REBEL Brother

by Jessa Wayne

  "I didn't mean for you to find out this way."

  "How did you mean for me to find out? Were you going to send me an invite to your opening night? Maybe wait until you had the fucking deed in your hands to rub it in my face? Tell me, Julien. How were you going to spread the joyous news?"

  He looked at me, terrified, which confused me. In all the years growing up with him, he never backed down from me. If anyone backed down, it was always me, mostly out of respect for my parents.

  "I'm sorry, Trav. I don't know what to say."

  "It's not what I expect you to say. It's what you're going to do. You're going to call the bank and terminate the sale, let it go. Do I make myself clear?"

  He glanced through the window again, and I looked in that direction out of sheer curiosity. Maddie stood in the control room, her eyes wide and her hand over her mouth.

  "Maddie?!” I called out.

  Her eyes were cold as they stared into me. She ran out of the room before I could talk to her. I pointed at Julien and narrowed my eyes. It was all beginning to make sense.

  "I meant what I said. Make that call, Julien."

  A smile formed on his face and I knew he wasn't going to stop the deal. I turned away and ran after Maddie. By the time I got out the door, she was nowhere to be seen. In fact, I didn't see her again until later that night when I walked through my front door.

  I set my keys on the table and watched her as she sat curled up on the couch. A blanket covered her legs, and she was staring out the window, full of thoughts. I was afraid of what those thoughts were.

  I walked to her, kneeling on the floor close to her and putting my hands on her legs.

  "Maddie?" I whispered.

  She didn't look at me.

  "I've been trying to get a hold of you all day."

  "I know you have." Her voice was soft, quiet, distant.

  "Why wouldn't you return any of my calls or texts?" I asked, cocking my head to the side. "What is it that has you so upset?"

  She turned her head toward me, and I could tell she had been crying.

  "Have you been talking to Julien? Did he say something to you?"

  "We did talk, but it has only opened my eyes to what was going on around me."

  "What do you mean? What does that mean?" I was feeling anxious. Whatever he told her wasn't good, that much I was sure of. "Maddie, what did you talk about? What did he tell you?"

  She opened her mouth to talk, but nothing came out. She seemed to be searching for the words to say, which only heightened my anxiety. I grabbed her arms out of desperation, and her eyes widened the same way they did at the studio.

  "What did he say to you?"

  "Please, let me go, Travis.”

  I did; immediately. And I regretted it. Not because I was afraid to hurt her. I would have my own life ripped apart before I laid one hand on her. My regret came because something deep within me told me my dearest little brother had fed her so full of shit about me that she was already beginning to believe it.

  "Maddie, talk to me, please." I felt desperation seep in.

  "I have been doing some thinking, Travis. We've only been dating for about six months, and haven't spent a whole lot of time together. How well do we really know each other?"

  "I know enough about you that I want more with you."

  "And maybe that will come, in time."

  "What are you saying, Maddie?"

  "I think that maybe moving in with you was a little hasty."

  "I don't. I think it's a perfect fit. We have our own schedules and the time we do have together…."

  She stood up and let the blanket drop to the floor.

  I stopped talking when I saw two bags sitting by the wall, and my heart dropped. She'd already made up her mind.

  "You're leaving me? Maddie, please. You have to talk to me. Let me explain to you about my brother. I don't know what he told you, but you have to know…."

  "I'm going to move back into my apartment. The lease hasn't been renewed yet, so…."

  She pressed her lips together attempting to hold back her tears.

  "He's lying," I said in a simple tone. "I don't know what he told you about me, but he's manipulating you. It's what he does."

  "I'm not breaking up with you, Travis. I do love you. I just think we need to take things slower. I'm sorry." Her voice wavered as she picked her bags up and walked out the door.

  I sat on the edge of the couch feeling empty and betrayed.

  Chapter Six

  Maddie

  It broke my heart to leave Travis the way I did, but my head was confused, and I needed time to figure out what was happening. I cried myself to sleep the night I moved back into my old apartment and woke up the next morning with a new mindset.

  When I wasn't looking for a job, I poured my time and efforts into my music, working with Madeline at the studio for several hours a day. Even when I wasn't working on my own music, I was helping Madeline with whatever I could. I learned my way around the production end of making music and what it took to turn someone into a star.

  "Maddie," she said with a humble smile. She took my hands in hers. "I am so impressed with the way you've been coming along these days, with your music and learning about other aspects of the industry. Now, I won't pretend to be oblivious to what is going on with you and my son. I know you love him. But, I see the potential in you. You take something that is difficult, and you turn it around to your advantage."

  "Thank you, Mrs. Gage. I appreciate your willingness to allow me the time spent here. It keeps me from going insane."

  "I know dear. When those boys get together, it's enough to drive anyone insane. I know how necessary it is to utilize your time when you're going through a rough patch. That's why I wanted to ask if you'd like to help me put a Battle of the Bands together."

  "What is that?"

  "An entire weekend of several bands battling for first place."

  "It sounds exciting! I'd love to help."

