Soul-O (Music & Lyrics Book 2)

by Debbie Dickerson

  I snicker and say, “Really, a hero for being raped?”

  “No jackass, a hero for helping other people move forward without shame.” I look at her and squeeze her face.

  “That’s why I love you so much, you’ve always made me a better man. Let’s see what I can do.” Lyrics leans over and kisses my cheek.

  “I’m sure this is going to be insane for a while with the tabloids, but it’ll blow over soon. I’m sure some dumbass celebrity will do something that makes everybody forget about this whole thing.”

  I laugh and say, “Yep, that’s true. We can handle this no problem.”

  As we pulled onto our street, neither of us knew what to expect. To our pleasant surprise, the street is quiet and reporter-less. A sigh of relief escapes both of us. We grab the bags of groceries and lug them into the kitchen. This is the first real shopping we’ve done since moving in. Actually, it’s the first real shopping we’ve ever done. Normally, we pick up a couple things to munch on in between writing or after gigs.

  I can’t suppress my smile and Lyrics asks, “What’s so funny, funny man?”

  “Nothing, it’s just, this is the first time we’ve actually shopped like adults that are actually adulting.”

  She paused and then smiled. “Wow, I feel so old now.”

  “Come on, Granny, let’s get this put away before it spoils.” She grabs my hands and puts them on her butt.

  “Does that feel like a Granny?”

  I squeeze and say, “I’m not sure yet, let me keep checking.” I grab her and sit her on the kitchen counter and slide between her dangling legs, hands still on her perfect ass. “You know, there are some pretty hot Granny’s out there.”

  She laughs and says, “That’s true, look at Mom, she’s hot.”

  I back up and say, “Gross, not her.” Lyrics pulls me back in and my mouth falls right to her soft neck. I say, “One week from today, you will be Mrs. Staff.”

  She takes a deep breath in and says, “I can’t believe it’s actually happening.”

  “What?”

  “My dreams, they’re all coming true.” I pull her face into mine and kiss her soft, wet lips.

  Right when our kiss is getting deeper and leading us further, we hear, “Ah yuck, I ate on that counter yesterday.”

  Lyrics pulls away and sarcastically says, “Sorry, Dad.”

  Anthony says, “It’s okay this time, but eh, don’t let it happen again.” We all laugh. Nobody mentions Jennifer at all, and it’s nice.

  Lyrics says, “We filled the fridge with real people food; we even bought some pasta.”

  Anthony says, “How about I make youse dinner tonight?”

  I say, “Perfect.”

  Lyrics cuts me off and says, “Not tonight. I told Lorenzo that Tan and I were taking y’all out for some country dancing. In fact, we need to get you both fitted for boots and hats.”

  Anthony looks like he just saw a ghost. He says, “Did that moron agree to this?”

  She says, “Not just agreed, he’s excited for it.”

  Anthony shakes his head and says, “Yee haw.”

  I kiss Lyrics on top of her head and tell her to relax, I’m making breakfast.

  She smiles and says, “Perfect, that Jacuzzi is calling my name.”

  I raise my eyebrow and say, “On second thought, is anybody really that hungry?”

  As Anthony is walking away, he yells, “Yep, I am.”

  I slap Lyrics on her ass and say, “Go enjoy, I’ll just be in here slaving over the stove.”

  She smiles and says, “Sounds great.”

  I’m alone in the kitchen and it hits me like a ton of bricks. We made it through what easily could have ripped us apart. This woman, my best friend, my Lyrics is going to be my wife in one week. Every memory I have, she’s there. The thought of what’s to come is the most exciting feeling I’ve ever felt. We have money, a beautiful house to raise children in, a loving family, and each other. Life is better than I could have ever wished for.

  Chapter 28

  ‘A new beginning to every ending.’

  Lyrics –

  I wake up in a panic. It’s already Friday and tomorrow is the wedding. This whole time I’ve been casual about everything and now I’m having a flippin’ heart attack. I wake Tanner and say, “Babe, I’m freaking the hell out. Tomorrow is the wedding and I feel like I’ve forgotten something.”

