“I’m not going there again. He’s proven he’s a good friend when sex isn’t involved and hopefully we can get to that point again one day. For now, I will concentrate on me. I will not complicate my life with a relationship or sex. I love sex, but men aren’t as good at separating feelings from it as they admit. They suck me into that shit,” I laugh nervously.
Jessica kneels down to where I sit, “One day we’re both going to find a man who loves us for exactly who we are. They won’t try to change us, and they’ll accept the broken parts of us. They’ll protect us from harm, love us with such an intensity it both consumes and comforts us, and the thought of ever being away from him will make us feel like a piece of us is missing.”
“One day,” I consider.
“We’re quite the pair,” I laugh.
“How’s that?”
“You’ve slept with Caleb, been impregnated by him, slept with Koi and kissed Kip. I’ve slept with Jagger, been filmed with Ian who is now on the tour, and lusted after Kip for about an hour when I heard the song for the first time earlier today. We seriously need to slow our roll. We’re surrounded by way too many men we’ve shared intimate moments with,”
“We should start a support group,” she offers.
“Hi, I’m Henley and I’m addicted to bad boys with tattoos. I like to have mind-blowing sex with them. I prefer not to be filmed, but hey I get my kicks where I can. I struggle with an apparent overactive libido, and I’m surrounded by hot rock stars so I’m often led into temptation. I mean I’m so worked up I bought a vibrator. “
***
Broken Access, Abandoned Shadow, and Straying are all now on the promotional tour. The label has requested we stay in the same hotel instead of our L.A. homes so we’re all together and on time for each event. Whatever, I think they just want to start shit. The first evening in L.A. our band is scheduled as guests on a radio show. The other bands are due at other locations for promotional shit. After each band is finished we’re scheduled to appear at local clubs where they’ll make it appear that we randomly appeared at the bar. We’ll be asked to play a few songs, mingle with people, and then back to the hotel to start the whole fucking thing over again tomorrow.
The purpose of the radio spot is to once again plug our new album and upcoming tour. The hosts introduce us, and we talk about the new album, Caleb, the addition of Memphis, and then they talk about the scandal. I mean people can’t not talk about it. It’s impossible for them to let it go.
“If you’re listening, we’re here with Abandoned Shadow. No offense fellas, but Henley you are stunning in person. Even playboy didn’t do you justice,” Frank the DJ says.
“Why thank you, Frank.”
“Now, we’ve discussed the album, tour, and the past and future of Abandoned Shadow. What the men out there, and some of the ladies, really want to ask is if you are single,” he plugs.
“I’m single,” I say.
“As most people who live in the modern age are aware, you were filmed in quite a compromising position months ago with a well-known actor. Are the two of you not seeing each other?” he asks.
“Ah, I’ve called those positions a lot of things, but never compromising,” I tease.
We all laugh.
“So we’re avoiding the Ian Summers question?” he teases back.
“Ian and I have been friends for years, and shit happens, but remember that things are not always as they appear. And that’s all I have for the Ian Summers question,” I say playfully.
“Well there you have it folks, Henley Hendrix is single. Not sure if she’s looking. How about you fellas? The women want to know if there’s anyone special in your lives,” Frank inquires.
Memphis, Griffin, and Rhys all state they are also single, and Frank makes a stupid comment to the women out there to snag them up. Next we play Whiskey and Smoke live on the show, and I get the fuck out of there. We’re ushered out to the limo amongst screaming fans. Cory and Joe have recruited other men as security since L.A. is so fucking crazy. Always expect the unexpected here.
The limo takes us to a local bar known as a college hangout. We’re greeted with enthusiasm from the patronage inside, causing security to stand closely by. We interact with the crowd as we play for them. They eat it up and respond well to the new music. We throw in a few of our older songs and two covers.