  "It will be held at Bourbon Guitar inside and outside on their new venue. With a cover charge, drink specials and merchandise sales, we should have a very successful weekend."

  "Of course, yes," I said, forcing a smile. I didn't know how much I would have to work with Travis on this, but I was hoping to minimize my time with him until things cooled down.

  "Beautiful. I'll put you on my payroll as an event coordinator, and that will be that."

  "You're going to pay me too?"

  "Of course. I don't want you working for free." She handed me a notepad. "Travis will be working at the club a lot the next few weeks, so it will be just you and me planning this thing. Come to me with any questions or ideas before implementing them."

  "I will," I said, breathing a sigh of relief. "You don't know how much this means to me. Thank you!" I hugged her and went right to work with the notes she had.

  By the end of that week, I had a pretty good idea of how the event was going to go. I sat down with Madeline at the end of the day and went over the plans.

  "We have an excellent potential line-up with these bands through promising them stage time."

  Madeline looked over the list and nodded as I bit on my lip.

  "Impressive. A few more time slots to fill but I like where this is going. I was thinking, for each day we should open the stage with a local act. Would you be interested?"

  "Me?" My eyes widened. It would be my first live show. Nerves danced in my stomach at the thought. "I… could."

  "I know it's nerve-racking, but if you're going to make it in this industry, you will have to get over your stage fright."

  "And I will. I've been working on it. It's just… not there yet."

  "Let me see what I can do." She winked at me and patted my hand.

  We went over the other aspects of the event, and she seemed pleased with all of my ideas.

  "I think this is going to be a huge success. I was right on hiring you, Maddie. You're a natural."

  "Thank you, Madeline. I lo
ve it."

  "And I am going to love my hot tub as soon as I get home." She stood up and stretched. "Can you lock up for me, sweetie?"

  "Yes, of course. I want to finish what I'm doing and I then I'll lock up."

  "Very good. Then I will see you tomorrow, bright and early."

  "Good night."

  I heard the door close and relished in the silence as I finished going over the merchandise for the event. I looked up when I heard the door and saw Julien walk into the room.

  "Julien," I said, looking at the time.

  "I didn't mean to interrupt. It was getting late, and I saw a light on when I drove by. Just thought I'd check in."

  "I didn't realize it was almost seven. I guess time got away from me."

  He walked to the table and glanced over the paperwork strewn all over the top.

  "You look pretty busy. Mom said she put you in charge of the Battle of the Bands. Very impressive."

  "Well, I don't know if I'm in charge, but I am glad she hired me. The money will be helpful."

  "She also asked me to play the opening slot that Saturday."

  "Very nice, Julien.“

  "I thought so. It's nice to know that some of my family members believe in me."

  "I've heard you sing. I think you're good."

  "So are you," he said, his eyes glued to mine.

  "Thanks. I love to sing. I just have a hard time with my stage presence."

  "I have a really good idea, Maddie."

  He walked around the table, grabbing a chair and sliding it close to mine. I sat up straight.

  "What is it?"

  "Sing with me."

  "What?"

  "During the opening act, we can do a duet. What do you think?"

  "I don't know."

  "It's perfect! It will give you some experience singing live, but without the fear of being on stage by yourself. Come on, Maddie, what do you say? We can practice here as much as you want."

  My adrenaline sped up at the opportunity, and I smiled.

  "That a girl!"

  My phone went off, and I looked at the text I received from Travis.

  I'd love to see you. It has been almost a week. Don't say no, Maddie.

  I felt a warmth deep inside and wanted to run to Travis. The truth was, I missed him badly. I just didn't allow myself to feel it. Keeping busy with his mother definitely helped.

  I shuffled my notes together, calling it a night and closed up the studio. Julien waited for me and walked out with me.

  "How about a drink, to celebrate our new relationship?"

  "I… can't. I have plans tonight. Maybe another time."

  "Sounds good. I'll hold you to it. Have a good night, Maddie."

  He stood there, his eyes watching me as I waved good night and walked away. I held my chin up, pushing the guilty feeling down.

  Why was I feeling guilty? Julien flirted with me, but I didn't welcome it. I wasn't hiding anything either, but when I waited to pull my phone until after I had rounded the corner out of Julien's view, I answered my own question. There was so much animosity between Julien and Travis. I didn't want to add more.

  I was happy with that resolution, so I texted Travis back.

  I'd love to see you too. Leaving work now. Where would you like to meet?

  Where are you? I'll come to you, Maddie.

  Cafe on the corner of Fifth and Center?

  See you there in twenty.

  I took a big breath and walked the five blocks to the cafe.

  When Travis walked in, I smiled.

  "Hey," I said, standing up when he approached me.

  I wrapped my arms around him, feeling him for the first time in what felt like months. His arms closed around me, and I inhaled him into my senses.

  "My God you feel so damned good," he said, his tone low and seductive. It caused a shiver to run up my spine, and I held on for just a little longer.

  When we finally sat down across from each other, his hand wouldn't let mine go, and his gaze wouldn't allow another image in front of him except for me.

