Lucas: A Rockstar Romance (The Sinful Seven Series Book 1)

by Connie Lafortune

  ***

  Abby

  Today was supposed to be my day off, but Carla called out sick. Sal volunteered to do a split shift with me so no one gets screwed working the whole damn day. We flipped a coin over the phone to see who opens, and guess who won? Yep, that would be me. No worries, my built-in alarm clock has me tossing and turning on most days anyway so it’s all good.

  The breakfast crowd has already come and gone, so the rest of my shift should go by pretty fast. Truthfully, I didn’t have any big plans, so when I get home I might binge Bridgerton on Netflix since that’s all my customers have been talking about lately. Being the curious person I am, I want to see what all the fuss is about. It can’t hurt and I hear there are a few hot guys on the show. So there’s that, too.

  When my shift is almost over I’m surprised to see Cheryl walk through the door. Usually where one is the other soon follows, so I keep my eyes glued to the door. I’m shocked when Beth is a no-show. “Hey, I’ve been texting you for hours and I was worried when you didn’t text back. I thought you had the day off.”

  “I did, but when someone calls out, the boss steps up. Sal volunteered to work second shift, so I’m out of here in thirty. Sorry, I haven’t checked my phone. What’s up?”

  “Well, I was hoping the three of us could go shopping since we have a concert tomorrow night. God, Abby, I’m so excited to see The Sinful Seven perform and I’m sure you must be busting at the seams. What are you going to wear? I thought we could go pick out something slinky and sexy for the guys, ya know?”

  “I don’t have tons of money to buy new clothes, so I was going to wear that mini-dress I bought with my leather jacket and boots. It might not be all that sexy but I think it’ll work. What do you think?” Now I’m going to question my wardrobe choice. I hate second guessing myself.

  “Oh, I think that’ll be bomb. It’s short enough and the floral print will make it pop. Great choice, now what the hell am I going to wear?”

  “We could go shopping for you unless you have something at home you can throw together. Sal just came in so I can leave soon. Want to?” Hope blooms in my chest because now I’m excited about going out with them. Oh, I suppose I should ask about Beth. “Did you check with Beth yet to see if she wants to come?”

  “I did and she’s not answering her calls. I was driving over there when I spotted your car outside, so I decided to stop here first. You wanna go check with me?”

  “Yeah, give me a sec to talk to Sal and then we’ll head out.” I touch base with Sal and fill him in on what’s going on, which isn’t much, and then Cheryl and I jump in her car. Ten minutes later when there’s no sign of Beth, we swing by the coffee shop to pick up my car.

  “If you really want to go shopping, I can go home and clean up. I didn’t have any plans other than vegging out and watching Netflix or something.”

  “OMG, do you want to watch that new show based on the romance novel by Julia Quinn? I can’t think of the damn name but everyone’s talking about it.”

  I stifle a laugh since she has no idea I was going to watch that particular series. Hey, maybe Cheryl and I have more in common than I thought possible. It’s kind of nice, really. Might be the reason why we get along well. “Sure, that sounds great. And with the money we’re saving on our new wardrobe, we can call out.” Opening the car door, I slip inside.

  “Cool, sounds like fun. I’m sure I can find something in my closet to wear to the concert. You know me, always looking for an excuse to go shopping. In case you didn’t know, I’m addicted to spending money.”

  “We all have our little extravagances, and mine are sexy bra and panty sets.” Oops, I shouldn’t have said that out loud. Now she’s going to put two and two together and realize I buy them for Lucas. With a wave, I slam my door and hightail it out of the parking lot. Before she has a chance to point fingers at Lucas, I drive off knowing she’ll meet me at my house.

  14

  Lucas

  The beating of my heart matches the thrashing of the crowd. It pulsates in anticipation and has my body vibrating from the top of my head to the tips of my Vans. Tonight The Sinful Seven is opening for Existential at Station #9 in downtown Manhattan. It’s not a sold-out stadium like we’ve always dreamed about, but it holds around three thousand people. The roadies assured us that tonight it’s standing-room-only. Not too shabby for our first big gig, since our normal is a Friday or Saturday night at one of the local clubs.

