Gasoline

by Bella Jeanisse

  Instantly, Mitchell hugged her, crushing her body against his. “Shh, it’ll be OK. Maybe he’s asleep. Call him tomorrow.”

  She sobbed, terrified. It was not a feeling she liked, but if he were hurt or in trouble. She couldn’t take it. Hands rubbed her back soothingly. Every reason for him to need her when she ignored him flashed through her mind. It consumed her completely

  “Come on. I’ll get you in bed.” Mitchell lifted her up and placed her in her bunk.

  Gripping his hand, she shuddered. “Don’t leave me, too.” She wasn’t thinking clearly.

  Mitchell smirked and climbed in bed with her. He pulled her into his arms and let her cry again. The urge to grab her ass was hard to fight. Instead, he pressed his hardening cock into her thigh. She was too upset to notice. He wanted her badly. He hoped Dominic jumped off a bridge or something, so he had a chance with her.

  “Dominic,” she whispered into his shirt.

  That hurt. Mitchell sighed. “Sorry, baby.” He hated to see her in such turmoil.

  Chapter Twelve

  Thursday night, as promised, Dominic met Tommy at his condo. He was dressed to kill. Black khakis, charcoal dress shirt, new boots, hair gelled into a neat ponytail. Tommy answered the door dressed in black slacks, but nothing more.

  When Dominic stepped into the foyer, Tommy was surprised to see Chad behind him. He was dressed similarly to Dominic, but with a dark blue shirt.

  Tommy nodded at Chad. “Thought you changed your mind.”

  Chad shrugged. “Got nothing else to do.”

  “I’ll be ready in a few,” Tommy promised and rushed off to his room.

  Dominic sat on the leather sectional. “Have you talked to Crystal about how much her news affected you?” The ride over had been almost silent.

  “Nah, she don’t need me whining.”

  With a shrug of his own, Dominic agreed. “True.”

  His mind quickly wandered. Noelle had promised to text him back, but she never did. His phone died, but when he plugged it in, the message would have come in. It had been two days, and there still no word from her. She was blowing him off. Fine. I can deal with that on top of everything else.

  “You OK, Dom?” Chad noticed him lost in thought with a scowl on his face. “You still feel bad about breaking up with Gina?”

  Dominic looked up. He had forgotten about her. “Kinda.” She called him crying and he told her straight up that it was over. “I didn’t really do it like I planned.” Not that he had a plan, but he hadn’t meant to blow up and throw them out of his life screaming.

  “You need to get laid.” Tommy walked into the room adding a black tie to his black dress shirt. “Get that bitch outta your system.”

  Growling, Dominic replied, “She’s not a bitch—just not what I want.”

  “I know what you want.” Tommy winked. “Gonna nail Noelle again Sunday?”

  His heart sinking, Dominic stared at his friend. He was so angry with her, he hadn’t thought about the Labor Day weekend festival up in Boston. He would see her Sunday, and maybe Monday, also. How am I gonna get through that without my heart being crushed?

  “O-K, so that’s a no.” Tommy gritted his teeth. “Sorry, man. Didn’t know. You shoulda told me.”

  “There’s nothing to tell,” Dominic mumbled.

  Tommy sighed. “Sure, there isn’t. You need to tell that chick you want her before someone else snatches her up.”

  “One day…” Dominic stood up.

  Chad patted him on the back. “Now you sound like me.”

  Soon they were in Tommy’s Challenger, with Dominic in the back. Tommy’s speeding made the ride to Manhattan shorter. Speed limits were only a suggestion to Tommy. If he got a ticket, he’d pay for it. Tommy had the AC cranked up high so the long ride would be a bit less uncomfortable.

  Chad admired the car. He hoped one day Triple Threat would be banking like Gasoline obviously was. “This car can kick some ass.”

  “This is nothing.” Tommy checked his mirrors and switched lanes. Then he floored it.

  Dominic rolled around in the back. “Don’t encourage him. He’ll kill us.” He righted himself and quickly put a seatbelt on. “Slow the fuck down.”

  “Got her up to a buck-fifty there,” Tommy gloated. “I got clocked doing 220 the first week I got her.” He caressed the dashboard. “Love this car.”

  Chad laughed. “You are crazy.”

  Doubtful about Tommy’s claim, Dominic asked, “How’d you go past 180?”

