by Bianca Vix
“Yeah, that came later on. It looks like he threw anything out there that he could come up with to see what would stick. But you know what, we just have to see what happens. Yeah, it’s out there. But your fans are here to see you play. After you rock it tomorrow night, this’ll probably blow over.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. They’re here to see us play. No-one’s gonna care.” Jett sounds about as convinced as I am of that.
Which is not at all.
Chapter 22
Jett
I can’t leave the stage fast enough.
First time that’s ever happened.
What an awful gig.
“It wasn’t that bad.” Dylan’s not meeting my eyes. Like I don’t already know he’s just trying to make me feel better.
“It was fucked.” Our set was like night and day compared to last night’s. They loved us last night. It was one of our best shows ever. Tonight most of the crowd was ignoring us. Except for a few notable hecklers who didn’t let up trying to shout Zac down. We’ve never had a worse time up on stage.
“You played great. Those morons in the crowd who wouldn’t shut up were mostly friends of Ian’s. They don’t matter.”
“It still looks bad.”
Dylan knows that as well as I do. He can’t really argue. But that doesn’t stop Shayla from trying.
“It’s just one night, Jett. Tailspin’s still got the rest of the festival, and the tour. It’ll be great. Just as great as before.”
“Yeah, sure. You’re right.” I don’t know if that’s going to be true or not.
But I have to admit that it’s nice to have two people in my corner no matter what.
“Hey.” Zac pokes his head in through the door. “Band meeting. Lenny wants to talk to us. Says it can’t wait.”
“Lenny?” Shayla asks.
“Our new manager. We hired him right before this tour. What’s going on?”
Zac shakes his head. “He didn’t say, just that we need to get together. Right now.”
I grab a beer to take with me. “Fine. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”
He and I head down the hallway. “You don’t know anything about what he wants?” I swallow some of my beer. I should’ve brought another bottle with me. I’ve got a bad feeling about this meeting.
“No idea. He did sound kinda tense.”
Bailly and Seth are already sitting in the cramped little office space. Lenny’s on his phone, speaking low enough that I can’t make out what he’s saying. When he sees us, he ends the call.
“I’ve got some bad news.” Lenny toys with his phone for a moment before he tosses it aside. “Entangle’s really pissed off about what’s been put out there about you, Jett. Because it’s all being linked to Sound Off. This festival is their brand new baby, you know. It’s the first one they’ve ever put together, and the band’s worked hard to get it up and running. It’s also the longest one outside of South By, so they want it to set a precedent. This isn’t the kind of press attention they want on it. Not at all. It could tank the future of the whole thing.”
My jaw clenches as Lenny gazes at me while he continues. “They know it’s not your fault, Jett. They also figure it’s Ian that put this crap out there and blew it up online.”
“So, what then?” Zac asks. “There’s nothing we can do to fix it now. If there was, we’d be doing it.”
“That’s where Entangle disagrees.” Lenny looks miserable. “They want to distance themselves from Tailspin now. The festival runs for three more nights. You won’t be playing for any of them.”
“What the fuck? They’re kicking us off? They can’t do that.” I can’t believe what Lenny just said. Even Zac looks stunned.
“They can and they have. There’s a way out of every contract. You could fight it. But it’s too late. It’s already done.” Lenny scrapes his hand back through his hair. “That’s not all.”
“What else?” Zac asks.
“You’re off their tour. You’ve got to play until they can replace you. As soon as they do, Tailspin’s out.”
I’m speechless. I can’t even listen to what Lenny’s saying now. We’re off the festival. And the tour.
It’s Ian’s fault for doing this to us. The little bastard. But in the end, it really comes down to me.
“Can’t you talk them out of cutting us?” Zac wants to pace around, but the space is too small. It’s more like a closet than an office. It probably used to be one.
Lenny sighs. “I’ve been trying. They’re not backing down. Look, I’ve got to go see them again now.” He gets up, squeezing past me on his way to the door. “I’ll let you know if anything changes. But don’t hold your breath. Their minds are made up.”
