“According to the playlist, it’s last. Next is ‘Trapped in the Middle.’ “
Tommy looked around for his bass. He was set to play soon. The day Crystal wrote “Trapped in the Middle” in his kitchen came to mind. Never before had he felt so bad that a woman was upset. He recalled the words, seeing her in the middle of him, Chad and Giovanni, confused and hurting. She took all of that and wrote an incredible song on one of his guitars. He could see remnants of that pain in her eyes every time she played it.
Recalling the same day, Dominic wondered if what he told her that day helped. She and Chad flaunted their physical attraction constantly before that. He explained to her what others saw and how much jealousy it caused. She seemed to have heeded his advice. She and Giovanni appeared to be stronger than ever. He was glad things worked out at least for them.
Chad, on the other hand, seemed worse off. Maybe he just needs time away from Crystal? They had become friends, so Dominic decided to help him get over her. He and Tommy could get Chad back into the dating scene or just hook him up with a hot, easy girl. When Dominic broke up with a girl, Tommy got him drunk and laid. It usually helped for a few hours. The morning after, though… Sometimes, he had regrets. That faded after he realized his heart had healed slightly.
Phil came up from behind them. “I got your guitars ready.”
Tommy tipped his head up. “Thanks.” Then he put a hand on Phil’s arm. “Hey, you should learn my part so you guys can play without us. Chris played rhythm on ‘Leatherneck’ once.” He had seen Phil playing a few times while he waited around at the studio. “Bass is not much different from rhythm guitar.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Phil didn’t think Chad would go for it. “Would be cool. I miss playing.”
As soon as Tommy had his new blue bass on, he slowly walked over to Crystal. “Ready, babe?” he mouthed to her.
“I’m always ready.” She grinned and gave her bass to Phil when he offered her Chad’s extra guitar. Her eyes closed, she began the opening notes to “Trapped in the Middle.”
Dominic watched her expressions change as the song progressed. That period in her life was pretty intense and confusing for them all. The lack of certainty that Triple Threat’s album would be released weighed heavily on many people. He was glad it eventually worked out. Guitar strap over his neck, he waited for the song to end.
When the music stopped, Chris shouted to the audience, “Our last song was written by our drummer, Giovanni, for his brother, the Marine.” After allowing for a long outburst from what sounded like the whole building, he continued, “We’re proud of him and grateful for his service and all of yours! Get ready for ‘Leatherneck!’ ”
Dominic inched out between Chad and Chris. He waited for the signal from Chad, then strummed the first chord. The crowd was loud, but when Chris screamed, “Oo-rah!” they went crazy.
Just as the song ended, Jon walked on stage. He put an arm around Crystal’s shoulders and asked into the mike, “How do you like my newest success?” The reply was loud, with catcalls, shouts and cheers. “Aren’t you glad I found this sexy little lady?”
He glanced down at her and grinned at the ample cleavage exposed. The one time he sank his dick into her pussy came to mind. Tommy had no clue and never would. He worked his desire for her out while making her scream for more. The encounter had been one to remember, but he vowed to make it a one-time thing.
“We got quite a show for you tonight!” Jon grabbed Crystal by the waist, and she flinched. He bent down to her. “Sorry. You OK? Did I scare you?”
She gave him a smile and shook her head. Truthfully, he had, but she wasn’t sure why. The day had been emotionally stressful. From what she heard, the after-party should help her relax.
Jon turned back to the crowd. Behind him, Phil, Mark, Giovanni, Chad and Chris scrambled to move Triple Threat’s equipment off the stage. “We put together a lineup that I’m sure you’ll love.” He raised a hand when the crowd went wild. “Wicked End is here!” He went on introducing most of the bands.
Winter Winds’ crew started to adjust their equipment. Dominic wore his guitar as he watched them. They were quiet and organized. Tommy had walked off when Jon took a hold of Crystal. Dominic was glad she wasn’t available for him.
“Well, we have another band with a hot female member. This one’s an incredible singer. Ready for Winter Winds?” Jon grinned at the audience, and then checked behind him. They were almost ready.
