Even though it was an hour later in Belize, she decided to phone her again.
“Scarlette! Thank God!” Her mother gushed as if she had been the one trying to call all day. “Honey, we need to talk.”
“I’m listening.” Something told her she needed to sit down, but she didn’t. She paced.
“Will your graduation ceremony be the last week in May or the first in June?”
“Why?”
“Because I’m joining some friends on their yacht for a few days, and they were asking me―”
“Is this what you needed to talk to me about?” Impatient with trivial talk of floating on the ocean, Scarlette interrupted.
“Yes… Why? You sound upset, dear.”
“Because I thought you were going to explain to me what my freaking stalker paps is doing at Cochina’s with you!” She screamed out the restaurant where she’d been told her mother and Ketchum had dined. Here, she kicked at her couch and ignored the tears filling her eyes when she stubbed her big toe.
“How do you know that?” Henni’s reply was barely a whisper.
“It doesn’t matter. Just tell me.”
“I can’t tell you that. And I resent being spied on. Just because you’re paying my rent―”
“I wasn’t spying on you! I was spying on him! Any person who sits outside my house practically twenty-four-seven for months now is a concern to my security team. They’re good at what they do. Shit, Mother! Just answer.”
“Scarlette, don’t dig into this.” Henni suddenly sounded contrite—and tired. “I’m taking care of it. I’m going to make it go away like I always have.”
“You have always what? Make what go away?”
“Call the security off. Trust me on this.”
“Mom, you have to tell me what is going on…”
“I will. But now is not the time. Now about your graduation―”
A jab at the end button disconnected the call. She was about to call Mike back and have him look into it more, when she realized how late it was and opted to wait.
Her phone lit with a text.
Mom
Please trust me, sweetheart.
10:22 PM
How? How was she to trust the woman who had never told her she had an inheritance? Who had stolen her debit card more times than she probably knew?
But the next morning, she didn’t call Mike. It wasn’t because she trusted Henni. It was because she didn’t. If Henni had flirted and given her number to Ketchum on Christmas day, and a relationship had sprung from that, there was no sense in investigating further.
Chapter 25
Colt blew out a breath of smoke, and before vaporizing into the spring day, it drifted in a cloud over his pool where Jeter and Seth and their ‘girlfriends’ were involved in a splashing war. “When are you going to ask her?”
“I’m not.” Gage was quick to correct the misunderstanding. And damn, just the thought of talking with Scar made his pulse throb in delicate places. “Jax is going to meet with her.
“Think she’ll do it?”
“No. Fuck no. Not without some convincing—by someone who is not me.” Gage rubbed his eyes and crossed his bare ankles when he slouched down more in his chaise. “She hates me. And if she thinks the offer has anything to do with me—as in, if she thinks I suggested she be my freaking babysitter on tour—she’ll decline.”
“So it would make it worse if I talked to her.” Colt let the statement hang as a semi-question.
“Yeah. But thanks. Logan is going to work on her.”
“Tell me he’s not still going out with her.” When Gage didn’t answer, Colt puffed his cheeks out with the next smoky exhale. “How are you so fuckin’ stupid? This is going to blow up in your face.” Colt glanced back to the now empty water and thrust the smoke to Gage when he hopped to his feet. “Hey! Where is everyone? Seth!” Striding to the edge of the terrace overlooking the second pool, he muttered, “Damn kids. Always disappearing the second I quit looking…”
While his friend chased down the horny teens, Gage resisted a hit, ignored Colt’s forecast about the Logan situation, and instead contemplated the Rattler tour.
The circuit with Rattler hinged on tour support for two recovering addicts—Gage and the drummer. At this point, Gage had already committed to the tour, but Jewelstone was looking to acquire a professional in the rehab field before committing Rattler to the open offered dates of several large festivals and scheduling surrounding venue dates in the spring, summer, and fall.
