Taming Dex

by Zoey Derrick

  “I’ll try calling him. We have a show tomorrow anyway. I’ll find out what the hell is going on.”

  “Thanks, D. Call my cell if you need me, I won’t leave her.”

  “Right.”

  He hangs up. “Sorry, sweet girl, I’ve got some business to attend to.”

  “What’s going on, Dex?” she asks me.

  “Uh…” Shit, does she know? Fuck. “Just some stuff with Talon, no biggy.”

  “Doesn’t sound like something that’s not a big deal, Dex. What’s going on?”

  Fuck…I can’t deny this woman anything. “Addison’s being kept overnight at the hospital.”

  “Babies?” She overheard that? Where the hell was she?

  “Uh, you might want to talk to them about that,” I say and walk out of the hotel bar.

  I flip through my phone, find K’s number and hit send. It rings once, twice, then finally he answers…

  “Dex, I need help…”

  Thirty minutes later…

  “Did you do it?” I point to the baggie of coke on the table in front of him.

  “No, I... I can’t bring myself to open it.”

  “Good. Come on, let’s get you cleaned up. Your girl needs you.”

  “I failed her.”

  “You screw someone else?”

  “Fuck no!”

  “So you fucking got drunk.”

  “For like, three fucking days. I’ve failed her so bad. She’s in the fucking hospital because of me and instead of going to her, I fucking bought coke.”

  “You haven’t failed her. Not yet, you haven’t. Come on. Shower, now.” Fuck, this hotel is the shittiest of the shitty. I know he can afford better, but I get why he came here.

  I go into the bathroom and start the shower. I’m going to have to fucking undress him. Ugh. “I’m going to strip you out of your clothes, fuck, do you have more clothes?”

  “No.”

  “All right…”

  “Take that shit off.”

  I pull my phone out. “Beck.”

  “Such a jack ass as always…I need your discretion and more than anything, this stays between us.”

  “What do you need, Dex?”

  “I’ve got K.”

  “Shit, where?”

  “Relax, brotha. He’s drunk, he’s been essentially homeless for three days and he bought a teenie.”

  “Fuck.”

  “Relax, he’s clean. He chickened out, but listen, he smells like ass, I need clothes. Can you get some and bring them?”

  “Of course.”

  “And, Beck?”

  “Yeah?”

  “You call anyone, I’ll have your balls for breakfast.”

  “No one.”

  “All right.” I proceed with filling him in on where Kyle and I are and when I’m done, he quickly hangs up.

  I turn around and Kyle is fucking naked as a jaybird. “All right, let’s go.”

  I drag him into the bathroom and throw him into the shower. “Oh FUCK!” he shouts. “THAT’S FUCKING COLD!”

  I slap his chest. “Sober up, big man!”

  “Hi Raine.” Cami’s sweet voice comes over the line.

  “Hi Cami.”

  “What’s wrong?” Her tone immediately shifts, compliments of my own.

  “We have a problem.”

  “With?”

  I know I can’t beat around the bush with her. “Addison collapsed at the studio this morning.”

  “She what? What’s wrong? Is she all right? Is she hurt?”

  “Relax. She’s fine, she’s been admitted to Bellevue for the night for observation.”

  “What caused her to collapse?”

  “Low blood sugar. I was calling to let you know, hopefully before the studio got a hold of you. You know how they are.”

  “Oh boy, let me guess, they didn’t get the song done today?”

  “No, they didn’t. She passed out before they even got started,” I tell her.

  “I didn’t know she had blood sugar problems,” she says quizzically as if trying to wrack her brain for something she might know about Addison.

  “I don’t think she does, I think the fact that she’s pregnant…”

  “What?” she practically squeals into the phone.

  “I’m sorry that I’m the one telling you. I do know that Addison wanted to, she just didn’t quite know how and from what little I know of the situation, they’re not talking to anyone about it really.”