Another hour passes as we take pictures, mingle, sign autographs and sip on beer. The fans are great. Girls are throwing themselves at the guys, and I watch Memphis in genuine interest as he takes it all in. He’s a Hendrix, so he’s a good looking man, but he’s never had this type of attention. This type of attention is fucking insane for anyone. You can either let it change you and your self-image, or you can remain humble and try to show people you’re just a fucking person.
We’re finally escorted out of the bar by security, and head back to the hotel where fans once again swarm around us. They scream as we stop here and there for autographs. Security saves us from being rude by telling people to move back. Security marches with us towards the elevator, but I stop inside the hotel Starbucks for a coffee. Cory sends a new guy named Marquez with me. This mother fucker is huge. He looks like a linebacker. He could snap your neck like a twig. Either way, I’m pretty sure he’s capable of protecting me.
I make my order quick and wait a few minutes while they prepare my coffee. Marquez stands by me always aware of our surroundings. If a person even glances at me he gives them a menacing look.
“Are you aware that you intimidate people?” I ask as I continue to wait.
“Yes ma’am,” it’s my job.
“Please don’t call me ma’am. Just Henley,” I request.
“Yes ma…. Ms. Hendrix,” he substitutes.
I sigh, “That’s worse.”
“I’m sorry ma’am.”
“Military?” I ask.
“Yes ma’am. Marines.”
“So that shit was trained into you, and I will never get you to call me Henley will I?”
He actually cracks a smile, which makes him appear a lot younger when he doesn’t look like a trained killer. “I’m far less afraid of the marines than I am my mother and grandmother. If they heard me refer to you as anything other than ma’am or Ms. Hendrix, they’d inflict pain. I’m more afraid of them, ma’am.”
I laugh. “You’re southern.”
“Yes ma’am. Home isn’t far from your own,” he answers.
“Southern mamas and grandmas ain’t something you fuck around with,” I admit.
“No ma’am.”
I’m finally handed my coffee and Marquez and I wait for the elevator car. We enter the car and as the door closes someone’s hand pushes through the doors to keep them from closing. Marquez gently shoves me behind his ridiculously large body. My goons are so fucking cool. Kevin Costner ain’t got shit on them.
The doors open to reveal Kip.
“Take the next elevator,” Marquez commands.
Kip looks around him at me and laughs.
“He’s in the one of the other bands. Marquez meet Kip, the drummer for Broken Access,” I introduce.
Kip sticks his fist out to bump Marquez’s.
“I apologize for my gruffness,” Marquez says as the doors close.
“You’re a big mother fucker,” Kip states the obvious.
“Yes sir.”
“Sir?” Kip looks like someone slapped him. “Dude, I only like that shit in the bedroom.”
Kip and Marquez exchange some silent guy look I’m sure communicates understanding.
“Your big ass hands would make my dick look like a button, so let’s cut the ‘sir’ shit out. Yeah?” Kip asks.
My big, bad goon actually smiles and laughs at Kip.
The elevator lets us off at our floor, the goon steps off and checks for crazies. When the coast is clear he lets us out.
“Hey, I want to talk to you for a sec. Come on,” I say to Kip as I open
my door.
Once we’re inside, I throw my arms around his neck, hugging him with all the pride I have for him. His arms circle around my waist and he buries his face in my neck for a moment. He pulls back.
“What was that for?” he asks.
“I’m a bad friend.”
“Uh... I’m lost.”
“I haven’t listened to the entire new album with everything that’s been going on. Samantha and Koi asked me to be in the video for your song. I mean I knew you wrote a song, I’ve just been so busy and preoccupied that I didn’t listen to it. It wasn’t intentional… whatever I just wanted to say I was sorry for not listening to it before now,” I express.
“You listened to it?” he asks almost as if he’s surprised.
“Of course I did. I listened to it probably a hundred times earlier on repeat.”
“Oh,” he says and looks down.
“Kip it’s a beautiful song. Koi said you wrote and composed most of it. And you’re playing the fucking guitar!!!! I wasn’t aware that you were still practicing,” I smile.