Noelle strutted across the stage, her hair touched up, and wearing heavier makeup. The lights reflected off her red bustier, making her look even sexier. She winked at Dominic and walked right to Jon, standing on the opposite side of Crystal.
“Here she is!” Jon yelled into the mike. “Noelle, everyone!” She waved. “OK, looks like we’re almost good to go. Enjoy the show!” He tugged Crystal off the stage.
Dominic blushed when Noelle winked at him again before lifting the mike to her lips.
“It’s my first time in Michigan, so be gentle,” Noelle teased the crowd. She had a habit of using sexual innuendos on stage.
Dominic knew better than anyone it was just an act. Unlike Crystal, Noelle’s body was locked down tight most of the time. It was all for the fans. She dressed and acted the part of a sex object only when performing. That was not what he cared about, though. She was like no other woman, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
Emilio Martinez, Winter Winds’ drummer, patted Dominic on the back. “What’s up, man? Good to see you again.” He was a year younger than Dominic and had been in the music business as long as Gasoline.
“You too.” Dominic glanced at him for a few seconds. “Kick some ass.”
“You know we will.” Emilio settled into his stool and tapped a bass drum lightly. His short black mohawk was spiked as usual when he performed. He set his sticks on a floor tom and adjusted the legs of his jeans so he could move more freely.
Noelle looked over her shoulder at Dominic. The huge grin on his face gave her even more confidence. She turned back to the crowd. “Are you guys gonna come party with me later?”
Jack Barrett, their lead guitarist played a few notes and shouted, “She needs to get laid!” He cocked an eyebrow at Trevor Smith, the rhythm guitarist. They teased her relentlessly about her celibacy. Both of them were 33, with long brown hair, which fell way past their shoulders. Trevor’s was in neat dreadlocks.
Thirty-one-year-old Mitchell O’Reilly played bass and piano. He was the only member who had a thing for Noelle. She rebuked him at every turn, though. He didn’t understand why she kept saying she wouldn’t date anyone from the band. He ran his hand through his short blonde hair, longing for her.
Stepping out of sight, Dominic handed his guitar to Phil, who had appeared next to him. “You staying to watch them?”
“Yeah.” Phil leered at Noelle. “That chick is some piece of ass.” He licked his lips. “I’d love to have those thighs around my head.”
Dominic almost punched him, but quelled the reaction. No one could know about him and Noelle. Not that there was really anything to tell. They just talked and fucked sometimes. “Yeah, she’s a knockout. Killer voice, too.”
“True.” Phil shifted his weight. “I don’t normally listen to bands with female singers, but she’s too incredible to ignore.”
The first song began with Mitchell playing the piano, bass behind his back. Then Noelle started to hum the same notes. Suddenly her strong voice burst forth, “This is my niiight…” She held the notes longer than most singers could. The masses cheered as her voice trailed off. She took a breath and the rest of the band joined in, Mitchell on bass.
She belted out the next few lines. “No one can take this away from me. I needed this life to set me free. It can’t be wrong if it feels so right. I’m here to tell you, this is my night!”
Although he had heard her sing many times, her voice blew Dominic away. She was good enough to sing anything. She was comparable to the likes of Amy Lee and Ce
line Dion at times. He thought she was even better. She loved doing rock music, though. He watched her work the crowd as she sang her heart out. She put everything into it. That, combined with the heavy music behind her, created something seriously unique.
When the next song began, Noelle refused to look Dominic’s way. She couldn’t let him see the ache in her heart. She stood front and center, eyes closed and head turned up to the ceiling.
Emilio was her cue. She paid close attention to his rhythm, and as soon as she heard the subtle change, she looked forward and lifted the microphone. “How do you see me?” She closed her eyes and waited again. “The way I see you?” Having to purse her lips to hold back, she turned to Mitchell who loved that song. “Is this really happening?” She had never performed that song in front of Dominic. “Or is it… just a dream…”
Mitchell strode towards the mike stand feet from Noelle. He watched her, waiting.
Dominic’s hands balled into fists as he realized Mitchell was attracted to his woman. Damn it, she’s not my woman! He needed to fix that. The two band members glanced at each other, and his heart clenched. Does she like him? Then he was stunned as she sang the next line.
