His Number One Fan
Page 12
“Dude your parent’s house is huge!” Jeremy says when our taxi comes to a stop. We all exit, and start stretching our limbs.
The driver unloads the van, I tip him, and send him on his way. Then we all walk up the path leading to my parent's house.
“How long have your parent's lived in this house?” Jax asks.
“They moved in two years ago.”
“I want a house like this.” Evan responds.
“Maybe if you stop spending your money on women, maybe you could.” Mason says, laughing to himself.
“So are you a one-woman fuckin' man now or something?”
“Something like that.” Mason responds while looking in Nyla's direction.
“We'll see how long that will last.” Evan laughs out.
“Would all of you shut the fuck up please! I'm tired, hungry, and I could use a shower!” I shout.
We walk up the few steps in silence to the front door. Before we could take another step, the door swings open.
“I was starting to think you weren’t going to show.” My mom says with a huge smile on her face.
She stood in the doorway in a light blue sundress, with her hair pulled away from her face in a ponytail. Her light green eyes moved from me then to Nyla and the fellas.
“Look at you guys!” She says placing her hands on each of our faces, looking us over before pulling each of us in a tight hug. “It's so good to see all of you.” She says holding onto Mason.
“It's good to see you too Mrs. Walker.” Mason responds, returning the embrace.
“I'm really sorry to hear about your grandma. How are you holding up?”
“I'm doing better. Thanks for asking.”
“And Brooke?”
“She's keeping her head in her books.”
They pull away and she turns her attention to Nyla.
With a bigger smile on her face she pulls Nyla into a tight hug. “How have you been? Gosh look how beautiful you are!” How are your parents?”
“They're good. Dad's enjoying retirement and mom volunteers at the hospital from time to time when they're not traveling. The last time I talked to them they were enjoying the beautiful villages of Italy.”
“I'm sure they're loving it! I remember when Isaac took us there on our wedding anniversary. It's really a beautiful place. Matter of fact I have a photo album full of pictures I'll show you when we get inside.”
My mom grabs Nyla's hand and everyone walks up the remaining stairs to the house, leaving me behind.
“Are you coming?” Nyla asks.
Clearing my thoughts, I look around and see everyone looking at me.
“Yeah give me a minute.”
“Alright son.” My mom responds, winking in my direction.
They continue their walk up the stairs until they reach the door. My mom pushes the door open and they all walk in.
I look around the property taking in the view. I could count on one hand on how many times I'd been out here. My dad had it built for my mom exactly how she wanted it. I guess he felt obligated after all the rumors and scandals about him being seen with various women when they first signed their big record deal several years ago, and he was able to hide it from my mom. A lot happened around that time that caused my parents to separate for a while. All this happened around the time Nyla moved to California. Until this day, Nyla thinks my dad was always on tour with his band, but she never knew the real reason why. She just knew that he was gone a lot, and when he was home, we acted like what society claimed to be a normal happy family.
I knew my mom forgave him for all his cheating, but the reason for their separation was still unknown to me. Now I had to go in here and act like we were one happy family.
I jog up the stairs and walk through the door and see Nyla hugging my dad. When his gray eyes land on me, he kisses her on the cheek and walks in my direction.
“Son.”
“Dad.”
“Have a good trip?”
“Yeah.” I lied.
“Good to hear.” He says before turning his attention away from me. “Well boys while Mrs. Walker and Nyla finish up dinner, we'll head to the studio to discuss business.” He announces.
We walk through the kitchen and down a small hall leading to my dad's studio slash office. We walk through the door and I see Richie, my dad's lawyer and manager sitting in a chair in front of the desk, looking through some paperwork. When he sees us, he puts it away and stands.
“Caleb.” He says extending his hand.
“Rich.” I respond and I shake his hand.
My dad was currently sitting behind his desk, and the rest of the band and I continue to stand. Currently my mind was trying to process why Rich was even here.
“Not trying to be rude, but why is he here?” I ask directing my attention to my dad.
“I can answer that.” Rich responds. “I invited myself actually because I had more paperwork I had to draw up, that we all have to go over before you guys leave on Wednesday.”
“Wednesday? That's the day after tomorrow! I thought we were leaving Friday?”
“We were until we got a call about two hours ago from Rocktown Records.” Rich responds.
“What is he talking about?” I ask my dad.
