Chapter 21
Tommy parked his SUV and looked around the parking lot. Jon’s bike was still there. That was odd. He should have been gone hours ago. No one else had gotten there yet, so he went inside. Everyone was to meet there, in order to car pool to the Dewdrop Inn. Jon had not planned to go with them. He had plans to meet Sean that night.
He had hoped Hailey would come with them, but she didn’t want their relationship to be public knowledge yet. Since they decided every few weeks was too little time together, he thought she would be more open to meet people he knew. She worried if she went, pictures might be posted online. The last thing she needed was to be labeled a groupie or worse. Her career was important. He understood but also hoped that one day things would change.
Soft voices came from the main room. Tommy followed them. “Why’re you still here?” He froze when he noticed Sean, who he knew from pictures, and his mother. “Sorry. I’ll wait outside.” He turned to leave.
Jon spoke up fast, “Tom. Stay.” Nervously, he turned to Sean and Emma. “This is my friend Tommy. Tommy, this is Sean. And you know Emma.”
“Hi.” Tommy waved, unsure what else to say.
Sean couldn’t contain his excitement any longer. “Wow. Tommy Fischer. So cool.”
With a laugh, Tommy replied, “You realize your dad’s Jon Harris, right?”
“Yeah.” Sean was bewildered. “This is a lot to take in.” He had expected his father to be a broke street musician. Never in a million years did he think he was a rock star. “I play, you know.”
Jon smiled. “What d’ ya play?” They had talked about many things, but there was so much more to learn.
“Guitar and piano.” Sean grinned. “Guess I know where I get that talent from.” He knew his father played much more than just drums.
“One day soon, we’ll jam.” Jon was far beyond happy that they got along so easily. It was as if they knew each other forever. “We got all kinds of instruments here.”
Tommy watched the father/son duo. He was glad it didn’t turn out as Jon had expected. They laughed about something. It was nice to see Jon happy. Since he met Hailey, it meant three out of four of them settled down in a way. If only Dean weren't a lost cause. He didn’t care how Dean did at the detox center. Dean always went back to drugs. Once an addict, always an addict.
“You guys wanna come with us to the Dewdrop?” Tommy grinned as Jon put a hand on his son’s shoulder. “I can definitely get Sean past the bouncers.” Then he backpedaled. “Sorry. Um, Emma, I didn’t mean to step over any lines. Was just thinking you can get to know me and Dominic, maybe. Never mind. You guys probably have plans already.”
Emma smiled. “We don’t have anything set in stone. Relax, Tommy.” She remembered Tommy as a wild teenager. They met when he was Sean’s age. He mellowed some, yet he was still a man-whore. “As long as you promise no insanity.”
“Sure.” Tommy laughed. She knew him when he experimented with drugs and women. He still had a thing for women, but he stopped getting high many years before. “I’ll be a good boy.”
Jon turned to Sean. “Do you like rock music?”
“Oh, of course.” Sean bounced in his chair. “I have all your albums. Oh, my God. Who’s playing?”
Tommy shook his head slightly. “Hysteria’s opening. Then Vicious Circle. And Triple Threat’s headlining.”
“Ma, please,” Sean begged. “Can we go?” He turned to Jon. “Do you know Triple Threat? Is that why we’re going?”
Jon laughed. “Yeah. They’re one of our bands.”
“You know Crystal?” Sean’s face filled with longing. “She is so… Uh, cute.” He glanced at his mother again. “Please, Ma?”
Emma had never seen him so excited. He was normally quite sedate; laid-back, like his father. “OK. OK. Just promise me you won’t go off on your own.”
“I won’t.” Sean’s face lit up.
Jon stood up. “I promise to stay close to him.”
He had started to really like Emma. Their night together brought back memories. He remembered the attraction he felt when they first met. Her sweetness, her playfulness, her big heart and her open mind. It was all still there. If he thought real hard, he could still feel her body against his. One glance at her told him she was all she had been and more. He had to hold back, though. Things were not like they had been. He had to think of Sean.
“Can I go like this?” Sean asked as he stood and looked down at his jeans.