“I’ve been looking forever… for someone just like you....” She reached up and let the last note last. “How did this really come to be? No one has ever done this to me.” She waited a few beats. “You can look deep into my soul. Onnn-ly you have made me whole.”
Mitchell took a deep breath, just before singing his lines, “I’m here, and I promise you, I’m real. I can’t explain how you make me feel.” He looked away, not wanting to think of her rejection. “You’ve got to be the one for me. How in the hell can I make you see?” His fluid voice usually surprised many.
Hurt, Dominic, turned away. He swore the song was about Noelle and Mitchell. How did I not know? That’s why she pushes me away. Him. He wasn’t sure how to feel. Then he heard them singing together. The harmony was absolutely beautiful. His head turned in time to see Noelle push Mitchell away. That was confusing.
Noelle scowled between lines. She had to put him in his place once and for all. There was no reason to put up with him trying to get close to her. She finished out the song and grabbed him by the collar. Pretending to kiss him, she hissed, her lips almost against his. “Lay one more hand on me, and I’ll break your fucking neck.”
Shocked yet again, Dominic watched Mitchell try to regain his footing after Noelle had shoved him. He stifled a laugh. That meant there was nothing going on between them. When she turned to smile at him, he felt something deep inside he had not in a long, long time, not since Claire.
Dominic stayed to watch the show until Wicked End was in the middle of their set, only leaving to change his clothes. Tommy had long since disappeared. He could hear the party still going on in their dressing room as he approached the door. Jon and Tommy were grabbing their things.
“You seen Dean?”
Jon and Tommy both shook their heads.
Thinking back, Dominic remembered Dean passing out. He wove through the crowd to where he had seen him last. He was curled in a ball, asleep. “Wake the fuck up!” Dominic kicked Dean’s foot, which did nothing. “Hey, Dean. Wake up, dammit!” He shook him hard.
Dean’s eyes opened to slits. “What?”
“Get up and get ready.” Dominic scowled. “What the fuck did you take?”
“Nothing.” Dean pushed his hair out of his face. “I got drunk.”
Dominic rolled his eyes. Dean was a mean drunk. He didn’t normally pass out. “Well, get your ass up. We got like 20 minutes.” He folded his arms over his chest and glared at the mess in front of him. “I swear if I catch you on anything, I’ll kick your ass.”
The last thing they needed was Dean getting another DUI or worse. When high, he had a tendency to be much more aggressive with women. More than once, Dominic or Tommy had to stop him from hurting a groupie. He also got into more fights stoned. His last arrest was a bar fight three years before. He broke a man’s jaw and spent three months in jail. As soon as he got out, they forced him into rehab. Since then, Dean seemed to be clean—until recently.
After standing, Dean grabbed his crotch and groaned at the slight soreness. “Damn, she was tight.” He smiled at Dominic. “Got me a fine piece of ass a few hours ago. Love when they…” He pursed his lips, knowing Dominic would go off on him if he knew what he had done to Mackenzie. Then he had a thought. If Brandon finds out, he’s gonna kill me. He had seen Brandon kick guys’ asses for less. “You seen Brandon?”
“Yeah, they’re still playing.” Dominic watched Dean. He was acting a bit strange, even for him.
“Did he say anything about me?”
Becoming concerned, Dominic asked, “What the fuck’d you do now?”
“Nothing, nothing. I just… I was wondering.” Dean’s mind was not clear enough for him to find a good excuse. “I heard his girlfriend was a fan of mine.”
“Hands off, seriously.” Dominic knew the boys of Wicked End were protective of their own. “You don’t wanna go there.”
About 30 minutes later, Dominic played the opening notes to “Apocalypse.” It was the title track off their last album. Dean wrote most of their darker songs. They were also the most popular. The song told about the doom and gloom from the prospective of one who welcomed it.
Unlike usual, they had no elaborate set on the stage. Since they were not doing a full tour, just scattered festivals that summer, they had not spent the time and money. He was used to coming down several stairs as he began playing their first song. Also missing were the pyrotechnics. Sometimes they used flames, sometimes fireworks.