Over the last several weeks, Jax had spoken at length about bands who self-imploded due to substance abuse. It had happened with a few of the bands on the Jewelstone label, and they were more careful now about the artists they signed. This certainly explained the vibes he’d been getting from the man.
He knew Jax, who was owner and producer of the label, was impressed with his work. Yet, he’d done everything but talk about a future solo project once Gage’s non-compete clause in the Fire Flight contract ran out.
At first Gage had felt affronted. But now he was fine with it. He’d made his bed with sheets of mistakes and duvets of bad decisions. He had no problem lying in it now that he knew that was what he was doing. Maybe after this temporary stint with Rattler and a year of remaining clean, he would be taken seriously again by those he respected in the industry.
Colt returned and seconds behind him, four disgruntled teens trailed from the lower pool back to the upper pool. As his friend resettled with a cold beer, Gage eyed the teens and spoke of Seth. “He pulls a Houdini as good as his daddy.”
“Yeah. Sorry about the other night.” But Colt didn’t sound remorseful for his vanishing act at the party around this very pool the previous night.
“And the night before. And New Year’s Eve.” Gage reminded, still curious and even pissed about times he was left sitting with Colt’s date while Colt went missing for an hour. And then it hit him! Watching his friend for even an eye twitch, he probed. “You’re seeing someone! Someone who is someone. Or someone who is married.” There it was. A muscle in the other man’s jaw flexed, but he covered it quickly with a sip of beer. “Who is she?”
“Delusional much? You’re crazy. Know that?”
“Is it a he?” Gage added this part to rile any homophobic tendencies Colt might have, but the other man only grinned and drained the last of the beer in his bottle.
“Worry about your own fucked up love life.”
“I have no love life. And I like it that way.” Liar… Scar, my sweet darlin’ love…
“What?” Two mocking brows shot upward, disappearing beneath Colt’s long messy bangs. “I thought you and Allison were true love!”
“Shut the fuck up…” He’d tried with Allison. He truly had. But she wasn’t girlfriend built. The trouble was she thought of herself as a girlfriend. Probably, because he’d broken so many of his own rules with her lately. He knew she was expecting to go on tour. But there was no way that was happening. Especially not if Scarlette came along…
The beers enticed him from their bath of icy water, but he resisted. He was limiting himself to one or two a day, and he wanted to wait until he was home making music with one of his six string loves in his hands.
“So…” Colt chaperoned the brood of kids as he spoke. “We’ll be on tour together briefly this summer.”
“Yeah.” Gage thought of the festival where Fire Flight would be the main act and Rattler one of the opening on the same stage. “Look, man. I’m glad things worked out for you. I know I never said it. I was bitter for a while. But I’m glad I didn’t fuck things up for the whole band. You guys are killin’ it.”
“It ain’t the same without you though. The new guy—he’s cool. But we all wish it were back like it was. With you.”
And why wasn’t it? There had to be a reason he’d screwed up so badly and derailed his life. He believed in fates—in windows opening and doors closing. If Fire Flight was closed to him, something better was going to open. Right?
&nbs
p; “Hang in there.”
“Huh?”
“Don’t look so glum. Hang in there. You’re on the brink of something good. Jewelstone doesn’t poach lightly. You can bet they’ve got big things in mind for you.”
“They’re not having to poach me,” Gage reminded.
“Don’t kid yourself. Jax took an interest in you before you were out of Fire Flight.” Colt sat up straight and frowned at the water. “Really? They’re going to do that shit right in front of me?”
Gage eyed the teens who had coupled off to two corners of the pool and were making out. “Give ’em a break, Dad.”
“Sure. And then Dad becomes Granddad…”
Gage was no longer listening. His thoughts had wandered to horny teens of another time, around another pool…
“…Remington’s sister. Hotter than a firecracker! Think that cherry’s been popped?”
Wham. Gage’s fist met his friend’s chin.
When the ‘friend’s’ parents called his father, his father had patted him proudly on the back after hearing the story.