  He smiles and says, “Both you and I will be there, and hopefully the Pastor. That’s really all we need for the wedding, right?” I grab the pillow and slam it into his face. He swiftly flips me over and says, “Say sorry. Does the bride to be need a spanking?” I slowly shake my head yes. He chuckles and says, “Was that a yes?” What better to take my mind off this ridiculous panic attack than hot, nasty sex with the sexiest man alive? I slowly but clearly shake my head yes again. Without looking, I know his smile is big enough to stretch across Texas. He lifts my shirt up and drags my undies down to the middle of my thighs. He grabs a handful of my hair and tugs my head back. His hand is circling my cheek and he lets out a moan. He smacks my ass and the sting makes me thrust. He pulls my hair a little harder and says, “Like that?”

  I moan, “mmhmm.” He smacks me again, a little harder and then again.

  “God, your red ass is so sexy.” Before I can say anything, he smacks it again. I need him in the worst way and now. This time he smacks my ass hard and drags his finger between my wet folds, teasing me. He grabs my hips and lifts me up so that my face is on the bed and my red ass is high up, impatiently awaiting his entrance. He pulls his boxers off and rubs my wetness on his thick head. He says, “You’re so sexy. Do you want me now?” I don’t say anything, but I press myself against him, silently begging for him to take me now. He says, “This may be the last time I fuck Dylan Brooks so I want it to be memorable.”

  I turn my head and say, “Well this is the last time I’ll be getting fucked as Dylan Brooks, so you better make it memorable.” He flashes me a smile that sends butterflies throughout my stomach. He reaches around my waist and flips me over so we are facing each other.

  “That’s better.” He dips down and puts one of my legs on each of his shoulders and lets out a growl when he presses against me. He says with a sexy tone, “Are you ready for me, Ms. Brooks?”

  “I am, Mr. Staff.”

  He grabs my hips and slowly enters me, forcing moans from both of us. As he leans down to my face, one of my legs falls off his shoulder and his lips crash onto mine. The way he grabs my lip with his teeth drives me crazy. I wrap my arms around his neck and hold him tightly against my body. The mere thought of becoming my lifelong love’s bride tomorrow makes this time different from all the rest. This man is going to be my husband!

  He puts his hand on my face and says, “I love you, my Lyrics.” My heart feels like it stops and I soak in his words. His rhythm picks up in pace and his beautiful body is one with mine. I can feel my body tighten up, getting ready to explode when his phone rings and scares the hell of out us. He ignores it and says, “I want you to cum for me baby, please.” He continues with a hard rhythm and leaves me no other option but to explode. He grabs my hips and in turn explodes inside me. Although we both want to lie here and hold each other, it is the day before the wedding, which means he has to go pick Chip up from the airport and I have to wait here for the family to arrive.

  Before Tanner gets out the door, he turns to me and says, “Oh yeah, I booked a suit at the Four Seasons for you and the ladies.” I’m shocked.

  “Why?”

  He smiles and says, “Babe, it’s bad luck for us to see each other the night before you become my wife. Plus, it’ll be nice for you and the ladies to be pampered, and y’all will be pampered.” I jump up and down like a total nerd and leap into his arms.

  “Thank you, babe! What are y’all gonna do?”

  “Maybe go shoot some pool, get some drinks. I don’t really care to do anything but Brent has assumed the duty as the best man to take us som
ewhere.”

  I smile and say, “Sounds like a blast, just go and have fun. You haven’t ever been to a bar with your big brother. It’ll be great.”

  He laughs and says, “I think he just wants to get out.”

  “Probably, but even still, it’ll be fun. What time do we need to be at the hotel? My dress is arriving around noonish today and everything else is being delivered tomorrow.”

  “When you get your dress and all the ladies are here, head over to the hotel. Chauncy is coming in tonight and agreed to babysit the kids.”

  My eyebrow raises and I ask, “Really? Chauncy doesn’t seem like a kid-watching person.” He laughs and says, “I know, it’s hysterical.” He pulls me in and gives me a kiss and then says, “I gotta jet, don’t want to leave Chip waiting too long.” I smack his ass and say, “Go get ‘em, tiger.”

  As I walk back toward my room, I see Anthony down the hall. I say, “Mornin cowboy!”

  He shakes his head and says, “Too early.”

