Sing With Me: A With Me In Seattle Universe Novel

by Anna Edwards

  “I will, Mom.”

  “Goodnight, my baby girl.”

  “Goodnight.”

  My mom hangs up, and I suddenly find myself being pulled into Tate’s big strong arms. I don’t fight it. I welcome it, in fact.

  “You okay?”

  “I feel a little guilty she’s never been able to do anything like this, but at least I can send her pictures.”

  “Did you know your father?” Tate asks while both of us stand staring at the Queen’s home.

  “No, he and Mom split before I was born. She brought me up alone. Something happened to her. I don’t know what, but it made her sad. It’s why she drinks. It wasn’t always this bad, but as I got older, she started drinking more and more. Now it seems she can’t get through the day without a drink. It’s strange when I hear her sober now…”

  My words trail off as I remember a few times when my mom has behaved like a normal parent toward me. They’ve been few and far between, but they make all the stress worth it because they reassure me that whatever happened to my mom hasn’t totally broken her.

  “Addiction has a lot to answer for.” Tate holds me tighter, and I can’t help thinking he’s speaking from his own experience. I want to ask him more, but the crowd assembling is starting to get bigger. “I think we better get going.”

  He waves over Cameron and Liam, and we all rush toward the limousine and jump in. Austin joins us, and the driver speeds away from Buckingham Palace and toward the hotel.

  “So, did you get the selfie?” Cameron asks.

  “I got loads of pictures. I think I might have to find somewhere to print them out and start making an album. I can get stickers from every country to put inside, as well as draw flags and emblems.” Ideas start to whirl around in my head as I get excited about a new project.

  “Why do I have a feeling we’re going shopping again later?” Tate laughs next to me, and I smile up at him.

  “Only for bargains.”

  “Of course.”

  It doesn’t take us long to make our way to the hotel just off Hyde Park. The Mandarin Oriental is apparently one of the finest hotels in the city, and I can’t help staring, open mouthed, as we’re ushered through the foyer adorned in the finest marble.

  “Holy shit, this is amazing,” I mumble under my breath as we’re led up to the accommodation where the guys will be staying.

  Liam and Austin are shown to their suite while Cameron, Tate, and I are taken to the Mandarin Oriental Penthouse. I can see it has expansive views over Hyde Park, one of London’s biggest parks, and running to the terrace, I stand there gazing out.

  “I’ll take the West Terrace,” Cameron informs Tate and disappears inside.

  A butler arrives with two glasses of champagne, and I accept one. I’m not sure why, I never usually drink alcohol, but it feels like the right thing to do. I take a sip and place my glass down on the table. I like the taste, and I plan to finish it, but I just want to snap a few photos of the view first.

  “Would you like me to put your belongings in the East Terrace bedroom, sir?” the butler addresses Tate.

  I turn to look at them both. Tate tilts his head and surveys me.

  “No, put my stuff in the guest room. Put Miss Danson’s in the East Terrace bedroom, please.”

  “How many rooms are there in here?” I ask, suddenly becoming aware of how large the accommodation actually is that we’re staying in.

  “Three. Come on, I’ll show you your bedroom.” Tate holds his hand out for me, and I take it.

  I follow him through the living room area, admiring the bird decor on the walls, and he leads me past a twin bedroom and opens a door to reveal a larger one containing a huge king-sized bed.

  “Oh my God, this is amazing.” I itch to jump on the bed and scream like a schoolgirl, but I rein the urge in. This is a posh hotel. I don’t want to seem like a child. “Shouldn’t this penthouse be for you and the band? Surely, I should have a small room downstairs or something. Did Fred pay for me to stay in this?”

  Tate chuckles. “No, Fred paid for you to stay in a room downstairs, but I cancelled it. He wants you close to us, so you get to stay in our suite.”

  I place my hands on my hips. “Tate, I should at least go in the smaller guest room. You need the rest.”

