“I love it! We’ll have to see what kind of sound we get. But hey, let’s try it out, and go from there.” I smiled against his lips and Hunter swept his tongue inside my mouth, making me melt into him. My heart thrummed and my hands snaked up his back and down his ass to pull him closer. I felt his dick harden against my thigh. I wanted him, I wanted to fuck his brains out and leave the business for later.
“We’ll talk about it, babe, come here. Right now, I just want you under me.” Hunter whispered. He made me instantly wet. He dragged me over to the middle of the queen-sized bed laying his muscle-bound body over me. I felt his stiff dick nudge my entrance and pushed my hips up to meet his. He slid inside, and then, at one go, he slammed all the way in. We lay unmoving for a moment, staring into each other’s eyes, I felt our connection grow. Then he pounded straight into me. Sweat dripped off his face, and I could tell he was getting closer.
“You almost there?” he grunted, momentarily closing his eyes.
“Yes, fuck me baby, just fuck me!” We crashed into our orgasms like two starved souls diving into a plate of food. Hunter pumped up and down, filling me with his seed and his love.
“Babe, I’ve never felt this way before.” He whispered, his voice rough, filled with love. “You are my everything.”
When we came down from our ecstasy high, our breathing turned from heavy pants to an even rhythm, we were both depleted. He rolled off and pulled me back over to his shoulder. Finally, we relaxed in each other’s arms.
“Damn, I needed that,” I groaned into his neck.
“Yes, that was a...mazing!” Hunter moaned, his voice growly, coarse from yelling out.
After we relaxed for a short time Hunter said, “Let’s take a shower, babe.” we dragged our asses out of bed into the tiny shower. He pinched me in the side and we both doubled over laughing. “You are cracking me up.” I said as I tried to get my giggles under control.
“Yeah? You make me smile.” Hunter murmured as he swiped the hair from my face.
It was a fabulous end to our day! We got dressed and I started combing the knots out of my long, tangled hair. I watched in the mirror as Hunter pulled on a soft grey long sleeved shirt and a clean pair of levis. I loved a man in 501’s, the way the jeans hung off his ass and slung low in the front. Made him look like the sexiest man alive, and to me, he was.
We heard a tap at the door. Hunter pulled the door open and said, “Hey Lip, come on in.” Lip sauntered into the room looking at Callie.
“I just wanted you both to know we’re getting off at the next town. We have rooms for the night. Ten minutes to go.” He offered a small smile and I noticed how relaxed he looked. We all had been so stressed out, but now it was time to chill, and focus on music.
“Great. We’re ready whenever you are.” Hunter offered. “Hey Lip, I think we’re going to do a live recording of ‘Rock Star’ for the album. Would you help me? Could be fun.” Hunter smiled one of his gorgeous broad smiles that made my heart sing.
“Hell yeah! That would be a blast. I’ll go through my contacts and see who I know.” Lip grabbed his cell like he had a rolodex inside. “Let me know when you want to sit down, and we’ll get Sean to drive.” Lip turned to leave.
Getting back to normal never felt so good.
“Okay,” We followed Lip as he walked to the front. Sean was driving and Ted and Marko were playing something new.
“Hey Callie, we got something here, come listen, will you?” Ted’s eyes shone with excitement.
Life felt amazing.
“Sure, let me hear.” I settled down in the small sofa. I tucked my feet up under myself, and relaxed. They started playing and after the first few notes, I was in love with the riff! I started singing along, adding words on the fly, just making up something to sing along, and Ted started nodding. I took out my pen and wrote down lyrics I liked. Words flowed easily as I followed along to the music. Pretty soon I had several verses down.
Don’t let fear stop you,
Don’t be that scardy cat.
You’re not alone in this world,
you got me babe,
You’re not alone anymore,
You got me.”
This song was going to be sick. It felt right and perhaps the best song we ever wrote.
We had been through the fire and survived to sing about it.
I could hardly wait for our next show.