  “Well, I would imagine not, considering…” She trails off, probably thinking the same thing I did after talking to Mills and forcing as much information from him as I could. No doubt he’s not happy with me. Personal issues are just that, personal, but I explained to him that I needed to be able to deal with the studio among other things, and I needed as much information as he could give me. Which confirmed what Dex had let slip, she’s having twins, but I withhold that detail from Cami.

  “No, she’s not very far along. But there’s more to this mess.”

  “Oh lord, all right, fill me in.”

  I fill her in on the details of Kyle’s disappearing act and what little I know at this point about him being found. Which extends only to Dex running off to go rescue Kyle. She is shocked at first, but there are some demons in Cami’s own closet, so I can imagine what’s going through her head about why Kyle left.

  “Look, I’ve already sent out an email. I will be on the plane in a couple of hours. I will be there tonight. I will probably bring Tristan with me. I’ll email you the flight details, but we’ll have a car arranged, so don’t worry about picking us up or anything.”

  “I don’t think you need to…”

  ‘Well, I’m looking at it this way, she’s cornered, in a hospital room, nowhere to run. I can get the answers I need from her while she’s there. I hate to force her into telling me anything, but you know, probably more than anyone, that I’m not your normal boss. Besides, I need to spend some time in the New York office anyway. So I might as well come out there now.”

  “Am I in trouble?”

  “Oh, good heavens, no. Why would you be in trouble?”

  “Just making sure. You don’t usually go jetting off when a client is in trouble, or an employee for that matter.”

  She laughs into the phone. “You’re right, I don’t. But Addison’s a little different. One, she’s handling a very big band and up until I sent you out there, she was doing it alone and doing a damn fine job of it. Now she has you and I would have never known anything was wrong. Between the two of you, you guys have everything under control. I am not going to step up, step in, or start making changes unless something completely disastrous happens and I don’t see that happening.” I can tell she’s smiling on the other end of the phone. “You’re doing great, Raine, don’t let this be a downer for you. It’s a bump in the road and if Kyle’s back, maybe things will right themselves. If I know Addison, things will be back to normal in a few days.”

  I smile. “Thank you, Cami.”

  “Absolutely. But her pregnancy does change a few things.”

  “Like?” I ask her and she launches into the numerous contracts sitting there waiting for her to decide on and sign. She doesn’t dive too much into it, but there will be quite a bit of negotiating involved should Addison decide to sign on. I love it when Cami gets on work related tangents. They can be quite comical. I lean back against the hallway wall. As much as I would rather be in my room, I wanted to be out here in case anyone came back.

  Fifteen minutes later, the plan is hashed out and no sooner than we hang up do I have Cami’s flight itinerary and scheduling changes. Though I am no longer her assistant, this isn’t the first or last thing I will no doubt receive from her. I’ve received a few online projects from her as well. Those emails were fun to read because she said she doesn’t like my semi-replacement as much as me. I replied to one of them telling her that when I got back, I would handle both her and Addison for a while.

  That was when
I got this response….

  If you’re agreeable, available and capable, I’m sending you on the road with Addison. Let me know as soon as possible.

  My gut reaction was to reply with a resounding yes, but then I thought of Dex. What would my staying mean? It’s not about what he thinks really, it’s more about my handling being around him if he reverts back to his old ways. If he goes back to seducing women, how is that going to make me feel in the long run? Then again, watching him seduce another woman may just be the nail in the coffin I need to bring myself out of this rut where it comes to him.

  My cell phone vibrates. A text.

  Talon: Addison is settled in. Mills said he filled you in on everything. I’m sorry I didn’t think to do it myself. Addison is resting comfortably and will be okay. Have you seen Dex? He’s not answering his phone. Thnx - T

  Raine: Glad Addison is okay. Mills was reluctant to say the least, but I had to tell Cami before the studio called her. She’s talking 2 them now, hoping to reschedule session ASAP and negotiation of fines. Cami said she’d cover fines. Dex? No, I was with him when you called, he took off to do whatever Dex does. Will check around with the guys, see if NE1 has talked to him. YW - Raine

  No sign of Dex? What the hell? I’d chalked up his silence to dealing with Kyle, but it’s obvious Dex isn’t answering Talon, so what exactly is going on?