“Rocktown records wants to sign Wildfire immediately. It just so happens; they were in town the other night when you guys were performing your last show at The Grind. They were very impressed. Caleb when they found out that you were Isaac Walker's son along with that, they immediately wanted to sign you guys.” Rich speaks up.
“Are you serious? I thought they wanted to see us perform on tour with Hurricane first before they made their decision.” I respond.
“Yes Caleb. Very serious. Congratulations! Your hard work has finally paid off.”
Jax, Mason, Evan, and Jeremy had looks on their faces like they couldn't believe everything was happening so fast.
“I'm not believing this.” I say finally, taking a seat in the vacant seat beside Rich.
“Why the change in plans? It's kind of short notice.”
“They want you guys in the studio as soon as possible to record a few songs. After the two-week tour ends with Hurricane, they want to schedule you guys for another tour to give you guys some more exposure and publicity. Before you know it you guys will be climbing the music charts. Can’t help to say it, but that's the music business for you.” My dad says kneeling beside me.
“Does mom know?”
“Yes. And she's very excited and happy for you.”
“These contracts need to be signed by all of you by tomorrow afternoon.” Rich says.
I remove them from his outstretched hand, and I look down at the papers, not believing that our band was actually getting signed, then we were scheduled for a two-week city tour, and possibly another one once our tour ended with Hurricane. What was I going to tell Nyla?
As if reading my mind, my dad answers my question.
“I know Nyla was supposed to be here for a couple of days, but unfortunately she's going to have to cut her trip short.”
“Maybe she could go with us. Just for a couple of days. Rich do you think we could make that happen?”
“Sorry Caleb. But in this case the only females allowed on tour are the wives. I know she's like family to you but those are the rules. Now when you guys sign your own recording deal etc. Then we can talk.” Rich responds.
“So there's no women allowed on the tour bus?” Evan asks.
“You guys are going to have a pretty busy schedule. You'll have females throwing themselves at you once they hear you guys play. I don't care about how many women you have in your hotel room, but none on the tour bus.” My dad responds.
“Dad.”
“Listen Caleb. I know what I'm talking about. You know your mom and I almost didn't make it.”
“Yeah because you couldn't keep your dick in your pants.”
The room falls silent after my confession.
“I know. That's w
hy every time I go on tour she's by my side. The shit you’re talking about happened years ago, and your mom has forgiven me. Why do you think I'm telling you all this? Guys if you really take your music seriously, being in a relationship with anyone right now, will not work. When you're on tour, everywhere you turn there will be females advertising free pussy.”
“That's nothing new. They do it now.” Jax responds.
“I'm not talking about local club groupies Jax. There are women out there who are pros at doing this. Either they're trying to earn a free ride to stardom by offering a few blow jobs, a quick fuck, or they are trying to ruin your career before it can even get started. Do you guys understand?”
“Yeah.” We all say in unison.
“Good, now leave those papers on my desk and I want all of you to try and enjoy the rest of your night. Because after Wednesday, there's no telling when you'll have a break to do anything.”
I lay the papers down on the desk, and I stand.
“Son make sure you tell Nyla about the change of plans with the tour, and I'll see if I can get her a plane ticket back to New York tomorrow morning.”
With one final look in my dad and Rich's direction, we leave.
twenty-two
Nyla
“How's school going?”
I look up from the photo album from my spot at the table, and at Mrs. Walker, who was busy preparing a salad.
“Tough. I'm so close to getting my Bachelors in Biology. Once I'm done with that I start my other medical training and residency.”
“That’s so amazing. I'm so proud of you Nyla.”
“Thank you. It's feels like I've been in school forever, then I think about how much school I have left.”
“Well keep up the good work. Have you decided on what field you wanted to go into?”
“I'm leaning towards women's health. My aunt was an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, and I've decided to follow in her footsteps.”
“That's wonderful.” She says while dicing tomatoes.
I look back down at the photo album and I start turning the pages, coming across familiar images until I see a photo wedged between the pages. I pull it out, and I see a picture of a little boy that looked to be around the age of three years old, smiling bright with his eyes closed tight. After further inspection of the photo, I knew he was actually laughing. He was standing beside Mr. Walker, who was looking down at him with a smile on his face, and they were holding hands. I frown when I notice the little boy in the photo had dark hair instead of blond.
“Mrs. Walker. Who is this?”
She puts the knife she was using to chop up the vegetables down on the cutting board, and she comes around the counter to get a better look. When she sees the picture her face suddenly goes pale. With a shaky hand she reaches out and takes the photo from my hands.