Chapter 63
Hunter
Lip and I started working on the live taping of ‘Rock Star.’ I found a travelling studio that agreed to meet up with us at our next concert. We were getting so excited for this recording. Honestly, the magic of the song was in the audience participation. I thought this was a perfect way to capture the whole sound. I had the club's approval and had gotten all the contracts signed. If this worked out, Lip and I agreed we could record the entire LP just like this. We were a little over halfway through our dates so there was ample time to finish what we started, twelve songs in all.
Life got back to normal after we dropped off Gaby. I blew out a large breath of air as I thought over the last few weeks. We talked to Keri and Bob daily. We saw Gaby on Facetime and he was the happy baby we all had fallen in love with. It had been hard on all of us to get used to no baby giggly sounds. But I knew he was where he belonged. I just couldn’t wait for us to have our own baby someday.
“Hey, Hunter, can we talk?” Lip stood next to me. He wore ripped blue jeans and a soft blue sweatshirt. He had been everything we had needed and more; much, much more. We all grew close, he was more friend than anything. He was older and wiser, and more travelled than any of us. Even Sean.
“Yeah, sure, take a seat.” I moved over to the table, and we sat across from each other. I wondered what this was all about. I hoped no more problems had arisen, that was for damn sure. We had had enough problems for one tour, damn it.
“Well, I wanted to talk about Sean.” Lip said gruffly. “What do you think?” Lip stopped to clear his throat and then added, “I guess I want to know if it’s okay with you if we keep him. I think he’s doing a great job.” I relied on Lip for so much, and I realized he was worried his job would grow if I wanted to kick Sean to the curb.
“So, you want to keep him?” Lip nodded, concern etched across his rugged face. Honestly, I’d do just about anything to keep him happy.
“I just didn’t know if you thought he was working out. I know that...” Lip said, he seemed a little off today. Maybe the thought of losing Sean’s help was stressing him out. “I need to know if we can keep the two crew too? David and Maggy are awesome. I love having them along to take care of load in and out. What do you think?”
“I’m with you. They all stay Sean, Maggy, David. I like their work ethic, and if you’re happy I’m happy.” I gave Lip a big smile, but something was bothering me. Our biggest concern was about that crazed fan. We still didn’t know who it was, and if they had given up or not. “I’m just worried about #onefan crazy. What do you suggest?” I looked over at him and noticed the glint in his eyes. I think we all felt protective of Callie, we needed this asshole to go the fuck away.
“Security man, we need to keep the security detail. It sucks I know. The money, new people with us. But it’s so …" Lip searched for the perfect word.
I cut him off, “Dude, the money is worth it, so don’t get it twisted. They definitely stay. I just wish there was something more we could do. I need to keep my eye on the prize, so to speak. And breaking the Doves out of the pack has to be my number one goal.” I knew it took time, but I had a feeling it was coming sooner rather than later. I was sure of it, like as sure as I was that I’d wake up tomorrow morning, sure. “We all need to be ready for that.”
“That new song they just wrote last night? ‘Dancing with Tomorrow,’ what an epic tune. I really loved it. I’ve never worked with a band that had so much potential. Got to get ready for it, ya know what I mean?” Lip seemed invested, he gave me a secretive smile, like this was confidential. Ma
de me chuckle, I felt so happy he saw what I saw. He had been in the biz way longer than me, and I took his words at face value. He knew what he was talking about.
“Yes, that’s what I’ve been saying,” I said with a phat smile. I was feeling so good about my Doves. “I agree with you, Dancing is an awesome song, it blows my mind how they write such great songs. Brilliant music, I tell you, brilliant.”
“When I was with Johnny Cash,” Lip started, “I knew he was going to blow up big, just before he did. I roadied for him for those couple of years, grinding from one honky tonk to the next. I get the same feeling in my gut.” Lip finished with a smile. We were on the same page, and I felt confident we were on the way to the big show. “Of course, I was just starting out, and didn’t know much back then.” He chuckled. Yeah, we all had our first job that we thought of fondly one way or another. “He was my first introduction to what turned out to be my lifelong career.”