  “I need a bed to sleep in. That’s all. All the beds in this hotel are extremely comfortable. Don’t worry.”

  The butler appears again and places my suitcase in the room. He bows his head and immediately leaves, sensing now is not the time to unpack.

  “Tate, this is crazy. I know this is your life, but the entire suite is bigger than my home.”

  “It is crazy, but I’ve worked hard for it. I’ve sacrificed a lot, and this is the reward. Now, no more arguing. We need to go and check out the venue for the show. Put on your babysitter hat, Miss Danson. Things are likely to get a little wild with the British girls. They know how to party hard.”

  “Why do I have a feeling I’m going to be kept very busy for the next few days?”

  “That’s London, baby.” Tate laughs.

  “Okay, but first, I want to know one thing. How much is this place costing a night? No lies, and no secrets. I want to know everything. That way, I can process it all and wonder how I’m ever going to pay you back.”

  “No paying back, I’ve already told you that. This is part of your job, making sure we don’t get into trouble.”

  “Okay, but price. How much does this hotel cost?”

  “Roughly ten thousand dollars a night.”

  “I’m sorry, I thought you said ten thousand dollars?”

  “I did.” Tate smirks at me.

  My mouth falls open, and I’m grateful for the super soft bed when I collapse back onto it.

  Chapter 14

  Tate

  #KingOfTheStage

  “Hello, London. It’s amazing to be here. Who’s excited?”

  I hold the microphone out to capture the sounds of thousands of fans screaming in response.

  I shake my head. “Did they say something?” I playfully ask my bandmates. “Let’s try that again? Who’s excited to be here?” This time the crowd goes wild. “That’s better, now how about I introduce this band of misfits to you.”

  I strut across the stage to where Cameron stands ready to play his guitar. “This is my best friend, and the most talented lead guitarist in the world if you ask me, Cameron Emerson. Give him a warm welcome, London.”

  I step back to allow the crowd to scream again while Cameron plays them an elaborate riff on his guitar.

  Austin then plucks a couple of strings on his bass guitar. It’s a well-rehearsed routine that sends the fans wild.

  “It looks like someone else is getting impatient to meet you all.” I strut over to Austin on the other side of the stage. The noise all around us conceals the sound of my heavy boots clomping across the floor. I always wear them when performing because they’re so comfortable, and it’s a long time standing and dancing. They’re teamed with black denim jeans and a black vest top that shows off the tattoo sleeve down my left arm. A section of hair on my head is colored red, white, and blue in the pattern of the British flag to celebrate the first night of the European leg of our tour.

  “Cameron gets all the fun,” Austin moans into my mike when I place it in front of him. His heavy Irish accent is becoming broader the closer to home he gets. I’ll probably not be able to understand a word he says by the time we play Dublin. “Apparently, he’s the sexiest band member,” Austin explains, and we both shrug in fake confusion.

  “Anyway, London. Do you know who this crazy guy is?” I ask.

  The audience shouts out, “Austin.”

  “Correct, Austin O’Doherty. Born to leprechauns twenty-three years ago, giving him magical Irish powers to play base like a god.”

  I step back and allow Austin to show off his skills. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Zoey watching us. She waves at me, and I want to wave back, but I can’t fro
m the stage. She looks delicious tonight, wearing a pair of tight leather trousers and an off-the-shoulder, shimmering gold top. I can’t wait to get her alone later.

  It’s been manic since we arrived in Europe, and we’ve both been incredibly busy. I need to taste her on my tongue again. But it’s probably best not to think about her when on stage in front of thousands. A hard-on is the last thing I need.

  Liam breaks into my thoughts with his drums. It’s his turn to protest and be introduced.

  “Finally, we have the mischievous member of the band. We hide him away behind the drums so he can’t get into trouble while we’re on stage. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the wizard of the sticks, Liam Romero.”

  I walk back to the center of the stage as Liam performs an elaborate drum solo. I don’t know how he does it. He’s a talented guy for sure.