“Fucking Ian.” Bailly leans back against the wall behind him. “That kid needs his ass kicked so bad.”
“He sure does.” Zac kicks at the edge of the desk he’s planted himself on. “But that won’t change anything now.”
My gut is in knots. I have to fix this. I can only think of one way to do it. “Tailspin should finish out the tour. And the festival.”
“Yeah. But it’s not up to us. Unless Lenny can talk us back in, we’re already out.”
“This is my fault. And I’m sorry everything got so fucked up.” I suck in my breath. “So I’ll leave. If I’m not in the band any more, then there’s no reason for Tailspin to get cut. There you go. Problem solved. I quit.”
Never thought I’d be leaving Tailspin. Not for any reason. But there it is.
Zac shoots me an exasperated look. “You can’t quit.”
“I just did. I’ll tell Lenny. They’ll let Tailspin back in. They’ll have to.”
“You’re not quitting the band,” Zac insists. “We’re in this together. Besides. If they don’t want us to play because of a little negative press, then screw them.”
“You can’t say that. It’s the only way to get ahead of this. It’s me they have a problem with. Not Tailspin. I leave the band, it’s all good.”
Zac shakes his head. “We’re together on this.”
“You can’t throw away a chance like this. Tailspin’s climbing up fast. Not going for it now would fuck everything up. Every door that’s being opened by this festival and tour would all be out the window. I can’t let that happen. It’s the right thing to do.”
“No. If they’re going to kick us off because of something like this, then we don’t need to be part of their tour anyway. Fuck that. And you’re not quitting Tailspin because of this.”
“You’re not quitting the band, asshole.” Bailly yawns. “Are we done here? Cuz I’ve got stuff to do.”
My head whips around so I’m facing him. “I thought you’d be the first one to want me to leave.”
“Well, you’re not quitting. Tailspin’s got exactly who it’s supposed to have. We all go together. That’s it. And besides.” His eyes flash. “No little shit like Ian’s going to break up my band. When we want you out, we’ll decide that.”
Bailly’s mouth curves up in what could almost be a smile. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him make a joke before now.
Unbelievable. Bailly, of all people. He’s behind me too.
“What about you?” I appeal to Seth. “You’re on board with this? What about all the money you could be making? I know you need it. That’s not gonna happen now.”
“Sure I’m on board. I’ve got the money we’ve already made, that’ll last me a long time. And if Tailspin goes back to playing clubs again, that’s okay too. I was doing alright when we were playing clubs back home anyway.”
“That’s because you live in a house with four roommates.”
He shrugs. “So what? I don’t care. I mean, I wouldn’t ever turn down any extra money. But I just want to play. Clubs or stadiums. It’s all the same to me. We need a guitarist like you in Tailspin. That’s all there is to it. So, no. You’re not leaving. We’re sticking together.”
That has to be the longest Seth’s ever spoken at
one time. It’s almost as shocking as the way they’re all rallying around me.
“I–”
“Just shut the hell up.” Zac cuts me off. “You quitting’s not an option. For one thing, we still have to play with Entangle until they replace us. And when that’s done, you’re still not going anywhere. So shut up and let’s get out of here.”
“Yeah.” Bailly pushes his way past me. We all follow him out.
I’m still dazed as I make my way back to the dressing room. Dylan and Shayla are there, curled up together on the sofa.
“What’s wrong, Jett?”
I give them the main points as I crack open another beer and sit down beside Shayla. She twines her fingers up with mine.
“That’s fucking crazy.” Dylan takes a drink of his own. “Kicking Tailspin to the curb like that? I never thought they had that in them.”
“Me neither. I’m still thinking I should quit.”
“What, after everything? No way.”
“Why not?”
“Because you love being in Tailspin.” Shayla leans into me.
Dylan reaches over her rub at my leg. “Because if you did, it wouldn’t be any different. What about the next band you join? You can run into guys like Ian anywhere. The same thing could easily happen again. Better to be open about things now. Either that, or you could break up with us.”