  I laugh and say, “Y’all really picked up on line dancing. I mean, you can really boot scoot and boogie.” He laughs as he closes the bathroom door. Boredom is turning into panic and panic is not what I want right now. I pull out my list of wedding musts and go over it again. The dress is being delivered in a couple of hours, the chairs and tables are being delivered and set up tomorrow at around eleven, flowers at two-ish, and catering at fourish. I don’t know why so many women freak out over their weddings, this has been a piece of cake. I guess anything is a piece of cake compared to what we just went through. Oh, my flippin’ hell! I completely forgot about a photographer and DJ! Panic sets in and it has its nails clawed deep!

  I call Tanner and as soon as he picks up, I say, “I didn’t get a photographer or a DJ. The wedding is tomorrow. What in the hell are we gonna do?” He laughs, which irritates me. “Seriously, what in the hell are we gonna do?”

  I hear him say, “Chip, you didn’t happen to bring your camera with you, did you?”

  Chips words fall like satin on my ears, “Of course, I did and I’d be honored to step in the role of your wedding photographer.” I jump up and down and tell Tan to put Chip on the phone.

  Tanner says, “He can hear you from here.”

  I say loudly, “I love you Chip! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

  Chip yells back, “You’re welcome my dear. It’s my pleasure. Let’s just hope the natural lighting cooperates tomorrow. It’s not a hard task to make you two look good.”

  “Okay, now we just need a DJ.”

  Tanner says, “Babe, call up Bobby at Cowboy’s and ask him for the number to their DJ. He’ll give it to you, no problem.”

  “Great idea. See, you aren’t just a pretty face.” I hear Chip laugh in the background.

  I look at the time and think it’s too early for Bobby to be in yet, but I give it a try anyway. He answers after about ten rings. “Cowboy’s, this is Bobby.”

  Frantically, I say, “Bobby, this is Dylan, with ugh Tanner and Dylan.”

  “What’s up girl? Little early, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is. Listen, I’m the worst wedding planner ever and forgot to book a DJ for our wedding tomorrow.”

  He interrupts me and says, “Y’all are getting married tomorrow? Well, it’s about damn time! Congratulations but what do you want from me?”

  I begin to pace and say, “Is there any chance you’d give me the number to your DJ or one that you know?”

  He quickly says, “Tomorrow is DJ night here so you can’t have mine, but call Stoney at 512-555-1212. I spoke with him yesterday and I’m pretty sure he’s available.”

  “Oh yeah, we really like Stoney. We owe you big time!”

  He quickly says, “Girl, y’all have been great to me. You owe me nothing. Although, I’m a little hurt I didn’t get an invitation.”

  I feel like a giant ass. “We’d love for you to come. This whole wedding was sort of thrown together quickly and I dropped the ball, sorry. Seriously, we’d both love it if you could come.”

  “Girl, I’ve got this bar to run, you know I can’t make it.”

  I laugh and say, “You’re a funny guy, Bobby. Thanks a bunch for Stoney’s number.”

  “I’m truly happy for y’all, you are one of the few that’ll make that crazy marriage thing work.”

  Thank you, that means a bunch to us.”

  I call Stoney and it’s clear that I’ve woken him up. He’s barely understandable but I don’t have any time to waste so I say, “Sorry for my early call, but Bobby told me to call you about being our DJ tomorrow for our wedding.”

  He slurs, “Who is this?”

  “It’s Dylan Brooks, of Tanner and Dylan.”

  “Well hello pretty lady. Now, what do you want?”

  I smile and say, “I completely forgot to book a DJ for our wedding tomorrow and Bobby thought you may be available.”

  “Bummer, you’re getting married, guess I shouldn’t ask you out then. Okay, so you need me to DJ tomorrow at what time?”

  After doing my happy dance, I say, “The wedding part is at five so any time before that, and if you can stay until midnight, that’d be awesome.”

  He pauses and says, “Got it. I’ll be there at four to set up. Did you want to know my fee?”

  , “Just bring the invoice and we’ll pay you tomorrow.”

  “Good deal, see you tomorrow.”

  Before he hangs up, I say, “Stoney, you are gonna remember this right?”

  He laughs and says, “Probably not, but the note I made will remind me. See you tomorrow.”

  “You’re a lifesaver, thank you so much.”

