Facing Me, page 5
“Why doesn’t she tell him to go fuck a hot tail pipe?” Hunter tosses out with a laugh.
“Because she’s being professional, asshole, and since we open for them, we’re replaceable. Daisy has more patience than me, I’d have told him to go to hell already.” Gray adds, looking at me from over his lyric book. “But, I may have mentioned to Henry to feel free and stomp him like a bug if he gets mouthy.”
The door flies open, crashing against the wall with a loud bang. “Henry, will you make sure that Ms. Irons and the rest of our VIPs get back here okay?” Daisy asks, eyeing the three of us. “I need to update the guys so we can settle on a game plan.” Henry nods, leaving the room without a word, slamming the door behind him. Oh shit, this can't be good. Daisy never gets frazzled over the business end of Shaft. She's been a fucking ace since day one.
Daisy blows out a breath, then sags onto the couch beside Gray. “We’ve got a problem.” She huffs, getting our attention. “Jackson has been calling me for days bitchin' that with Tad and Landon gone these past couple months, he’s been taking on our slack. In other words he’s telling me that I’m slacking.”
“I’ll give that cocksucker some slack.” I growl, balling my hand into a fist. No matter what goes on, none of us let anyone fuck with Daisy. She's been through a lot since the tour started and we all protect her. Surprisingly, Hunter has damn near killed for her more than once.
Daisy clears her throat, ignoring my comment. “Anyway, Jackson is demanding that Shaft sign him as manager before the show tonight. Or else.”
“Or else what?” I ask, impatiently. There's no way in hell we are getting pushed into shit.
She sighs loudly, “I informed him that after everything with your previous representation, I took on this position in a temporary fashion. There's no sense in giving him the ugly details of Tad and Landon being dismissed or why." She says with a shudder.
No. In protecting Daisy, we have kept as much of what went on from everyone. It was, by no means, her doing and all of us agreed that she wouldn't pay for Landon being a complete fuckwad or Tad being a dirty manipulative weasel.
"I also informed him that I don’t have the authority to make that choice for you.” Bracing herself, she continues, “If you don’t sign with him, he's disbanding the tour, effective immediately, and it’s over. Just. Like. That."
“He said all that?” Gray bites out, tossing his book to the table making her jump. “He would kill both bands with that kind of career suicide. We still have months left on this tour. The cancellations would kill his reputation as much as ours. He’s bullshitting us.”
She shrugs, “It’s a possibility, but he's so fucking arrogant. I’m sorry guys, I’ve tried nearly everything to make him reconsider but he’s set on this. Jackson isn't going to budge. What do we do now?” Daisy sniffles. Oh shit, not hormonal, pregnant tears. I can’t do tears!
“We tell him to fuck off, that’s what we'll do. No way in hell is Jackson Reed forcing us into shit. If they leave the tour then that’s their problem, not ours.” I reply, hoping to calm her nerves. “Besides if No Approval is dumb enough to walk from a sold out fuckin’ tour then good riddance. You’re doing a great job Daisy and Henry is looking for someone permanent. Just a matter of finding the right fit.”
She nods with a sad smile, “I love taking care of you guys but I need some help doing it. Especially now, with the baby being here before we know it. This is one time I have no problem admitting that I'll need help. Just not him.”
“That settles it then.” Gray says, kissing her temple. Looking at them, Hunter and I both nod our agreement. It’s a no-brainer, Shaft is a family. These people in this room are all I have and all that matter now that I’ve lost Camaron.
“That piece of shit hasn’t shown his face for most of the tour. Well, unless his band’s playin’. Hell, we barely see any of those fuckers anyway. No skin off my ass." Hunter shrugs then sits his bass on the stand beside the chair.
A tap on the door makes all four of us turn to watch as Abby Irons, lead singer of Thirty Ought Six and head of Ironsound Records, walks in the room. Behind her are nearly a half dozen people, including Sean and Evan. “I still don’t see why we had to bring you two with us. This is business; well, mostly.” She says rolling her eyes.
Evan shoves around her to bump Hunter’s fist. “You brought me? Those passes were left for me.”
Abby arches her brow, rolling her eyes in amusement. “Those passes were left for Mr. Gungasm Mc Toothy-Twat. If you’re going by that now, I officially don’t know your stupid ass.”