Dominic slowly walked to the front of the stage. He was dressed in loose-fitting jeans, and a long-sleeved, button-down black shirt with lightweight boots. When the first sequence of notes was complete, a spotlight shone on him, and his eyes closed. He put a foot on a riser and his fingers started to move faster. Slowly shaking his head to get his hair out of his face, he heard Vince say in his earpiece, “Now, Dean.”
From the darkness, Dean appeared, shirtless as always when performing. He liked to show off his tattoos and his well-defined, but not quite muscular, body. His hair looked like he just got out of bed, exactly as he wanted it. Only his bangs hung over his heavily outlined eyes, hiding an evil twinkle. Since he had started a side project, his look had gone a lot more Goth. He played his part of the intro as he made his way front and center. When light bathed him, he grinned at the screaming girls.
Tommy was inching towards his place, waiting for his cue. His hair was perfect as always on stage. The blonde tips gelled into even spikes all around. His clothes were almost as neat. Black dress shoes, khaki pants, skull-printed shirt, buttons all opened. He also liked to show off his hard-earned biceps and six-pack, besides the tattoos covering most of his body below the neck.
Dean and Dominic hit the same note, and he came in with deep, strong notes just as Jon began a quick beat. It was one of Tommy’s favorite songs. He listened to the audience getting louder as the song progressed. Rarely did they play the entire intro on the radio, so not everyone knew it.
Jon was content to be in partial darkness. He had enough to worry about without interacting with the crowd. Playing on stage was like a vacation for him, compared to his everyday life at the studio. His head was clear. All he thought about was the song they were doing and not missing a beat. His outfit was for ease of movement. He wore a black tank top with “Black Sabbath” printed across the chest and baggy jeans. Forgoing boots, he had sneakers on, so he could feel the pedals.
The hairs on the back of Dominic’s neck stood up. He turned to the right. Almost hidden, Noelle watched from the side. He smiled, but wasn’t sure if she could see it. Her watching made him put even more into the music. He imagined her behind him, hands splayed over his chest, body pressed against his.
Biting her lip, Noelle leered at Dominic, trying to stay out of sight. She wished he were single and more accessible. He
r only tie to Seattle was her band, but moving across country would be a big deal. No way would she do that for someone who was not ready to commit to her. She knew Dominic really cared, but he was terrified to open up and let her in his heart.
They had gotten so close in February; she swore it had to be love. Much of their pasts had been shared. Although, she could tell he had something deeply painful he wanted to tell her, but couldn’t. Then he told her he had a girlfriend. It was obvious he didn’t love her, but it was enough to make her take a step back. Maybe if he was single, she could think again about them being more. Maybe.
Dominic was a decent guy, but not an open book. He liked helping others, which is why he became a paramedic years before. Even counseling was something he enjoyed. However, when it came to himself, he let almost no one in. His secrets were too big to reveal to just anyone. Even his fans had no clue why he was the quiet one. The only one who didn’t participate in the random fucking of every chick available. Jon had helped him keep his agonizing past from the public.
The stage was the one place he could just be himself. Once he had a guitar in his hand, he felt different. He laid it all on the line for the fans: his pain, sadness and vulnerability. It all came out in how he played. At that moment, he was in the middle of an emotional solo, written when he was down. Years ago, he had felt like the apocalypse would have been easier. Jon and Tommy had helped him survive the turmoil, but he had still not let it go.
Noelle watched Dominic throw his head back as he played his heart out. She could feel the ache deep in his heart. His body language portrayed much more than he realized. She knew that if only he let her, she could help him. Maybe if she traveled to New Jersey, he would tell her why he never bought a huge house like Jon, or a fancy condo like Dean or Tommy. He had admitted to her that he still lived in the apartment he had since before Gasoline went big. His reaction to her asking why told her he had good reason.
When the first song ended, Dean handed his guitar off to Casey, their guitar tech, and grabbed the mike. Then he jumped onto the highest riser and shouted. “How you fuckin’ doin’ tonight, Michigan??” He cupped his ear and got screams and cheers.
Gasoline Page 6