  “Jesus, he’s a mess,” Beck says when he finally arrives at the hotel.

  “What took so long?”

  “Fuck off. You said you didn’t want anyone to know, well, I had to get to the floor so that I could go into the suite and pull some of his shit.” He drops a black duffle bag on the bed. Kyle, meanwhile, is slouched over on the other bed with his head in his hands and a skimpy ass towel half wrapped around his waist.

  “All right, brother. Let’s do this, yeah?” I say to Kyle who nods and stands up. I grab the bag off of the bed and walk it over to him. “Go get dressed and we’ll get you some food and get you to Addison.”

  Kyle is a walking zombie, minus the nasty black circles. No wait, he has those too. My phone vibrates again in my pocket. I pull it out.

  Talon: Anything from K?

  Dex: nah man, still trying. Sorry.

  Talon: Fucker.

  I shrug off the exchange, he ain’t pissed at me and I know that.

  I point to the table. “Dump it.” The fluffy white powder has been taunting me since the moment I walked through the door. Though this time, my resistance was much easier than it was back in Phoenix and I think I have Raine to thank for that, though I’m not sure it can stop the next piece from happening.

  “That bad?” Beck asks me.

  “Not Phoenix bad, but yeah, it fucking sucks.”

  “We sure he didn’t do any of it?”

  I shake my head. “Not unless teenies have gotten bigger in the last five years.” Beck nods and walks over to the table, grabbing the bag and pocketing it. Then grabbing the beer bottles, alcohol bottles and other trash that litters the room. “Fuck it, leave it, man. This place is a dump. Those were probably here before Kyle showed up.”

  Beck snorts a laugh.

  “Just make sure you dump it,” I tell him and step outside to light up a smoke. Letting it fill my lungs and curb that appetite.

  Fifteen minutes later, Kyle’s semi put back together and I watch Beck dump perfectly good coke into the toilet and flush it. I would have never been able to do it and he knows it. My phone vibrates again.

  Unknown: don’t be mad at Casey, but you never gave me your number. PS now you have mine too. How’s K? Talon is flipping out - he texted, wanted to know if I’d heard from you. Said no, but didn’t tell him you had K either. Didn’t want to raise hopes if, well you know. Addie ok 2. In case you’re wondering. - Raine

  Unknown: PS. We should talk.

  Dex: Not mad, happy you conned my number from C. Thnx4 not telling T. K is sobering. Going to feed him, take him to Hosp. Glad Addie’s Ok. Talk? About?

  I know that I cannot and do not want to wipe the Cheshire grin off my face as we walk into a deli near Bellevue. As Kyle consumes his food, he sobers more and more. He’s finally starting to talk, though more beating himself up, talking himself into showing up at the hospital than actually to Beck or I.

  When he’s done, Beck calls Mills and lets him know we’re coming.

  When we arrive at the hospital, Mills is standing outside waiting for us as we pull up in the rented SUV. Kyle turns to me.

  “Thank you,” he says softly.

  “That’s what brothers are for, man. You’d have done the same for me.”

  He smiles slightly. “Yeah, I would have, in a second.”

  “Then quit thanking me, you need to go and see your girl.” He nods and the small smile fades. I’ve suspected for some time now that this isn’t a two against one situation between Kyle, Talon and Addison. I’m pretty certain that it’s a three-way street with them. “Talon too.” I wink at him. Letting him know that it’s cool. Totally not my cup of fucking tea, but then again… nope, not at all.

  When Kyle climbs out of the truck, I follow after him. I’m gonna ride up front with Beck on the way back. Mills wraps Kyle up in a hug.

  “Welcome home,” Mills says with a smile.