Daisy glares at Hunter, who is smiling smugly. Jumping up, she reaches out to shake Abby’s hand. “I’m so glad you could make it tonight Ms. Irons.”
“My name’s Abby. There’s nothing formal about me or this meeting tonight. We’re here to watch Shaft kick ass.” Looking around, she smiles. Abby is a tiny thing with fiery red hair. Just by looking at her though, you know she holds her own with these guys.
“This is my husband, Jameson, who, sadly, is Mc Toothy-Twat’s brother. Then,” she turns pointing to a gorgeous brunette standing off by herself. “That’s Tuesday, best friend and go to gal.”
I nod as Jameson sits in a chair, Abby perching herself on the arm. “I’m Aiden, that’s Gray and his wife, Daisy.” Jerking my chin, I groan. “That’s Hunter, my brother.”
Tuesday laughs, “You mean Cunter Cunterfield?”
Hunter jumps to his feet, “That’s where I know you from.” Walking over, he cups her jaw sweetly. “The sexy kitten that's one of Evan’s days of the week. Well, it’s ‘Fill her ass Friday’ here, let me make you purr.”
Tuesday smirks, letting her eyes drop to his mouth and I’m pretty sure what is going on in her head. Just as I start to say something, she knees him right in the beef stick. Hunter crumples to the floor, gagging and heaving while cupping his damaged junk.
Leaning down, she glares at him. “I’m nobody’s day of the week, and I’m definitely not your kitten. You wouldn’t know how to make a real woman purr if you had two tongues and a vibrating penis the size of a mic stand.” She bites out, kicking him in the hip, walking by him to sit in the chair he left.
All of us laugh hysterically as Evan and I help him up. “I’m good. Just help me walk this off before the show.” Hunter squeaks, sounding more like Daisy when she’s excited about something.
Helping Hunter out of the room so that Daisy and Gray can talk shop with Abby, Evan and I take him down the hall away from the crowd that is starting to gather. Hunter gets his footing as I let go of him. Evan glances at him, still clutching his arm, “You good man?”
Hunter nods blowing out a breath. “Yeah, thanks; she’s a feisty one.”
Everything going to shit around me is making me lose it. I can’t believe Hunter pulled a fucking stunt like that. What the hell is he thinking? If Ironsound was going to sign us, they sure won’t now. Who wants to represent a bunch of loose cannons who can’t keep their dicks in their pants. Control. It’s all about keeping a handle on the situation. My hands are shaking as I take in Evan staring at Hunter like he wants to rip him a new ass. Dude you aren’t the only one who wants to, but it will be me doing it.
“Why don’t you go check on Tuesday, Evan? I’ll tend to dumbass here.” I blurt, knowing that this could go bad if Hunter says the wrong thing right now. Nodding, Evan disappears back the way we came, leaving me with Hunter. Turning to face my dipshit brother, I shake my head. “You need to get your shit together. We all heard Daisy, if Ironsound signs us that would solve everything and here you are hitting on Abby fuckin’ Irons’ best friend like that? What the fuck is wrong with you?”
“I’m horny.” He shrugs. Wrong thing to say Hunter.
Losing my shit in 3, 2, 1…
Grabbing his shirt, I shove him into the wall. “Get some control on your dick Hunter. You can’t just walk up to any woman you want and ask her for a fuck. Quit focusing on yourself all the goddamn time! Everything. Is. Not. About. You.” I shout in frustration. He is reckless and doesn’t care what his actions could do to those around him. What they could cost all of us right now.
“No, it’s never about me. You got that right little brother.” He snaps. Letting him go as his words hit me, I step back watching him sag against the wall. “I’m sorry, Aiden. Fuck! Just back off, okay?”
“Then get a grip on yourself before you do something to embarrass Daisy. She really wants this to work with Ironsound and so do I.” I huff, then walk back up the hall so that I can, hopefully, get in on the conversation before we are called to the stage.
Walking up to the door, I come face to face with Jackson Reed. “Just the man I was looking for. Shall we go in with the others so we can make this official?” He asks, tapping his paperwork with a knowing grin. “It’s about time you all see it my way, Aiden.”