I’m proud of you, son. She’s your sister. Always look out for her.
Chapter 26
The studio was cozy and at the same time chic. Noise City—Scarlette’s only other glimpse of a recording studio—had been dark and cluttered with stained carpet and dusty corners. Jewelstone—she gazed around—was in pristine condition and sunlight spilled into the main room through skylights.
A couple of months back when Jax had explained his vision of ongoing, on location rehabilitation, she had taken weeks to contemplate his proposal. Going on the Rattler tour as an addiction consultant and specialist was considered even more carefully knowing Gage was to be one of her clients. In his initial phone call, Jax had referenced the ice bar and a conversation where she’d told him her field of study, but truth be told, she was certain Gage had recommended her. In fact, she’d never been more certain than when Logan subtly added his support to the proposal.
Jax had spoken with her about using this tour as a model to build a rehab clientele with others in similar need of a sober companion. Labels looked bad when their bands had to cancel shows and tours due to drug and alcohol addictions. He wanted to minimize that ever happening to Jewelstone again, and he sounded as if he truly worried about throwing his artists on the road right out of rehab. He’d said someone of her allopathic skills traveling with band members who battled addictions might come to be as popular as chefs and other specialty entourage. She’d quickly warmed to the idea and agreed.
The tour was already underway and had been for a few weeks. She would intersect with their itinerary next week after her graduation ceremony. Technically, she’d just this week completed graduation requirements at the top of her class. She wasn’t required to attend the formal ceremony, but had decided with Logan’s input to enjoy the pomp and circumstance she’d earned.
What she hadn’t discussed with Logan was the truth behind this quick trip to Dallas. Ivy and Caroline were the only ones she’d confided in. As well as speaking to her about her allopathic therapy methods, Jax had also questioned her extensively about the songs she’d performed in the documentary and had seemed surprised they weren’t to be included in the soundtrack release.
“You don’t want those floating around the internet. A studio version will ensure your interests are protected. Aside from that, the cover version is beautiful. It should be ‘out there.’”
Her first instinct had been to pick up the phone and ask Gage’s advice. Instead, she’d dialed her stepfather’s number and found him in agreement. He’d even looked over the paperwork and had assured her Jewelstone was known for looking out for the interests of the talent they signed.
After much deliberation, she’d flown here the day after her last final, courtesy of a private jet Jewelstone had sent, to have a recording session as well as to finalize her therapeutic presence on the tour.
“Scarlette! Welcome!” Jax manifested in the doorway and shook her hand. “I wanted to meet you at the airport myself, but was finishing up a project. Your flight go okay?”
“Everything was wonderful. Thanks.”
“Excuse me…” A very familiar face in the alternative rock world came into view. The young woman curved an apologetic smile toward Scarlette and introduced herself. “I’m the project from hell.”
Scarlette watched the banter between the two as they discussed a closed hi hat versus a foot hi hat. Soon the young woman apologized again and waved as she moved off. “Thanks for letting me interrupt, Scarlette. I’ll leave you now in the genius hands of this man and his soundboard.”
Jax had one of his tech guys bring her guitar in and explained that the session wouldn’t take long. “We want the sound as real and raw as possible.”
She recorded on her guitar as well as another, and they did three vocal takes. Jax explained the final mix might be overlaid with some of his own recording of the melody. A beautiful woman he introduced as his wife videoed parts of the session. It was painless and complete by the end of the day.
“Do I remember you saying you didn’t begin playing until around a year ago?” He asked while playing back one of the tracks. When she confirmed, he was interested in how much she practiced. Her several hours on most days seemed to impress him. And in the end, he concluded with a smile and a shake of his head the same thing Gage, Colt, and Seth had. “Just another living prodigy as proof—skills are as much genetic as learned.”
She knew she didn’t yet have the abilities of the many musicians she admired. But she was getting there. And in the meantime, it was nice to have experts comment on how well the uncomplicated compositions complimented her voice.
