by M. R. Joseph
"Anything for you, baby." He replied. A waitress approach the party and spoke to Jordan.
"Nice to see you, Mr. Reid. Glad we you could join us this evening. Can I get you and your guests anything from the bar?"
"Would anyone care for anything besides what's here? Beer? Casey I know what you would like already. Katherine, my love here will have a Corona, regular, with two lime wedges, squeezed into the bottle. No glass either please, Katherine. " Beer. Always Casey's beverage of choice. "Carter? Beer?"
"Sure. Thanks." He called her love. He wanted to call her love. He wanted her to be his love.
"Wait. The sign on the front of the cabana says, Reserved for the Reid Family? Do you own this cabana, Jordan? " Lyla asked.
"Yes. Actually my father owns the land Beach Bums is on and he bought this cabana for my brother and I when we graduated college. He wanted to rent it out for private parties. Kind of like an investment."
"Jordan, I had no idea. You never told me that." Casey looked hurt that he didn't tell her. Carter took note that he was keeping secrets already from her. Deduct a point for Mr. Reid. What a shame.
"Baby, you know how I feel about my families money. I'm not one to flaunt their wealth. I hate for people to think I'm like my father. I actually do care what people think and that's what I hate more than anything."
Still Carter knew what Casey's reaction would be. She hated secrets. This would piss her off to no end.
"What I'm most concerned about is how people at your reunion are going to accept me. Unfortunately, my last name is synonymous with money so I am afraid they won't accept me just on my personality alone." He turned to Casey and grabbed both her hands in his and gently ran his thumb across her knuckles.
"And what I worry about most, baby, is that if your friends don't accept me, then how you could deal with that."
Carter smelled the bullshit from Jordan from a mile away. There was no way Casey was going to fall for this. She wasn't one for this sappy crap. She looked up at Jordan with adoring eyes and smiled broadly at him. Lyla looked at Carter and just shook her head, eating up every word after she saw the look of disappointment on his face.
"Oh God, Jordan. If my friends don't accept you for the loving, caring, special man that you are, then they were never my friends in the first place." She grabbed his face with both her hands and placed a feverish kiss on his lips. She slipped her tongue into his mouth and their lips danced continuously as though there were no one else around. Jordan wrapped his strong arms around Casey's waist and she slipped hers around his neck. The make out session continued as the nausea in Carter's stomach began to worsen. If he didn't get up and excuse himself, he was going to throw up all over the sea of lit candles that sat in front of him. He cleared his throat and rose out of his seat. "Guys excuse me for one second. I'm going to the head."
Jordan and Casey broke their lips apart and giggled.
"Sorry, Car. We just haven't seen each other in a few weeks. We got carried away."
"Hey, no sweat. I'll be back in a little. I'm going to look for Tommy as well. I haven't seen him since we got done our set."
Carter walked away feeling defeated. It was total bullshit that Casey fell for that story. Carter mumbled to himself on his way to the bathroom.
"Oh baby, I'm just so nervous, oh baby, wah, what if they don't like me, wah, oh baby, I'm so fucking rich, wah, daddy hates me. Cry me a fucking river. What a pussy." When he was done with his little tyrant, he pushed open the restroom door to see Tommy and two guys he had never seen before snorting a line off the counter near the sinks.
"What the fuck, Tommy!" Carter yelled and leaped in front of Tommy, interrupting his attempt to do another line.
"Yo, Lond! How's it going man?" Tommy said wiping his nose with the back of his hand. Carter grabbed a handful of his shirt and threw him up against one of the walls.
"You dumb mother fucker. You haven't even hit your one year mark and your pulling this shit again? Who are these clowns?" The two men who stood in front of Tommy and Carter were tall and thin. They looked at him with hollowed eyes, dingy clothes, and worn out shoes. Did Tommy even know their names? Carter guessed not.
"Who the fuck are you calling clowns, asshole?"
The one man got into Carter's face. Carter still had a hold of Tommy's shirt. He released it and stood nose to nose with one of the clowns. Carter easily outweighed the guy by 75 pounds of lean muscle. He stood about an inch or two taller than him.