Jon sighed. “OK. That is an issue. They have a dress code.” Then he smiled. “Sometimes we do photo shoots here. So we have clothes. I might have just the thing.” They disappeared into the hallway.
* * *
Dominic arrived at Demonfire minutes later. He rushed to the passenger side and gave Noelle his hand. She had spiked heels on, and the asphalt had holes. The last thing he wanted was for her to fall.
“Thanks.” Noelle smiled as he took her arm so they could walk together.
He grinned back at her. “Tommy’s gotta be inside. Wonder why Jon’s here.”
They walked slowly. Dominic got the door. “Jon, you here?” he called out.
Tommy shouted back, “In here.”
Dominic eyed Emma. She looked nothing as he expected. Not his type at all. “Uh, Hailey?” He was confused as hell.
“No.” Tommy burst out laughing. “This is… Emma.” He leaned over and tried to get a hold of himself. “She… She’s Sean’s mom.” He looked up and still laughed. “How could you think she was Hailey?”
Jon walked back in. “Who’s Hailey?”
Tommy was instantly silent. He glared at Dominic. Then he shook his head. “No one.”
“OK.” Jon waved Sean into the room. “Dominic, meet my son, Sean.”
Sean came into the room in a suit. “Hey.”
Noelle whistled, and her eyebrows went up. “Good lookin’ kid. If I wasn’t taken…” She winked at the teen, to boost his confidence. He had an anxious expression on his face.
“Wow.” Sean blushed. He knew who Noelle was. “This is too much.”
Dominic put out a hand. “I’m Dominic, and this is Noelle.”
“I know.” Sean’s hand trembled as he clasped Dominic’s hand. “I admired you since I was a kid.”
More voices came from the hallway. In walked Anthony, Tony, Sam, Vince, Mike P. and Crazy Mike. That meant everyone was there.
“OK.” Tommy mentally evaluated everyone’s vehicles. “Me, Dom and Anthony’ll drive. We’ll leave the other cars here.” He checked his watch. “We gotta get a move on.”
* * *
Once valets had taken all three cars, the group made their way into the Dewdrop Inn. Jon and Dominic both pulled Tommy aside before they got on the elevator.
“Tone it down tonight,” Jon said with a serious expression. “No loose women hanging around.”
Dominic nodded. “Yeah, don’t hit on everything that moves. OK?”
Tommy feigned innocence. “Why’re you ganging up on me?”
“ ’Cause you fuck women right at the table sometimes,” Jon growled. “I don’t want my kid seeing that.”
“Fine.” Tommy knew he would be tame anyway. “I’ll chill tonight.” Since he had met Hailey, his libido had calmed, unless he was with her.
They headed upstairs. They were seated at Tommy’s usual table and the one next to it. The place was already crowded, and the first band had not even hit the stage. The club was one of the best places to show off new bands. The exclusivity brought in the masses without the need to sell tickets for weeks like other venues.
The lights started to dim, and the stage activity increased. Hysteria was a hard rock band, not quiet metal. They had several albums out but had not had much mainstream success.
Minutes later, Chad walked up to the tables and said loudly, “ ’Sup.” He didn’t recognize everyone but wasn’t sure if he should ask. “We’re all set.”
Tommy couldn’t help but ask, “Where’s Crystal?” Jon and
Dominic both glared at him. “What? I can’t even think about sex?”
“Shut up!” Jon growled.
Emma laughed. “He’s 17. Will you relax? I’m sure he’s not a virgin.”
“Oh God, Ma.” Sean’s face heated up. “She’s so embarrassing.”
Chad chuckled. “Be glad she’s cool with it. My mom’s the opposite. She thinks I’ve never seen a naked woman still.” An image of Crystal in his bed flashed through his mind. “Still calls me her baby.”
“He is my baby,” Emma admitted and put an arm around Sean’s waist. “My only baby.”
Jon’s eyes opened wide. He hadn’t even thought if she had other children. That could have been complicated. Then he realized he never asked if she had a boyfriend back home. Her left ring finger was bare, so most likely, she wasn’t married.
“You OK?” Dominic sat on Jon’s other side.
Unsure, Jon replied, “This is kinda overwhelming sometimes.”
