Chapter 13

13

JAXON

I meant every single word I said to Aria last night when I sent her those voicemails. Every word. I’ve no doubt when I leave my handprint on her sexy ass, she’ll think twice. Then again, she might enjoy it and act out just so she can get a spanking. I have a feeling my naughty girl is going to enjoy it very much. I’m fucking getting hard just thinking about it. Not good, since I’m just pulling into Morris Music. Today’s the day we get the tour schedule and I’m both dreading it and embracing it as well. I’m itching to play our new songs in front of a sold-out crowd.

Walking down the halls of this iconic record label is like a blast from the past. There are so many awards hanging on the walls and sitting inside a glass cabinet. It’s also surreal to see a Grant Award for producer of the year, by none other than Bruce Reynolds. The man who produced all three of our albums. The man’s a genius.

I can ’t help smiling when the hall opens up to the visitor lounge and Grace sits at the helm. She’s Caleb’s secretary and a real gem.

“Jax, it’s great to see you again. Are you ready for the big tour?” She stands, ready to let me into Caleb’s office.

“I was ready a month after our vacation started.” We all like to keep busy, but I get that Zander and Micah had their hands full with everything they had going on. Me, not so much.

“Well, in a few more months your wish will come true.” Grace opens the door and it’s like coming home again.

“Jax, I hope all is well. Now that you’re all here, let’s get down to business. I’d like to congratulate all of you on your third album, Nothing to Lose . It’s scheduled for release June tenth, and your tour begins on July first. With a huge Fourth of July bash in Boston. You’ll be the headliners for the live music for the weeklong celebration. It’s going to be epic.”

Boston’s always been one of our favorite places to play. That and New York, of course, since it’s where we all started out and where we all live.

“June’s one of the best months to release an album since it’s the beginning of the summer months. What better advertisement is there than open car windows and sunroofs blasting out your tunes? And an overcrowded beach with your music blaring out of a boombox? And when the DJ reveals the name of the song and lets them know it’s by Rebel Riot, record sales will soar.” I’ve never seen Caleb so excited about one of our albums before.

“Before you get too ahead of yourself, what’s the timeline for this tour, Caleb? Oh, and are we just in the US or is it a world tour?” Hey, I thought it was a good question to ask.

It’s never a good sign when he steeples his fingers, tapping his chin. Which translates to: we’re not going to like what he has to say next.

“It’s a fifteen-month world tour. You’ll spend a year in the US and then the last three months playing the UK, Europe, and Asia.” That’s going to put a damper on our wedding plans. Knowing my mom, she’ll want us to get married before leaving.

“Fuck, my son’s going to be two by the time I get home from touring.” Micah’s beside himself, and I feel for the guy. Zander doesn’t say a word and that’s even scarier.

We all wait for Caleb to give us the big speech about music being a tough business, but for some reason he’s silent. This is getting stranger by the minute.

“Many musicians take their families along with them. If that’s not possible, then you can go home during your time off. You’ll have five days off, every leg of the tour. Contrary to what you might think, I’m not a monster.” Son of a bitch. This is def a first, but with all the hell yeahs going around, guess the guys are happy.

“Thanks, Caleb. It’s greatly appreciated and makes our lives a lot easier,” Zander adds.

Caleb is married to Willow from The Sinful Seven, so he gets it. When she’s out touring, he takes care of his son and two girls.

“Here’s a copy of your schedule. Grace will also send you an email in case this one gets misplaced.” He glances at Ace since he’s been known to lose a few from time to time.

“See, I’m folding the paper and it’s going in my pocket right now.” We all laugh because that paper could get washed during laundry day. Gotta love him.

For the next few hours, we go over as much as we can cram in before it’s time for his next appointment. A new solo artist with big dreams and stars in her eyes. Don’t forget the name, Valentina, because I’ve heard her sing. Someday, she will be the next Arisha.

Just wait and see.

“Enjoy the next few months of freedom, boys,” Ace bellows, “because after that, it’s balls to the wall.”

“Fuck off, asshole. Go back to your tiny little home on wheels and we’ll go home to our wives and children.” Ouch, that was harsh, even for Zander.

Ace and Harmony live on a beautiful piece of land out in the woods. Ace has an RV and Harmony has her Sprinter van, Shutterbug. Last time I heard, they bounce between the two. Depending on their moods, since Ace’s is huge. Don’t ask.

“Let’s all get together at my house for one big party before we need to hit the road.” The invite is Zander’s way of smoothing things over.

“Sounds like a plan,” Micah pipes in. “Let us know when and we’ll all bring something so Melody doesn’t need to do everything herself.”

We all climb in our cars and head in different directions. They all have someone to go home to. I on the other hand have a fake fiancée who has a spanking or two coming to her next time we’re together.

