Repented

by Sophie Monroe

  Splashing cold water on my face, I walked over to the towel dispenser and pushed the handle down to dispense the paper. The blonde left a lipstick print on my cheek. Using my hand, I tried rubbing it off with no avail. Dark circles were forming under my eyes, and I was debating whether I wanted to drink or head out to the bus to sleep. I pushed the door open to see the brunette straddling Jake and Blake playing tonsil hockey with the blonde. The other blonde was sitting in between them waiting for her turn. A redhead came in carrying a tray of drinks and started setting them down on the table. It was obvious she was feigning annoyance for their behavior. I'm sure this was a regular occurrence for her.

  "Can I get you anything?" She asked me.

  "Maybe just a seltzer with lime? I can come get it."

  She smiled, and I followed her out to the now empty bar. I took a seat and wondered where Derek disappeared to. She grabbed a plastic cup, filling it with ice before making my drink. Her name was Stacie, and she was great at her job because she acted like it was just another day. She didn't fuss over our fame, or ask for autographs or pictures. Not that we minded, but in a way it was nice to just be Kevin for a little bit again.

  She was asking where we were from and told me she thought we were good. The floors were scattered with trash and empty cups, even though there were ample garbage cans throughout the venue. She walked over to the edge of the bar and picked up a broom. Making her way out to the general admission area, she started making piles of trash. A man came out and handed her two envelopes. She folded one, putting it in her pocket and handed the other one to me.

  "Your cut for the night." She winked.

  Smiling, I took the broom from her and started playing air guitar on the broom as I helped clean the place up. After filling over a dozen contractor bags, I helped her carry them to the dumpster before making our way back to the lounge area. Jake had the brunette riding his cock and the blonde sitting on the top of the couch straddling his face. Stacie's eyes grew wide for a split second before she quickly regained composure and started cleaning up the area. Jake Parker had no shame.

  "Over ten years of doing this and I don't think I'll ever get used to the groupies. I've probably seen more vaginas than a gynecologist," she shuttered.

  I started bursting with laughter. "You've got a point."

  Snapping back to the present, the stage was starting to transform. The backdrop was up, and they were busy setting up Tyler's drum kit. Even though the doors weren't scheduled to open for another three hours, a crowd was already lining up outside. Tonight was going to be a good night and an awesome kick off of the tour.

  Zach

  It felt almost surreal to be standing here with someone who I've idolized for years now. Jake has been mentoring me for the last few months, and I wanted to make sure that we proved we were worth taking a chance on. Peyton had been calling and texting me non-stop since yesterday. She was still pissed at me for ending things before I left, not that I could blame her. At the same time, I wanted to make sure that I wasn't getting distracted by girl problems. And honestly, I wanted to enjoy the full tour experience without feeling guilty.

  I spent a majority of my life trying to please other people, mostly my parents. My father, a successful investment banker and my mom a prominent divorce attorney practically lost it when I said I wanted to pursue music. They said it was a hobby, not a career. I knew enough about the industry that it wasn't going to happen overnight, but I also knew that I needed it in my life. Singing was more of a need than a want. When I turned down my acceptance to their alma mater, Brown University, they essentially disowned me. This was just as much about proving to myself that we had what it took, as it was sticking it to them that music was more than just a passion of mine.

  Most people would probably say I fit a pretty stereotypical rock star bill. At eighteen, I began working on filling my arms with tattoo sleeves. Peyton finished them about a month ago. Each piece represented a struggle or a triumph of some sort. I wasn't going to let anyone or anything hold me back.

  My profile card would look something like this:

  Name: Zachary Michael Bailey (Zach)

  Height: 6'1"

  Hair: Jet black, short on the sides, longer on the top for a perfect 1950's side comb.

  Eyes: Gray/Blue

  Favorite look: Jeans, a fitted black tee, motorcycle boots, and a hoodie.

