Chapter 19

Chapter Nineteen

Eddie

Seeing Callie unconscious in the hospital bed when I arrived is forever burnt into my brain. It's like a switch turned on, and an overwhelming urge to protect her and never let her be hurt again swept over me. The doctor says she only passed out, but seeing your child like that would be enough to cause the strongest of people to fall.

I left her room to take a leak and find a doctor, and of course, she woke up, but I knew exactly where she'd be. I never expected her to fall straight into my arms, but the moment she did, our bodies came together as if they'd never been apart. And that kiss... I can still feel the way her lips touched mine. Now I know she is going to give me a chance to show her this is the man I can be without all the rock god bullshit.

When I lightly tap on the door to Beau's hospital room, Callie looks my way and smiles.

"Hey, how's he doin' today?" I whisper, walking towards her.

She hasn't left his side since he came out of surgery yesterday and neither has his girlfriend. She's a feisty little thing. When the doctors told her only Callie could stay, she simply announced she wouldn't be leaving. Callie's ex-husband made a call, and she could stay as long as she calmed down.

"He's doing well. His doctor should be here soon," she whispers, trying not to wake them both—young love is adorable. She takes my hand and walks me out of the room.

"How are you doing? Do you want to go take a shower? Damien can take you," I say, trying to offer her some kind of help.

"Thanks for asking, but I'm fine for now. When Beau is out of here, I plan to do so many things to you," she says, looking me right in the eye, and the words coming from her mouth make my cock pulsate.

"Damn, woman, don't be saying things like that. I wonder how quickly I can get Beau home and in the care of a nurse."

"The things you'll do for sex." She laughs, and it's music to my ears.

"No, the things I'd do for sex with you," I say, pulling her body into mine. I enjoy seeing her so playful and with her guard down. "But right now I have a meeting with Oliver and Alex." Her body tenses at the mention of Alex's name, and I don't blame her. "I can cancel if you want me here."

"Don't be silly, I'll be fine."

"Okay, I'll make it quick. I'll leave one of the bozos here. If you need anything, they'll make it happen, even if it's just a coffee."

"I'm not the famous one. You need to make sure they protect this," she says, discreetly cupping my crotch with her hand, and I stifle a groan.

"What about my pretty face?" I ask with a mock frown.

"Yes, I'll need that too," she says cheekily.

"I assure you, you will." I wink. "I'll be back," I say, as I pull her in for a kiss. We're interrupted by the doctor, so I move aside, and Callie follows him into the room.

Damien and three new security guys are standing on the opposite side of the corridor. "You," I say, pointing to the ugliest one—I can't have the hot one stay with her. "Wait here and look after my woman. If she needs anything, and I mean anything , you get it for her. If she says jump, you ask how high. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir." He nods sharply for emphasis.

Damien radios down for the driver to bring the car around. The press has made a point of trying to get the story since late last night, and Marcus ordered Damien to make sure a driver was always available. He's so paranoid. But the amount of press who greet us outside the hospital is overwhelming, and Damien tells them my publicist will make a statement later as we make our way through. I'm sure they were expecting it to be me in here being treated for an overdose.

On the way to the meeting, I call Delilah and ask her if she can buy Callie a phone and bring it to her here. And she is over the moon when I tell her Callie and I are more than friends.

When we finally arrive, Oliver and Alex are waiting in his office.

"Can we make this quick? I need to get back to the hospital," I say, and I notice the way Alex is standing close to Oliver. "What's going on here?" I ask, pointing between them. Neither answers before the famous Bastien Fontaine enters. "So, I take it this must be important for the big man himself to make an appearance."

"You, my boy, are in a world of trouble," Mr Fontaine says, taking a seat at his son's desk.

"What have I done now? I thought since I've been sober the trouble would have stopped."

"Sexual harassment in the workplace is no laughing matter," he says.

"Sexual Harassment?" Mickki says, waltzing into the room. Everyone turns to look at him. "What, you didn't think you could have a meeting with Eddie and me not be here? I'm sure you're all well aware that Eddie and I are a package deal. It's in our contract and we wouldn't want to void that, now would we? So, back to this alleged sexual harassment?—"

"It's a contract Eddie wants out of anyway," Oliver snaps.

