Brandon flew through the bus, hearing the thud. “Oh God. You OK, Tink?” He lifted her up and cradled her in his arms.
“Don’t worry I broke her fall.” Scott groaned as he felt a bruise on his elbow. “She thinks she’s well enough to do everything.”
“They got the road blocked!” Mike shouted. “Where the fuck do I go now?”
Exhaling loudly, Brandon handed Scott, Mackenzie’s frail body. “I’ll be right back.”
“But I have to pee,” Mackenzie protested, reaching out for Brandon.
Scott pulled her head to his shoulder when the bus slowed to a stop. “I won’t look. It’s only a few more days. The doc said you should be starting to get your strength back soon.”
Brandon checked his phone while he looked out the front window. They were re-paving the street. “Um, take a right. There’s another gas station just to the north.”
While Jesse filled the tank, most of the band and crew walked around to stretch their legs. They were in what Vermont called a city. To them, it was more like a small town.
Mackenzie walked to the convenience store with one arm around Brandon and the other around Scott. It was the furthest she had walked since she left the hospital. When they had reached the halfway point, she slowed and had to rest.
“I can carry you,” Brandon offered, worrying she was pushing it.
She shook her head while trying to catch her breath. “I need to move.” Being in bed for days was boring. She gripped Brandon’s shirt tighter. “It’s just not easy.” She smiled when he pulled her into an embrace.
Brandon closed his eyes, willing himself to resist lifting her. He watched her struggle, feeling helpless. The past few days had been excruciating. He swore he was going to lose her several times. The urge to make her his wife grew each time she showed signs of coming back to him.
The day after the accident was the worst. He woke up and found her unresponsive and burning up. Scott had fallen asleep with them again and Austin who was sitting in a chair across the room thought she had been sleeping. They rushed her to the hospital, just in time.
“I think I can make it now.” She pulled away from Brandon and chanced standing on her own. A smile formed, she felt steady. She looked up at Brandon. “I’m doing it.” It had been days since she was able to do that.
Scott saw her falter first and grabbed her arm. “That’s enough play time. Brandon, we should get her back in bed.”
“She needs this,” Brandon admitted as he put his arm around her back. He knew she wouldn’t get better cooped up for a week. He just hoped she was well enough to fly Tuesday. “This way she can pick out her own drinks.”
Mackenzie took a step, the guys right along with her. “Yeah, water and that fruit punch stuff is boring.” She grinned. “I want chocolate milk.”
Brandon nuzzled her head gently. “There’s my girl.” He had to support her a bit more, the closer they got to the door. When they entered the store, she pulled on his shirt. He moved fast, lifting her, just before she slipped. “OK, now I’m carrying you.”
With a frown, she put an arm around his neck while he held her in both arms. Then he spun her around. She squealed like a child, but laid her head on his shoulder, to quell the dizziness.
“Sorry.” Brandon kissed her cheek. “Let’s go get your chocolate milk.” He bought her a large container, glad she would be getting some sort of protein in her finally. “You think you could eat something, Kenzie?”
She shrugged. “I’m not hungry.” The doctor had explained her appetite would be diminished somewhat. “You should get something though.” She worried he was not taking care of himself. He worried so much about her.
“I’m fine.” He nuzzled her neck. “You need to get better.”
Scott took the milk jug from Brandon’s hand. “I got it. Why don’t you take her back on the bus?”
“Thanks.”
Brandon’s arm was slightly tired, so he was grateful. She was right. He was not sleeping much or eating, because he blamed himself for being asleep when she became so desperately ill. When he crashed from being up too many hours, Scott or Jesse checked on her every hour, as promised. Each time she had woken and assured them she was fine.
Jesse sat on the bus steps, strong coffee in hand. “Do you need help with her?” He stood and backed up the steps to get out of Brandon’s way.
“Can you get her medicine?” Brandon grunted as he climbed the steps. He had very little strength. He had been up for nearly 30 hours. He settled on the couch with her and held her close. “Tink, you need anything?”
She leaned on his shoulder. “I’m fine.”
