“It’s worse than we thought.” Jake shook his phone in the air.
“What’re you doing up?” Brandon had no clue what he meant.
Jake grinned. “Best morning blowjob ever.” Then his expression turned serious. “Not why I woke you up. It’s everywhere.”
“What is?” Brandon yawned and stretched. He waited while Jake did something on his phone. Then he craned his neck to look at the screen. “Oh shit.” He stared at the picture of the brawl in the club. It took him a minute to notice the accompanying article about them causing the fight. “That’s real bad.”
Sighing, Jake pulled up another website. “It’s in every newspaper, every entertainment site. TMZ’s got videos. This is nothing compared to them kissing. I hope we don’t all get tossed in jail over this.”
“What’s wrong?” Mackenzie asked groggily. She heard the hushed voices. Then she saw Jake in what looked like Austin’s shorts. They barely fit him.
Brandon looked back at her. “It’s about last night.” Then the doorbell rang. “Who the hell could that be?” He grabbed a pair of pajama pants and threw them on. He and Jake walked down the hall together.
“Wait,” Jake said when Brandon went to open the door. He looked out the side window. “Holy fuck. It’s like a zoo out there. Don’t open the door. It’s a reporter or something.”
The bell rang again. “Who’s at the fucking door?” Austin called as he opened his bedroom door.
“You don’t wanna know,” Jake replied.
Austin stalked down the hallway and looked out the window. “Damn it. How does everyone know where we live?”
“Bet all our places are staked out.” Jake sighed. “Guess we just gotta get through it till it blows over.”
“Till what blows over?” Mackenzie slowly wandered into the kitchen to make coffee, in a long T-shirt. She looked at the men at the front door. “Uh, hello?”
Brandon huffed, then started towards her. “Looks like all the paparazzi in California are camped outside. Scott’s gonna freak out again.”
“Probably.” She sighed. The insanity was getting old. She wanted to go home to the peace and quiet of her life. “Hey, you think our house is surrounded, too?”
He shrugged. “Don’t know. I could text Jesse.” He kissed her lips. “Can you make me coffee, too?”
“Yeah. I think we all need it this morning.” She took out the coffee beans.
Brandon went back to the bedroom. After searching the entire room, he remembered that his phone was still in his jeans. “Hope it didn’t rain.” He hurried through the house, passed the kitchen to the patio.
“What’s wrong?” Mackenzie heard him almost run by. The coffee was already started, so she followed him. “Oh.”
He pulled his phone out and swiped the screen. There were several missed calls and texts waiting. “Damn.” He read the texts from Jesse first.
Wow. You guys had a rough night.
There’s cameras set up on the lawn.
Dude, I barely got outta the house before they rushed me. What do I say?
Brandon groaned and looked up at Mackenzie. “They found our place. Well, the house we’re renting.” Then he muttered, “Hope they don’t know about the new one.” He opened the text from Chico.
Hope this is the worst it gets. Got people everywhere over here.
“They’re at Chico’s, too,” Brandon told her. He rolled his eyes, then listened to his voicemails. One from Jesse, one from Chico, another from Tommy. The last one was good news. The builders were done early. He had paid extra to speed up the process, but he didn’t expect it completed quite so fast. “Tink. Tink. Come ’ere.” He opened his email.
She had grabbed a cup of coffee and walked outside with it. “Please tell me it’s good news.”
“It is.” He opened the attachments in an email from the builders. “Look.”
Her mouth opened as pictures of their house went by in a slideshow. “Oh my God. It’s beautiful.”
“We have to order furniture.” Brandon put an arm around her shoulders. “Do you want me to hire a decorator or not?”
She shook her head. “I can do it. And this way I feel like it’s my house, too.”
“Cool. Do you think you’ll have time to look at stuff today? Or do you have a lot of work to do?” His phone went off again. “Damn, it’s Carl.” He scowled and answered it. “Hello?”
Carl growled, “Just had to make things worse. Huh?”
“Well, good morning to you, too.” Brandon was more than annoyed. “Is my phone number the only one in your contacts list?”
