Chapter 16

Darrell

The excitement is almost too much. I’m flying out to go see Randy tonight, and I’m staying overnight with him, in Texas. Their album is being released next week, and they’re finally seeing some money come their way from the record company. Randy says that he’s got some big news to tell me, too, and he sounds so excited that I have two reasons why I can’t wait to see him. It’s been almost two weeks since we’ve seen each other, since I had to work last weekend, and he was travelling from New Mexico to Texas. I miss him so much it hurts.

They’re all in an interview when I arrive at the venue, so I don’t get to see Randy right away. Bobby takes my bag and places it in the dressing room for me, while I wait in the green room. These rooms are always so similar, I’m amazed that the boys don’t forget where they are, as you can’t tell one green room from another. They all have a tattered couch, metal chairs, a bar fridge, benches, and a television. The walls are always painted brick, and there is a terrible echo from the stage in this room. The clock on the wall says that they’re due on stage in about twenty minutes, and I can’t help but worry that they’re going to be late.

Suddenly, I hear Bobby’s voice bellowing. “Okay, you guys, two minutes until warm up!” and my heart beats faster, knowing that Randy is nearby. When I see him, my face lights up like a Christmas tree.

“Babe!” he shouts, beaming, the second that he sees me. He trots over to me as I walk quickly to him. He picks me up off the floor and hugs me tight, like I was just rescued, and I love it. We kiss sweetly like a dozen times, and he sets my feet back down on the floor. “God, I missed you so much!” he gushes between kisses. “And I’ve only got like two minutes before I go on stage, babe. I got you front row seats tonight. Nothing but the best for my girl!”

My smile is so wide my cheeks hurt. I don’t know what else to say, I’m just drinking him in. He looks amazing, and he holds me tighter, hugging me close. “Where’s your sister?” Corey asks.

“She couldn’t make it.” I say. “She’s been working twenty-four seven closing escrow on a bunch of houses.”

“Yeah, dude, you’re going to have to go see her, man.” Wade says, getting his clothes adjusted by a very manly looking woman.

We ignore the banter, standing there, kissing each other chastely. My arms are snaked around his neck, and his forehead is pressed up against mine. I’m in heaven standing here with him. He smells like he’s fresh out of the shower, and his shirt isn’t so much as wrinkled. “How long are you going to survive in that shirt on stage?” I ask, teasing him.

“Oh, I’m taking it off before I go, babe.” He grins.

I chuckle. He kisses me again.

“Okay, boys!” Bobby claps, reappearing from somewhere. “Let’s go!”

Martin comes over to take me down to my seat. “I’ll see you, honey.”

“Love you, babe.”

“Love you, too.” I kiss him quickly again, and he sneaks another one in, as Martin rolls his eyes.

I’m taken down to a seat right up front. Literally under the lip of the stage, and so close that I can probably touch Randy if he gets close enough. My hands are trembling I’m so filled with excitement and nervous anxiety. I can’t wait for him to tell me what the surprise is, and I can’t wait to be alone with him later. Just the thought of making love to him again, after the last time, makes me…restless. The girls next to me are wearing next to nothing, and one of them climbs onto the other one’s shoulders, in a lame attempt to get closer to the stage, and to Randy, I’m guessing.

When the lights come on and we hear Randy’s guitar squeal, the audience roars like mad, including me. Fine, I’m a groupie, but I’m the favorite groupie, and the most loyal one, too. In fact, I look around, to see if there’s anyone that I trust enough to climb on their shoulders. Who am I kidding? As my man comes running across the stage, and then does a jump, as they kick into their strongest, most adrenaline-pumped tune, I’m jumping up and down with excitement. He sees me and winks as he plays his guitar, already glistening under the lights. I’m drooling just thinking about all the naughty things I’m going to do to him later.

The girls next to me are screaming, pulling at their teeny-tiny t-shirts, braless, but Randy just smiles as he plays his guitar, focused on what he’s doing. “I hear he broke up with this wife!” The girl on the shoulders of the other girl says.

“Maybe if you take your top off, he might invite you backstage!” the girl holding her friend up says.