“Well… uh… thanks. I’ve been practicing a lot lately,” he downplays.
“Kip, you learned to play the guitar in a short amount of time. That’s fucking amazing and I’m surprised but so very proud. Not only that, your vocals were superb. You’ve got Jessica creaming her panties all the time. I’m just warning you in case she jumps you when you least expect it,” I tease.
“Yeah, okay. It’s not a big deal, but thanks,” he shrugs.
He seems so… I don’t know. Shy or upset, maybe?
I reach out for his hand, “Kip? You okay?”
“Yeah. Hey look, I’ve got shit to do so I’ll catch you later.”
“Oh. You don’t want to hang out?” I ask.
“Not tonight, Hen,” and the door to my suite closes as he finishes the sentence.
I must be ovulating or something because my feelings are hurt. I feel like Kip blew me off and couldn’t give a shit how excited I am about his song. Fuck, it’s always something.
I shoot him a text. “I’m sorry if I upset you. I was just excited for you and proud of you and maybe I got carried away. I’m sorry. Still proud of you though rock star. Kisses.”
He texts back an hour later. “Thanks, Hen. It’s really no big deal, but thanks for supporting me. See ya soon.”
See ya soon? Um… okay?
I force myself to stay up late since our next stop is for us to work a club. We’ll be up late and I don’t want to be dragging ass. I lounge to catch up on my show Shameless and eventually fall asleep.
Chapter 20
Henley
My phone ringing wakes me. I fumble without opening my eyes to find it next to the bed. I don’t even bother to look at the screen.
“Yeah?” I answer.
“I’m holding a meeting with all three bands in the banquet hall in an hour. Be there,” Samantha says and ends the call.
This should be interesting. I shower and throw my hair up on top of my head with a band, throw on some yoga pants, a tank, and flip flops. I’m not trying to look pretty for any-fucking-body. The hall is quiet when I step out and I wonder if I’m running late since no one else is milling around. I enter an empty elevator car and push the lobby button. A few floors later the car stops and opens. Ian steps in and the air is instantly thick with tension. I give him a small smile and glance away, but he’s followed by three other men and of course curiosity gets the best of me.
Ian immediately introduces me to his band members. “Henley, this is James on drums, Liam on guitar, and Cal on bass. Guys, Henley Hendrix.”
They each shake my hand and smile.
“Huge fan,” James says.
“It’s great to meet you,” Liam adds.
“You’re a phenomenal guitar player,’ Cal adds on.
“Thanks guys. I’m looking forward to touring with you. Shit gets crazy fast, so I hope you’re ready,” I smile.
“Any idea what the meeting is about?” Ian asks me, pinning me with his blue eyes.
Oh sex gods how I hate you. Quick flashes of the times we were naked together take over my brain. I need to use my vibrator as soon as I can get about ten minutes alone.
“Hen?” Ian interrupts my sexy thoughts.
“Oh. Sorry. I’m not sure. Samantha called and ordered me to be here,” I snicker.
“She’s representing the band,” Ian advises.
Great just one more way for us to be linked. Kill me now.
The elevator arrives at the lobby level. We exit and silently walk through to the meeting space. I enter the room ahead of Straying only to discover everybody is already waiting.
“Am I late?” I ask.
“No,” is all I get.
Once we’re all seated, Samantha launches into introductions between the bands. I sit between Memphis and Koi. Meghan walks in to join us. Shit must’ve hit the fan if her legal skills are needed.
“I’ve called you all here because this affects all of you one way or another. Before I go any further, I want to clarify that I do not endorse nor have I been a part of the following publicity plan. Torres at the label is responsible for what I’m about to tell you. Tonight all bands will meet at the club we’ve already scheduled. You’ll mingle, smile, give autographs and take pictures with fans. Please enjoy yourselves but not too much. I’ll have enough shit to clean up,” she glares.
“So what the fuck is so bad?” Koi asks.