Over dinner with his family, they talked of the tour. He said it was going well but he was concerned about the drummer staying clean on the road. “And your broth—your—Gage…” He fumbled the reference and actually flushed! “Gage, I know is determined. But it won’t hurt to have an expert—you—right there in case he runs into trouble.”
His wife took that moment to intervene subtly. “Who’s ready for dessert?”
They drove her to the airport as night fell. At the foot of the airstairs, they parted with a shake of hands, spontaneous hugs, and Jax’s wife passed her a care package containing a couple of slices of the cheesecake she’d turned down due to being too full from the delicious Italian entree.
“Welcome to the Jewelstone family, Scarlette. Looking forward to working with you.”
Watching the metropolis lights fade as the plane headed west, she replayed the day. She knew what she’d been offered musically with Jewelstone was based as much on the merit of who she was as who she could be. Her father had been a musical genius and everyone who knew music and heard her play believed she had inherited his skills. She could be great one day. But she was Scarlette Conterra. Did a name sell itself in this industry?
And what did she want? Right now, music was a newly discovered passion. An outlet for her confused and stressed emotions. Was she ready for it to become more? And if it did, would she have to choose between music and the career she’d schooled for?
Graduation night arrived. Speeches were made and diplomas dispensed.
Logan waved and she grinned as she made her way through the crowd toward him.
“So…” He pulled her into a hug. “What’re we doing to celebrate?”
Easing from his embrace, but remaining in the curve of his arm, she bit back the first flirtatious answer springing to mind. Had it been Derrick, they would have celebrated with wine, hot sauce, and sex. Had it been Gage, likely they would have taken a guitar or two and the wine straight to bed, playing and drinking between the sex. But even though she and Logan had been dating exclusively since just after the holidays, their relationship had never heated up.
Their relationship was odd, but it worked for her in all ways except sex. She enjoyed Logan’s company and having a boyfriend kept most other men away. However, it would’ve been nice to get-off to
more than the pulsating spray of the shower massage wand.
“My mom wants to take us out to eat, if that’s okay. After that, you and I could grab a drink. Then I have to go home. Finish packing.”
“Yeah. Tomorrow’s the big day.” He spoke of the Rattler tour. For a moment, she glimpsed sadness beyond the attractive brandy tint of his irises. But his wide smile indicated he was happy for her.
Scarlette had last seen her parent near the grand staircase of the auditorium hallway. Tugging on Logan’s hand, she headed that way. Henni seemed distracted, but she quickly pasted on a smile. Wondering what was up, Scarlette excused herself to the restroom.
“It’s really crowded…” Her mother curved restraining fingers around her wrist. “Why don’t you wait until we get to the restaurant?”
“I’ve really got to…” Scarlette coughed, embarrassed to have this conversation in front of Logan. “…I’ve got to now, Mom. If you guys want to get out of here, I’ll find you outside.”
Her mother’s hand left hers with a reluctant slide, and she spoke decisively. “We’ll wait here.”
The lavatory was well designed with plenty of stalls and very un-crowded. Surprised, she wondered if there had been a rush several minutes ago on toilets and the wave was now over.
After washing her hands, she lingered, tucking stray hairs back into hairclips. Leaning into the mirror, she rimmed her lips with the dramatic shade of lip color she wore this evening. She was dropping the slim tube of makeup into her purse when she exited into the narrow hallway. Her chin was down and her eyes were on the zipper of her knock-off Birkin bag—she loved the design, but even with an unlimited flow of money, she wouldn’t pay five figures for a purse.
“Hello, Scarla Smythe! Or is it Scarlette Conterra these days?” The man’s voice was familiar. She felt a sense of having heard it on a phone, or similar, off and on her entire life. Curiously, she lifted her gaze. Automatically, since he’d called her by the name that tended to draw a crowd, she did a sweep of surrounding faces before settling on the one addressing her.
Hung Out: A Needles and Pins Rock Romance Page 40