  When he finishes, I bring the mike back up to my lips. “And that’s Saving Tate.”

  The crowd screams at me.

  “What?” I play dumb.

  They call out my name.

  “I think you forgot to introduce yourself, jackass,” Cameron speaks into his mike set up for his backup vocals.

  “How could I ever forget me?” I stand with my arms spread wide. My onstage persona is arrogant to a fault. “There wouldn’t be a band without me.” My bandmates groan, but the crowd goes crazy. “I’m Tate Gordon. I’m the lead singer of this motley crew, and this song was our first to go multi-platinum.”

  The atmosphere in the stadium goes into hyperdrive as Cameron and Austin play the opening bars to our song, ‘Breaking Down the Walls’. I lose myself in the music and start singing. This is where I feel most at home and happy. Lost in the music of the words we’ve created.

  It’s a long winding road through hell,

  The time I’ve spent alone is crippling,

  Emotions broken down,

  The pain too much to live with,

  Why did you have to go so soon?

  I’m breaking down the walls,

  Running through the night to find you,

  Breaking down the walls,

  I won’t stop until I hold you again,

  Breaking down the walls,

  I’m lost but found.

  Liam breaks into a drum interlude between the chorus and the second verse before I continue singing.

  As I come off-stage at the end of the concert, I’m handed a towel to wipe the sweat from my body. We’re going straight into interviews and a post-show meet and greet, but all I want to do is find Zoey. Looking around, I see her with a group of people who are singing our praises. One of them is a fan who was brought onto stage tonight. She’s recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and her dying wish was to meet us. We went one better and made her part of the show to give her a lasting memory during the tough times ahead. Zoey will be asking her about her experience, so she can release her response to the press as another example of the good this tour is doing. I want to interrupt, but I know this is the reason she’s here, so I leave her to work.

  Heading into the after-party, I do my job and meet and greet everyone. I feel like I’m on fire tonight. It’s as if I’ve fallen in love with my job all over again. I must admit I wasn’t looking forward to this part of the tour, but I’ve been inspired and can’t wait to do it again. Zoey pops in and out of the room all the time. I get a small wave from her each time before she disappears to another engagement.

  Eventually, the crowd begins to thin out, and the other guys find their entertainment for the night. I’m propositioned a couple of times, but of course, I’m not interested.

  “Shall we head back to the hotel?” Cameron pats me on the back while I’m on the lookout for Zoey once again.

  “Yeah, I’m getting tired.”

  “Nerd.” Cameron rolls his eyes.

  “Male slut,” I retort, and he laughs.

  “I can’t argue with that one. I think I’m entertaining two tonight.” He points out two women. “Twins.”

  “Lucky you.” I roll my eyes at him as the security arrives to escort us back to our hotel. Zoey is still working and will join us later. The British press is wild for us tonight.

  As we get into the limousine, an idea for a song hits me in the shape of a sad thought. I’ve been pushing the past to the back of my mind recently, trying to focus on the future. However, I know I won’t be able to do it for much longer. Anniversaries are always the worst, but big occasions are also a killer. I don’t know how I’ll get through the tour when it moves to Barcelona. My sister would have been turning thirty while we’re there, but instead, she’s gone. Dead because of an addiction she couldn’t break.

  Chapter 15

  Zoey

  #ItsTimeToDefineWhatThisIs

  By the time I return to the hotel suite, I’m exhausted.

  It’s been a manic night. I’m sure every person in Central London wanted a piece of the band. The guys were perfectly behaved and greeted as many fans as they could, but it just wasn’t possible for them to say hi to everyone. That was where I came in, offering free merchandise and handing out pre-signed photos—anything to make the band look good. I couldn’t believe how crazy it was, but I loved every moment. This is the type of job I always dreamed of, and I feel blessed to have achieved it.