  “You’re welcome, doll.”

  I can’t believe in a matter of a few minutes we got a photographer and a DJ. Guess it pays to be nice to people.

  I call Mom and she says, “Hello, my beautiful daughter. We’re pulling into your driveway as we speak.” I run outside and this crazy rush of happiness engulfs me. Now it’s real! Mom, Dads, and Sophia all get out of the car and I feel like a giddy little girl. Mom grabs me in for a hug and says, “I can’t believe this is actually happening.”

  Sophia asks, “Did the dress come yet?”

  “Should be here in about an hour.”

  “Well my dear, are you ready to party tonight?” I give Sophia crazy eyes,

  Mom raises her hand and says, “I am! The Four Seasons is all ours tonight, ladies.” Both Dads look completely clueless, which makes us laugh.

  I say, “Don’t worry, y’all have a fun night planned too.”

  My dad says, “I’m good with watching some football and having a couple beers.”

  “Not tonight Daddy. Y’all are hitting the town.”

  He sarcastically says, “Oh goody.”

  We grab the bags and head inside. Both Anthony and Lorenzo come out and greet the family with a hug as if they are part of the family too. I notice Mom extends the hug to each of them a little longer than normal, and I know exactly why.

  I show each of them to their rooms and Bo says, “Tell me kiddo, is the hot tub still hot?”

  “It sure is. Wanna get in?”

  “I’m already ahead of you, kiddo.” He comes out of his room after about one minute, swimming trunks on and towel around his arm. “Oh yeah, this is the life!” Within a minute, all of them, including Anthony and Lorenzo follow Bo to the hot tub. I feel like yelling out, what is this, a scene from Cocoon? I’m smart enough to keep it to myself though, I know this crazy bunch and they’d tackle me, including sweet Sophia.

  I hear the gate open, so I hop outside and greet Tanner and Chip.

  Chip says, “There’s the blushing bride to be. Come here, you beautiful lady.” I run up and give him a giant hug. He holds my face and kisses my cheek. He says, “I couldn’t be more proud of you. Like I told you in Germany, you’re an Angel.”

  I smile and say, “It’s so good to have you here. We’ve discussed adopting your cousin and Lorenzo.

  Chip laughs and
says, “I doubt they’re in any rush to leave.”

  Tanner asks, “Where the parents at?”

  “They’re all in the hot tub.”

  He raises his eyebrow and says, “Must look like Cocoon out there.”

  I bust up and say, “That’s exactly what I said in my head!”

  We show Chip to his room and he is in awe of this house that used to belong to Don Henley. When we get to the recording studio, Tan looks at me and says, “This is where we’ll be doing all kinds of recording, right babe?”

  I say, “Absolutely, can’t wait.” He leans over and steals a kiss. Before we even make it to his room, the front gate starts buzzing. I run downstairs and press the button.

  Brent says, “We’re here to see the President.”

  “Come on in.” I run outside and the kids wrap me up in hugs.

  Brooke says, “Auntie Dylan, my name is the same as your last name. Did you know that?”

  I smile and say, “I sure did, sweetie.”

  Tucker chimes in with, “Mommy told us tomorrow you’ll be a Staff like us.”

  A huge smile takes over my face and I say, “I sure will.” Wow, I’m going to be a Staff. I’m not gonna be a Brooks anymore, which makes me a little sad. Brent must have noticed my concern.

  He comes up to me and says, “Don’t worry kid, you’ll always be a Brooks too. Sure am happy it’s you that’s going to be my sister-in-law though. Some of the stories I’ve heard had me a little worried on his taste.”

  I agree with him and say, “Thanks, Brent, I’m beyond happy to officially be part of your family.”

  “You’ve always been part of the family.”

  Cassie asks, “So where’s Mom and them?”

  I snicker and say, “They’re all in the hot tub. Y’all should join them.”

  Cassie looks at me and says, “That’s a hard no.”

  I snicker and say, “Yeah, that’s what I thought as well. Let’s go in, I’ll show you around.”

  Brent says, “This place is amazing, I love the musical foliage.”

  “It’s completely amazing and wait until you see the backyard! Oh, the barbecues we’ll have.” I tell the kids to get their suits on and jump in the hot tub with the grandparents and they run into the house.