Scott boarded the bus and held up the milk jug. “Do you want some now?” A nod from Mackenzie made him smile. He found a clean plastic cup and filled it halfway. “Drink slow,” he warned her as he handed it to her. “You don’t want to upset your stomach.”
Jesse watched her face as she drank. On more than one occasion, fluids had come right back up on her. As her part-time caretaker, he had gotten close to her. “How’s your stomach?”
“OK.” She was getting tired again. When Jesse handed her two pills, she took them without question. She faintly remembered him giving her pills before.
By the time Brandon got Mackenzie back in Scott’s bunk, she was almost asleep. The medication usually knocked her out soon after taking it, if she was the least bit tired. He hoped she could stay awake long enough for the plan he had the next night.
“Hey.” Chico stood next to Brandon as he watched her sleep. He continued in a hushed tone. “Ashley said we can park in her driveway, and she’ll have breakfast ready at eight.”
Brandon’s eyes opened wide. “As in eight in the morning?” He only got up that early if he had a plane to catch, or Mackenzie was in his bed, but he had always been able to go back to sleep.
“Yeah, we got a lot to get done tomorrow.” Chico’s eyes were pleading. “I need to get laid, man. I can’t wait till noon.” He was glad Ashley lived outside the city and had a large piece of property she inherited from her grandma. She had plenty of room for the bus and the truck. “You guys keep her kid occupied while we get it on upstairs.” She also had a ten-year-old son, Julian, who adored Chico. If he had to choose only one woman to be with, it would be Ashley.
The Labor Day weekend festival was a two-day event. Gasoline was headlining. There would be at least 10 bands performing and several opening acts on both days. Brandon had already arranged for a hotel for the next night, so Mackenzie could sleep better.
Also… so he could finally get some pussy. He had been masturbating every night before bed because he knew she was too weak for him to even think of fucking her. The night before, he had hoped she was ready. When whispered in her ear that he wanted her, she responded with a groan. That turned him on even more, and he felt guilty. Even with her sick, he had a hell of a time keeping his hands to himself.
“Dude, you OK?” Chico saw Brandon’s eyes were unfocused. “She’s gonna be fine. Don’t worry so much.”
Brandon shook his head and looked down as his straining cock. It felt like it was going to explode. “Yeah, I guess.” He groaned and rubbed it through his jeans.
Chico laughed. “Oh, you ain’t getting any either. No wonder you been so cranky. Can’t you just fuck her in her sleep? I doubt she’ll wake up.”
“It’s not right.” Brandon caressed her slightly flushed cheek. The walk had completely exhausted her. What if she can’t sit on stage long enough for the entire show?
Scott exited the back lounge and watched Brandon. He still had an attraction towards him, although Brandon had no clue. When Chico walked away, he put a hand on Brandon’s shoulder. “You OK, man? Anything I can do?”
Brandon met his questioning eyes. “Tell me she’s gonna get better, please.”
“She will.” Scott gave him his best smile. “Yesterday, she couldn’t even stand. Today, she can. That’s a step forward. Relax and eat something.”
With
a sigh, Brandon checked on Mackenzie again. “She can’t eat.”
“But you can, and she needs you strong, dude. I’ll make you something.”
That made Brandon laugh, although quietly. “Hell no, you’re the worst cook.”
“No, I’m not. I make good scrambled eggs. How about that? I can make toast, too.”
Brandon nodded. He was trying to be helpful. “Thanks.”
“Hey,” Scott said just before walking away. “Did you find a hotel room by her place yet?”
“No.”
“What are you gonna do?”
Brandon shrugged. “Not sure yet. I can’t even think straight with her so sick. Worst comes to worst, I’ll ask her boss for an idea.” He let out a long breath. “At least I finally found a car for the week. I called like 25 places. Almost all the cars down there were flooded.”
When they entered the front room, Jake handed Brandon one of his guitars. “You write your best music when you’re dealing with something. Get it out, dude.”