  Favorite drink: Rum and Coke

  Personality: The charmer

  Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a nice guy, in general. There's a lot to say about being a good person, but I also don't let people walk all over me. At the end of the day, it's about being able to look yourself in the mirror and be happy with the person looking back at you. I was one happy motherfucker. Some may say cocky, but it was more about me knowing what I have to offer the world.

  After all the equipment was hauled in and set up; I headed to the bar to get a drink. I ordered a rum and coke and took in the empty, vast space that would hopefully soon be filled with fans. Kevin was at the other end of the bar talking to a redheaded bartender. Mine was a hot, blonde wearing short shorts and a tight white tank top with a black bra.

  Putting the cup to my lips and taking a sip, I appraised her further. She looked like she would be fun for the night. "What's up, sexy?"

  She rolled her big blue eyes at me."It's not gonna happen hot stuff."

  "Wow, burned. You didn't even let me introduce myself." I ran a hand through my hair and tried to keep her attention.

  She wasn't holding back any punches."You're not my type. Listen, as much as I admire your attempt to charm the pants off of me, it's not going to happen sweetie. Don't fret, I'm sure there will be a line of groupies waiting for you after the show." Her nose wrinkled in disgust.

  Oh, so that's how she wanted to play it. I was up for the challenge, or at least to play a little and see if I could charm her over. I was going for the passive-aggressive tactic. "Well, I was going to give you a nasty look, but I see you already have one." I laughed to myself, taking another sip.

  "Excuse me," she gasped. Not missing a beat, "come back when your IQ exceeds your age."

  "I was accepted into Brown, so I resent that statement."

  She sighed and placed a hand on her slim hip. "Your parents must be so proud."

  "No, they wanted me to follow in their footsteps, so not really. I'm Zach, in case you care."

  "Viv, and no not really."

  I grabbed a twenty out of my wallet and left it on the bar. There was something about a good challenge that I practically got off on. I loved women, but damn they could be complicated creatures at times.

  "Well Viv, thanks for the drink and delightful conversation," lifting my cup in salute I stood and walked away without looking back. There was a ninety-nine percent chance she'd be riding me after the show.

  The guys were all huddled around a sofa set up in the dressing room. The excitement was palatable. We had played a ton of gigs and even opened for some well-known bands, but this was the first time we were going to have our time to shine. We had new songs and a backing from one of the top bands on the charts right now. One word, unstoppable.

  About an hour later, Jake came to grab us and tell us we had five minutes before we were supposed to be on stage. The guys and I rounded up and made our way down the narrow hallway that led to the stage door. Putting five hands one on top of the other, we were all in. Sliding my lucky glasses on my face, I was the first to step out. I picked up the mic and it felt like going home.

  "Look at this good-looking bunch of motherfuckers," I yelled. "You assholes ready to get guilty?"

  The venue was packed from wall to wall. Bright lights overhead made it hard for me to see the bar, but I was able to catch a glimpse of Viv watching. It was the only reaction I needed to step up my game. She was mine tonight.

  We started out with our song, Cure My Tragedy. Kevin wrote it; the song was heavy and deep and quickly became one of my favorites to sing. Our set list had our top five so
ngs and a sixth on backup. This tour was all about leaving lasting impressions and building our following. High gear, balls to the wall, all in, kicking ass and taking names we were going to do just that.

  Throughout the show, I kept glancing over at Viv only to catch her staring back. Yep. I was winning her over. I put my motherfucking heart and soul into that performance, and not just for her. This was my, our, chance to shine. Six songs later, we moved off the stage to make way for Battlescars.

  After chugging a water in three gulps, I wiped my face off with a towel before making my way out the bar. I was ready to see Ms. Viv. She wasn't kidding about getting flocked with groupies, but she did work here, after all. I ignored all of them, even if there were a few that I wouldn't mind being a conquest. All I could think about was her. Her plump lips painted in a soft pink. I wanted her tight body under my fingertips. My dick twitched in my pants, as she placed a rum and Coke down in front of me.