ARIA

“I’m sorry, Macy. I have so much on my mind that I completely forgot to call. And, believe me, this is one topic that needs to be discussed in person, not on the phone.” I had every intention of calling her earlier, but now it’s lunchtime and I need to be quick.

“How was I supposed to be your maid of honor when I had no damn clue that you were getting married? Oh, wait. I read it plastered all over the tabloids and through social media. Shame on you, Aria.”

“I know and I feel terrible. When’s your next trip into town?” Hoping it’s soon so I don’t need to tell her what kind of mess I got myself into over the phone.

“Funny you should ask, since I’ll be there in a few days. If you have plans for the weekend with Loverboy, cancel them. You’re all mine! You will start from the beginning, and you’ll keep on talking until you’ve told me every last detail. And you best not leave anything out. Do you hear me?” She’s screaming in my ear. How can I not?

“I hear you loud and clear.” I end the conversation since I’ll be late for work if we keep arguing.

Thank goodness I made it back to work with a few minutes to spare. Silas has been on a tangent since Trent came on board, so we’re all on our best behavior. Even Maggie and Rex, which is like a breath of fresh air. I’m curious if one of them heard the gossip and told them to zip it. I shouldn’t get excited since it’s only been a few days.

Once I’m back at my desk, I get busy working on my new article. It’s a fluff piece, but every once in a while it’s good to throw them in my mix, to lighten up the mood. Who knew that writing about love and relationships could be so exhausting? Since not everyone gets their happily ever after. No matter how many years they’ve been together.

It’s almost quitting time, and I’m just finalizing my edits when Silas knocks. Funny, my door’s already open. Glancing up, I see him standing in the doorway.

“Is this a bad time or can we talk?” He’s so serious that I start to freak out a little bit. A lot if I’m being honest.

“Come on in. I’m almost finished. I was going to send it to you before leaving.” When he closes the door, I get a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Women’s intuition and all.

“I just wanted to run a few things by you before I make my final decision.” When he slumps down in the chair, I prepare myself for the worst. Either he knows about the fake engagement or about me sleeping with Rex.

“Is this a work-related visit or a personal one?” He doesn’t need to answer since he’s my boss. I’d like to think we’re good enough friends for him to tell me the truth.

“A little of both. Just hear me out, okay?” When I nod, he continues. “Now that Trent has a vested interest in both magazines, I can’t ignore the rumors anymore. Especially since he’s dating your sister.” I swear I turn as pale as the white polar rug that sits beneath my feet.

When I feel cornered, I always push back. It’s not my most endearing quality. “And which rumor might that be, since there are so many of them floating around?” It’s obvious that Maggie and Rex were told to shut up and the reason for the reprieve.

“All of them, I’m afraid. Truth is, I’m not sure what’s true and what’s not. Let’s start with you sleeping with Rex. Stephanie dumping Jax for Trent. And your engagement is just to make Stephanie jealous, so she’ll take him back. Being you’re sisters and all.”

Wow. Just wow.

“Am I working for Glamify or is this Paparazzi Pandemonium ? I’m just minding my own business and doing my job to the best of my ability every single day. Maybe you should be speaking to the loudmouths instead of the victim.”

I’m close to tears, but I’ll never let them fall. I won’t give him the satisfaction. Trent started this. I know he did. Stephanie is letting her new boy toy do all the dirty work so her hands stay clean.

“I’m sorry, Aria. Truly. Had I known that you and Trent had a half-ass connection, I might have looked elsewhere. I value your friendship and work ethic far greater than his. So, I’m here to make you a proposition.”

“I’m listening. Please continue.” I’m curious, not stupid, so I’ll hear him out.

“I’d like you to work from home, until things blow over. Two or three months tops should give me enough time to make the necessary changes. What I’m about to tell you is just between us. Understood?”

I nod in agreement, and for the next hour he tells me exactly what he plans on doing while I’m working in the comfort of my own home. I’m all for it, if he can pull it off.

As I’m driving home, I realize he mentioned something about running a few things by me, but never told me about his final decision. Would that have been discussed if I hadn’t accepted to work from home? Maybe, but now I shudder to think what would have happened if I didn’t. No sense dwelling on it. I’m still working for Glamify , and if he makes all the changes he mentioned, it will be a joy to go back into the office again.

I had so much on my plate today that Jax was the furthest thing from my mind, until I pull into my driveway. He’s sitting on the porch swing, waiting for me. And, immediately, his last voicemail comes to mind. About a spanking, I believe.

Today, tomorrow, or never!

“You should have called before coming over. I’ve had a hell of a day and I’m not in the mood for company.” Apparently, he’s not listening since he follows me inside.