Half of me hopes that she will, so she’ll get arrested, but the other half of me hopes she won’t, because…well…ew!

In an attempt to save the day, I yell over to them. “I hear he’s seeing someone.”

They both look at me. “Really?”

“Don’t sound so surprised.” I’m cocky. “I mean, look at him.” I gesture to him just as he takes a timed pause in the song. He looks at me and winks.

“Oh my God! He winked at me!” Girl on top of girl says.

“No, he winked at me!” Girl holding girl says.

As Wade goes into a poignant solo piece, without any instruments aside from a small, tinny touch of the symbols from Gordon, the spotlight is on Wade, and Randy bends down to me in the semi-darkness, tilts his head slightly, and kisses me on the lips. All eyes on the right section of the stage are on me and Randy, while the girls scream madly.

The song goes into high gear, with all the instruments playing, and I turn to the girls and say, loudly, over the music, with satisfaction. “You’re both wrong. He was winking at me.”

 

***

 

He’s covered in sweat from head to toe, breathless from doing an impromptu two-step on stage with Wade and Gordon, and he’s playing his heart out for the last song of the night. I can’t wait until they’re big enough to be the headlining band, because they’d kick ass with an encore. Their performance is so adrenalizing and engaging, I could watch them all night and not even get a little tired, and that’s saying a lot coming from a morning person.

A sight for sore eyes, I ask myself what I did to deserve such a god, standing there, climbing to the peak of his career, as I’m blessed with front row seats, witnessing this life-changing performance, and I can feel it. This band is going to be one of the greatest rock and roll bands of this generation. They have the chops to do it, and as much as these fans are here to see Swivel, it’s clear as day that they love Brave Face more. It’s been like that for every concert I’ve seen so far.

They gather at the front of the stage, do their hand-in-hand bow, and exit, while fans scream so loud, I have to plug my ears to preserve my hearing. But I’m just as bad as I scream along, too. I must look utterly ridiculous, screaming, while holding my ears, but I don’t care. The bobsy twins are rightfully pissed off at me, for having stolen their moment of glory, but I smile sweetly at them as Martin comes to lead me backstage. I want so badly to rub it in as they stare at me enviously, but I don’t.

I have no idea where Randy is, but the boys are nowhere in sight, so I assume that they’re in a meet and greet or another interview. So I sit in the all too familiar green room again, and listen to the din coming from the stage as handlers scramble to pull Brave Face’s equipment off and push Swivel’s equipment up closer for their set. The room is desolate. Not even Martin is here or any roadies, until I hear laughter and voices coming from the hall a few minutes later. Randy’s face appears first, and his smile is a mile wide when he sees me. “Hi, babe.” He says, walking to me with a towel draped around his neck.

I kiss him chastely. “Hi, Randy. You were phenomenal.”

The boys look at me expectantly and I smile. “You all were phenomenal.”

“Well, now the point seems moot, since you singled your boyfriend out.” Wade winks.

“I mean it. You guys are so awesome.” I beam. “You make a great team.” I can’t wait any longer. “So, what’s the big news?”

Randy’s arms are around my waist and mine are around his neck, but we’re facing the boys. “Well, shall I tell her, or do you guys want a go?” Randy says, leaning his head on mine, swaying slightly. He’s so sweet I could die. I don’t care that he’s soaked with sweat. It’s so sexy.

Wade chimes in. “There’s this happening summer music festival thing that this promoter is doing out in the UK. It’s a whole bunch of bitchin’ rock bands, and we were asked to go, too.”

My face lights up. “And you don’t even have a record out yet? That’s awesome!” I gush.

Bobby interjects. “Yeah, sales of the first single are hitting record highs, and with the album being released in the coming days, promoters are calling for these boys.”

“That’s fantastic! I’m so happy for all of you!” I do a little two-step, jumping up and down in the spot on the floor, and give Randy a little kiss, and then do a round, giving each of the boys a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations!”

“Hey, babe, you ever been to the UK?” Randy asks me.

“No, but my parents live there.”

“You mean you haven’t been out to visit your folks’ place?” Randy asks, shocked.