"Children, one thing at a time. Now, Eddie, Alex has brought to our attention your unwanted sexual advances," Mr Fontaine says, and Damien scoffs.

" My unwanted sexual advances? That's rich coming from the woman who came into my room, almost naked, and threw herself at me." I look at Alex—she really is a good actress. "What's wrong, princess? Is one taste of my dick too much for you, and you go all crazy stalker when I turn you down?"

"Enough. Obviously, this needs to be handled the right way. Until it is, Mr Diamond, you'll still be held to your contact."

"Are you fucking kidding me? We had a deal. If I did that charity concert, I'd be out if Mickki stayed," I blast back.

"Since it wasn't in writing, there's nothing you can do about it," Oliver says with a smug-as-fuck look on his face. The damn fool is fucking her.

"Fuck you all," I say, pushing my chair across the room.

"You'll be hearing from our legal team," Mickki states, standing as well.

"Can you believe this shit?" I say to Mickki as we exit the room, with Damien and Marcus following close behind us.

"Of course I can! I'm only surprised it hasn't happened earlier. When will you learn to keep your dick in your pants?" he hollers at me.

"I didn't fuck her. I could have, but I didn't. She came on to me," I say, defending myself.

"And how many people will believe that?" he says.

"I was hoping at least three people—you, Callie, and Damien."

"Damien?" he questions.

"Yes, he saw her come into my room. He also saw her sitting in the bottom of the shower after I turned her down, and he walked her back to her room," I say, and he looks at Damien for confirmation.

"Well, good. At least we have something to take to the solicitor. Let's go."

Marcus and Mickki go in one car, and Damien and I head off in another. I can't believe this shit is happening when all I want to do is go back to Callie.

Checking my phone, I see a text from Delilah saying Callie has her new phone, though she almost didn't take it. But Delilah always gets what she wants, and I don't doubt she forcibly made Callie keep it. I program in the number she's attached into my phone and shoot off a quick message.

Hey beautiful woman, had a slight setback but will be there as soon as I can.

The reply is almost instant

Who's this?

What does she mean, who's this?

How many ppl call you beautiful woman?

None up until now. Stop stressing, do what you have to do and I'll see you later. XOXO

"You're smiling like a creeper," Damien says.

"Shut up. You're the creeper watching me and not the road. Don't you know who you're driving around? I'm Eddie Diamond, fucking rock god."

"More like a pain in my arse," he says, giving me the finger.

I don't know many people who are friends with their personal security—most treat them like servants—but Damien is a friend. He's pretty much the only real friend I've ever had.

We pull up behind Marcus and Mickki at Mickki's house. Though I don't know why he even has this house, considering he spends most of his time at mine. I think it's for sentimental reasons or some other bullshit excuse. It's a cute little six-bedroom house, like something out of a fairy tale. I follow everyone inside and take a seat at the dining room table, where our team of lawyers are already waiting. They look at me and I swear they're all thinking, What has he done this time?

"It's okay, boys, I didn't torment any taxi drivers," I say in amusement.

Only one cracks a smile, and I decide he's the one I will deal with because at least he has a sense of humour.

"You," I say, pointing to him. "You'll be the lead on this case. The rest of you can leave."

"But he's only an associate," stutters Brindley, who always looks like he has a stick shoved up his arse.

"I suppose you're a partner, then?" I throw back, though I know damn well who he is.

"But I-I'm more qualified to handle yo-your case," he says.

"I'm sure this young guy..." I look in his direction and prompt him for his name.

"Derek," he replies.

"I'm sure Derek will do fine. I'll call and complain if my needs aren't being met."

"If that's what you want. But I can't guarantee you'll win if you use an associate."

"I'm sure with the amount of money we will pay you, Paul, you will look over the case at a later time and be helping Derek," Mickki says. "Besides, I'm sure you're aware of how my brother works. Once he has his mind set on something, you won't change it. I'm also sure we could get your daughter some VIP tickets to our next concert—I know she's a diehard Black Diamond fan."

"Sure thing, Mickki. I'll call you when we have this sorted. It won't be easy to go up against Fontaine Records, but I'm sure we can settle out of court," Paul says, standing along with his other older colleague, while Derek remains sitting at the table.