Anger boils in my veins. This bastard has been badgering Daisy for days and is now threatening to close the tour, all to gain control over us. Over. Me. I don’t give anyone power over me. Fuck, even Daisy keeps me informed of everything as it happens. She knows that’s how I operate. Jackson has decided to push me, to demand I submit to his demands. That is something I don’t do. All my control goes out the window as my rage erupts like a volcano. The final straw breaks the camel’s back and I am ready to blow. My eyes blur and I see fucking red. I know, without a doubt, this will end badly; but it’s like I am watching the entire thing play out as it happens.
My fist connects with Jackson’s jaw, causing him and his paperwork to spill to the floor. “You crazy bastard! What the hell are you doing?” He yelps, rolling away from me. Not giving him a chance to get to his feet, my boot connects with his ribs, again and again. His scream echoing through the hall while he tries to defend himself.
Daisy runs out into the hall, Henry and Gray try to pull me back. “What the hell is wrong with you Aiden?” Daisy shouts.
“That bastard isn’t threatening to fuck up everything we’ve worked for. No. One. Controls. Me. Nobody!” I roar, fighting to get free. I want nothing more than to send Jackson to the E.R. I want him to hurt. I want him to feel on the outside like I feel on the inside. The helplessness is choking me, the fucking inability to keep control over the situation, I can’t focus. Flashbacks of belt slaps, shouting, and closet doors flash in my mind. Fuck! Where did that come from? I struggle harder against their hold. I gotta get the fuck out of here.
“You’re losing it Aiden.” Meeting me toe to toe, she gets in my face. “Get a fucking grip!”
My mind goes back to not even five minutes ago, me telling Hunter the same damn thing. How am I any better than my idiot brother by beating Jackson’s ass in a hallway? I lose all fight and nod. “I’m sorry.” I murmur to her.
“You’ll never work again.” I hear Jackson groan, while some of the others help him up. His mouth and nose both pouring blood while he stares at me. “Shaft. Is. Over.”
“You think I give two fucks what you think of me, Jackoff?” I snap. His mouth curls at the mention of our nickname for him. “You’ll never get your hands on Shaft.” I growl, trying to keep from tearing into his ass again. Daisy nods at Henry who shoves me into the room.
“Henry, make sure Abby and everyone get to their seats. I’ll get the guys to the stage.” Without waiting for a response she slams the door, leaving us alone.
Daisy won’t meet my eyes. I don’t know how long we stand here, me looking at her while she looks at the ground but it’s a while. Seriously, where is the ‘high noon standoff music’ and tumble weeds? Daisy Cole, who never shuts up, now doesn’t say a word, she just stares at her shoes. I stand stock still, pleading silently for her to meet my eyes. Wanting to hear her tell me what an ass I made of myself in front of Abby and how disappointed she is. How it’s all over and all my fucking fault. Nope, nothing.
“Daisy, I’m sorry. That shouldn’t…” My words are lodged in my throat as her tear filled eyes meet mine.
“Cut the shit Aiden. You’ve been spiraling for too long. I let it go because you seemed to be dealing with whatever is up your ass in your own way.” Daisy paces the room in long strides; her blonde hair swishing back and forth, while she thinks this all out in her head. “You’ve gotta talk to someone about this shit, other than Cunter. He thinks you need ‘fuck Cam outta your system’ therapy. We both know that can’t happen. I know exactly what you do need.” She says watching my face.
I nod like a scolded child. Of course I can’t just act out what I do with just anyone, that’s how you get in trouble. With the band catching popularity so quickly, the tabloids would kill for some dirt like that. “I know Daisy. It’s not like that, I promise. All I did was…”
“LA LA LA LA” She shrieks, covering her ears with her hands. “Um, no details!” Walking over to me, she kisses my cheek. My insides soften immediately. Daisy has become our sister and I love her, to know she isn’t mad at me makes me relax. “Get a handle on your inner demons, Aiden, but without the help of Hunter and his sick fuckscapades. We both know you’re better than that.”
Daisy is the only one who really knows, from both sides, how everything went down that last night in Minnesota. I’ve told her how much I ache when Cam isn’t with me. How I can’t sleep without her. All the music in my head makes me desperate for someone who might understand; I let my wall down. “I miss her. She’s not mine anymore, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t let her go. I close my eyes and there she is, Daisy; she haunts me like a ghost.”