"I'm calling you a clown, fuck nut. I know the owner of this place and if I go out there right now and tell him what you and your little fuck buddy are doing in here, he will most likely get your ass thrown in the slammer for the night, where you are sure to get nice ass pounding from a guy named Diesel. Now, I strongly suggest you haul your ugly ass out of here before I fuck your face up so bad they will only identify you from whatever remaining teeth you still have in your crack head." The clown looked Carter up and down, chuckled and backed away from him.
"OK, man. Relax. Tommy, you know where we are if you want another taste." Carter lunged for the clown but Tommy grabbed him in time before he threw his fist into the guy's face.
"Get the fuck out of here, now!" Carter screamed. The two clowns left and Tommy stood against the wall, shrugged and lit a cigarette. Carter turned to him and pulled it out of his mouth and stomped it on the ground. He grabbed Tommy's shirt again and threw him back against the wall. His blue eyes searing into Tommy's and his ragged breath in his face.
"You listen right here you fuck up. I will not go through this again with you. I will not go through you missing for days, or not eating or sleeping cause of an all-night coke binge, or you missing rehearsals, or me changing your sheets from your bloody noses or you pissing yourself. I sat with you for 4 days straight while you detoxed in Casey's house, throwing up and destroying things in your path. I didn't sleep for all those days so I could keep an eye on your sorry ass. You fuck up this time don't come crying to me. I can only babysit for so long. Your my brother but I need to focus on other things in my life, Lingetti. I've been your babysitter since the 9th grade. I'm fucking over it."
"Christ Lond, it was just one line. Don't have a coronary man."
"I'm ok with the weed Tommy cause I'm guilty of smoking it too, but this?" He motioned to the counter near the sink and the rolled up dollar bill that sat on top of it.
"This here is bullshit. I'm not going to stand by and watch you kill yourself this time. Got me?"
He let go of his shirt and stormed out of the bathroom. He started to make his way back to the cabana area when he saw Jordan and Casey slow dancing on the sandy dance floor. They were wrapped in each others arms and their foreheads were pressed together. Both of their eyes were closed and their bodies swayed slower than the tempo of the music. They looked like they were in love and the sight of made Carter's eyes sting. He needed to walk away. He turned and went to the bar behind the cabana. He needed a distraction.
He ordered a beer and while he was waiting for it a blast from his past came to his side.
"Well hello there, Mr. London? Back in town, I see."
Carter looked to his side and there stood Ashby Evans. Tall, tan, blonde, and built. Her tight white corset top left little to the imagination and her big pouty red lips looked ready to be sucked on. She was Carter's go-to girl when Luminosity was just starting out. She was kind of his groupie without actually being on the road with him. She started following the band back during their senior year and was always there at Carter's beck and call. She was his distraction but that's all she was. A warm body to put Casey out of his mind temporarily. It was just a fix. An itch she could scratch. That was all. A good lay. It was just fucking although Ashby always hoped for more. Carter shot her a sideways grin and turned to face her.
"Hello there, Ashby Evans. Been a long time." He licked his lips seductively.
She stroked her fingers down his muscular arm and moved slightly closer to him. Her voice was deep and breathy.
"
Yes, it has been. You look good enough to eat there, rock star." She darted the tip of her tongue out to tease him and it grazed her top lip. "Want to get out of here and go some place where we can catch up?" She reached behind him and cupped his ass. He stared down at her. More focused on her breasts spilling out of her shirt. He looked back up from her chest and gave her a slight smile.
"Let's go."
Carter and Ashby walked away from the bar arm in arm towards the cabanas.
"Ashby, I just need to tell Casey that I'm leaving."
"Seriously, Carter, she's not your mom. Do you need to report to her?" she said annoyed.
"I'm staying at her house for the next month Ashby. I owe it to her to tell her I'm leaving so don't get all smart ass on me."
"Fine. Let's just hurry. It's been a long time since I've had a piece of you and I'm starved."
They made their way back to the cabana where the rest of the group was. Casey was sitting on Jordan's lap talking to Lyla.