"I'll walk you out," Mickki says as they leave the room.

"So, do you think you're up for a case like this?" I ask, watching the young kid. He doesn't look like he's been out of uni long.

"I'm always up for anything," he replies with a smile.

"My kinda answer," I say as Mickki walks back into the room.

We go through everything that happened between Alex and me: from our first meeting to the poker game, the few times we've been alone together, and the night she tried to seduce me and it backfired. Damien retells his side of that night too. Derek says it sounds like we have a fairly straightforward case, and she must want something from me—they see this often with musicians and actors. He says he'll update his boss, make a few calls, and call us later.

But what could she possibly want from me? She isn't ugly, so this can't just be about sex, and from what I saw in Oliver's office, she's getting some from him.

"What do you think she wants from you?" Mickki asks after Derek leaves.

"Look at me. What wouldn't she want?" I say, but he doesn't find my answer amusing. "Honestly, what could she really be after when we know she's screwing Oliver? Maybe it's about getting his sympathy and nothing to do with me personally."

"We'll have to wait and see, I suppose," he says.

"I'm going to get back to the hospital, so I'll catch you later. Are we still on for the session later tonight?"

"Sure are. Also, we need to talk as a band, and see what this means for us."

"Ok, will see ya tonight then," I say, pulling him into a hug. "Love you, bro."

"Love you too. Now, go back to that woman before she realises she's too good for you," he says, and I give him the finger.

Damien follows me out to the car, and the sun is setting. I didn't realise how long I'd been dealing with this Alex drama. Shit, I also forgot about the girls at my house; I flew them in and ditched them. Damien assures me they're fine and making themselves at home. That's something else I need to deal with after I finish visiting Callie.

On the way to the hospital, I put in a call for some decent coffee and some pastries to be delivered to her. I'm sure Callie hasn't eaten a thing today, and the coffee there sucks. When we arrive, there are still a few slimy reporters hanging around, so Damien's team of men meets us at the door and escort me up. Beau's room is empty of visitors when we arrive, and he opens his eyes as I shut the door.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," I say, taking a seat beside his bed.

"Nah, I was awake. I'm just glad Mum and Jaynie have gone for a walk. I love them, but I needed a break," he says.

"I get that. They're just worried about you. Shit, I was worried after your call. I flew back to make sure everything was okay."

"You really flew back?" His eyes widen and I nod. "You know she loves you, right?"

"I love her too. She's something special," I say, smiling. I feel like a teenage boy with a crush—it's ridiculous.

"Can you promise me something?" he asks sincerely.

"Depends on what it is. I don't like making promises. I don't have a great track record of following through."

"I need you to promise to make an honest woman of her. She deserves a good life."

"I—"

"Let me finish. Love her, put her first, and tell my little sister how much I would have loved to be around while she grows up. Tell her I'll always be watching her and will always love her."

His sister? I'm pretty sure he doesn't have any siblings. Maybe the dad has another kid with his new bird.

"I... y-you're okay, Beau. I think you're jumping the gun. Unless you're still planning to, well, you know," I say, concerned. Maybe the kid has some mental health issues going on that I don't know about.

"Eddie, I'm not crazy. I've known for as long as I can remember I would die before I turn eighteen. I don't know how I know, or why, but I do. The only person who believes me is Jaynie.

"My dad and his doctor friend think I have bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, and I hid it from Mum because she'll blame herself. But the moment she told me she met you, everything fell into place and I've accepted it. Sure, yesterday I had a moment where I wanted to end it, just to make it easier. But at least promise me you'll care about her enough to put her feelings first. She's had a rough life and deserves nothing but the best."

"I'm kinda freaking out, to be honest," I say.

"I don't blame you, but everything will make sense soon. Also, I have something I want you to put away for her. There's a USB in the front pocket of my bag over there, with ‘Mum' written on it. Can you make sure she gets it after I'm gone?"

"Sure, and as much as this all sounds crazy right now, I promise to always put her first and make sure she's looked after," I say, going to his bag and retrieving the USB, which I shove in my jacket pocket.