“Nope. They usually come home for a bit during the summer and stay with us. It’s one of those things, you know…sure, we’ll go one day, but both Kristina and I are so busy, it’s never come to light.”

“Well, that’s a crime, babe. You’re coming with us. No arguments.” Randy insists.

“Yeah, we need your positive vibes, man.” Wade says, which makes me smile.

“Aw, you’re so sweet.” I go over and kiss his cheek.

As I walk away, he adds. “And hot.”

I’m about to go over and kiss him again, but I stop myself, realizing the set up. Instead, I go over and slap him playfully. “Smartass.”

“Alright.” Randy slaps the air. “Let’s blow this pop stand.”

“Yeah, we got a swanky hotel this time.” Wade brags. “No more of this cheap fucking flea bag shit anymore.”

“Really?” I ask, impressed.

“Yeah, babe, we finally have some cash.” Randy says.

“It’s about fucking time, man. I’m sick of borrowing cash off my folks.” Corey says.

“So, how did the rest of the recording session go?” I ask.

“Fantastic. Wait until you hear it, babe.” Randy says. “It’ll blow your mind.”

“I can’t wait.” I grin.

“It’s fucking kickass.” Wade adds. “I can’t believe the shit that the studio did. Our producer and engineer are fucking gods. It sounds like we’re on stage but better. And they made it so we’ve got almost no overdubs, so the songs will sound as hot on the album as they do live. Fans are going to go nuts!”

“Oh, wow. I really wish I’d have stayed at the session now. I would have loved to see what they do.” I state with regret.

“You should have, babe. Next time I’m not taking no for an answer.” Randy insists as we walk to the back of the auditorium. Two cars are waiting for us, to take us to the hotel.

“What are you going to do with all your equipment?” I ask.

“Roadies’ll take care of it.” Wade answers. “Hey, you want to know something fucked up?”

“What?” I ask.

“Swivel didn’t get asked to go to this UK shindig.”

“Yet.” Randy points out as we get into a car. Gordon and Corey go into another car with Bobby and Martin. “They may still get asked.”

“Dude, the appearances have already been chosen. Didn’t you see the list?” Wade whispers, as if someone from Swivel can hear, even though we’re in a car with the doors and windows closed.

“That doesn’t mean anything, man.” Randy argues. “They make changes to that kind of shit all the time. How do we even know that we weren’t asked because some other shit band said no?”

“Oh, that’s bullshit, man. We got asked fair and square.” Wade whines.

“Don’t let it go to your head, man. I mean, I’m not trying to downplay it, because it’ll be the first performance where we’re not an opening act, but still, keep it together.”

Wade smirks for a second but then nods. “Yeah, I guess you’re right, bro. Keep it real. Don’t let your head get too big like some of those assholes out there.”

“Exactly.”

“Yeah, good call, brother.” Wade fist pumps Randy, and then Randy’s hand is in mine again. I’ve never been so excited in my life. I get to go to the UK and watch them, plus…I get to go to the UK! How the hell I’m going to get the time off is beyond me, but I don’t focus on that right now.

“So, do we have a date for this thing?” I ask, mentally preparing myself to tell Brian.

Randy tells me. “You’re thinking about work, aren’t you?”

“Just a little.” I lie.

“When was the last time you took a vacation from that place?” Wade asks.

“Never.”

“You’re serious?” Randy barks. “And you’ve been there how many years?”

I don’t answer. The non-answer is enough of an implication.

“That’s fucking ridiculous, babe. You’re going. If I’ve got to muscle that asshole for you or not.”

I squeeze his hand.

“Easy, killer.” Wade says, patting his leg. We snuggle in the car until we arrive at the hotel. “Hey, at least we save a little on room costs with you two sleeping together.” Wade comments as we check in.

“Classy.” Randy says facetiously, accepting our room key. We get into our room and place our bags on the floor. “Babe, I have to go take a sho—"

I cut him off, pinning him to the wall, tossing the dirty towel around his neck to the floor. His eyes are on my lips. His voice is low and sultry. “I guess sweat doesn’t offend you.”