"Car, where have you..." Casey paused when she saw Ashby with her arm linked in Carter's.
"Ashby, nice to see you," she said politely.
"Casey. How are you?" Ashby asked still focused on Carter's face.
"Fine. Jordan this is a friend of Carter's. Ashby Evans."
Jordan like the gentleman he was stood up to shake her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Ashby. I'm Jordan. Casey's boyfriend." Ashby looked at Carter and he shrugged then she looked at Casey. She didn't respond to Jordan. She tugged on Carter's arm.
"Let's go, baby. I'm starving." She licked her lips suggestively again.
"Um Case, we are going to go hit a club on the Boulevard so I 'm not sure when I'll be in but I have a key so I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Oh, ok. Well, then goodnight." Jordan reached out to shake Carter's hand.
"Goodnight, Carter. It was so great to finally meet you. I guess we will be seeing a lot of each other until you go back on the road again."
"I guess you will," Carter responded.
"My parents are having a dinner party next Friday at their home in Bel-Air and I'd love for you to join us. Will you?"
Carter was speechless. Did he really want to go to the Reid home and play the best friend? Did he want to mingle with the rich all the while watching Jordan and Casey snuggle up together all night? NO! His heart told him something different. It was just another opportunity to spend time with Casey, and maybe she would see what money does to people and that she didn't belong. She only belonged to him.
"Sure. I think that would be great."
"Do you have a tux?" Jordan asked.
"No, but I'm sure I will have no problem renting one. You'll help me, won't you, Case? Case?"
All Casey was focused on was Ashby's hand massaging Carter's ass inappropriately.
She regained her focus on Carter's face. "Oh, yes. I'm sorry, of course. We will go on my day off next week."
"Great. Thanks, Case. He bent down ad kissed her cheek. " OK so, goodnight. Don't wait up."
He walked away with Ashby as she cupped his ass again and he reciprocated.
Casey's head spun but she remained quiet. Lyla looked over at her and knew the Casey was bothered by their brazen flirting. They both shook their heads at the image of Ashby Evans. Casey and Lyla could not stand her. They knew she was a pretentious climber who only wanted Carter for his fame just to say she fucked a rock star. That was it. It bothered her she just didn't know in what aspect that was. It confused her. It always did where Ashby was concerned. Did it bother her that Ashby was a leach? Yes. But something inside told her that wasn't quite it. Jordan grabbed Casey's hand and squeezed it lovingly.
"Baby, you ok?" He smiled at her.
"Yes, I'm sorry. Are you ready to go? I want you all to myself." She grinned at him and winked.
"Oh hell yes!"
CHAPTER 6
THIN WALLS
Ashby pulled Carter's arm towards her car parked in Beach Bum's lot. Her tongue was already in his ear even before they made it to the door.
"Hey, hey, relax Ash. It's early, honey. Let's get a few drinks and talk."
She continued invading his ear with her tongue and bit his earlobe.
"But Car- terrrrr," she wined. "It's been over six months since I've been this close to you and it's driving me crazy, baby. Don't you want me?"
Carter rolled his eyes at her and wanted to tell her what he really thought, which was that no he didn't want her. No parts of her. All he wanted was Casey's arms around him and a chance to make her all his for the taking. He wanted no parts of Ashby but his growing appendage had other ideas. So he lied to her.
"Yes, baby of course I want you but I'm thirsty and I feel like hanging for a while. We can go back to Casey's after we have a few. You game for that? If not, let's say our goodbyes now and I'll go find another hungry hottie who will feast on me." He knew she didn't want to go back to Casey's but she would never relinquish him to the female wolves of Indian Shores. He started thinking about a plan. He could take her back to Casey's knowing that she and Jordan would be there. What if he did the usual which was make Ashby scream his name till she was hoarse. Maybe it would make Casey be jealous or would she even care? Casey knew already he was a shit so would this solidify that? There was only one way to find out.