“The label has requested that each of the bands arrive separately. Ian, Jagger, and Henley you are to hold an alcoholic beverage in your hand, but by no means is the label requiring you drink,” she rolls her eyes at the legal bullshit she is required to put in her pitch.
She continues, “Once you’ve been there for an hour, Henley will dance with both Ian and Jagger. Separately. The band would like to generate buzz by using this as publicity to fuel rumors, gossip, and whatever the fuck else this can manifest. I do not condone this, and I’ve already spoken with Meghan to find a legal loophole to get out of a stupid clause in your contracts. Please be on your best behavior, and I’ll be there to make this as easy as possible.”
“So the label is going with all publicity is good publicity?” Memphis asks.
“Welcome to rock-and-roll,” I say as I stand from my chair and exit the room.
Several people call my name, but I don’t turn back. I need to get the fuck out of here before I do or say something I’ll regret. My anger is boiling over before I can open the door to my room. I take the stairs up to my room with Joe on my heels.
“Henley, slow down,” he pleads.
I don’t. I need privacy right now. I need to get the fuck away from all these people and what I will be forced to do tonight. Fuck this! I hate the label has this amount of power over me. I want to scream, pull my hair, and yell about how unfair it is, but I know better than anyone life isn’t fucking fair.
I get to the door on the 20th floor but it won’t open. Joe hits the top step right behind me.
“It’s locked while the bands are here,” he says with a frown and a sad face for me.
My bottom lip quivers so I force it down. No words mean no tears, so I nod in understanding.
“I’m so sorry, Henley,” he offers.
I hold up my hand and shake my head. Please don’t say anything else. I can’t keep it together much longer.
“I’ll walk with you to the 19th floor and we’ll take the elevator up. Okay?” he asks softly.
I just nod and follow Joe to the 19th floor where he calls the elevator and stares straight ahead avoiding the moisture in my eyes. Thankfully, the car arrives empty so we load in and ride up a floor. When the doors open, Joe exits first and when all is clear he motions me out but his eyes stay on mine attempting to communicate something, but I don’t understand.
I step into the hall and see what he was trying to tell me. All three bands, Samantha, Jessica, and secur
ity are lounging in the hall. I’m sure they’re discussing this turn of events. I hold my head high and walk towards my door refusing to make eye contact. No one says a word which only makes the hall seem that much longer and the quiet much more awkward.
Rhys is closest to my door and reaches out for me, but I turn on him and shake my head silently pleading for him to let me be. My lip quivers as I struggle with my emotions.
“Hen,” Rhys starts.
I hold my hand up and try several times to speak without crying.
“I… I just… uh… I just need a fucking minute,” I manage as the tears spill over portraying my anger and frustration.
***
Memphis
I watch as her door closes. Watching her lip quiver makes me want to put my fist through a wall. I can’t believe the label is doing this. We’re all barely holding on by thread as it is. At this rate, I’m not sure we’ll make it through the tour.
“I’ve got her. I’ll wait right outside her door and if she asks for any of you, I’ll call,” Cory says as he steps in front of her door to guard anyone from entry. “You guys go get ready.”
Ian’s band leaves forty-five minutes before Broken Access, and we’re scheduled to leave an hour after them. I pace the hall waiting on my sister’s torturers to finish hair and makeup. I’m waiting to make sure she’s okay. I won’t be far from her tonight that’s for damn sure.
Once her door opens, I smile because her war face is on. She’ll do what she has to do and get through the night because she’s a rock-and-roll warrior. Henley is wearing sky high black heels, and a strapless dress that ties behind her head. It’s got some kinda black subtle snake print on it. I offer my arm to her and smile. She slides her arm through mine, and I keep her right where I’d like her stay for the rest of the evening. I swear to god if Jagger or Ian touch her inappropriately I’m going to come undone. If we all behave like adults, we’ll all get through this just fine.
Guitar Face Series Box Set: Books 1-4 Page 75