  As I open the door to the penthouse, I can hear the sounds of a party going on inside. Seriously, where do the guys get their energy? I want a nice warm bath and to sleep for a week. I know it’s not going to happen, though. I have to set my alarm for eight am as the guys have a breakfast meeting with fans and then a spot on a radio station. They have the stamina of horses—mine is of a sloth.

  “Zoey,” Cameron cheers as I walk in the door. Thankfully, everyone still appears to be fully clothed. Well, as clothed as these women get when they want a piece of a rock band. “Come and have a drink with us. You look like you need it.”

  Do I go to my bed, or should I be polite?

  “I’ll have a hot chocolate, please?” I finally decide I need to be polite, but I’m not drinking alcohol like everyone else in the room.

  “Austin, make Zoey a hot chocolate,” Cameron orders.

  “Liam, make Zoey a hot chocolate,” Austin passes the instruction on.

  “Cameron, make Zoey a hot chocolate,” Liam returns the command to the instigator.

  “It’s okay, I’ll make it myself.” I laugh at them all.

  I don’t have to make it, though, because almost immediately the butler from earlier appears with a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and whipped cream.

  “Are you on duty twenty-four-seven while we’re here?” I ask and take a sip of the delicious drink.

  I immediately know I have whipped cream on the end of my nose when the butler smirks at me. I quickly wipe it off before he answers.

  “I share duties with another member of staff. There’s someone available to you at all times.”

  I take another mouthful of the hot chocolate.

  “That’s good to know. If I wake up craving another one of these, then I can order it.” I chuckle, and he bows before going to check on the guys and their drinks.

  “How did it go tonight?” Liam offers me his spot on the cream colored couch, but I decline with a wave of my hand and perch on a nearby brightly colored chair.

  “You did really well. I’ve had loads of good reports. I don’t think I could find a disgruntled fan if I tried. I’ve not had a chance to check all of social media yet, but Saving Tate’s star is rising.”

  “Woohoo!” Austin cheers, and the girl sitting next to him gives him a kiss on his cheek. “I think that calls for a big celebration.”

  “More champagne.” Cameron clicks his fingers at the butler.

  “Manners,” I scold him.

  He rolls his eyes at me. “Please.” He exaggerates his response.

  “Is she your manager?” one of the women, sitting with Liam, asks.

  “No, she’s our babysitter.” He pulls her closer. “She’s goo
d at spanking when we get really naughty.”

  “Liam Romero, I’ve never been anywhere near your ass, and I’ve no plans to ever go near it. Yuck.”

  The woman giggles playfully. “I’m more than happy to go near it. I’ve got a party trick where I find your prostate and make you cum like a freight train, if you want to try it?”

  “Fuck, yeah.” Liam rearranges himself in his jeans. “British girls are all prim and proper until you get them in the bedroom, and then they go straight for the finger up the ass. I love it.”

  I place my half-finished hot chocolate down on the table in front of me and place my head in my hands.

  “Why do I have a feeling none of you are going to make it to the meet and greet tomorrow morning? All my hard work from tonight is going to go down the toilet.”

  “We’ll be there. You don’t have to worry about us. We’ll just fuck all night, do the interview stuff, and then sleep after.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me either.”

  It hadn’t hit me earlier, but I suddenly realize Tate isn’t in the room.

  “Where’s Tate?”

  All three of the band members look at each other and break into fits of laughter.

  “What?” I question confused.

  “He’s already retired for the night.” Cameron winks at me.

  “Retired?”

  “Yeah, to the East Terrace room.”

  The room I’m supposed to be staying in.

  My heart deflates as the guys turn their attentions back to the women they’re with and ignore me. I can’t understand why they would laugh about Tate retiring early. I can only come to one conclusion—he’s found a woman to satisfy him for the night, despite his promise to me that I was his. I’m such a fucking idiot. Getting to my feet, I stomp furiously toward the bedroom I know he’s in.

  “Zoey,” Cameron calls after me. “Come and say goodnight.”