  “How is she?”

  Mills’ smile doesn’t fade. “She’ll be better now.” He turns to me. “Thank you.” We grab arms at the elbows and bump chests.

  “Anytime.” I pat Kyle on the back. “If things don’t go so well up there, call me. Don’t run. She ain’t the only one you ran away from and you know damn well that I will always take care of my family.”

  “I won’t run. I can’t promise to stay, but I won’t run,” he says somberly.

  “I have it on good authority that you mean more to that girl than you realize. Talon too. And I’m pretty sure you aren’t going anywhere.” I smile at him and climb into the front seat of the SUV. “Hey Kyle?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Come here.” He walks over to stand at my window. “That chick is pretty special. She has a way of bringing out the best in all of us. Just keep that in mind. Take your punishment like a big man, but know that it won’t be easy.”

  “I’ll do whatever I have to do,” He states firmly.

  “Good. Now go.” I nod toward Mills and the door and Kyle takes his leave of us. “Hi ho silver - away,” I joke and Beck laughs as he throws the SUV into drive and we take off.

  I pull my phone out.

  Dex: Kyle delivered safely to hospital. What happens next is totally up to him. On my way back with Beck. Hungry?

  Raine: Thank you. Not hungry, not at hotel. Glad K is safe & where he belongs.

  Dex: Where are you?

  While I wait for her response I wonder why I asked, why I even sent that damn message in the first place, but can’t change it now.

  Raine: Out.

  That’s the only response I get from her and it irritates me, but I let it go. I have no rhyme or reason to give a shit about what she’s doing but the fact that she’s not at the hotel has me a little bummed.

  “What are we doing tonight?” Beck asks as we continue toward our hotel.

  “Going out,” I say simply.

  “Anywhere in particular?” He looks over at me briefly.

  “Anywhere but the hotel.”

  He nods and drives on.

  When we return to the hotel, I knock on Mouse and Peacock’s door. Mouse answers. “What’s up?”

  “Kyle’s home,” I tell him.

  “No shit.” He smiles and turns into the room. “Yo Eric, Kyle’s home.”

  “Fucking A, about fucking time.” He comes to stand in the doorway with Mouse.

  “Yeah, Addison’s in the hospital.”

  “Whoa, what? What the fuck, dude?” Mouse says as he and Peacock come out into the hallway.

  “Yeah, she collapsed this morning, which in turn is how I ended up calling him. It wasn’t pretty,” I tell them and they both nod absently,
like they know what I’m talking about without having to ask the question. “So, I’m going out, want to join me?”

  “Yeah, man, let’s go,” Peacock says with enthusiasm. Great.

  “Hey Mills.” I answer my phone.

  “Hi, everything all right?”

  I scowl at nothing in particular. “Yeah, why?”

  “Just making sure, you ditched your detail.” His tone is accusatory, but I shrug it off.

  “You guys have enough going on. You don’t need to worry about me too.”

  “I will argue that with you later, but can you at least tell me where you are and if you’re all right?” His tone softens.

  ‘I’m perfectly fine. I’m at the Crown Plaza down the street and I’m with Cami and Tristan.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know they were coming to town.”

  “They just got here a little while ago. I needed to get out, so I came over here. Cami plans on stopping by the hospital in the morning. Speaking of which, how is she?”

  “She’s much better now that Kyle’s back, but they’re still keeping her overnight. I sent Tori and Rusty back to the hotel for some sleep. They’ll be back up in a few hours.”

  “Good, keep me posted if anything changes?”

  “Absolutely. Please call if you need a ride back to the hotel.”

  “Got it covered, Tyson is here too.”

  “Good,” he says. “Tell him hello.”

  “Will do. Thanks.”

  He hangs up.

  “Everything all right?” Cami asks.

  I nod. “I just ditched my detail, Mills was a little rattled.”

  I get a raised eyebrow from Cami. “Why’d you ditch the detail?”