“I didn’t know you were with him. What was that like?” I was curious. I loved hearing his road stories. Not all the bands he worked with made it as big, but Cash? You couldn’t really get bigger than that. Well, the Beatles was in a class by themselves. I met George Harrison, that was the full extent of my experience with them. But damn, that man was humble with a capitol H. He was at the recording studio with Tom Petty the day I came strolling in to talk to the manager about dates I wanted to put on hold. I’ll never forget it as long as I live. It was epic.
There they were. Rock Gods, at the studio They were working on an album together. I stood quietly in the corner wondering how to get in there and meet them. I watched for a long time just trying to absorb the moment. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. With my heart pounding wildly, I walked over to them with an outstretched hand and introduced myself. Whew! I was so glad I did. It’s one of my most treasured memories. I was eight years old when I decided Harrison was my favorite Beatle.
“John was awesome! He loved his fans for real. He would do those meet and greets Callie loves so much. He’d sign every album, every picture. That dude was tireless and wouldn’t stop until every fan was satisfied. I loved watching him adore them. His appreciation ran deep. He loved his wife, June, and they always travelled together. Maybe that’s what grounded him? Like you ground Callie. Really, I think the two of you are a force to be reckoned with, and I’m so happy I get to witness her climb to famous.” Lip paused, like he was mulling over something in his mind. “You are going to have to be a rock for her. You ready for that?”
“I’m so ready for that, you know I am. I just worry about...” My words trailed off. My heart tightened in my throat. I wished I didn’t need to think about that fan, that #onefan of hers. But it was the only thing bugging me, I couldn't shake the feeling that we weren’t finished with this asshole.
But what could I do?
One of us was always by her side. If they tried something, I hoped we could handle it. The security detail had been extended for another month. Those two guys? Bart, and Keith? They seemed on the ball. I had to believe they knew what they were doing, didn’t I?
Callie and the Turtledoves were about to explode. I just prayed that she wasn’t messed with again. And that my beautiful Callie could rise to the occasion just like her budding star.
Maybe that crazed fan had gone away. I shrugged my shoulders and said,
“So glad you’re with us, man. I don’t know what we’d without you.”
Lip squeezed my shoulder as if to say we wouldn’t have to know. He was with us, for now anyway. Until he had to go back to Joni Mead. I sure wished he was strictly ours, but I had to remind myself that the day would come when he’d have to hitch his wagon back to her.
I couldn’t just steal him, could I?
Chapter 64
MSK
Tick Tock Tick Tock
Time was running out.
I’m almost ready for phase three of my strategy.
Life was short.
I was going to get what I came for.
Callie was mine.
She loved me as much as I loved her.
Chapter 65
Callie
Things had been amazing since Mama’s house. We had hit four spots since we drove away leaving Gaby behind. There were days when I was so exhausted and wished I was home. I missed my friends and my routine and my bed. But then I’d think, hell no, out here was the good life. It was just a bit of homesickness that I recovered from quickly. It wasn’t an everyday occurrence, that’s for damn sure.
I realized one thing was missing and decided to talk to Hunter. I called out, “Honey? Hunter, could we talk for a sec?”
Hunter came over, grabbed my hand and dragged me towards the back of the bus. “How about now, babe?” he whispered. I thought he wanted to get nasty, but I really needed to talk. It was something that had been brewing inside for a while.
“I want you too, honey. But I need to talk to you first.” We smiled big, knowing grins at each other, then I whispered, “Later.”
“Sure,” Hunter plopped down in the center of the bed, pulling me down next to him. I could so easily get distracted right now. My arms wove around his waist, and I snuggled in smelling the ocean and something I liked to think of as love.