Dominic nodded. “I can’t imagine.” Since he met Sean, he wondered what it would be like if somehow, Annabeth survived and was hidden from him until, then. “I’d be in shock.” He put a hand on Jon’s shoulder. “Sean seems like a good kid, though. Must be like his mom.”
“Fuck you.” Jon laughed, though. Then he turned to Chad who talked to Tony. “Hey, Chad. Sorry, we didn’t introduce you.” He went around the two tables to give Chad names and relationships. “It’s kind of a family night.” He smiled widely as he watched his son shake Chad’s hand. “Just please do me a favor and keep this to yourself.” He waved a hand between himself and Sean. “We’re not going public yet.”
Chad understood. “My lips are sealed.” He turned to Tony. “You wanna come backstage and hang out?” He knew Sean was underage and didn’t want to embarrass him if his mother said no. “We’re all hanging out in the big room backstage. Nothing crazy, just music and talking.” He looked to Dominic, who glared at him. “I swear. Chris is tame tonight. Now if Rosario was here... uh, well, things’d be different.”
Tony looked to his father. “Do you mind?”
“Go ahead.” Anthony was glad Tony tried to make friends.
A round of drinks was soon served. Tommy had ordered for everyone. He stood and raised his glass. “To changes. May they be for the good and not wreck our lives.” He chuckled when Jon gave him the evil eye. “I’m kidding. OK fine. I’ll be serious. Changes are good when the right people come into your life.”
“Awww,” Noelle and Emma both said.
Dominic grinned. He knew why Tommy changed somewhat. Noelle leaned into his side, and he held her close. The changes in his life were all good so far. He wished the same on his friends.
Suddenly Dean came to mind. He had done well in detox and was set to come home in a week. They were to play Scarefest, the Halloween festival at Southwest New Jersey University, the next weekend. Dominic had graduated from that school. He knew most of Triple Threat had, as well. They were also scheduled to play.
“So, Sean.” Dominic had turned to see him. “Are you planning on college?”
Sean smiled widely. “Yep. Columbia.”
“What’re you going to study?” Noelle asked.
“Journalism.” Sean was excited. It was less than a year away. “I wanna work for Guitarmania one day.” It was his favorite rock music magazine.
Jon reached over and tussled Sean’s hair. “I’ll get you tons of interviews.”
“Thanks…” Sean wasn’t sure what to call him. “Uh, Jo—Dad.”
Sean felt close to Jon although they had only met hours ago. They had spoken via phone and video chat a few times before. However, in person, it was emotional and finally real.
Tears filled Emma’s eyes. She never expected Sean to say that to anyone. When she looked to Jon, she saw that he was also misty eyed.
Jon was speechless. He thought he should say something in return, but what?
Dominic patted his back. “Just go with your gut.”
“That word made me happier than you can imagine, Sean.” Jon smiled and barely held his emotions at bay. “I’ll do everything I can to live up to that title.”
Everyone turned when a voice boomed from the speakers to announce the next band. Vicious Circle began their set with a song that had a punk beat. The fast-paced tune made the crowd in front of the stage jump along with the vocalist. He waved a hand in the air as he sang a long burst of hard to understand words. They had been around for more than five years but finally drew a decent following.
Tommy sat at the edge of the booth, with Crazy Mike to his left. They had whispered about certain girls that passed, like teenagers. He tried to adhere to his promise to be a “good boy.” It wasn’t easy. He didn’t want to make Jon regret that he brought his son to the club.
He heard Crystal before he saw her. Since he met Hailey, he had purposely stayed away from Crystal. It wasn’t that he and Hailey decided to be exclusive. He just knew he couldn’t resist Crystal and tried to avoid the temptation. When she and Giovanni stopped right in front of him, he tensed. As discreetly as possible, he raked his eyes over her tight outfit. Bad idea. He squirmed as his cock began to grow.
“What’s up?” Giovanni asked over the music, as he held Crystal’s hand tightly. Every time he let her go, someone else hit on her. Some days he wished she would tone it down. “We were thinking about opening with Leatherneck but don’t wanna take you guys away from your friends.”
Tommy stood. “I’ll play.” He glanced at Dominic. “You up for it?”