  With a sinful grin, Tommy answered, “A little modification.” He reached over and turned the radio up. The last time he was in the car, he had to lower the volume because of a phone call. “Love this band. They kick some ass live, too.” Five Finger Death Punch’s “Under and Over It” came through the upgraded sound system.

  “Haven’t seen them yet.” Chad looked out the window. “I used to go with Crystal to concerts.”

  Tommy glanced at him. “I’ll go with you, if we’re around.” He watched the road again. “And I can get you backstage. She can’t do that.”

  Dominic had succumbed to his own world again. Ever since leaving Noelle behind in Michigan, he occasionally did that. His mind wandered. He had not slept much, either. He leaned on the side of the car and closed his eyes.

  “Claire! Claire!” Dominic woke up screaming and thrashing. He kicked the seats in front of him, thinking he was trapped again.

  Tommy jerked the wheel, downshifting and pulling onto the shoulder quickly. “Fuck, not again!” He put on the brake and grabbed a still-confused Dominic. “Dom, it’s a dream again! You’re in my car! Relax, man.” He wrestled Dominic until he was on his back and no longer fighting. “What the fuck is up lately? Somethin’ brought it back.”

  “Dom, you OK?” Chad looked at Tommy. “Was that a seizure?”

  Tommy turned. “No, nightmare.” He turned back to Dominic. “Hey… Hey… Look at me.”

  “Why’re you on top of me?” Dominic tried to push him off, but he had no leverage.

  With a scowl, Tommy glared at him. “You were trying to fuck up my car. Why the hell are dreaming about it again?”

  “I don’t know.” Dominic’s body went numb. “Maybe it was Bethany.”

  Tommy nodded. “That makes sense.” He climbed back into the front seat. “You need to see someone about it, or work through it. Like I told you back then, I’m here for you.”

  “Thanks. I’ll find a way.” Dominic fixed his clothes and sat up. “Sorry, guys.”

  Chad was more confused than ever. “Were you in an accident? I never heard about that.”

  “Yeah, long time ago.” Dominic stared at his hands. “It’s not something I like people to know.”

  “How did you keep it off the net?” Chad didn’t understand how it was possible.

  Tommy eased into traffic and sighed. “It wasn’t easy. The Internet wasn’t as big back then. Jon made sure he was under an assumed name in the hospital and paid off people so they wouldn’t talk. Whatever popped up online was quickly denied and squashed. If it happened now, it’d be everywhere.”

  Dominic didn’t say another word the rest of the trip. He was trying to stop the flow of images he had of the accident. Maybe it was better he couldn’t recall it all. There was less to torture himself with. Waking up in the hospital to Tommy at his bedside, holding his hand, was the only thing that kept him from bolting up in the bed screaming then.

  That day ran through Tommy’s mind as well. When he got a call from Dominic’s ex-paramedic partner, he freaked out. There was only one reason for him to call. Tommy wasn’t told what happened. He was only told to hurry to the hospital, because Dominic needed him. Tommy was with a woman he met that day. He kicked her out and rushed to Dominic’s side.

  Lying unconscious for several hours, Dominic was unaware of Tommy crying as he hugged him. That was something Tommy’d never reveal. Thinking about losing his best friend was just that bad. Telling him the news after he awoke was even mo
re painful, though.

  They pulled up to The Dewdrop Inn sometime later. When they got out of the car, Chad realized neither Tommy nor Dominic had worn anything to disguise who they were. They were in the middle of Greenwich Village, a busy section, yet they seemed unworried.

  The club had two lines, one to the right and one to the left. The right one seemed to have nothing but gorgeous women in it. A few squealed when Tommy grinned at them. The left was mostly couples. Each side had a large man in a suit blocking the way. They were equally scary, and each could probably take on four men at once.

  Tommy handed the keys to a valet, and then led the way to the front entrance. “Hey, Archie,” he called to the right side bouncer. “Is it hoppin’ tonight?”

  Archie smiled widely with recognition. “Yes sir, Mr. Fischer.” He unhooked the velvet rope and let them right in.

  The building floors each had a different type of atmosphere. The top floor was for rock music and a bit more rowdy. They never stayed at any of the other sections for long. Still leading the way, Tommy nodded at the next security man at the elevator. The man was more imposing than the first two guys. He sized Chad up and nodded at Tommy and Dominic who were regulars.