  I swipe my palms down the front of my jeans before stealing a glance at the monitors, which are set up backstage. Goosebumps prickle my flesh as I witness the crowd stomping their feet and screaming our names. Never in my wildest fucking dreams did I ever imagine we’d come this far in such a short period. Nowhere to go but up from here!

  A stage manager leans into the room and says, “Showtime is in ten minutes. You’ll take your marks in five, so if any of you need a bathroom break, the time would be now.” Willow takes off running in the opposite direction and Jet isn’t too far behind. Trevor and I are too caught up in the crowd's chanting to move a muscle. I can’t speak for him, but I just want to hang back and enjoy every single minute. It’s surreal.

  The organizers hurry us along, so the moment the music begins, we can walk out onto the stage. Darkness claws at my chest, but they’ve assured us we’ll be able to see with the overhead lights flashing, tearing up the crowd. Jet lays a hand on my shoulder, then we all wait for our cue. Since I’m the lead man, I’ll be going in last.

  I vaguely hear someone counting in the background, since I’m so caught up in the moment. “Willow, you’re up. Go, go, go!” the stage manager barks out. I watch her retreating form tread silently onto the stage. The spotter motions with his finger in the air when she sits at the keys, and then it’s Jet’s turn. He steps onto the stage, but instead of making a quiet entrance he screams, “Let’s do this.” I’m not sure if the crowd hears him or not with the mob going crazy, but Trevor’s next and he places his fingers in his mouth and whistles. So much for the element of surprise. Once he’s settled behind his kit, he uses his sticks to tap out a beat and they begin playing one of our best-known songs, Distraction, named for the first venue that took a chance on us as a band. With my guitar clutched tightly in one hand, I saunter onto the stage and once I reach my mark, the announcer screams, “Let’s give it up for The Sinful Seven!”

  The crowd grows wilder as I strap on my guitar and the spotlight illuminates the stage. Showcasing me front and center. This is my element. Right here, right now. This is where I belong.

  Shielding my eyes against the brightness, I glance out at the crowd and roar, “Are you ready to bring down the fucking house?” When the stage pulsates with their excitement, I count down in my head and pour my heart and soul into the mic. Listening to them sing along to the songs I’ve written is intoxicating. Thank God for social media!

  One at a time, we belt out the songs that have been a part of our lives for so long now. By the end of the set, we’re drenched in sweat from giving them our all. Every time we perform, we lay down our hearts and bare our souls to everyone, which solidifies our fans and binds us together forever.

  Music is the universal language.

  By the time our hour is up, the fans are pumped and ready to party with the main act. And I just know deep down I’ll never sleep tonight with the amount of adrenaline pumping through my veins.

  So, bring on the groupies and let’s see what comes up!

  After one last encore, we rush off the stage so they can set up for Existential. They have tons of lights, equipment, and special effects. Truthfully, I’m amazed at how organized and in sync they pull this all off.

  The second we walk backstage, applause echoes off the walls and the main act’s members whistle between their teeth. I couldn’t wipe the shit-eating grin off of my face if I tried. Yeah, this right here feels amazing. Especially coming from our peers.

  Fucking superstars, no less.

  “You guys did phenomena
l! Can you hear the crowd, bro? They’re still chanting your names!” They pull us in for a one-armed hug and thump each of us on our backs. I won’t lie, no matter how many times I engage with them, I want to pinch myself just to prove all of this is real.

  “We’d love you guys to party with all of us tonight. So stick around, enjoy the show, and then we’ll all hang out. Sound good?”

  We all scream a resounding, “Hell yeah,” as they give us a thumbs up and head into their separate dressing rooms. We’re all speechless as we take in the hustle and bustle of the life we’ve all been craving for over eight years. Maybe after tonight, we’ll finally get our big break and lead the life we’ve always wanted.

  “Now would be a good time to change out of our sweaty clothes so we can rock out with the guys and party with them afterward. Agreed?” Jet’s always been the voice of reason, so we head for the restrooms just so we can change and clean up a bit.