“I'm not sure Nyla.” She responds in a hurried manner, then shoves the photo in the pocket of her sundress. With nothing left to say she walks back around the counter and resumes her chopping.
What just happened?
The sound of voices coming down the hall, redirects my attention.
“Hey boys.” Mrs. Walker says. She touches her face and wipes away a tear.
Is she crying?
“Why don't you all head upstairs and wash up for dinner. It should be ready in about forty-five minutes. Help yourselves to any room.” She continues.
Evan, Jeremy, and Jax leave the kitchen and jog up the stairs.
I close the photo album and I place it on the counter.
“Here you go Mrs. Walker.”
“Thank you Nyla. Just leave it right there and I'll get it later.” She responds, not wanting to look up at me.
“Are you alright?” I ask her.
“Yes Nyla. I'm just fine. Do you mind finishing up the salad for me? I'm going to head up stairs for a minute.”
“Sure.” I respond, with concern in my voice.
“Thanks honey.” She puts the knife down and rushes out the kitchen.
I walk around the counter and resume making the salad.
“Hey.” Mason whispers in my ear. Sneaking up behind me. He wraps his arms around my body pulls me against him.
“Hey.” I respond turning around slowly in his arms.
I look over his shoulder to find Caleb standing behind him. Looking at us with a smile on his face. I Pull out of Mason's arms, and I turn my attention to Caleb.
“Hey you. Your mom let it slip about the official record deal.” I say, giving him a sad smile. “I'm really happy for you guys.”
“Thanks Nyla.”
Reaching out, he grabs my hand and pulls me into a hug. “Too bad we haven't had much time to catch up.”
“Well we still have a couple of days left.”
“Actually we don't. We leave out Wednesday. Dad's in the process of getting you a plane ticket as we speak. So I guess you'll be leaving sooner than you thought.”
“Wow! Well I guess I’ll have to catch one of your concerts.”
“Most definitely. I should have a schedule of our concert dates by tonight. I'll text you the info.”
“Thanks.”
“Yeah no problem. Where did my mom go?”
“Um she went upstairs for a minute.”
“Well I'm going to head up and get some rest before dinner. Talk to you two later.”
He walks off, leaving Mason and I standing there.
“Are you okay?” Mason asks me, with a look of concern on his face.
“Yes.” I lied.
“Okay.” He says staring down into my eyes. Not being able to help himself he tilts my head back and lowers his head to press his lips against mine. Sucking and tasting the gloss off my lips. He pulls his lips away, and we stand there resting our foreheads against each other, trying to calm our beating hearts.
I look up and see Mr. Walker looking at me and Mason. When he sees me looking in his direction, he leaves the kitchen.
Mason pulls me closer to his body and kisses my forehead. “Let's go upstairs.”
“You go ahead. I'm going to stay here and finish up dinner until Mrs. Walker comes back down.”
“Okay. I need to call Brooke and tell her the news.”
“Okay.” I respond.
He walks out of the kitchen and grabs our bags from the front foyer, before making his way upstairs.
I turn around and my eyes land on the photo album, with confusion clouding my thoughts.
* * *
After dinner, I finish up with the dishes and I make my way upstairs. I'm walking down the hall towards Mason's room when I hear the sound of Mr. and Mrs. Walker's voice. They were arguing and yelling at each other. Mrs. Walker never came back down for dinner, due to the fact she wasn't feeling well; which was the excuse Mr. Walker gave us when he showed up without her. I stop in front of their bedroom door, but all I could hear were low muffled voices now coming from the other side. Deciding to mind my own business I walk two doors down to Mason's room.
I open the door and I lock it behind me. The sound of the shower going and Mason's voice fills the room. I strip out of my clothes and I walk into the bathroom to see Mason's naked form through the fogged up glass door of the shower. I grab a wash cloth off the shelf near the sink then I pull the shower door open and I step in.
Mason stops singing and turns around and looks at me. He dips his head back under the shower head to wash away his shampoo. My eyes slowly roam over his slick hard body, then back up to a smiling face.
Man I was going to miss him.
“Hey.” I step forward and I reach up to run my hands through his wet hair, bringing his head down so I could kiss him.
“What was that for?” He asks me, kissing my lips again.
“Do I have to have a reason?”
“No. You can kiss me any time you want, and anywhere.” He says with a sexy smile on his face.
I roll my eyes and shake my head to myself. I pour some body wash on my cloth and begin lathering my body.