. You’re coming on the bus with us.”

  “Wait, what… I can’t do that. There’s not enough room on the bus for me.”

  “We’re staying in hotels. It’ll be fine. I’m not fucking leaving you here alone.”

  “But… what about Chaos and the other guys?”

  “Not a problem. Hurry they’re already pissed I’ve made us late today.”

  “Oh great, and now you’re bringing me on the bus.”

  “Fuck yeah.”

  She looked unsure of what to do, and she started rubbing her necklace again as she looked at the car. I doubt she even realized what she was doing, but as I watched her play with it the Lucky Charms cereal commercial popped into my head and I could hear the Leprechaun saying, ‘nobody messes with me Lucky Charms.’ Fuck that’s some funny shit. But seeing the stormy expression on her face, I decided it was best to shut the fuck up.

  5

  Sapphire…

  Wrath grabbed my bags from the trunk as I looked at the car. Mom was going to shit a brick. What the hell was I going to tell her? Her little car finally died. She’d had it since her college days in the nineties. I don’t know how the hell it was still running, anyway. At the very least, I needed to have it towed somewhere.

  “Hey, wait… you’re walking too fast.” His damn long legs and these heels didn’t go well together. It was hard enough keeping up while not falling over. It took more skill than people realized.

  “C’mon. Do I need to carry you?”

  “Hell no, and you’d better not try.”

  He laughed and thankfully slowed down so I could catch up. “I need to get the car towed or something.”

  “I know, Joe will know what to do. Don’t worry.”

  “Easy for you to say. How am I going to get back home?”

  “We’ll figure it out.”

  “You know you’re taking this really well, I figured I’d be hearing some kind of shit by now.”

  “Why? You’re fun, we get along, and now I won’t have to break in someone new.”

  I don’t know whether he was kidding or not, but it pissed me off. Someone new? WTF? “You really suck you know.”

  “Yeah, so I’ve been told. But… I have to say you definitely suck better. And the ice. Hell yeah.”

  I knew my face turned bright red and I didn’t know whether to be happy I’d impressed him or just pissed about everything. I needed to be close to him to finish the story, but this close to him? It’d be easier for info gathering, but definitely harder to get the story written and to send in my updates.

  As we approached the bus, butterflies formed in my stomach. This was a big deal, staying with the band on their bus. I wondered how it was going to go over with everyone.

  The bus idled as we approached, and my hands got sweaty as I thought the others waiting for Wrath and what would happen when I followed him in. My stomach knotted.

  Wrath stamped out his cigarette and punched in a code to open the luggage compartment and then tossed in my duffel. Then handed me my backpack to carry on the bus.

  Taking a deep breath, I followed him up the steps. I’d been there before. We’d fucked like bunnies in his cubby the first few nights in Philly, but I’d been drunk. I’d needed it to keep me from freaking out and blowing my cover. I wished I had a drink, or at least coffee with me now. Seriously, what normal woman could pull off this groupie shit without being drunk?

  My bravery only went so far, and even thought I’d been crushing on him forever, it didn’t mean I could fall into bed with him without consequences. I hoped this article would help us both, get the band excellent press and get me my dream job—but both remained to be seen.

  At first no one noticed me, sometimes it was good to be small, and Wrath blocked me from view. Joe’s eyebrows went up a bit as he saw me, but he just smiled. He’d been nice to me every time I’d seen him.

  “About fucking time you got here, asshole. Did you get rid of your little fuck girl?” Rage asked from the table.

  “Not exactly,” Wrath answered as he grabbed my hand and pulled me in front of him.

  Fury whistled, and Chaos and Cynda looked up from whatever they’d been doing.

  Chaos had a strange look on his face and I wanted to melt into the floor. I was not getting a warm fuzzy feeling from any of them.

  “Um, Wrath? Care to explain?”

  “Her car took a dump and wouldn’t start. I wasn’t gonna leave her alone in the middle of nowhere.”

  He had a look of defiance on his face, just waiting for someone to give him shit.

  “Gotcha. Check with Joe, see if he can call someone about it before we leave.”

  Wrath nodded and squeezed my hand. I guess it was supposed to reassure me, but the longer I stood there, the worse this idea seemed.

  “Sapphire, right?” Cynda asked.

  “Yup, that’s me. Guess you can figure out where the name came from.”

  “Oh yeah, I can see that for sure. Nice, umm, color. Welcome to the bus. At least, I won’t be the only female on here now,” she said with a smile.

  Inhaling, I let it out slowly. Maybe it would be okay. I figured if I kept saying it enough, it would eventually sink in. At least, it’d be easier to get info about the band this way.

  The guys nodded at me. Wrath stepped back from the driver’s area and said Joe would take care of the car.

