Chapter 24

24

JAXON

A few weeks have passed since we broke the news to our parents, and I’ve been full-speed ahead ever since. I’m at my wits’ end trying to make this happen, but so far, no luck. Had I known there was going to be so much red tape involved, I would have nixed the idea from the get-go. It’s frustrating and disappointing to say the least. No way I want to tuck and run with my tail between my legs and admit defeat. So I keep plugging away during my spare time, which is slim to none.

Never fear, I won’t give up until I call the last venue and I get a thumbs down. Until then, there are still a few weeks to pull it off. If it’s on, Aria will be busy on this end fine-tuning the details. While I’m going to work every night from nine to whenever. With a Rebel Riot’s live performances, you get more bang for your buck. Hey, please don’t blame me for all these quirky phrases. Blame my parents and grandparents for the never-ending repetitiveness of things like ‘kicking the bucket’, ‘bite the bullet’, ‘spill the beans’, and so on. Something was bound to rub off on me.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. We released the single, Riot of the Rebels , a few weeks back and we’ve been posting little teasers of the video ever since. Fans are going fucking nuts. It’s great PR for the upcoming release of the album next week. Tonight, we’re all going over to Zander’s to watch the worldwide release of the video at nine. We’re all psyched since it came out so great. We can’t wait to see what our fans think. Fingers crossed they love it just as much as we do. We’ll def be checking out all comments on social media tonight and responding to as many of them as we can.

I guess I need to start jotting things down, so I don’t forget to fill you in on the important shit that’s been happening. My bad.

I’m currently heading out for my interview with Gracie from the magazine, Metalize . Not a big fan of interviews, but Caleb insists on doing them with the release of a new album. Zander and Ace had theirs already, so it’s me and Micah on the hot seat today. I have the morning, and he has the afternoon. Lucky son of a bitch. Bet he slipped them a few so he could get the last one since he has a little one at home that keeps him up all hours of the night. I know he wouldn’t trade it for all the money in the world. Proud of my friends for juggling their personal and work life with flair and pizazz.

Driving to my appointment isn’t difficult at all. Glad she decided to meet me at a coffee shop since the drive downtown would have been horrendous at this time of day. Love the laid-back vibe. And the fact that I can drink copious amounts of coffee while she interviews me. It’s a win.

I’m hesitant when I pull into the parking lot. Tons of cars and no baseball cap. Damn. Opening the glove box, I yank out my aviator glasses and a wrinkled beanie. Not my first choice since it’s June and I might be hot as fuck wearing it, but it’s all I have. Throwing on my disguise, I saunter into the shop, hoping my day-old stubble will add to the mystery.

No need to wait for a hostess, so I head over to the corner booth where Gracie’s waiting. She recognizes me instantly, but no one else pays me any mind.

“Jax, so glad you could make it here today.” After I slide in across from her, she holds out her hand. It gets lost in mine when we shake. Formal, but since we don’t know each other, a hug is out of the question.

“Gracie. Looking forward to the interview.” She tries hiding her smile but fails miserably. Should I be worried?

“Can I get you both something to drink while you look over the menu?” Gracie must have waited for me since she doesn’t have anything in front of her. “I’ll have a medium iced cappuccino with a blueberry scone.” Glancing my way, she waits for my order.

“I’ll have the same.” Short and sweet.

“Coming right up.” Grabbing our menus, she walks away.

“Let’s wait until she brings our order before we dive into the questions. Love the beanie, by the way.” Is she being serious or a smart ass? Hate it when I don’t know people.

“Couldn’t find my damn baseball cap so this was a last resort. I’m improvising.” I don’t add that its hot as fuck and itchy too.

“Nothing wrong with a little brainstorming. I know you’re busy, so I really appreciate all of you taking the time to meet with me. The new single rocks and I can’t wait to watch the video premier tonight.” I hold off on responding since the waitress is heading our way with our order.

“Here you go. Enjoy!” It’s not really what I wanted, but I plan on enjoying my coffee. Might bring the scone to Aria since she loves dessert. You did it again, didn’t you?

“Okay, I’m going to start the interview. Since we’re in a public place, I’m not going to give you a mic, I’m taking notes and using my phone to record. Do I have your permission?” Never thought of a mic, but makes sense.

“Sure. Do what needs to be done.” Anything to get it over with.

Things are going great. I’m relaxed and I’ve even ordered another coffee. Not cappuccino, I might add. The interview’s winding down and then she hits me right between the fucking eyes.

“Congrats on your engagement to Aria Mitchell by the way. Didn’t you date her sister, Stephanie, back in high school?” What the ever-living fuck.

Up until now, all the questions have been about the band, music, touring, and all things pertaining to music. Nothing personal. Metalize has featured tons of heavy metal bands over the years, and it never pertained to anything personal. I know for a fact since I’ve read them cover to cover. Obviously, she’s barking up the wrong tree.