  Battlescars took the stage, distracting me temporarily. I wanted to pay as much attention to Jake and the guys as possible to master our craft. He commanded the stage. The fans loved him. The entire audience came alive, and you could sense the energy. It reminded me of why I felt this compelling need to make this my life. The hour seemed to pass by in minutes, and Jake bid them safe travels before exiting the stage.

  "You looked like a little boy watching them," Viv said, bringing me back to present.

  "I want to be like that. Have that energy."

  "You already do," she smiled. "You're not so bad, after all."

  After she finished counting her drawer and finished her shift, I managed to persuade her to come back to the tour bus to hang out. Heading to the fridge, I took out two bottles of water. Downing mine and handing one to her. I took a seat on one of the captain's chairs and patted my lap. She came and straddled my waist, lowering her lips to mine.

  "I don't know what it is about you Zach Bailey, but you toss my inhibitions right out the window," she whispered in my ear. "I want you to show me what you're made of."

  She slipped the tight white tank top over her head. I awed her toned, tanned, physique as her lips crashed back into mine. She unhooked her bra and tossed it to the side, leaving her perky tits exposed. Placing my hands under her ass, I lifted her up with ease and moved her back to the bed.

  Clothes were gone in seconds, and we were skin to skin, just like I had envisioned earlier at the bar. I palmed my cock loving the small O that formed with her mouth. Not to sound cocky, no pun intended, I was genetically blessed in that department. Rolling a condom onto my length, I slid my thick head against her hot, slick heat teasing her entrance.

  "You want it, baby?" I asked.

  Sitting up on her elbows nodding, she looked down to see me sliding the tip in and out. Gradually, I moved forward slowly letting her get acclimated before pulling back out. The dim light shined on her face. She was a very beautiful girl. I've perfected the art of fucking and would do my best to leave her with a memory that would last a lifetime. The wetness of her pussy was evident on the condom already, and I knew we were going to have fun.

  Lowering my face to hers, I started with a slow, passionate kiss while rolling her nipples between my fingers bringing her close to the edge, repeatedly. When she finally let go, her nails were digging into my back to the point of drawing blood. Enjoying the pain laced pleasure, I came hard.

  "Holy shit," she flopped back on the bed breathing heavily.

  Feeling proud, I slid off the condom and wrapped it in a tissue before tossing it in the trash. "I told you that you wouldn't regret it."

  Switching on the television, I pulled her close to me. I wasn't that much of an asshole to fuck and run. Besides, we would be here for a bit while they loaded all the equipment back up. I continued to ignore the buzzing coming from my jeans that were lying somewhere on the floor, knowing it was most likely Peyton. Viv and I made small talk. She was a cool chick in my book. She was smart and witty. Part of me almost wished I had a little more time to spend getting to know her, but we needed to clock some major miles tonight in order to get to the next show in two days.

  A knock sounded at the door, "Zach, you decent?" Austin asked.

  "Nope, don't open the fucking door unless you want a show," I called out.

  "No thanks. They're ready to roll; we'll be pulling out in fifteen."

  I heard his footsteps retreat and turned to Viv.

  "Looks like that's my cue." She climbed out of bed and started picking up the few pieces of clothing she had. Turning her back to me, she hooked her bra and slid her shorts on.

  Grabbing a notebook from the nightstand, I scribbled my number onto a piece of paper and handed it to her. "Viv, honestly I wish I had more time to spend with you. Text me, please."

  Pulling her to my chest, I kissed her before walking her from the bus. I watched her make her way through the back door. The first official one night stand of the tour. If only I could get Peyton completely out of my mind...

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  LEAVE ME ALONE I'M LONELY

  KEVIN

  Tonight the music seemed so loud as Guilty Tendencies tore up the stage. It was another sold out show at the Fairmont in Michigan. The crowd was going nuts, and Zach commanded the stage like a seasoned pro. Aubrey had flown in this morning and was taking up real estate on Jake's lap. He was grinning ear to ear. It wasn't hard to tell that he was happy with the decision to sign them. In the week that we've been on the road, only one venue wasn't completely sold out, and it was only by about ten tickets.