  “Thanks, I guess there’s nothing to worry about then, huh?”

  He smiled and waggled his eyebrows
at me. Okay, maybe there was a horny rock star to worry about, but I could handle him.

  “Want a cup of coffee?”

  Wrath poked me. “What?”

  “Cyn’s asking you a question.”

  “Oh, sorry. What did you say?”

  “Coffee?”

  “Please. I’m dying for some. Thank you.”

  Pulling my hand from Wrath’s, I went to the coffeepot so she could show me how it worked.

  “Hey, Blue, grab me one too, will ya?”

  “So I’m your waitress now too?” I shouldn’t have said it and I wanted to bite my tongue or suck it back in, but it was too late. Definitely not in character. Damn independent streak. “Sure. No problem.” I already knew he took it black with extra sugar.

  I only half listened to Cyn as she explained the coffeemaker to me, I was more interested in what the guys were saying to Wrath.

  I made Wrath’s coffee first and then mine. I was just getting my first sip of caffeine, and it was already almost one. Shit. No wonder I’m so antsy. I wanted to grab the coffee and go over by Wrath, but Cyn looked like she wanted to talk, more like figure me out. She’d never hidden the fact she hated groupies being around. I was kind of surprised she was talking to me at all.

  “Congrats on your engagement. You must be so happy.”

  “Yeah,” she beamed. It was a good distraction. “I’m thrilled and surprised. Last night was quite a night.”

  “Yeah, it was. I bet a lot of people are surprised today.”

  “Not really. We’ve kept all of it quiet so far. Don’t want it getting around until things are settled.”

  “You mean about the wedding?”

  “Other things too, which reminds me, while you’re on the bus you might hear information you shouldn’t. I hope you know how to keep your mouth shut.”

  I nodded. Sure I did, but it didn’t mean whatever I overheard wouldn’t make it into the article. I just had to remember I was on their side, doing it to help them. And hopefully getting me a full-time job.

  “Good. I don’t mean to sound pushy, but we’ve had enough with the Twitter stuff already. I want this to be a great first tour for the guys.”

  “No problem. Hell, I put my life on hold to be with them on the road.”

  “Them or Wrath?” Cyn asked as she watched for something. I’m not sure if she worried about Chaos, that I’d cause trouble between the band members or what, but it really was none of her business.

  “Wrath. I have had a huge crush on him forever.” That was true. She didn’t have to know it started in high school when I was Teresa Duncan instead of Sapphire. It was obvious Wrath didn’t remember me, and neither did any of the other guys. The blue hair definitely helped.

  “I hope you have some fun. Chaos and I’ll be back in his room working on the next album. Talk to you later.”

  “Bye.” It was weird, like she’d just welcomed me into her house. I knew she was setting the ground rules, but still. Shit. I’m not a threat to anyone. Okay, maybe a threat to their privacy but that’s it. No harm, no foul, and by the time the article was published, I’d be long gone, only a vague memory I’m sure.

  Wrath, Flame, Fury, and Rage were sitting around the table playing poker when I brought his coffee.

  “Here you go, baby.”

  He smiled. “Thanks, Blue.” He took the cup from me and pulled me onto his lap. It’d be a normal thing, and I needed to act like it. I let out the breath I’d been holding and forced myself to relax against him. The pressure of his hard cock against my ass didn’t help me stay calm. As soon as I felt it nudge me, my body was craving more.

  “Poker?”

  “Yup, Texas Hold ‘em. Do you play?”

  “Nope, never learned. It was just me and my mom growing up and she wasn’t into card games.” Damn. I needed to remember it wasn’t ME but Sapphire they were asking about. Hell, it was a lot easier when we were in bed.

  Wrath showed me his cards. “I can teach you. We play a lot of poker on the bus while we’re traveling.”

  “Nah, it’s okay. I’m fine watching or I can go polish my nails or something.” There—that sounded more like a groupie.

  Flame laughed. “Sure, no problem, and it’d be great if you told us his cards while you’re at it.”

  “Fuck you, bro. She’s not going to fall for that. She’s not stupid.”

  I stuck my tongue out and laughed. “Sorry, boys, not gonna fall for that one.” I squirmed a bit in Wrath’s lap and then got up and sat on the couch. He could still see me, but I needed space to file my next report on my progress.

  I grabbed my backpack and pulled out my make-up bag, pretending to check my face. Seeing they were more involved in the game than watching me, I pulled out my iPad and my cell. Double checking some of my notes—luckily, I’d developed my own code so no one would be able to read them—I tried to figure out what information I should pass on.

  My contact at Rolling Stone Magazine was Roy. I didn’t know his last name, just his phone number. He said if I did well with the story, I’d have a job. I planned on knocking their socks off.