  Tonight is going to be epic! I can just feel it in my bones. The Sinful Seven gets to party with the big guns, and I couldn’t be happier.

  ***

  Abby

  Watching Lucas up on the big stage with all the flashing lights and techno stuff was one of the most amazing things, ever. He’s a natural, and the crowd loves him! The way he works the stage and knows exactly what to say and when is a gift of its own. The band was phenomenal, and I never wanted them to get off the stage. I know my girls can’t wait for Existential, but I wanted The Sinful Seven to keep on playing. I might be a bit biased since I sleep with the lead man. It’s not a secret anymore since Cheryl knows, but thank god Beth bought our story about Mr. Robertson being Maria’s brother. Score! She fell hook, line, and sinker when I told her I had to drop off some money before heading for work.

  There’s not a girl in here that’s not screaming, and I’ll admit, I’m one of them. My mind wanders to the dream of being his girlfriend and meeting him backstage after their set is done. He’d be all hot and sweaty with adrenaline pumping through his veins. Wanting to celebrate and party until he’d come crashing down from his natural high. Me being the only one who would entertain him while the groupies were hanging around, hoping for a taste. But they’d never get one. Hell no, he’s all mine.

  An elbow knocking at my ribs pops my bubble. Cheryl is nudging me when Existential walks on stage. Yeah, I love their music and the guys are hot, too, but I know Lucas inside and out. Excuse me if I get more excited just knowing that it’s been his dream for so long now.

  “Stop poking me, dammit.” She giggles like a little girl as a piercing scream has me cringing in my chair. Geez, I guess she was excited about coming. I scream in her ear I’m going to the restroom and she just nods. So much for all of us girls going as a tag team. I get it, but now I must fight through the crowd all alone.

  I swear it takes forever to get there, but I desperately needed a potty break and I wasn’t leaving my seat when my favorite band was playing. Someone grabs my arm as I round the corner to the venue. Hell, if I don’t want to pop him in the mouth until I look up and see some dude staring down at me. I try swallowing my fear, but it’s stuck in my throat. He must sense my fear since he puts up his hands and chuckles. Okay, this guy is six-three and all muscles and he’s afraid of little old me. I think not.

  “Don’t be scared, pretty lady. I wanted to give you a pass for the afterparty that’s being held after the concert.” First thing running through my mind is truth or dare.

  “Well that’s kind of you, but I’m here with a few friends.” Safety In pairs and all that shit.

  “No worries, how many do you need?” Big scary dude had stacks of them in his hand, so I don’t feel bad in the least.

  I could be a hoarder and tell him a crazy number, but I won’t be that bitch. “Three of them would be fantastic. Thanks so much!”

  “You’re very welcome and I look forward to you partying with all of us.” I’m flattered when he gives me a smile and a wink as he walks past a crowd of girls who had to hear the whole exchange. Boy, if daggers could kill I’d be dead. I have these passes and they don’t. I guess the guy thought I was hot enough and they weren’t. For once in my life, I walk with a bit of pep in my step. Confidence is like an aphrodisiac.

  When I finally reach my seat, I keep the good news to myself. If I share with my girls right now, they will be so excited that I’ll be bruised in the morning. So with the tickets safe in my pocket, I enjoy the rest of the concert. Yeah, these guys are good, too, but not as good as The Sinful Seven. I’m sure some would beg to differ, but I’m loyal to the max.

  Once the concert ends and Existential does their last encore, my girls feign how tired they are and just want to go to bed. Little do they know?

  “What’s the rush? The night’s still young!” They yawn in unison and I can’t help but laugh. “So, I guess you are too tired to go to the afterparty?” I hold up the tickets and a squeal unlike anything I’ve ever heard before slices through me.

  “Oh my God, Abby. Were you holding onto these all night? I’m so going to frisk you next time we go out.” Beth thinks that’s hilarious as they start dancing right in the middle of the crowded lobby.

  “No, some guy gave them to me when I went to the ladies’ room. But, if you’re tired, then I can always hand them out to someone else.”