  “You vouching for him?” the man asked Tommy while still determining if Chad was worth letting in.

  Dominic spoke up. “Nate, chill out. When’ve we ever brought you trouble?”

  Nate shrugged and let them pass. They moved onto the elevator.

  “Special night tonight,” Tommy relayed. “Metal Fuckers in Hell are headlining.” The elevator started to go up. “We had you guys booked here end of June, but then you broke up for a while.”

  Chad studied the floor. “Yeah, that messed up a few things.”

  Tommy elbowed him and their eyes met. “But was fun, wasn’t it?” He winked at Chad who gave a slight smile. “I’ll get you booked for next month maybe. Definitely before the CD comes out in December.”

  “OK.” Chad checked his shoes. “Are there gonna be all famous people here?”

  Dominic leaned against the back wall. “Some, rich people too, but who cares? Just ignore them, and have a good time.”

  “The girls are all hot,” Tommy added. “They don’t let just anyone in.” The elevator doors opened and loud rock music assaulted their ears. He shouted, “Stick close! Hard to find people in here!”

  There was a hostess standing nearby. She gawked at Tommy for a full minute before realizing she had a job to do. “Corner booth as always?” She always got flustered when he visited. “Tommy… uh, Mr. Fischer?”

  With a wink and a grin, Tommy replied, “Yeah, babe… Among other things.” He admired her tight body and tight, collared shirt. She needed to lose some of those clothes. “Find me when your shift is over. I wanna check something out.”

  She blushed and laughed. Then she led them through the club to Tommy’s usual booth. He liked it because he could see everything and chicks knew where to find him. It was also easier to hear each other in that area.

  A waitress stood near the table, anticipating their arrival. He always called ahead, so they could vacate his spot. He gave the waitress a sly smile, and then turned to the hostess. He pointed at them both, then at himself. The two of them almost passed out. He rarely hit on the employees. His tastes had changed, though.

  “Um, what can I get you guys?” the exasperated waitress was able to manage.

  Chad looked up. “What do you have on tap?”

  “Everything.” She smiled widely, knowing he had to be someone famous too.

  Dominic put a hand up. “Get me a Heineken.”

  “Me too.” Tommy winked at her, which made her knees go weak. It was just too easy sometimes.

  “Make it three.” Chad shrugged. He wasn’t too picky about beer.

  For the next hour, girls came to the table, giggled, fawned all over them and eventually left when Tommy waved them off. Neither Chad nor Dominic wanted to fuck any of them. Although they all tried to get in the men’s pants, not caring they were in public.

  “Tommy Fischer, I knew you’d be here tonight.”

  He looked up and grinned. “Hey.” He put out his hand. “Nice to see you, Brad.”

  Chad looked up at the familiar voice and his jaw dropped. Brad McKinley? Tommy knows Brad McKinley? Holy shit! Chad stared at the famous movie star, not feeling worthy of being in his presence.

  Dominic put his hand out as well and Brad shook it. “This is Chad McLoughlin, lead guitarist of Triple Threat. He’s pretty amazing.”

  “No, I’m not.” Chad’s face heated up. “I’m OK.”

  Tommy laughed. “He’s a bit shy. Don’t listen to him. He’s incredible. Almost as good as this one.” He pointed his thumb at Dominic. “His hero.” Tommy winked at Chad who turned even redder.

  “Well, nice to meet you.” Brad extended his hand.

  Chad clasped it nervously. “Thanks. You too.” He forced the shaking to subside. Then a woman linked her arm in his and he was speechless again.

  “Tina, meet Chad… uh, Lockman is it?” Brad’s eyebrows rose.

  Faintly, Chad replied, “McLoughlin, but you can call me anything you want.” He stared at Tina Chase, wishing he wasn’t spazzing out. He turned to Dominic and leaned in close. “How do you guys know him?”

  “You do realize the whole world knows who we are?” Dominic spoke quietly, so no one else heard. “They’ll know who you are soon, too. Give yourself credit. You’ll be someone’s influence, and people will be nervous around you.” He pat his back. “Just go with it. We’re all just people.”

  Tina Chase is not “just people.” Chad scanned her tight dress, wondering how she had gotten into it. Wonder how Crystal would look in it? He sighed. Of course, I’d think of her now.