  “Change of plans. On the tour bus. Will send update later. Lots of news to report.”

  I wasn’t sure how long it’d take him to get back to me, sometimes it was quick and sometimes it wasn’t. I made more notes about last night, the engagement, the new manager, and that Preston Mitchell was Cynda’s dad. This would be hot news if it wasn’t leaked yet. I hoped it would show them I could pull it off.

  While I was at it I let Mom know I was okay and her car was toast. At least, I wouldn’t have to hear her cry.

  “Hi, Mom. Things are going great. We’re on the way to TN. Car broke down, sorry. Getting it towed. I’ll try to get it fixed and back to you. Love you. <3”

  A second later, my cell vibrated. Not sure if it’d be Mom or Roy I hoped no one noticed the sound. I really didn’t want to be more deceitful than I had to be. Yeah, I know it doesn’t make much difference in the long run, but it did to me.

  “Aww, sweetie. I’m sorry to hear about the car. I guess it’s had a long life. Maybe we should let it go to wherever cars go when they aren’t needed anymore. Stay safe. I miss and love you. Mom.”

  Umm no way. Mom isn’t having a hissy fit about her beloved car? The one she drove all over following the Grateful Dead on Tour? Her hippie mobile? She babied the car like it was my sibling… so what’s gotten in to her?

  “I’m still going to try to get it back home to you. You can decide then. You need a car, anyway. I’m careful, everything is great.”

  “No problem, sweetie. Call me when you have a chance. Love you.”

  Shaking my head, I again wondered what was going on with her. She’d always been laid back, my flower child mother. Born too late to be a true hippie she came as close as possible. All crystals and new age music, and way too much weed. Sometimes I wondered who the parent in our relationship really was. I’d never trade her for anyone though. When I went to college for journalism she hated the idea, still she made me the necklace for graduation and helped pay all my tuition.

  Thinking about her had me reaching for my necklace. Just holding on to the stone was comforting, like it was a little piece of her was always with me.

  6

  Wrath…

  What was she up to over there? I hadn’t noticed but Rage did and kicked me under the table to get my attention. I was about to ask him what the fuck his problem was when he nodded in her direction. Not that it was really any of my business, but still I wondered who it could be. A boyfriend maybe? Nah, what guy would let his woman go off and fuck rock stars and not care? I sure as hell wouldn’t allow it.

  “Hey, Blue, whatcha up to?”

  Her head snapped up and she had a strange expression on her face, not quite guilt but something. “Everything okay?”

  “Umm yeah. I was just letting my mom know about her car.”

  Her mother? Did I fucking believe that? I guess it’s possible, but not likely.
“How’d she take it?”

  “Not as bad as I figured, but I know she’s not happy.”

  “I bet.” She shoved her phone into her backpack and then shoved it under the couch. Why was I being so fucking suspicious? She’s a fucking groupie for Christ’s sake not my freakin’ girlfriend. What the fuck do I care what she does? Of course the voice inside my head wouldn’t leave it alone. She affected me like no one else had in a freakin’ long time. Only one other girl ever had gotten to me like this, and it had to have been at least six or seven years ago. Fuck, I’d been in high school at the time. She was so cute and gutsy and shy all at the same time. Damn I’d wanted her, but I stayed away. I didn’t do girlfriends even then, hell, back then I didn’t do anyone. It was all about the music and only the music. Music wouldn’t leave me.

  Commitment and I don’t get along. Ever. The closest thing I had to a family was these guys and the Sherman’s’ but other than Chaos I never really let any of them in. It hurt too much when they leave and they all leave. Or at least…

  “Want some more coffee, babe?”

  Sapphire startled me out of my fucking memories and her timing couldn’t have been better. I didn’t want to fuckin’ think about any of it. It was the past, fuck it, it didn’t matter now. I wasn’t poor little Chris anymore. I was Wrath the fuckin’ rhythm guitar player for the Raining Chaos Band. “Yeah, just like the last one.”

  She brought me another cup and I pulled her onto my lap but this time I kissed her. Not some peck either. I caught her by surprise and when her mouth parted I slid my tongue in to duel with hers. I was an addict and she was my drug. I could never get enough of her, not her taste or her touch.

  “Fuck, bro, get a room will ya? We don’t want to see that shit at the table.”

  Pulling away from Sapphire, I laughed as I looked at the faces of my band mates. “You’re just fucking jealous. Too bad.”

  Fury shrugged. “Maybe, or maybe we don’t want to show her she picked the wrong guy.”

  I knew he was fucking kidding but it didn’t stop the anger coursing through me at his words. I wanted to get up and fucking punch him. It was probably a good thing I still had her on my lap. “Fine. No worries. We’ll just go play in the cubby. Don’t mind the screaming.” Laughing, I flipped them the bird.