  The lights dimmed, and Guilty Tendencies cleared the stage. The roadies quickly swapped out instruments and before long it was our turn to take the stage. I was standing off to the right of the stage before taking my place. The overhead lights were blinding as Jake stood in the center wearing his signature Ray-Ban aviators.

  "Who's ready to parrrrrty?" He crooned into the mic.

  A deafening roar followed. "That's right motherfuckers! For those that have no fucking clue who we are, we're Battlescars, and we're going to rock your socks!"

  Derek started slamming down on the drums, and we kicked it into full force. Jake commanded the stage like an animal. His charisma was completely contagious and electric. The thrill of being up here never got old. There was something about being one with my guitar that I couldn't get enough of. The feel, the sound, all of it. A few girls up front were lifting their tops and exposing bare chests. If only they knew we couldn't get a good look. The overhead lights essentially blinded us, hence why Jake always sported sunglasses.

  About halfway through our set, I made my way to the other side of the stage. I nearly stopped playing when I looked into the crowd and spotted a familiar face in the blinding light. Impossible. Could it be?

  Sweat was pouring down my face as Jake started into our new song, 'Bridges Burning'. It was one of the songs I wrote after getting back from LA, and we recorded it in two days.

  Some things aren't worth chasing,

  A bed of pavement and a moment of peace,

  Hands of fate outstretched pointed towards me,

  Surrendered to the air, now out of reach,

  And bridges are burning all around me,

  The embers of regret, they will remain into the fire,

  Guilt will drown me, light the match and walk away,

  Love is an unknown destination,

  A place to sleep for a weary head,

  Oceans crossed and waves are crashing while I'm hanging by a thread,

  Over my shoulder, there's smoke in the air,

  Silence speaks volumes while bridges disappear,

  The bridge keeps burning all around me.

  Glancing back at Derek, it wasn't hard to see that he was anxious to finish the set so that he could get back to Joss. She was manning the merch table by herself and most likely getting hit on left and right. Once the wildest of all of us, he was completely and utterly whipped.

  "Fairmount you have been a fucking delight! Love each a
nd every one of you motherfuckers!" Jake roared into the mic.

  The second the lights went out his drumsticks were down, and he was out of his seat. The face I saw earlier was gone. Jake clapped my back enthusiastically as we made our way off the stage.

  "I think I saw someone I know," I told him. "I'm going to go check it out."

  "Bri?" I nodded. "We're staying at the Bellevue tonight, in case you're not back in time." He gave me his signature grin. Before we left for tour, I ended up telling him about what happened with the bus. He didn't let me live it down for a week.

  Without saying another word, I hurried my way out of the corridor and into the venue part of the club. Hoping to have some luck at the bar, I made that my first stop. Since the show was sold out, and people tended to linger after, it made moving next to impossible. Turning sideways and attempting to slide through was my only option. Fans tried grabbing me left and right, as I guiltily brushed them off to look for the brunette with the glasses.

  It had to be her, and I saw it as some sort of fate that we crossed paths again. Scanning the bar one last time, I was positive she wasn't there. I turned and started trying to push my way in the opposite direction, thinking maybe she went back to stand where I saw her when I was on stage. It made sense, we were in Michigan. She wasn't there, but two girls were. One bleach blonde and the other with fire engine red hair. They were talking and hanging back, most likely waiting to become groupie material.

  "Did you see where the girl that was standing here went?" I asked.They both looked at me and shrugged. It looked like they wanted to get my attention, but I was already gone.

  Was it all a figment of my imagination? I swore I saw her.

  Doing my best to not knock anyone over, I moved through the bodies of drunk and disorderly people until I finally made it to the exit. Fans were staring at me, once again trying to get my attention, but I was on a mission. Under different circumstances, I'd stop to take pictures and sign anything. It made me feel shitty for blowing them off, but tonight was a different story. I needed to find her.