“Not yours.” My hands are on his sweaty chest. I lean in and as our mouths open, our tongues meet, and we both sigh heavily, feeling like a missing connection has finally been made after so long. My hands tangle his damp, curly hair, as I draw him closer to me. His fingers find the hem of my shirt, and he pulls it over my head. Pulling himself away from the wall, he lifts me by the waist, and carries me to the bed. Lowering me down, his body hovers over mine. “I’ve never wanted anyone so bad.” I say, almost in a pant, I’m so needy for him.

“Me neither.” He breathes, as his eyes search my face, and then he envelops my lips with his, sliding his tongue inside, giving me a thigh-melting kiss that makes me crave more. My hands can’t get enough of him, as they skate all over his chest and back, while he kisses me, laying his weight and girth on me in such a way that makes my thighs damp. Then, as if he couldn’t be any hotter, he starts grinding into me, awakening my nub until it throbs.

“God, you’re going to make me come just doing that, Randy.” I pant, needing him so bad, I can’t stand it.

With that, he unhooks my bra and pulls it off. “I’m starting to love this bra, babe.” He comments, discovering that it’s my magic bra that I threw on stage that one night I saw him perform. I caress his nipples, and he mirrors my movement, cupping and gently squeezing my nipples between his fingers, as he gazes intently into my eyes, with this look that only he can pull off. A look that says, ‘you are all that matters to me’, but way hotter.

His mouth moves to my breasts, as he sucks and licks them, making love to them, as I writhe under him, climbing from his rhythmic movements, reminding me of what it feels like when he’s inside me. And then when I’m just about to come, he leaps off me, undoes my pants, slides my jeans and panties down, and in a flash, shoves his face into my wetness, making me cry out loud. In seconds, I come so hard I swear to God the audience at the auditorium, watching Swivel’s performance, can hear me scream.

When I’m a smouldering mess, he undoes his pants, removes them and his briefs, and thrusts into me to the hilt, riding on the last wave of my orgasm. His kisses are strong and needy, and his pelvis moves with such vigor, making me climb again quickly, as his hands knead my nipples, and I can feel his cock harden like a rock inside me, pulsing and stretching me, and in seconds I feel my second climax catch, as Randy rides it, moving faster, making me feel every inch of him as I come gloriously with him inside me.

His expression is intense, focused, as I open my eyes, realizing that he’s still hanging on, and I wonder how the hell he does it. Then he slows slightly, to a sensual rhythm, and his eyes darken, as he continues making love to me, and I decide that I want to do some magic to him, too. Lifting, I begin sucking and licking his nipples, and his breathing gets heavier. I even hear a moan as I feel him harden further inside me, and then I give him an even better treat…

Rearing his head up, he says, “Mmm…you’re trying to take me down, aren’t you, babe…”

“Oh…yeah…” I whisper between sucking his nipples and tightening inside.

He hisses and then opens his mouth, groaning. “Ah, not without you, babe. I’m going for a record tonight.” With that, he pulls my arms over my head and interlaces our fingers together on the pillows, as he angles up, hitting me in that sweet spot, and goes in deep and fast, and in a few short thrusts, I feel my third orgasm catch, and he feels it, too, because he thrusts into me faster, grunting, taking the sensation in, as we both come together strongly, making the headboard tap against the wall.

As we come down, breathlessly, he rests his forehead on mine, releasing my hands, tucking his hands under me, and he kisses me softly, sensually, tenderly. “God, I couldn’t love you anymore if I tried to, babe.”

“I feel all your love, honey. Every bit of it. And I love you to the moon and back.” I kiss him again, as he rests his head on my shoulder, catching his breath. He’s so sexy in afterglow, having worked up another sweat from making love, and I have to bite my lip to keep myself from touching him more. I’m voracious when I’m with him. I’ve never been like this before.

He kisses my shoulder in response, and then he slides over, removing himself from me, propping his head up in that sexy way that he does. I kiss him and move to my side, so I’m face to face with him. “So, you enjoyed the show tonight?”

“Always.” I smile.

“I almost fell headfirst into the crowd when I kissed you.” He chuckles. “But I couldn’t wait another minute and the lights weren’t on me.”

“You made a couple of female fans very jealous.”