Carter and Ashby cruised down Gulf Boulevard towards a dance club called "Screamers." It was dark, hot, and crawling with bodies rubbing against each other on the dance floor. Perfect setting to get Ashby all hot and bothered for his plan. They made their way to the bar. A few people spotted Carter and went up to him shaking his hand and congratulating him on the success of Luminosity. A few actually grabbed cocktail napkins and pens and asked for his autograph. He was more than happy to oblige. He glanced over at Ashby and she looked at him through hooded, lustful eyes. He was going to keep her that way for a little longer while he mingled with the patrons of Screamers. The manager Ross came over to him to buy him a drink and a shot.
"Well, welcome back to Indian Shores Carter London." He extended his hand to Carter and gave him a bro hug. "Man, it's great to see you. I heard the tour was fantastic. Are you glad to be home?"
"Ross, good seeing you man. Yes. I'm glad to be home now anyway. We go back out in a few weeks to finish the East Coast leg of the tour."
"Wow, man. How long is that?"
"Three months. We go to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, and finish here at The Hard Rock in Tampa. Then back in the studio, hopefully." Carter took a long sip of his beer. The people surrounding him were mesmerized by his schedule.
"Full plate you got there. Glad to see it's all working out for you. How's Tommy? Last I heard, he did a stint in rehab before you went on tour." Carter cringed at the memory of those times. The detox. He and Casey staying up for hours helping him. Thank God for Casey's nursing skills.
9 months ago
Carter stood over Tommy passed out in the parking lot of Beach Bums. They were there celebrating getting their big break and going on tour with a Grammy winning band. Rehearsals would start in five weeks and the tour would take them to the West Coast and then to Vegas for a few shows. It was going to be a dream come true except for the fact that Carter was forced to leave Casey. A whole group of people were there. Friends, Casey's brother Chris, Carter's mom, his brother Domenic and his wife Eva. The manager of Beach Bums, Gary, wanted to give them this little party since it helped his business, the bigger they got, and not to mention that it was at Beach Bums where they got their start. There was an electricity in the air. Carter was never happier. Everyone he loved was there, especially Casey. They were all seated at a few large, long tables near one of the bars. Everyone sat around talking, drinking, and laughing. Casey was her usual adorable self. She stuck close to Carter, chatting with his mom Jane who loved Casey to pieces.
"So Casey, my dear, can you believe my boys are leaving us for six whole months?" The boys she was referring to were Carter and Tommy. When Tommy's parents
were killed, Jane took Tommy in and became an instant parent to him. Always watching what he ate, what he drank, that he did his homework, had a warm bed and fresh laundry. Casey gave Jane a reassuring hug.
"I know, Jane. I'm so proud of them and I can't believe I won't see that handsome face for six months. What's a girl to do?" Jane bent into Casey's ear and whispered, "Well you know you could marry him and go along for the ride." She winked at her. Casey blushed slightly.
"We all know that would never be Jane. He's like another brother to me. We stumbled down that path a long time ago and we hit a dead end." Carter spotted them whispering back and forth and looked at them with a puzzled smirk on his face. He made his way over to them and lifted Casey's tiny body out of her chair, startling her and sat down plopping her on his lap.
"OK, you two. That little conversation looked like a meeting of the minds. What's up?" Casey put one of her arms around his neck.
"Nothing, nosey. We are just going to miss this handsome face is all." She squeezed his cheeks together like a baby and he wrinkled up his face. He returned the gesture.
"Well, I'm going to miss this sweet face. I can't believe I'm not going to see it for a while. What a loss." Casey got up and fished under the table for a large package wrapped in bright colored wrapping paper. She gave it to Carter and went and sat down next to Jane. Domenic and Eva joined them.
"What's in the box, bro?" Domenic asked.
"I have no idea. Case just handed it to me."
"Well, go ahead and open it," Eva demanded playfully.
Carter ripped open the paper to find a rectangular shaped box. He opened the box and his mouth gaped open.
"Case, you got me a laptop?" She shook her head yes.
"Open it, goofball."
He took the laptop out of the box and ran his hand across the shiny lid.
"Car, open it, when you turn it on and look at the screen," Casey said excitingly.
He did what he was told. When the screen illuminated there was a note displayed on the screen. It read: