With a sigh, Dean replied, “Had a hot one over last night, but kicked her out…”
“As always.” Dominic snickered. “Mine stuck around, and God, was she fucking tight. Let me cum in her and everything.” He smirked knowing they’d never believe him.
Jon laughed louder. “Now I know he’s fuckin’ with you. He’s the responsible one.”
Dominic relaxed and gloated silently. He wasn’t ready to let anyone know he settled down in a way. Noelle had not said she was ready to announce it either. That meant he shouldn’t say anything either. At least not to anyone except Tommy.
He closed his eyes when Jon turned the stereo up a bit and plugged in a flash drive. “Stairway to Heaven” came from the speakers. It made him drift back to college. Led Zeppelin was the first rock band he had gotten Claire into. She had been heavily into pop music when they met. They compromised in the car. Whoever drove chose the music. She loved “Stairway to Heaven.” A smile formed on his lips as he recalled them sitting in the courtyard, his headphones on her ears. It was the first time that memory made him happy.
“Time to get up, sleeping beauty.” Jon’s voice echoed in Dominic’s head as he watched the ocean waves lap at his feet.
Then his eyes opened. “Huh?”
“Trip’s over.” Jon looked at him from the front seat. “You coming inside?”
Dominic rubbed his eyes, then shook his head to lose the cobwebs. “Yeah.” He let himself out and stretched. Rarely did he sleep so well in a car. Talking to Noelle about his past did him more good than he thought. “So how long do we have you for?” he asked Dean as they walked in the front door. It was then he noticed Dean didn’t wear a jacket.
“My gig’s at 10, so I guess most of the day.” Dean shrugged. He hated weekday shows, but it sold out, so it was worth it.
Tommy was already there. He had written another song and hoped the others could work out their parts. It was the first time a song meant something to him. Not that it was a ballad, but it was about the new urge to have something more permanent than a one-night stand. He just hoped he wasn’t teased relentlessly for it.
When he heard voices, he glanced up at the booth. Vince, Sam and Crazy Mike were up there, waiting. He looked around the main recording room and was glad he and Jon decided they needed to do things differently. Having only small recording booths that everyone played separately disconnected you from each other. It was best being able to see each other at least. Playing together also made it flow better for some bands.
They did have soundproofed rooms also. Those were used less often, but came in handy at times. The main room was large enough for the entire band to play at once, even if just to practice. Most of the time they separated most of the members into the glass-enclosed side rooms. The vocalist and drums in close proximity caused issues with the playback. A sound-buffering wall helped keep the drums from echoing throughout the room. He wondered if they should build a room for them as well. None of the rooms there were large enough for a set like Jon or Giovanni’s.
“OK,” Jon said as walked into the main room. “What song should we start on?”
Dean smirked. “ ‘Written in Blood.’ ” He knew his bandmates weren’t in love with the title. It was about selling your soul, so he thought it was perfect.
“Where’d you come up with that song anyway?” Tommy had to ask. It made no sense. What would Dean need that he had to sell his soul?
With a shrug, Dean replied, “I dunno. Think I was watching a horror movie or something.” He truly had no idea. It was on a pad in his handwriting when he woke up one morning. Granted, the night before, he had been high as fuck, so anything could’ve inspired it.
Tommy nodded. “OK. That makes more sense.” Dean had done that before. “Velocity” was inspired when Dean was playing Need for Speed years ago.
Dominic shook his head. “Whatever. At least we came up with good music for it.”
He found his favorite recording guitar on a stand and put the strap over his head. His fingers swept over the frets as he ran through the beginning solo. Without an amp, it was quiet, but he wanted to feel the song. His eyes closed, he went through the sequence several times. The theme was very dark and the music was even more intense. Their fans were going to love it.
“Let’s go,” Jon shouted.
Several hits on a bass drum broke Dominic’s concentration. “OK. OK.”
It took only two full takes to get the guitars and drums just right. They had played that song many times before. Only vocals weren’t complete. Dean was having trouble with the high notes. In record time, they were able to wrap up even the background vocals.
When they took their first break, Dominic sat in a leather chair across the room. Tommy went up to the booth. He watched Dean through the window as he listened to Sam tell him how they sounded. Sketchy was not even close to how Dean was acting. He looked like he was feening for a fix. That was not good.
As soon as he could, Tommy went back downstairs. Jon and Dean were standing near the drum set. As stealthily as he could, Tommy slipped into the room where his bass sat. He listened hard as Dean and Jon talked.
“Hey, man. You think you can up my allowance?”
Jon glared at him. “Why? I already gave you the money for the truck.”
Dean looked away, not wanting Jon to see his desperation. He had been going through money like water.
Rolling his eyes, Tommy hoped Jon said no. They put him in charge of Dean’s accounts because he was a hardass. After Dean’s last trip to rehab, they had to find a way to control his access to drugs. Jon’s idea was to limit his money. They all told Dean he had to give Jon power of attorney and access to all accounts, or he was out of the band. Dean reluctantly chose to stay and get a stipend.
Jon asked, “What do you need?”
“More money.” Dean felt like a five-year-old asking for a dollar more every week. “It’s my money, ain’t it?”
With a snarl, Jon replied, “You gave it up when you tried to take us all down with you. How much more do you want? I take care of your bills, so don’t try and bullshit me.”
Dean bit his lip. “It’s for my band. We need pay for stuff on the tour. I told them I’d take care of everything.”
Jon shook his head. “Not gonna work. They go through me, then.”
Dean huffed. “OK. OK. It’s for fucking strippers. It keeps my nose clean.” He scowled at Jon, daring him to deny that.
Folding his arms over his chest, Jon glared at him. “How much?”
“$2000?”
Jon’s mouth dropped. “What the fuck? You already get $5000. Why the hell are you gonna spend that much on chicks you can’t fuck?”
Tommy couldn’t take it anymore. He stepped out of the shadows and stood in front of Dean. “What’d you really want the money for?”
Dominic heard them and looked up, waiting for the answer. When Dean did nothing but fidget, he knew it was all a lie.
“Forget it!” Dean walked away.
“No!” Jon ran after him. “I’ll give you the money, if you tell me the truth.” Then they were gone.
Dominic and Tommy looked at each other.
“Think he’s on something again?” Tommy asked.
Dominic nodded. “Yeah, and shit’s gonna hit the fan soon enough.” His phone chirped. He pulled it out of his pocket and smiled. A message from Noelle.
Have you heard the news?
Dominic quickly replied, not understanding why she asked such an odd question.
What news?
Entertainment news
Dominic was even more lost.
What’re you talking about?
Dominic turned to Tommy. “You hear anything upsetting on the news?” He got a shake of the head from his friend. Then his phone went off again Noelle’s name came up. He accepted the call and asked, “What’s on the news?”
Noelle was crying. “They… They said… I was…” She sniffled, trying to get a hold of herself. “Dominic, th
ey’re everywhere.”
“Who?” Dominic was more lost than ever. He glanced up at Tommy. “She’s crying about something on the news. Check Jon’s computer.” He listened as Noelle continued alternating from sobbing to trying to talk. “Sweetheart, relax. Whatever it is. It’s OK.”
Tommy found Jon in his office, giving Dean the cash he asked for and scowled. “Dominic wants me to check the news. Noelle’s on the phone crying about something. Who knows. Women cry over way too much shit.”
“I’ll look.” Jon stared at Dean. “If I find out you’re bullshitting me, I’ll kick your ass so bad you’ll be crying for a week.”
Dean nodded and pocketed the bills. He had no intention of anyone finding out what he needed. “I’ll be back in a few.” He walked out of the office and headed outside.
“What does he really want the money for?” Tommy knew it couldn’t be the whole truth.
Jon sighed. “Does it matter? I gave it to him. But it’s the last time he’s getting money he don’t need.” He powered on his tablet and went right to Metal and More’s web site. If Noelle was that upset, it was in the music world.
Dominic had still not gotten much out of Noelle other than. “Mitchell’s hurt.” He assumed that meant he was in the hospital, but she couldn’t form a coherent sentence yet.
