Chapter Four
Jen
Cal walks to me the minute they exit the stage. I had gone to stand in line and get aDiet Cokewhen he was bombarded with fans congratulating him and asking for selfies. By the time he made it to me I was with myDiet Cokeand in no mood for the constant interruption from his fans.
I loved that he was successful doing what he does, but it got frustrating going anywhere in public with him. It never mattered what our conversation was about, he always allowed them to interrupt and he would chit chat with them as long as they wanted.
I loved how he loved them too, but it made any intimate conversation near impossible.
Point in hand as he says hey and tugs my arm, only to then turn to the red head, fire engine red mind you, interrupts. I walk away because this is going to go on all night. If he had anything worth hearing, I would have stayed, but it is always the same.
I make my way back to the table that everyone is sitting at and nod at Drake their head of security who allows me back through the velvet rope. Now, the Aloha house isn’t a fancy night club, not by even my ghetto ass standards, but these Gig boys made it one tonight.
Cal is still at the bar with the redhead so I distract myself with Noah, when I notice nobody is talking about an engagement.
"What happened?" I ask and signal with my eyes toward Bright and the fact she isn’t screaming she's engaged from the rafters. Currently she is sitting with Raleigh and Cassa and unless they are talking designer gowns, I know he didn’t propose.
"They weren’t back when Shame text everyone and planned this celebration." He shrugs and he is seriously so chill about everything.
"I take it Shame didn’t know that you were planning..." I don’t say it because Bright turns to smile at him.
"No, just you and Carrie. It's cool though. Honestly this is such a bad ass honor and the last thing I want is for him to have to share the celebration or for Bright to have to. I'll do it tomorrow."
He shrugs again looking to the velvet rope as Cal walks through and flops down next to Noah. I watch fascinated as they do that guy thing of hand shaking or like low fiving,whatever. His smile is so amazing and I know he is relishing his achievement and I am truly so happy for him.
"That was maybe the best show I have been to Cal. I recorded what I could for Axe, but my phone is shit so it was mainly the best parts."
He smiles at me as the server brings a tray with an array of drinks on it. He helps hand them out when he looks at me. "I got this when the guy told me whatfroo-frooshots they had for the girls. It’s called a red snapper. ItsCrownand cranberry."
I laugh and smother the fear he would hand me ared headed slutlike a joke. He was once that cruel, but I know better than to think he would do it now.
"What? No red headed sluts?" Noah asks and elbows me knowing damn well what I was thinking.
So, mature as ever, I flip him off.
Cal gets everyone gathered around for a toast between us.
"I would never have got here without you guys. Chad, thank you for always backing me when I took chances that carried so much risk on stage. You never doubted me. Shame, you have been my boy since before school. You are the best drummer out there and one of the greats in my opinion. I have seen you at your worst with your mom, dad and Cass and never let it touch your stage presence, you always push forward for the greater good. Noah, you are the tie that keeps us strong. You are a bad ass bassist, never desperate for fame or the spotlight. You play for the joy and the passion. You are the best guy I know. You all gave me the greatest life and I wouldn’t be here without you. It is a gift to call you family and friends. Thank you all of you for being on this journey with Axe and I. On behalf of him too, Thank you! Cheers!"
Everyone takes their shot as the DJ announces a wild night and starts withThe Fraywhich is the guys biggest number one single to date.
"Cass recorded too I think." Cal said when he came back to us. “We can probably make a mash up for the website between the two." He explains when he sits back down with us, continuing the chat from earlier. He is either drunk or nervous because no one continues a convo on small talk.
It’s so awkward. “Lex?” He calls out and nods for Drake to let her through the rope. This chick is everything I once dreamed of being. She was in his spotlight tonight, captivating him with her siren hair.
Tramp.
I knew my attitude wasn’t fair, just as I knew my next move wouldn’t be. This was about preserving that dignity I would die for. I send a quick text before looking to Noah and Cal.
“Hey, it was great seeing you guys rock tonight, but I have plans.”
I say, standing to hug Noah when Cal grabs my wrist, stopping me. “Your leaving?” He asks with a note of irritation.
I see the screen on my smart phone light up and make the conscious choice to look at it in front of him.
CD: Yeah of course. Everything okay Poppet?
“You are fucking kidding me?” Cal says with venom in his voice before dropping my wrist. “Go then.” He says and turns his back to me.