“I called all the others,” Carl replied, sounding annoyed. “No one picked up.”
Mackenzie felt like she was intruding. “I’m gonna go start breakfast.”
“Can you get me coffee first, please?”
She handed him hers. “I’ll make me another one.”
“Thanks.” Brandon took a sip, then turned his attention back to the phone. “There’s a good reason everyone’s ignoring you.”
When Mackenzie walked into the kitchen, she found Bridgette opening cabinets. “Looking for something?”
“A mug,” Bridgette replied. She felt relieved when Mackenzie pointed out the right door. “I had just gotten back to sleep when Jake flipped out.”
Mackenzie sighed. “Yeah. He’s kinda intense. This mess is pissing him off. Brandon told me he’s always supported Scott and Austin.”
“He told me.” Bridgette poured herself coffee. “I’m glad he’s so open. Our brother is gay. Margarette was afraid to tell Chico.”
The conversation had turned uncomfortable for Mackenzie. She nodded but didn’t say anything. How could she explain that she didn’t understand the dynamics of Chico’s relationships? Instead of saying something, she took out eggs, milk, cheese, bacon, sausage and English muffins.
“I know Chico’s not in love with my sister,” Bridgette stated as she watched Mackenzie work. “It’s OK. I don’t get it, either. But she’s happy. I’m not expecting much from Jake myself. This is just fun for us.”
Mackenzie sighed with relief. “Glad you understand him. I was a bit worried for you.” She paused to drink some of her coffee. “I’ve seen how he is with groupies.”
“I’ve read about him,” Bridgette explained. “If this ends tomorrow, at least I had a good time.” She blushed slightly. “He bought me a bracelet. I was almost afraid to take it.”
“What’re you girls talking about?” Jake strolled in and wrapped his arms around Bridgette. He saw the girls glance at each other. “Oh, me, huh?” He exhaled loudly. “Tell me you didn’t ruin this for me, Kenzie.”
Mackenzie stared at him, mouth agape. “Why the hell would I do that? I want you to be happy.” She shook her head and checked the bacon cooking on the stove.
Grasping his forearms, Bridgette added, “She didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know. We were talking about Chico, too. Chill out.”
“Sorry.” Jake was nervous he would blow the best thing he had ever had in his life. If someone else did that for him, he’d be furious. “You met Ashley last night. Is that what started this conversation?”
Bridgette leaned back on him. “That and what happened last night. Chico’s really into Ashley. Tell him Margarette can take it if he wants to break up with her.”
“Hey, girls.” Scott walked into the room with a look of dread on his face. He couldn’t help it. “Is there more coffee?”
Mackenzie poured him a cup. “Take this and sit. You look like you’re about to pass out.”
Scott smiled at her and did as she suggested. Then he met her eyes. “This is gonna end, right?” He hated that it was getting worse every day.
“It will.” Mackenzie cupped his rough cheek in a hand. “Together you guys can face anything.” She kissed his nose, then went back to the stove.
Brandon stomped into the room, face red with anger. “Fucking Carl thinks the record label’s about to drop us. Who the fuck needs ’em any
way? Grubby damn assholes.”
“You’re kidding?” Austin asked as he entered the room.
Trying not to project his anger, Brandon replied, “No, I’m not. Carl’s a douche. When we go over to Demonfire, we need to leave his ass behind.”
“Agreed.” Jake nodded.
Bridgette looked at all the angry faces. “Maybe you guys should hit something. Do you have a gym in this mansion?”
“Yeah.” Austin chuckled. “But I don’t consider this a mansion. It’s half the size of most rock star’s houses.” He waved a hand at the others.
When they were gone, Bridgette moved to the stove. “What can I do?”
Between the two of them, they created a nice-sized feast. Minutes after everything was laid out on the breakfast nook, hungry men came in, following the smell of food.
“Damn, woman. You spoil us.” Jake was practically drooling, remembering her cooking on the tour.
Brandon grinned at her. “I never go hungry with you around.” He kissed her lips. “Have I told you I love you this morning?”