"You're not a bad person, Eddie, just misunderstood."

"Thanks, kid," I say as the door slowly opens and Callie walks in.

"You're back," she says.

"I told you I'd be back."

"How was your meeting?" she asks. But now isn't the time to fill her in on all the crazy shit Alex is doing.

"It didn't go as planned, but it's being fixed," I say.

"What have you two been up to while I wasn't here?" she asks.

"Just bonding with my new daddy," Beau says, being cheeky.

I laugh. "Kid, I don't know if you're cool enough."

We spend the next few hours chatting. His girlfriend joined us not long after Callie got back, and she's a pretty cool chick. But I can't get what Beau said out of my brain, and watching the way Callie is with him, I hope he's just a little crazy.

How could it be possible to know when you'll die? I mean, I expected to die young from the drug abuse, but that isn't the same.

Eventually, Damien comes in and lets me know I need to get home. I tell Callie to call me if she needs anything, and the same for Beau and Jaynie. She is a little excited to have a rock star's phone number programmed in her phone, and I make her promise not to write it on any bathroom walls before I leave.

I keep checking my phone to make sure Callie hasn't called me, as I can't get what Beau said out of my head. The guys are putting up with me mentally checking out, and the girls are a little in awe of the whole process. I have them play a few songs for everyone, and Mickki says he'll see if he can talk with Oliver about getting them to open for us in the future. Which leads to lots of screaming.

Speak of the devil and he arrives—Oliver walks through the door and we all stop talking and look at him. I don't blame him for taking Alex's side, but it would have been nice not to be ambushed, considering we're his biggest clients. I hear the girls talking among themselves, while Mickki stands to greet Oliver, but I just eyeball him. This must be when the other shoe drops, or whatever the stupid saying is.

"So, to what do we owe the pleasure?" I ask.

"We need to talk—in private," he says, looking at the girls. They stand and leave the room, but on the way, Shan stops by my side.

"We've got your back," she says, touching my shoulder. Once they leave, Oliver turns back to us.

"I've spoken with my father, and he wants this problem to go away as quick as possible."

"Easy. Fire the bitch and we can go back to your deal to let me out. I'm replaceable."

"I can't do that, Eddie—it's a lawsuit we don't need. And about your contract, my father thinks with the current situation you need to honour it."

"This is bullshit, and you know it!" I shout and pace across the room.

"I think what my brother's saying is, if he has to honour his contract, that means I have to honour mine. Then when our contracts are up, we're all out. I agreed with Eddie—I'd stay if he could leave. Because I can see the reason he wants to leave," Mickki says.

We talked earlier today, and all of us agreed what we'd do if this were to happen. Benny was spot on when he predicted this outcome.

"That fucking slut! She knew this would happen. She played us all." I kick the chair in front of me. "I can't do this, I need out. One more tour will kill my chance with Callie. The drugs and temptation, I'm not ready for that."

"It's out of my hands now. I'm sorry," Oliver says.

"Well, thanks for nothing. I hope your father knows he's lost us after the next tour. Oh, and tell him we have a new opening act for the tour that is non-negotiable, or this rock star will cause so much bad press he'll want to drop me," I say.

"I hope we don't lose you guys, but like I said, it's out of my hands. Can I at least hear the girls play before I take up the fight with my father?"

We get the girls back into the room and ask them to do their thing. They manage to get Oliver onboard. Halfway through their second song, I feel vibrations in my pocket, and as I retrieve my phone, I see it's Callie calling.

"Hey, beautiful woman."

"He . . . he . . ." she blubbers between sobs.

"He what, Callie? What's happened?" I ask.

"He was fine one minute, and we were talking, then the next thing his eyes went weird, and the machines started going crazy. The doctors kicked me out. He was fine."

"I'm coming—DAMIEN!—just wait for a doctor to come see you and I'll be there. Stay on the phone with me while you wait, okay?"

She doesn't answer me, but I know she's still there—I can hear her sobs. My heart hurts for her and a feeling of dread washes over me. Beau's words ring through my brain once again. Maybe the kid was right, but I hope he's wrong. I don't think she can handle this right now. She may act tough, but I know she isn't on the inside. She's just as scared and broken as I am.