  "Are we okay, Maddie?"

  "Of course we are. I told you…."

  "I know what you told me. I've been thinking about nothing but what you told me. I'm still not sure why or how we got here."

  "I don't want to lose myself. Things were moving so fast for me, and I do love you, but I guess I need to figure out who I am and what I want before I give myself to someone else."

  "I understand that. What I don't understand is how it all changed so quickly. We were doing so well."

  "I know. And I want to get back to that, just not right away. We don't have to rush things. Let's just have fun with us, with life. All that serious stuff can come later."

  He nodded which told me he understood. He smiled which told me he was okay with it. I just hoped he could work things out with his brother. That was my next plan of attack.

  "So, what have you been doing with yourself this past week?" I asked, sipping my wine.

  "A lot of club time, putting the finishing touches on the outdoor venue. Battle of the Bands is coming up pretty quickly. I want to be sure everything is perfect."

  "And it will be. The line-up is incredible."

  "I went over it yesterday. I love it. There are a lot of amazing acts you booked. I have to say-- I'm impressed."

  I glanced at him and looked away. "Your mom wanted to get someone local for the opening act on Saturday."

  "I think you should do it."

  "Well, at first I was scared to, but um… Julien agreed to step up and open. Said we could sing a duet."

  "Ah," he said, nodding. It was the first time he had looked away from me. His tone hinted at a distaste for my news.

  "It will help me with my stage fright. You know, get me up on the stage…."

  "I know."

  "He said it was Madeline's idea."

  "He says a lot of things."

  My tension dissipated and turned to annoyance when I realized that no matter what I said, he was always going to have a problem with Julien.

  "Travis, can you please just try to get along with him?"

  He glared at me. "You shouldn't ask a man lying on the ground covered in blood if he can help until you see the wounds that produced that blood. If they are his, and you know that, okay. If they are someone else's, ask to see their hands. They might have a knife. Watch your back."

  "What has gotten into you? You have never acted like this."

  "You have never lived with a man such as my brother."

  "Maybe this was a mistake." I took another drink of my wine and stood up.

  "What are you talking about? What are you doing?"

  "Maybe we do need a break. Maybe I should have ended our relationship when I moved out. Julien was right. You have so much anger that I never knew about."

  He clenched his jaw, and I took a step back, watching him intently. His breathing got shorter as he studied me before looking down at the floor. Without another word uttered, he walked out of the cafe, leaving me standing there alone.

  The next morning, I ran into Julien on my way into the studio.

  "Hey, just the guy I wanted to talk to," I said. "If you have some time this afternoon, I'd like to get together and start working on a song."

  "I'm sorry, I can't today, Maddie. My day is booked up solid. Give me a call later tonight, and I'll hook up with you this week sometime."

  He rushed past me, leaving me holding the door.

  "What is it with you Gage boys?" I shook my head and went inside.

  But the rest of the week was much of the same. Each time I tried coordinating practice time with Julien, he was either too busy or promising to get back to me. I was beginning to think this duet wasn't going to happen.

  When I went to the club on that next Saturday to check on the event planning, I walked in on Julien singing up on the stage with a small band behind him. I watched him from the side, a sunken feeling settling into my stomach. I watched him until he saw
me and I turned away and walked out. He caught up with me once I was outside, running in front of me to stop me from leaving.

  "Maddie, stop, please."

  "Answer me one thing, Julien. Did you ever plan on singing with me, or were you just blowing smoke?"

  "I'm sorry, no. I want you to sing with me. I, um, this is the only day I can be here. I know Travis isn't here and I needed some stage time."

  "And you just forget to call me?"

  "I know you and Trav are having problems. I didn't want to get in the middle or drag you out here in case he showed up."

  "Lame excuse, Julien."

  I tried walking around him, but he stepped in front of me again, his hands on my arms.

  "Okay, okay! I'm sorry. You're right. I'm being selfish."

  He leaned down to look at me and smiled.

  "Will you come in and sing with me now?"

  "Why should I? You seem to have this all wrapped up."

  "Please?"

  I inhaled a deep breath wanting to turn him down, but not wanting to blow my chance at being on stage."

  "Fine. I'll sing with you."

  "Yes!" He hugged me and walked with me back into the club.

  We lit up the stage with a hot number that just hit the charts. He danced around me, his body moving with mine as if we had been singing together for years. When the song ended, he grabbed my hand and pulled me to him, hugging me and laughing as he caught his breath.

  "Holy shit! If we could have sung it any better, we'd have gotten a country music award on performance alone. That was hot, Maddie."

  "Yeah. It was good, wasn't it?"

  He held me close and looked down into my eyes.

  "Sing it like that during the show, and we'll be the next hottest thing in Nashville."

  I nervously cleared my throat, stepping back from him.

  "Congrats, Maddie. That was excellent."

  "Hopefully I'll be able to sing it like that in front of thousands instead of just a few," I said, looking out at the floor.

  Travis was leaning up against the door casing, his arms crossed. My heart dropped.

  Chapter Seven