“Now, stop it Hunter, I’m serious,” and we both busted up laughing. Life had been so damn good lately. No more notes, no more surprises. Just hanging out playing and writing music all day. I lived in heaven, with Hunter by my side.
“Okay, okay, I’m all ears.” Hunter leaned back against the pillows looking relaxed.
“I want to hire someone to be my personal assistant.” I spit out before I lost my nerve. Hunter had a quizzical look on his face, but he was quiet while I tried to explain.
“Umm, errr, I’m the only woman on the bus, and I miss having a friend I can talk to. I know Maggy’s on the tour, but I don’t hang out with her. She’s with her husband David all the time anyway. Do you think we could hire someone?” I knew it sounded lame, paying someone to be my friend. “I just need female companionship; do you get it? I’m lonely.” I really hoped he understood my need to have a woman on board. Someone I could talk makeup with, who could help me dress before the shows. I just hoped Hunter got on board with this new idea. I needed a girlfriend.
“Yes, I get it babe, it must suck to be the only woman. Let me put together a job description and put it out there. I just want us to find someone with best intentions. I don’t want to get into another bad situation.” That worried me too. “We can increase the staff budget, for you.” Hunter gave me a sheepish smile.
“If you publicize the position, do you think we could find some good leads?” I was starting to get excited about the prospect of having someone here for me.
“Sure, there are places to look for someone in the industry. I think we can find you a PA. We could set up interviews and after the initial meeting, you could join me to meet the women. The final decision would be yours, of course.” I could tell Hunter was thinking it through. I knew he’d get on board with anything I wanted. I just didn’t want this new person to be more trouble than she’s worth.
“I'd like that. Being included would be important to me.” I chewed on my lip; it had become a bad habit. What the hell was I doing to myself and licked over the wound. I needed to stop doing that, goddamnit. “Do you think it will take long?” What I was really asking was how soon could he make this happen.
“Naw, it shouldn’t, babe. I’ll get it set up today. I’ll write the job description and show you before I post it. I think this is a great idea. We have that extra bunk now. Might as well fill it. I just hope you like one of the applicants enough to hire her.” I could tell he was distracted already writing the ad in his head. “I’ll be right back, let me go jot down some stuff.”
Hunter got up, grabbed a pen, and left the room. I stayed put thinking over this new position. I wanted to find someone who would fit in, who would be the final niche in our little eco system.
I started hu
mming ‘Dancing for Tomorrow.’ It was an entirely different kind of tune for us, with its cool reggae beat. I loved writing music with my boys. They had flourished on this cross-country trip, singing our songs, they grew into true manhood. I was proud of them. They were so talented.
I hoped I was growing too. I wanted the Doves and me to make our mark on humanity with our music. We had things to say our fans could relate to. I hadn’t been doing meet and greets for the last few shows and I really missed it. Not being able to connect with my fans was really creating havoc in my head. They inspired me to write songs that would touch their hearts and mind.
I just hoped this ban wouldn’t last much longer. That I could get back to normal soon. I needed my fans, but I didn’t want to put anyone, including myself, in danger. It had been weeks since we heard from that crazed person. Maybe they gave up and went home.
I really hoped so. I wanted, no needed to get back to what I loved the most. Besides Hunter and everyone on the bus, the most important thing in the world to me were the fans.
We still had our security team. I thought that was enough, I wanted to be allowed to M&G[SO34][kg35] again. Meet and Greets had become a lifeline in this industry.
I was going to fight for it.
Like I never fought for anything before.
Chapter 65
Hunter
Chicago Ill. Man, that show was huge! We just played the Summer Music festival, opening for Pink. This was a pickup date, and I was excited about Callie opening for such a big star. It was the biggest arena we had ever performed and fuck me; the Doves rose to the challenge. Thousands of fans were screaming after our first song! Callie played all the new stuff, and she sang ‘Rock Star’ of course. As she started strumming those opening notes, the fans got to their feet, stomping to the hard corps beat!
Rock Star Page 24