Knowing Jake was right; Brandon took his acoustic and sat on the couch. He played a few notes and closed his eyes. Painful words swirled in his head and sad melodies flowed with them. Before he knew it, he was softly singing and playing. The phases didn’t all rhyme, but the idea was to just get the premise down.
“This is good.” Jake had written down the lyrics as he heard them.
Austin was across from them, trying to copy down the notes Brandon played. It was something they did for each other sometimes. “I like this so far.”
Scott was busy cooking. As soon as he was done, he tossed it on a plate and set it next to Brandon. “That’s two songs for you so far.” He smiled when Brandon looked up. “I have like two or three written, too. We might just be ready come November. Let me get my guitar, so I can write a piece for it.” Austin followed him, and they both grabbed guitars.
Brandon sighed. He wished they hadn’t promised another album so soon, but they were pressured to get it done before the next tour. It was why they were looking for a new record label when their contract was up. He relaxed and played his new song again. Scott and Austin added to it when he played it again. It was helping. Brandon let the fear go and went with the moment.
“Can I fix up the lyrics?” Jake cautiously asked.
Brandon nodded. He was glad Jake pushed him to write. It felt good getting the pain out. His stomach rumbled, reminding him he hadn’t eaten that day.
“If you don’t eat it, I’m gonna nag you,” Scott promised.
With a sigh, Brandon took a bite of buttered toast. “It’s not burnt.” He laughed softly, not wanting to wake Mackenzie. “Thanks, Scott.” He ate slowly, but didn’t stop until his plate was clean. “Maybe I can write another one.”
“What you need is a nap.” Scott glared at him. “She don’t need you like this. You need to cut the shit and take care of yourself. This is not your fault. She’s gonna be OK. Go take a shower and lay down with your girlfriend. I’m sure she would love to wake up in your arms.”
Brandon took a deep breath. He was tired of them ganging up on him, but Scott made sense. “OK, fine.” He stood and headed to the back. After checking in on her, he grabbed a pair of boxers and got into the shower.
Chapter Twenty Five
Mackenzie opened her eyes and winced. She had been dreaming about needing the bathroom. That was because her bladder was at capacity. Carefully, she climbed over a passed out Brandon. He didn’t even move when she grabbed his arm to steady herself once on the floor. She was glad the bus had already parked. She wasn’t sure where, but it not moving made it easier for her.
She took a tentative step. No one was awake to help her. Holding onto the edge of the bunks, she slowly made it to the bathroom. When she came out, she felt silly that walking excited her, but it was the first time in days she had the strength to do it alone.
Scott had his arm hanging out of his bunk. When she grabbed his arm instead of the bunk, he jumped. He felt it was a tiny hand, so knew it wasn’t Austin. He shoved the curtain back when she let go, expecting her to be sprawled on the floor.
“You OK?” He was shocked when he saw her take another step. “Wow, that’s great.” He slowly set his feet on the floor and walked behind her. “Where you going?”
“I’m hungry and wide awake.”
Smiling, Scott followed her to the kitchenette. Both the couch and the booth had sleeping bodies on them. “Guess eating in here is out.” Then he stopped. “Wait, Ashley’s making a huge breakfast this morning.” He looked at his watch. It was only six. “Don’t eat too much.”
Mackenzie opened the small refrigerator. The only thing edible was leftover arroz con pollothat Chico had made two days before. The sink was full of dishes, and the counter littered with empty fast food bags and containers. She didn’t have the strength to wash them at the moment.
“Why can’t you guys clean up as you go along like I do?” She sighed as she searched for a clean plate.
Scott shrugged, “Because we’re guys.” He reached up to the top shelf and handed her the lone clean dish.
That statement actually said a lot. Living with 15 slobs was getting on her nerves some, but she was too hungry to dwell on it. She tossed some of her finding into the bowl and grabbed a plastic fork. For a few seconds, she debated warming it up, but decided it would take too much work.
“How about we go sit on the porch?” Scott had been to Ashley’s place several times. The confused look on her face made him explain. “Chico’s girl; well, his Boston girl. We should be at her place.”