“No, but go ahead.” She grabbed the front of his pants and pulled him to her.
He leaned down and whispered, “I love you, and I can’t wait to marry you.” He sighed. “When you’re ready.”
After devouring every morsel set out, everyone showered and dressed. They had not been told the day’s recording was cancelled, so they figured it was business as usual. They were too many for one vehicle, so they took the truck and Austin’s Challenger. Brandon got behind the wheel of the truck, not wanting to be subjected to Scott’s driving.
When they entered the studio, nothing seemed amiss. The crew had set up. Drinks were laid out. It was the same as the day before. They all looked at each other, expecting the other shoe to drop.
“Well, if you guys are good here, I’m gonna get to work.” Mackenzie grabbed her laptop bag and headed to the office next door. She planned to order furniture before starting her phone calls and emails.
Brandon checked his phone to be sure he didn’t miss a message from Carl. He expected him to be there. “Anybody else find it weird that no one’s here to yell at us?”
“Yeah.” Austin checked his phone as well. “Maybe they heard we have options if they drop us.”
“Maybe.” Brandon still felt uneasy. “We should get started.”
Jake looked around. “Where’s Chico?” A drum progression answered that. “Gang’s all here. Time to work.”
The next few hours were productive for both the band and Mackenzie. She was finishing an email when she heard shouting. After hitting send, she rushed next door. What she found was not what she expected.
“You wanna drop us, fine!” Jake yelled at Kingsley and Carl. “But we been paying the camera crew outta our own pocket. That video’s ours!” Brandon and Chico grabbed Jake’s arms, knowing he was starting to get out of control. “I’m calm. I’m calm,” Jake assured them. “They’re not worth getting arrested over.”
Brandon glared at Carl. “Just so you know, you’re fired.” He turned to Reggie Kingsley, who wore a scowl. “You guys’ll be sorry you let us go, but we won’t be sorry at all. Jon Harris already offered us a deal.” He smirked. “You guys can fuck off and die.”
Bridgette was on the couch in shock. The fury in Jake’s eyes was frightening. She could see why Mackenzie was worried. Jake had a switch, and it had just been set off.
Skirting around the group still arguing, Mackenzie made her way to Bridgette. “What the hell did I miss?”
“Those guys stormed in here and told them the band was let go,” Bridgette explained. “Sounds like they need to scrap this entire record and start over again. That pompous ass over there.” She pointed to the record label executive. “He said they owned all their songs, and they would have to start over again.”
Mackenzie growled, “That’s bullshit. No way would they sign a contract like that.”
“They all looked scared to me, so I think it’s true.” Bridgette hoped it wasn’t.
Glancing at Brandon, Mackenzie said, “We’ll get a lawyer to scour it. Maybe there’s a loophole.”
Minutes later, the band and their crewmembers who were there, loaded all of the band’s equipment at the studio into Austin’s pickup. It was a tight fit, but they made it work. Then they made a trip to the storage room. No one knew what the next step was. So putting things where it belonged was best.
Chico left them to pick up Ashley and Julian. Then the rest of them headed to Scott and Austin’s. They had the biggest place of all of them, so it made sense. The media surrounding the house had not waned, but ignoring them was becoming commonplace.
“First things first,” Brandon said as they entered the foyer from the garage. “I’m calling Jon to let him know what went down.”
Mackenzie put a hand on his arm. “You also need to show a lawyer your contract to see if they really have rights to all your songs.”
“OK. I’ll do that next.” Brandon pulled his phone out.
Jake stood in front of him. “I can find a lawyer.”
“One thing at a time.” Brandon pulled up Jon’s phone number and hit dial. “Hey, Jon. Sorry to bother you while you’re working.” His voice trailed off as he stepped outside.
Scott went straight to the kitchen and grabbed a beer. “Anyone else need one?” Everyone raised a hand. He passed out four more. Brandon came back in. “Want one?”
“Yeah.” Brandon smiled when Scott handed him a brew. “Thanks. Jon’s gonna call back. He wants me to fax him the contract. Do one of you two have it handy?”