“Thanks for the interview, Gracie, but that’s my cue to get the hell out of here.” When I try sliding out of the booth, she grabs my arm. Fuck no.

“Touchy subject, or does the truth hurt?” Does she have a death wish?

Leaning in, I say, “I suggest you take your hands off of me and leave my family alone. With one phone call, I can have you fired, and the article retracted from the magazine. And I can guarantee that you’ll never work in the media industry ever again.”

ARIA

Jaxon’s been pacing back and forth ever since we arrived at Zander’s house tonight. He’s still fuming after telling me what happened with Gracie this afternoon. The guys tried everything to calm him down but nothing’s working.

“I had my interview at two and it went great. All the questions were band and music-related. She was very professional.” Micah might think he’s helping, but it’s making it worse.

“Exactly. That’s why I’m suspicious. What if Trent or Stephanie put her up to it? He’s been in the media industry for a long time, and he must have a ton of connections. What if he’s affiliated with the magazine somehow?”

“Jax,” I grab his hand, “Gracie’s question was out of line, and you told me she apologized. What could she possibly gain by throwing that in the article? Nothing, since you threatened to have her fired if she did. It’s old news, and as soon as we get married, no one will care.”

“She’s right, Jax. You need to let it go. Most likely she was just fishing for a scoop for herself and not the magazine. It’s unethical but I bet it won’t happen again.” Zander smacks his best friend on the back and walks into the kitchen. Melody kisses her brother’s cheek and goes to check on the baby.

I know he’s still letting it eat away at him, but I can’t offer him sex while we’re still here. That needs to wait until we’re back home. Otherwise, they’ll never invite me here again. Kidding. I’m just kidding. But it would def take his mind off of that damn interview.

“I can’t believe in twelve days we’ll be back on the road. I’m both dreading it and looking forward to it.” Ace hugs Harmony a little tighter after reminding everyone that it’s coming quickly.

“You guys are a bunch of party poopers. Tonight’s supposed to be a celebration. Rebel Riot has a number one single on the Billboard charts right now. And tonight’s video premier will have a million views by the end of the night. That’s noteworthy. Embrace it.” Stella, their PR agent, is also here and she’s a little spitfire. Damn good at what she does.

“I agree with Stella,” Lyric pipes in. “Do you have any idea how many one-hit wonders would kill to be in your shoes right now? Tons. Fame is fleeting, so revel in it while you can.” Micah gives his wife an adoring look before kissing her. Since Micah’s mom is watching their little boy, Gunnar, for the night, I’d say he’s getting lucky later.

Since Jax hasn’t had any luck with a wedding venue, we haven’t mentioned anything about our wedding plans. We were hoping we’d have something solid before they left so we could share with them.

As it stands right now, we might need to wait until the tour’s over. It breaks my heart when I think about waiting that long to be his wife. I’d even elope, but Jax refused. Knowing our families would be so hurt and angry and I can’t do that to my dad. He was so upset just thinking he couldn’t walk me down the aisle.

Since the day Stephanie and I were born, my mom said he’s saved for our weddings and looked forward to giving us away. He’s so old-fashioned. I love him so much.

“Okay, most likely this will be the last time we’re all together before leaving. So let’s have some fun, enjoy some good food, and whoever wakes up my daughter Hadley will be banned from my home. Forever.” Jax laughs when Zander glares at him. I’m thinking about a baseball bat and engagement ring.

Holding up his hands in surrender, Jax says, “I promise to behave and have fun. My beautiful fiancée will keep me in line. Right, poppet?” Ugh, I’m waiting for everyone to laugh when he calls me by my nickname, but I’m surprised when everyone thinks it’s sweet. Even the guys.

“You bet I will. Now no more negativity. All good things from here on out.” All the guys give a “Hell yeah” and Melody stalks out of Hadley’s room.

“If any one of you morons wakes her up, you will be playing with her until she falls back to sleep.” Ouch. Out of the mama bear’s mouth. Love it. All the guys mumble “Sorry” then start filling their faces.

There are enough appetizers here to feed the whole block. From fruit and meat charcuterie boards to artichoke dip, mini teriyaki meatballs, stuffed seafood mushrooms, bruschetta, taco dip. It’s endless, and it all looks so delicious I don’t know where to start.

“Guys, guys it’s starting soon. It’s so surreal that we’ll be watching with millions of other people.” Zander’s like a little kid in a toy factory. He’s so excited. We’re all glued to the big screen that’s hanging in the family room. Waiting. When the clock ticks down, it’s showtime!

For three minutes and thirty-seven seconds we are mesmerized. You couldn’t hear a pin drop. But the second it ends we all scream like a pack of wild hyenas. Then Hadley joins us and Melody’s not a happy camper.

It’s safe to say we’ll all be playing with her until she falls asleep tonight.