She looked up at him. “I should get dressed.” She finished the rest of the rice and put the bowl in the sink.
“Nah, your PJs are cute.” He smiled as he scanned her body. She had Brandon’s red pajama bottoms on with a white deep v-neck tank top and no bra. Her slightly hardened nipples had him breathing quickly. He just hoped his dick behaved. She was not well enough for him to even think of sex with her. “I need to put something on though.”
She blushed as she glanced down. He was only in a pair of bikini underwear, which barely contained his flaccid penis. She had the strong urge to rub it until it hardened. Stepping closer, she almost did, but then pulled her hand back. Her eyes drifted up to his strong chest. Being alone with him was complicated. She had to resist though. Brandon would freak out if he found them fucking again.
Swearing he imagined the desire in her eyes, Scott turned and sulked to the closet. He wished he could meet a girl worth keeping. Most girls he met were groupies and not very smart. He wanted a woman who didn’t care who he was, or let him get his way all the time. They were hard to come by. Then he wondered what would happen to him and Austin if he met the right woman. Or was he actually the right one for him?
Mackenzie leaned on the counter, watching him climb into a pair of jeans. When he got them up his legs, she smirked as his half-hard cock poked out of his underwear. He stuffed it back in quickly, obviously trying to hide he was horny.
When he was dressed, he stood in front of her. “You gotta hold onto me outside, got it?” He waited for a response, but only got a scowl. “If you fall, Brandon will kick my fucking ass. Then he’ll never let you go anywhere. Believe me, its better this way.” Then he reached up to the small cabinet over the microwave. “You gotta take your pills before we go anywhere.” He handed her three pills and a sports drink.
Soon, Scott walked backwards down the bus steps, while Mackenzie held onto the rail and his hand, following him. She was nervous, but wanted to get back to normal. When she touched the grass, she stumbled, falling into his arms.
“You OK?” Scott fought the urge to press his body into hers more. “Are you hurt?”
She looked up at him, trying to ignore his erection. “Uh, I’m… fine.” She pulled away; embarrassed that he was stirring feelings within. If only he wasn’t so damn sexy!
“You sure?”
She grabbed the back of his shirt. “Yeah.” Closing her eyes, she wishe
d Brandon were holding her. “You think Brandon will be afraid he’ll hurt me?”
“Hurt you how?” Scott looked down at the top of her head.
Mackenzie shrugged. “If we have sex. He hasn’t said anything.”
He sighed. “Maybe… uh… he wanted to fuck you the other night, but he felt bad. We talked about it.” He paused, waiting for a response, but she just looked down. “Relax, he found a way.”
He groaned, remembering accidentally catching Brandon jacking off in the back lounge. He stared and wished he was helping him, or sucking him off again. When Brandon came, whispering Mackenzie’s name, Scott grabbed Austin and pulled him into the bathroom. Austin gave him what he wanted, but he imagined it was Brandon the entire time.
Mackenzie felt like she had neglected Brandon’s needs. She had always been available to him for sex, but never been so ill before. Then the phrase, “he found a way,” registered. “Did he…” She took a deep breath, trying to will the possessive feeling away. “He…”
“He knew you were sick.” Scott wished he hadn’t said anything. “He just needed to get off, and hoped… nevermind. Don’t feel bad.”
She shivered, wondering if he had sex right there on the bus while she slept. How awful would it be to have walked in on it? After he made her promise things would change, he just fucked some random bitch? Upset, she pulled away and started to walk towards the house, with tentative steps.
With a shrug and a sigh, Scott followed. He never understood women. What did I say that pissed her off? He looked up and rushed forward. She had put her arms out, obviously, to steady herself. He careened into her and grabbed her so she didn’t fall on her face.
“Sorry. I was distracted.” He hugged her tightly. “You OK?”
She held back the tears, but shook her head.
“I need to learn to keep my mouth shut, damn it!” He huffed, angry with himself again. “Look, if you weren’t sick he would’ve just woken you up. Men are just stupid, OK?”
Wicked End Page 25