His tone’s light, but I can tell he’s serious.
That thought never even crossed my mind.
“Yeah, right. I’m not doing that. I’d give up everything else in the world before I’d give up the two people I need the most.”
Shayla kisses my cheek as I stare straight at Dylan.
He doesn’t flinch, except for a smile creeping up on him. “Is that right?”
“Yeah. It is. I need you both.”
Nothing could be more right than being with them. Not fame or fortune or anything else. I’m not giving them up for the world. No matter what the cost is.
Chapter 23
Jett
Shayla’s busy packing. I should be too. Instead I’m half-lying down on the sofa, staring out the window at nothing.
On top of everything else, she’s going back to New York.
This sucks.
She zips up her case and comes over. “Jett. Come on. Aren’t you going to come to the airport with me?”
“Of course. But that’s not until way later.”
“You still have to get your stuff together too. It’s all over the place.”
I rub at my eyes. “Fine. Whatever.”
Dylan tosses a shirt into his bag. “We’ve still got more shows to do. It’s not over yet.”
“Right. And then what?”
“Then we all go on and do the next thing.”
“Yeah, and what’s that?”
He shrugs. “Who knows? We’ll figure it all out. Now get your ass up so we can get going.”
Someone starts pounding on the door. I get up to go tell whoever it is to fuck off and read the damn Do Not Disturb sign.
I open the door to Zac, who pushes his way past me before I can say a word. I scowl at him. “What’s with you? And come on in, by the way.”
“You won’t believe this. I just talked to Lenny.”
I sigh. “What’s up? More bad press? Brand new trashing of me?”
Zac shakes his head. “We didn’t get into that. He got a call today. An offer for us to join another tour.”
“Yeah?” That gets my attention.
“We’d be opening for a band you might have heard of.” Zac’s grinning like a maniac.
“What’s the tour?” Dylan knows everything that’s going on.
“It’s not even announced yet.” Zac’s grin turns into a smirk. He’s never this annoying. Why now?
“Come on, man. Spill it.”
“Okay. It’s Disarray.”
“What? Are you serious? Because that’s not something to joke about, man.”
Zac slaps me on the back. “I wouldn’t. I’m dead serious. We’re going out with Disarray.”
“Cora?” Shayla looks like she’s about to have a fit. “You guys are going to be playing on the same stage as Cora?”
“That’s right. We are.”
“Holy fuck.” Dylan grabs Shayla and spins her around. “That’s a hell of a thing.”
“Why?” I want to know. “Why us? Why now?”
“Oh, Jett. Can’t you just be happy that it’s happening?” Shayla’s just as excited as Dylan and Zac.
“I would be, if I could believe it. Are you sure it’s not a prank?” I fix my gaze on Zac.
“Positive. I guess all the attention Tailspin’s been getting got us on their radar. Cora personally decided she wants us.”
“Seriously? That’s pretty cool.” Dylan’s smile is as big as Shayla’s.
“Yup. They heard about us and decided we’d be a good fit musically on their tour. Which we are. And that’s how we got on their radar. Because of everything that’s being said about you guys and Tailspin. Lenny told me everything, and it’s all legit.”
A slow grin starts to spread over my face. Touring with Disarray is way bigger than touring with Entangle. It’s a huge deal and a massive step forward for us.
“I gotta go tell the other guys. I’ll see you later.” The moment Zac leaves, Dylan and Shayla are by my side.
“Congrats, man.” Dylan’s grabbing me up in a hug.
Shayla squeezes in to join us. “You’re going to tour with one of my favorite bands in the world. I can’t believe it.”
I can’t believe it myself. Not quite. “I guess.”
“Yeah, like Zac would make up something like that? Get over yourself, Jett.” Dylan gives me a hard slap on the ass, then turns to Shayla. “I think our boy needs to celebrate with us. That might make it real.”
Shayla looks torn. “But I have my flight. And we have to check out soon.”