Austin nodded. “I scanned it too, so I can email it to him. I’ll do it now.” He left the room.
“Should I cook or order pizza?” Mackenzie knew they were hungry, although food was the last thing on her mind. She was worried about the guys’ emotional states. When she had not gotten an answer, she moved to Bridgette. “What do you think? Pizza, or should I cook?”
Bridgette shook her head. “I’m sorry. I was thinking.” She sighed. “This is kinda unreal for me.”
“You get used to it,” Mackenzie assured him. “Be glad you weren’t around when they were getting into fights every night. Brandon and Jake were arrested more times than I can count.” She looked around. They were still angry, but also anxious. I’d be too if my life was just turned upside down.
“I think pizza would be easier.” Bridgette bit her lip. “But, then again, don’t know how the delivery guy’ll get past the craziness outside.”
Mackenzie sighed. “Yeah, true. Scott said they had a freezer in the garage. Maybe they have frozen pizza. I don’t really feel like cooking.” In the freezer, they found exactly what she was looking for. After getting four pizzas in the large oven and setting the timer, she turned back to Bridgette. “Maybe we should distract them somehow.”
“Yeah.” Bridgette glanced at Jake, who was pacing as he spoke with Scott in the living room. “Do you have something I can put my hair up with?”
“Sure.” Mackenzie smiled. “I have a few clips in the bathroom.” By the time they returned to the kitchen, Chico, Ashley and Julian had arrived. “Hey. I’m making some lunch.”
Julian grinned. “Cool. I’m hungry.”
The smell of pizza caught Brandon and Austin’s attention. They wandered into the kitchen. Austin peeked in the oven. “Great idea, Kenzie.”
Brandon put an arm around her waist. “Seriously not sure what I’d do without you.”
“Do I smell food?” Jake came in sniffing the air.
Mackenzie shook her head. They were bottomless pits. “It’ll be maybe 20 minutes.”
About an hour later, Brandon’s phone went off. “It’s Jon.” He stood from the patio table and walked away as he talked. “Hey, did you get a chance to check out that contract?”
“I did,” Jon replied. “Can you get all the guys together and put me on speakerphone? I have some things we need to discuss.”
Brandon waved at the table. “Come ins
ide. He needs to talk to us.”
When the men had left, Mackenzie looked up at who was left. “How about we put away the leftovers, then take a walk on the beach?”
“Yeah!” Julian stood and started collecting empty plates.
In no time, the four of them were walking in the sand barefoot. Julian collected shells and a few crabs in an empty bin Ashley had found on the patio. Mackenzie watched him splashing the water, having a good time by himself. She wondered if she and Brandon should have kids one day. Although she wasn’t ready yet, she knew he would be a great father.
When the call with Jon was over, Brandon went searching for Mackenzie, but turned up nothing. He checked the patio again. Then he heard Julian laughing. He smiled and followed the sound. Julian and the girls were several houses down the beach, walking slowly.
He jogged to catch up to them. “Whatcha doin’?” He grabbed Mackenzie’s hand and squeezed.
“Hey.” She smiled at him. “You guys done?”
Brandon nodded as he slowed their pace so they trailed the group. “Yeah.” His happy expression gave away a lot.
“Good news I take it?”
“Yep.” He took a deep breath. “Jon and Tommy found a loophole or something.” His grin widened. “The clause about them keeping the rights to our songs was about felony arrests, not about fights or causing a scandal. None of us got arrested, so we’re good.”
She exhaled with relief. “That’s great.”
“He’s drawing up a contract for us now,” Brandon continued. “And he said we don’t have to rush this album. We’re gonna record in New York during breaks on the tour.” He let her hand go and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I was thinking.” He paused. “Would you mind if we went back to Florida for a while? No one knows where our new place is yet. Just until things settle down?”
Mackenzie understood. “It’s a good idea. We just have to figure out how to move without the media finding out.”
Sinful Needs (Wicked End Book 2) Page 42