  Grabby hands try to pull them from me as I hold them as high as I can. Until I realize that anyone walking by could snatch them out of my hand. Forcing me to stuff them back inside my pocket. Nobody would dare get them there or they’d have a hell of a black eye.

  “This is the best night ever. Abby Cadabby. What the hell are we waiting for? Let’s go!” I know by looking at the ticket that its being held in the Benton Lofts, so we call an Uber just in case we drink a bit too much.

  I’m so glad to see that the crowd has thinned out tremendously. Which means it won’t be elbow to elbow with all the groupies that hang out at these venues. My stomach drops at the thought of Lucas hooking up with one of them or more. I try pushing my devious thoughts aside. Tonight, I’m going to have fun and leave all my thoughts of Lucas at the door. Unless of course he spots me in the crowd and I get to introduce him to my friends. The pièce de résistance would be if I were the one clinging to his arm at the end of the night.

  A girl can dream, can’t she?

  15

  The Afterparty…

  Lucas

  The concert was phenomenal and the big break we’ve been longing for. We can thank WBZB for their amazing contest which landed us here in the first place. Winning this competition out of one-hundred and fifty bands was grueling but so worth it. We’re hoping that after being the opening act for Existential, it will lead to new gigs with other big-name bands. I’m still flying high from the concert and I don’t think I’ll be coming down anytime soon.

  Leaning my elbows against the bar, I patiently wait for the bartenders to make eye contact with me. Existential closed the venue to the public tonight, but it’s still crazy busy in here. Stagehands, gaffers, and groupies are all crammed in and I’m just going with the flow. I have my eyes trained on a few sexy girls that I’ll be hooking up with later, but for now I’m just absorbing everything around me. ‘Cause I know when I wake up tomorrow, this will all be a distant memory.

  I glance around the room, searching for my other band members when I spot Trevor and Willow talking to a group of people in the far corner. I can’t help smiling since those two are attached at the hip, but it’s not what you’re thinking. They're cousins by blood and have always been really tight. Willow’s had a tough life and Trevor’s always been her rock and go-to guy. Hence, the reason she doesn’t date all that much. She doesn’t trust in general, and who would with a piece of shit father like hers? Not my story to tell and all that.

  Jet bumps into my shoulder as he saunters past with one babe tucked securely underneath his arm. “Hey, Pipes. Do you plan on holding up the bar all damn night or are you going to ‘mingle with the singles’ and have some fun
?”

  “Jet,” I growl. He pauses, looks over his shoulder, and waits. Throwing up my hands in surrender, I confess. “Too many here to choose from.”

  He throws his head back, laughs, and gives me a thumbs up as he walks away.

  I’m still chuckling when someone slides in the newly vacant seat beside me. Until he speaks. “The Sinful Seven’s a great name for a band. Was it your idea or a team effort?” Now I’m frowning.

  This right here is the reason I enjoy flying solo. So assholes like him don’t try making small talk with me about the band. Normally I’m a friendly guy, but when reporters slip through the cracks and want to pump me for a story, it pisses me off. Maybe I should have just hung a ‘Do not disturb’ sign on my back.

  My jaw just about hits the floor when I realize who’s talking to me. It’s definitely not a newsperson or someone nosing around about the band. It’s Caleb Morris, the owner of Morris Music.

  Holy mother fucking shit!

  I clear my throat just so I don’t sound like some kinda dumbstruck idiot who gets tongue-tied. “That was a group effort since we all have a penchant for the Seven Deadly Sins. But I normally write most of the music and the lyrics.” Fuck, I probably shouldn’t have said that, but too late to take it back now.

  “Cocky and talented. Those are two very dangerous attributes.” He gives me a big smile and I can’t help reciprocating. “Look, I won’t beat around the bush. I’ve been in New York all week scouting new talent and decided to attend the concert at the last minute. The crowd loves you and I get a good vibe with you guys. I don’t have time to round you all up since I’m flying back home in a few hours, but before I go, I’d like to invite The Sinful Seven to audition. There are a lot of bands lined up for that weekend, so no promises, but whoever wins gets a record deal with Morris Music. Are you interested?”