“No, Dylan’s right. A celebration’s the right thing to do.” I stroke my fingers through her hair. “There’s more than enough time before you have to get to the airport. And we can vacate the room whenever we want to. It’s just a late fee.”
I grab hold of her hand and Dylan’s, pulling them over to the bed. We all fall on it together.
Shayla laughs and climbs on top of me. Dylan caresses us both and we reach for him at the same time. He catches Shayla’s mouth up in a hot kiss. I slide my hand over their bodies, working my way lower and lower.
We’re all trying to get each other’s clothes off at the same time. Not so easy, so I go for Dylan’s pants. His stiffening cock springs out right by my face.
I suck him deep into my mouth. Out of the corner of my eye I can just see his hand slipping between Shayla’s legs as they kiss.
It’s not easy, but I try to concentrate on the blow job I’m giving him. His cock gets harder as I work him, quickly becoming an iron bar in my mouth.
Shayla breaks their kiss. Dylan helps her climb up on him and straddle his face. She gasps. His tongue must be snaking between her thighs. I want so much to see what they’re doing. But I want to be sucking Dylan’s big, hard cock even more.
At least I’m getting a nice view of Shayla’s great ass as I suck on Dylan. She can’t hold still as he works her over and although I can’t see it, I can tell he’s got his hands on her breasts.
Dylan tenses up, and reluctantly I let his cock slip out of my mouth. He groans disapprovingly and the vibrations make Shayla buck up.
“Time to share, bud.” Shayla climbs off him, and she lies down on her back.
I dive right in.
Giving her a long lick, I stop at her clit. Her scent alone is turning me on like crazy. Lust is clouding my brain so much that Dylan nearly has to drag me away so he can take his turn at making Shayla squirm with pleasure.
Shayla moans as his tongue circles her clit. I don’t know how he’s doing it, but he’s going slow and steady, like there’s all the time in the world.
I’m too impa
tient, taking his place almost before he moves aside to let me. I feast on Shayla until her thighs clench around my head. I don’t let up.
“Oh, yes. Jett. I can’t–” Shayla legs are trembling as I suck her clit until she goes off like a summer storm. Her body arches up and she cries out. I don’t stop licking the fresh flood of juices she’s rewarding me with.
Shayla coming only drives me closer to the edge. It’s like she’s possessed as she grinds against my mouth.
“You two are going to kill me.” She can barely get the words out in between pants. Finally she’s spent, her head falling back on the pillow.
Normally I like to cover her body with mine and hug her while she comes down. But not this time. I’m burning with need and lust has control of me. I need more.
I glance at Dylan. He was entranced with watching us, especially Shayla. Now he’s got it together enough to grab for a condom and lube.
Yes.
He knows what I want.
Before he suits up, he reaches out. A groan tears out of me as he runs his fingers over my throbbing cock. At least he stops before he shoves me right over the edge. I return the torture by grabbing the condom out of his hand, and I take my sweet time getting it onto him. By the time I’m done, he’s as worked up as I am.
I climb between Shayla’s legs. I rub my hard cock against her clit before I slide inside her sexy body. I thrust deep, right up until the moment Dylan slaps my ass. Then I stop and hold still, even as Shayla’s heat is about to burn me up.
He eases a lubed-up finger inside of me, then another. Working me good. My cock throbs in response.
Withdrawing his fingers slowly, Dylan gives my ass another smack. “Ready?”
I swallow hard. “Yes.” I’m eager to take him on. Way more than ready.
His stiff cock nudges against my hole. All of a sudden, I’m worried about how big he is. I’ve never been fucked by a guy as big as him before.
As if he senses my concern, Dylan sets his hand down on my back reassuringly. “There’s no rush. Let me know if you want to stop.”
I already know I won’t want to stop. At least, not for any reason other than to adjust to his size.
I need this.
“Give it to me.”
He grabs my hips, holding me steady as he starts to push into me. I exhale. He’s going slow to start. He knows what he’s doing.