“Chris’ been practicing the rhythm,” Crystal added. “Maybe he can try.”
Dominic shook his head. “Not here. I’ll do it.” He waited while the others next to him moved out of the way. Then he leaned down to Noelle. “Be back. Don’t miss me too much.”
As Vicious Circle continued to play, they headed backstage. Crystal paused when they got close to the stage. The drummer looked familiar. Then it clicked. Eddie, right. She had seen them with her ex, Bradley, years ago. She shivered. She didn’t want to remember some nights with him.
“You OK?” Tommy saw the odd expression on Crystal’s face.
Giovanni lifted her hand. “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head. “It’s nothing. I seen this band play once, years ago.”
“Oh. Cool.” Giovanni kissed her fingers and smiled. “You wanna watch them, or go back to the room?”
She leaned in and kissed his lips. “We can hear them in the back.”
Tommy put a hand on each of their shoulders and wedged himself between them. “Let’s go practice a bit so it goes smoothly.”
About 30 minutes later, Triple Threat hit the stage. Chris picked up the microphone. “How ya doin’ tonight?” He grinned when cheers came back at him. “Great! We’re Triple Threat. Gonna bring the house down.”
Dominic and Tommy stood just off stage, with Chad and Crystal’s backup instruments slung over their shoulders. Crystal began the intro. Then Tommy began to play. Even when Dominic started his part, they hid. When the chorus began, they walked out and joined the others. Screams and shouts filled the room.
Tommy winked at Crystal as he leaned his shoulder on hers. Sometimes they played while they faced each other. He tried to be friendly but not, too friendly. She smiled at him. An image of her lips around his dick flashed before his eyes. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t think of her as just a friend.
Chapter 22
Dominic stepped out of his SUV. It was early afternoon and a typical autumn day: cool, with a slight breeze. He looked up at the Science Building of Southwest New Jersey University. Memories of Claire flooded his mind. They had met in that very building, many years ago. The Scarefest that day was to take place between that building and the Music Building.
Hands moved over his middle. He looked down. Then he laid his hands over Noelle’s when she leaned into him from behind. “Sorry. I didn’t open your door.”
“It’s fine.” She softly asked, “You all right?”
He sighed. “We met here. Me and Claire, I mean.” He tugged her hands until she held him tightly. “I haven’t been back here since she died.”
“I thought this festival was special.” She was confused. “Don’t you do it every year?” She heard Jon talk about the school’s Halloween Festival as if he went yearly.
Dominic shrugged a shoulder. “I don’t. Jon and them get a guest guitarist every year. I couldn’t face this place, and they understood.”
“Then why are we here?” She laid her head on the back of his jacket.
He took a deep breath. “You helped me heal. I need to do this.” He quickly turned and took her in his arms. “I’m only here because of you.” He ran his hands down her leather coat.
* * *
“Hey.” Dean patted Dominic on the back. “You a’right?”
Dominic turned and smiled. Over the last two days, Dean had shown them he was truly sober. They practiced a few new songs for the festival and Dean never faltered. Even when Jon offered him a beer, he refused. That was progress.
“Memories,” Dominic answered.
Dean frowned. “Sorry. Glad you came, though.”
“It’s about time.” Dominic exhaled loudly. A bit of anxiety came back. “You look good. I’m proud of you.”
Shocked by the compliment, Dean smiled. “Thanks. It’s not easy.”
He wished he had avoided his bandmates. They had already started to pressure him about thinking that marijuana was no big deal. He had learned all drugs and alcohol were off-limits if he wanted the program to work.
“I’m sure it isn’t.” Dominic stepped back from Noelle and gave Dean a brief hug. “You can do it, though. Call me if you need support. We’re all here for you.”
“I will.” Dean looked up when he heard laughter. His bandmates had just pulled up. “We’re gonna get in one last practice. Gotta make sure my voice is ready.” He hadn’t sung at all while in rehab.
Dominic watched him walk away. For the first time in more than 10 years, he was not worried that Dean would blow it again. It was a good feeling. Everyone around him bettered their life. He hoped he had encouraged that some.
Evolving Urges (Gasoline Book 2) Page 16