“When were you gonna tell us?” Jon came in the room asking, his tablet in his hand.
Dominic was thoroughly confused. “Huh?”
“About you and Noelle.” Jon showed him a picture of them kissing on stage at Madison Square Garden.
“Wow, sorry.” Dominic smiled. He had forgotten he did that so publicly “I was waiting for her OK.” Noelle let out a loud sob and he shifted his attention to her. “Sweetheart, is it about the picture? Don’t you wanna be open about us?”
She took in a few shaky breaths. “Yes… b-but…” She rolled over in her bunk and pulled the blanket higher. “They said… that I… cheated on Mitchell.” She broke down again. The tabloids had a field day with the revelation of her and Dominic being a couple. When she was able to, she added, “They said I cheated on Stephen, too.” She also hated that Mitchell was hurt again.
Then Dominic understood. They twisted everything. “I’ll find a way to set it straight.”
“OK,” she responded in a tiny voice.
“Honey, I love you,” Dominic whispered. “Please, don’t worry about it.”
She sniffled and slowed her breathing. “There’s reporters all over the stadium. I can’t go anywhere without security.” She was nervous and wanted him to hold her. “I miss you.”
“I miss you, too.” Dominic felt awful. “I’m free tomorrow. Do you want me to fly down to you?”
She took in a shaky breath. “Please.”
He smiled. “I’ll be there.” He’d do anything to ease her mind.
“Noelle?”
She turned over to see Mitchell’s face peeking in her curtain. “Yeah?”
“I’ll get over it.” Mitchell felt guilty he had made a big deal of his name being in the middle of the melee. “You know I want you happy. Please don’t cry.” He stroked her tear-stained cheek.
Dominic held his tongue, knowing they were close friends and he was truly in the middle of the mess. He listened to them for a few more minutes. Mitchell was trying to make her feel better, so he couldn’t be angry at him.
“Noelle?” Dominic called to her. “Do you want me to put out a statement or something? Set it all straight?”
She nodded.
“He can’t see you.” Mitchell let out a soft laugh.
Noelle realized what he meant. “Yes, Dominic. Please.”
Hoping he could come up with the right thing to say, Dominic told her, “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”
Jon put a hand on Dominic’s tense shoulder. “I got it. After Dean, dealing with your fallout is a walk in the park.” He smiled when Dominic relaxed. “Noelle, it’s gonna be OK,” he loudly told her.
“You hear that?” Dominic asked, a bit of weight off his shoulders. He sighed. “Jon does the best PR.”
Noelle pulled her bottom lip in and mumbled, “Yeah. OK.”
Mitchell kissed her cheek. “Baby, it’ll blow over.” He wanted to get in her bunk and hold her, but knew it crossed that line Dominic had drawn.
“I know.” Her voice was still small.
Dominic wished he were there. “You need a hug, don’t you?”
“Yeah,” she whined.
“Give the phone to Mitchell. Please.”
She did and watched Mitchell’s eyes open wide, nervous.
“Um, hello.” Mitchell prepared for yelling.
With a loud exhale, Dominic held back the urge to growl. “Can you hug her for me?” He kept his voice steady, not wanting Mitchell to know how much it killed him to ask. “But not too long, and no ass-grabbing.”
“Uh, you sure about that, Dominic?”
Unable to control his anger, he growled, “Yes. Do it now, then give her the phone back.” He waited impatiently as he heard movement.
“What’re you doing?” Noelle was shocked when Mitchell climbed into her bunk and pulled her into his arms. “Hey.”
Mitchell whispered, “Dominic asked me to give you a hug for him.”
“In my bed?”
Dominic almost dropped his phone. He had no idea she was in her bunk. “You dick,” he grumbled.
Eyes closed, Mitchell held her body to his, wishing he didn’t have to let go. He heard Dominic’s angry voice and pulled away. “I’m here when you need me.” He handed Noelle her phone and quickly made his way off the bus to get some air.
Noelle lay on her back, stunned. Her phone was in her hand, but rested on her chest. She heard her name, but was too disoriented to react.