“I did?” he chuckles.

I bite my lip and then smile. “It was fun…for me.”

He smiles. Then he wipes his lips with his thumb and index finger in a gesture that I take as contemplative. “You can…like…tell me I’m fucking out of my mind and all, but I’m getting a shitload of money soon, and I thought that I’d buy a house with it…and I thought that maybe you might want to live with me.” he looks up at me, closing one eye, as if he thinks that there isn’t a chance in hell of me saying yes.

“You want to live with me?” I ask, smiling, but with my brows knitted together.

“Actually, I want to buy you a house, if we’re being honest here. I never got to…buy anyone anything, you know…I figured since you live with your sister, that you might want to live with me instead.” He stammers. “After the tour is over, of course.” He adds, like it’s for good measure. “You can pick the house out, you know, have Kristina show you some, and then I’ll give her the money for it. Maybe you can buy some furniture and shit while I’m on tour, and then when it’s over, we can move in.” He slides the back of his hand down my face and smiles. “But if any of that scares you then fuck it.”

I snort a laugh. “You are too much.”

“What do you mean?” he scoffs, chuckling.

“You just…you have a way with words…you make me laugh.”

“O…kay.” He chuckles, playing along.

“Well, what if I pick out a house that you hate? Or, what if I buy furniture that you hate? I thought that couples were supposed to do that stuff together.”

“We can…if you want.” He tilts his head and leans down, exhaling, looking at me like I’m the goddamn Hope Diamond to him. “But, babe, I don’t care what kind of a house you want, or what kind of furniture you want. All that matters to me is that you’re in it.”

I feel a tear form in my eye and I can’t stop it. My chin quivers as it falls down my cheek, and Randy lifts. “What’s wrong, babe?”

“That’s just…that’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

He kisses my forehead. “Well, I’m just being honest, babe.” He props his head on his hand again, adjusting himself. “I mean, my divorce is final in another five months, I think. But I don’t think that that matters to you, does it?”

“No. Nothing like that matters to me.”

“Well, you think about it. I don’t want to put any pressure on you.”

“No. You haven’t put any pressure on me. I’d love to live with you. Every minute that we were apart these past two weeks has been hell.”

He smiles and kisses me. “Ditto, babe. I couldn’t stop thinking about you the whole time.”

“Me neither.” I smirk. “I couldn’t stop thinking about me the whole time.”

He tries to hide a smile but fails, and instead he lifts his head off the pillow, pulls it up, and bats me over the head with it. I pick mine up and hit him back. Suddenly, we’re having a naked pillow fight, sexy, but fun all at the same time. When my hair is all over the place and we’re breathless and exhausted, he embraces me, and we spoon in bed. “You know what else?” I scoff, mentally back handing myself for not thinking of this sooner.

“What’s that, babe?”

“Um…unless you want a love child, honey, we have to really start thinking about birth control.”

He hits himself on the head, as if thinking exactly the same thing I was thinking. “Fuck…I totally forgot about all that shit. It’s been…like…forever…maybe never…since I had to worry about that. Emily was always on the pill.”

“You never talked about having kids with her?”

“Na, man, she didn’t want them. Not with her career. Once you have kids, man, your prospects are so limited.”

“And what about you? Did you ever want to have kids?”

“I never thought about it. Emily didn’t want them, so I figured that a family was off the table.”

I touch his hand. “Well, how do you feel about it now?”

“Well, I loved Carter like he was my kid, I guess. But I don’t know. I don’t not want to have them, I just never realized that they were an option.” He licks his lips. “What about you?”

“Well, I’d love to have kids, but with my job…good luck. Brian would never let me have maternity leave. He’d fight me tooth and nail. I’d probably get fired for it.”

“But you want them?”

“Well, yeah. I mean, not tomorrow, but someday.”

He drapes a lock of hair over my ears, and his expression is warm. “Yeah? You want kids?”

“Of course.”

It’s like he’s letting the idea sink in. “Wow. I might be a dad someday.”

I smile warmly. “You…think about stuff like that?”

He swallows, looking at me intently. “Babe, since I met you, anything is possible.”