“Oh, Aiden, I knew you weren’t okay…” She hugs me making me feel too vulnerable because even she realizes it and lets me go. “Sorry.”
Shaking my head, I clear my throat. “I’m fine.” I walk over to the bar, grab a glass and pour a shot to calm my nerves. “Have you heard from them? Do you know what Chase was calling about?” I ask, then down my shot before pouring another.
She suddenly turns very sad, but then she just shakes her head. “Not anything to worry you about, Aiden. Come on, time to get you boys on stage. Possibly for the last time.” She murmurs sadly. Wrapping my arm around her, we walk out: Gray, Daisy and I walk up the ramp to take the stage. “Hunter, you shit! Where the hell are you?” She calls out, impatiently.
“Hang on to your tits pregger. I’m coming!” Hunter shouts from behind a curtain. Fumbling out, he zips his pants mumbling something that is followed by a raspy female giggle. “Had to tend to my injuries. Sexy bitch kissed me all better.” He moans. I see a flash of reddish brown hair but not much else, just enough to let me know it’s not Tuesday doing the nursing. I do not want to see Evan kill my brother with his own jewels. If I hadn’t put Hunter is his place, I have no doubt a fight would’ve went down.
“You’re a sick man.” Daisy says, then hops up onto her stool. “Get out there and rock this shit so that Gray can sing me my cover.”
Running out on stage, I toss my shirt into the audience then climb behind my kit. Yanking my sticks up from the Toms, I start pounding out my beat. The feeling of euphoria I have behind my skins is indefinable. It’s like nothing on Earth. Except for being with Cam… Don’t go there Aiden. Every thump on my bass pedal is her name, only driving me harder. I kick up the tempo until it matches the beating of my racing heart.
BAM WHAM THUMP BAM BAM BAM THUMP THUMP
Gray is wailing on his guitar, while Hunter kicks in singing our newest song. Gray and I have been writing a lot of great music on the tour, the stuff is just flowing. Between him falling for and marrying Daisy, along with my relationship with Cam, or lack thereof, we’ve had a lot of new material.
The crowd is going wild, while we do what we do best. Rule a stage. I command the stage. This is not me being ‘Aiden, the cocky fucker’, you can stuff that bullshit. This is being aware of my badass ability. I throw it out to the crowd while they all drown in it. Soak it up, because that is what it is. It’s the drink for your thirst, the drug that you’re craving. It’s the good hard fuck you need, but can’t get from anywhere else. No one leaves one of our shows unhappy; you leave completely satisfied and walking a little funny. My beat is what regulates the entire song. I dictate the flow, every time, from song to song. Daisy jokes that my kit is my throne; I have to agree with her. I feel like a king, powerful and imposing when I’m sitting here. It’s my complete liberation, stripping all the rage and shit from inside my head. When I’m beating my skins, I’m where I belong.
Between songs, I look over and see Daisy watching us. Mostly, she’s watching Grayson. I can still remember Cam watching from stage left with Daisy and mauling me with kisses the minute I hit the curtain. The things you miss and will never have again. I’ll never give to anyone the things I let Cam have freely. She got me, really fucking saw me for who I am, then, BAM. Over, just like that.
“I sure hope you like it to last for hours, you sexy kittens.” Hunter purrs into the microphone between songs. “We love draggin’ it out so you beg for more. Let me hear you sexy bitches scream while you take your dose of Shaft.” He roars, grinding his hips into the mic stand.
By the time we finish our last song, my hands are pulsing and my body is drenched in sweat. It’s an amazing feeling, this high I get just from beating sticks against the skins. “Alright Nashville, thanks for being awesome motherfuckers. Here’s the married spooner to sing some sappy shit to his wife.” Hunter shouts into the mic.
Jumping down from my kit, I toss my sticks into the crowd, exiting the stage with my brother. Daisy smiles bumping both our fists once we reach her. “Good show you guys. Henry just told me that Abby wants a word with all of us after the show; don’t disappear on me.” She says, glaring at Hunter.
Clutching his chest, Hunter winks at her. “Who me? You could never get rid of me baby momma. My love runs deep for you.” Walking over, he wraps an arm around her and kisses her cheek with a sloppy smack. “One day, you’ll let me show you.”