  “Are you playing tonight?” Brad asked casually, trying to make Chad feel at ease. “I’d love to hear you.”

  Tommy glanced at Chad and could see he was star struck. “Not tonight. I got another band headlining. Soon, though. Have you heard the song ‘Trapped in the Middle’ yet?”

  “Yeah. That’s you playing?” Brad had heard it a few times.

  Chad cleared his throat, knowing he needed to get a grip. “Well, Crystal plays lead on that one. I’m just doing rhythm. I play lead on the rest of the album.”

  “Nice. Sounds like an album I’ll wanna pick up.” He kissed Tina’s temple. “We’re gonna get going. Just wanted to say hi. Nice to meet you, Chad.” Tina waved as they walked away.

  Tommy looked across the table. “This is gonna happen a lot when you’re with us, you know.”

  Chad just nodded.

  Dominic grinned. “Wait till the tour. All kindsa people show up at the after parties.”

  “Hey, Tommy!” A completely phony blonde stopped at their table. She had dyed hair, implants in various places and too much makeup on. The type of girl he used to go for.

  Tommy tried not to roll his eyes. “Hi, Becca. I’m kinda busy. Not tonight.”

  “Aw, come on, Tom-my. I brought Tanya with me.” She yanked a nervous girl to the table, then leaned over. “We wanted to do you together.”

  His dick responded instantly, but she was too easy. “Another time. I need to cheer up my friends.” He pointed his thumb at guys next to him. “This is Chad… and you know Dominic.”

  “I can find a few more girls,” she insisted, starting to whine a bit. “We can rent a fancy room, and maybe switch around or something.”

  Tommy glared at her. “I said no. That’s the end. No. Now go before I call security.” He stood, looking for one of the men in a security shirt.

  “Sorry, I’ll go.” Tears spilled down her cheeks, making a black mess.

  Dominic pulled Tommy down. “Do you even know what the word ‘tact’ means? You coulda been nicer.”

  “She doesn’t listen to nice.” Tommy scanned the crowd. There had to be interesting girls around. “I want some pussy, but not that kind.” While his head was turned, a girl passed the table and shyly
smiled at them.

  Chad smiled back, automatically. Then his eyes widened when she turned back and stopped at the table.

  She sat next to him and fixed her skirt. “Hi. I’m Dee Dee. You have a handsome smile.”

  “Um… Thanks.” Chad looked to Dominic on his other side. “What’d I do?”

  Dominic laughed. “You’re kidding, right?” He chuckled again. “Just talk. You don’t have to fuck her.”

  Tommy shook his head at Chad. It was sad that he wasted his dick pining for Crystal still. He listened to him stumble over simple conversation, obviously rusty. She put a hand on his thigh and he jumped. Tommy put a hand over his mouth so he didn’t laugh out loud.

  “Let’s go see who the back bartender is.” He winked at Dominic, who leaned close. “Maybe he’ll relax and fuck her.” The club had three bars, rear, right and left.

  Dominic looked over at Chad. His hands were shaking and he looked terrified. “We’ll be back.” They vacated the booth and walked along the back wall.

  “Don’t leave me,” Chad pleaded. He slid away from the girl who had been deftly rubbing his crotch. “I can’t fucking do this.” He chased after them, leaving the girl alone.

  Tommy walked quickly, but then heard Chad and turned to Dominic. “Pussy. Seriously. He’s worse than you.”

  “Fuck you.” Dominic glared at him. “I do things my way. You do things yours.” He hated to be judged. Why should he fuck every female that offered herself to him? “Chad’s just getting over her again.”

  Tommy frowned. “Guess that’s partly my fault. I invited him to stay with us.”

  “You ass.” Dominic slapped his shoulder.

  Chad caught up to them. “That chick was not shy. She tried to pull my dick out.” He panted as he matched their slower pace. “Where we going?”

  “Check out the bartender.” Tommy zeroed in on her. He had asked Heather out several times. He had no plan to date her; just take her to dinner, and then fuck her for hours. She always said no. He was determined to wear her down.

  Dominic set his eyes on her as well. She wore minimal makeup, a low-cut scoop neck black T-shirt and shiny silver dangling earrings. Her hair was up, but strands had broken free and moved with her. She was nothing like the glamorous girls who frequented the club. She was real and beautiful. So not Tommy’s usual type.