“Sweetheart, you OK?” Dominic was getting worried. “Noelle, talk to me. Was that the wrong thing to do?”
She suddenly realized Dominic was talking to her and put the phone to her ear. “I’m sorry.” She sniffled, overwhelmed with love. “I can’t believe you did that.” Her eyes closed. “That was the sweetest thing anyone ever did for me.”
“What was?” Dominic was lost again.
Crying softly, she replied, “Letting him hug me.” She knew how hard it was for him.
“Oh.” He grinned widely. “You needed someone, and I can’t be there.” He swallowed hard. “I will be soon, though.” If only I could hold her now. “And I promise Jon will settle the mess I made.” His voice got softer. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t think before I kissed you that night.”
She took in a shaky breath. “It was bound to happen.” She didn’t want him to feel so guilty. “At least now it’s out there.”
Tommy saw Dominic’s expression change from strain to relief. That meant Noelle wasn’t upset anymore. He waited until Dominic put the phone away to approach him. “So, is she OK?”
“Yeah.” Dominic took a deep breath. “She’s been hiding on their bus all day.” He paused, then added, “I’m flying to see her tomorrow. I gotta book a flight. Be right back.”
Dean walked into the room just as Dominic was leaving. “I’m all set. Let’s get to it.”
“Gimme a couple a minutes.” Dominic waved his phone in the air and headed to the quiet hallway.
Within 15 minutes, they were ready to begin playing “Light It Up.” They had not played it together yet. The large main room came in handy for things like that. Mike P. and Crazy Mike had everything set up for that song already.
Jon kicked off his boots and sat on his stool. He lightly tapped a snare drum. “Dean, you ready?”
Slinging his guitar over his shoulder, Dean shrugged. “Yeah, I guess.”
“You remember what I told you about this one?” Dominic slid his fingers up his fretboard. “The intro’s in harmony.”
Dominic started, and Dean came in when the sequence repeated, but he was not in tune with Dominic. They tried it again, and Dean again messed it up.
“You nee
d to play it with me. That sounded like shit.” Dominic shook his head. Dean was normally a great guitar player, but something was off. “Let’s try it again.”
They tried several times, and it was the same. It was getting a bit frustrating. Dominic put his instrument down and walked over to Dean who seemed nervous. When in front of him, Dominic frowned. Dean’s eyes were glassy and his hand was in his pocket, fumbling with something.
It was beyond obvious he was hiding something. “Show me!” Dominic put his hand out, waiting.
Dean handed him a prescription bottle, but didn’t say anything. He had been happy to get a hold of the pills legally. They made him feel great. He hadn’t taken one, so he wouldn’t fall asleep. The Xanax, though… That was working well.
Dominic noticed Dean’s name on the bottle. “How’d you get these?” He shook the bottle. They don’t just hand oxycodone out for nothing.”
Looking away, Dean replied, “I been getting back spasms ever since Mackenzie knocked me on my ass.” He closed his eyes, realizing he revealed something his friends didn’t know.
“When’d she do that?” Tommy knew Dean was hiding something as well. He had seen Mackenzie punch Dean, but he hadn’t gone down. “Was that before or after she tried to break your nose?” The slight twitch of Dean’s eye told him there was a lot more to the story.
Dean shrugged. “I don’t know. I was drunk most of the time.”
Studying the bottle, Dominic tried to figure out why any doctor would give a drug addict Oxys. Then he looked at the doctor’s name. It was unfamiliar, and he made sure to know all of Dean’s doctors. He looked him over. Never had he seen him in enough pain to warrant something so strong.
“You don’t look like your back hurts,” Dominic commented.
Dean gave him a half smile, knowing they couldn’t dispute it since he got them legally. “That’s ’cause the pills are working.” He snatched the bottle back and stuffed in his pocket again. “Let’s do it again, and I’ll try harder this time.”
Tommy and Dominic’s eyes met. A look of worry on both their faces. Neither really wanted shit to hit the fan, but it seemed Dean was starting on a new path to destruction. Dominic had made a mental note of the doctor’s name and planned to call him.
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