Ok so this is my first ever Fanfic story and I am having a blast writing it. This story will have several dynamics including Romance, Drama, Humor, and Tragedy. The first few chapters will deal a lot with the Brother-Sister relationship of Rhiannon and Evan. It's very important that I show this because it will be important later. Don't fret though, loves, there will be PLENTY of Jackson as the story continues.
I will be posting a new Chapter on here every Sunday by 10 pm unless there are some unforeseen circumstances that lead to a delay. If that is ever going to be the case, I will post a notice on my blog to let everyone know. www(dot)lia-jane(dot)blogspot(dot)com.
Let me just take a moment to thank you for reading this and I look forward to hearing from you about how you think the story is going and any suggestions you may have for things you'd like to see.
A BIG thank you to Starchick7003 (Brit) for being my pre-reader and advisor as well as pushing me to get it out there. Your faith in me means a lot girl. Does THANK YOU cover it? Haha!
So here you go…I hope you enjoy it!
"Hello?"
"Hey, Rhi."
"Evan?"
"Yeah. Before you say anything, I called to apologize and beg you to come back."
"You sneaky little shit. You knew I wouldn't answer if you called from your phone. Whose phone is this anyway?" I was getting angrier by the second.
"Rhi, please don't be mad. I need you here for something. As our manager, not my sister."
I stood in my living room in silence. There was no way I was driving the half an hour back to where the band was practicing. Not after the way he had talked to me just hours ago…
I pulled up to the house and turned off my car. I sat there for what seemed like forever. I didn't want to go in. I knew I was about to give the guys really bad news and I hated to be the one to give it to them.
I took a deep breath, opened the door, and stepped out of my car and into a pile of dog shit.
"Great." I grumbled as I shook my foot back and forth trying to get it off my shoe. Of course that action doesn't really work so I decided I'd just kick those shoes off when I got to the porch. That's when I heard a loud laugh coming from the direction of the front door. I looked up to see Chris, the band's bassist, leaned up against the front door with his arms folded across his chest laughing hysterically at me.
"I'm so very glad you're getting a laugh at my expense. Now could you come and help me?"
He simply nodded and jumped off the porch. In one swift motion he swooped me up into his arms, carried me to the porch and sat me down.
"Thanks." I huffed. "Is everyone still here?" The nerves returned as I remembered what I had to do.
Chris shrugged his shoulders and opened the door. He sure is a man of few words. I thought as I stepped into the kitchen.
"Rhiannon!" Eddie yelled from behind the drum set that was assembled in front of the fire place. "Welcome to my new bachelor pad!" He jumped up and wrapped me in a big hug.
Eddie had just gone through a divorce and bought this house solely on the fact that it had a massive living room so the guys could practice in it instead of the cliché garage location. I missed those days, though because the garage they practiced in was my parent's garage. The garage that was attached to the house I grew up in.
"It's got charm, Eddie." I surveyed the living room that barely had anything in it. "Are you going to buy furniture or just leave it like this?"
He frowned as he thought about it. "What's wrong with it? I think we need the space."
I just laughed and playfully nudged his arm. "Where's Evan?" I asked.
Just then I felt fingers tickling the back of my neck. As a reflex I spun around and prepared to throw punches. Instead I stood face to face with Evan. My brother and lead singer of the band had the goofiest grin planted on his face.
"You asshole! You know I hate it when anyone touches my neck. I almost decked you."
"Oh you could've tried, but I doubt you would've gotten close." He laughed and ducked as I tried to punch him in the jaw. After we play fought for a few minutes and my knee came dangerously close to his nether region, he called a truce.
After we had calmed down and everyone was seated, he asked the dreaded question. "Not that I'm not glad to see you, but what are you doing here? I thought you had a meeting with Rick right now."
Rick was the owner of Boudreaux and Thibodeaux, the bar the boys were supposed to play at in a few weeks.
I took a deep breath as I prepared to tell them the bad news. Everyone was staring at me and I felt like at any moment I was going to jump up and run from the room. This gig had meant so much to them. It was a big step in the right direction to getting Abolish Luck (band's name) noticed. How was I going to tell them the show was off?
"Well…we need to talk about that." I started. "Wait. Where's Jerry?" Jerry was the keyboardist and back up vocalist. He needed to be here for this little discussion and I was grateful for the distraction.
"Jerry's getting beer. What do you mean 'we need to talk about that'?" Evan wasn't letting me off the hook so easily.
"Jerry needs to be here." I protested.
"Just spill it Rhi." He was getting impatient and I knew I had to tell them.
"Ok fine. I'm not at the meeting because Rick called and cancelled the show." I sped through the confession looking at the floor the whole time.
At first there was nothing but silence. It was driving me crazy! When I finally chanced looking up, I immediately wished I hadn't. Eddie just got up and walked out grabbing his cigarettes on the way out. Chris went to join Eddie and Evan was just looking at me. His face was unreadable and I began to panic.
"Will you say something please?"
"Why?" Was all he said.
"Why do I want you to say something?" I was confused.
"No. Why was it cancelled?"
"I don't know." I whispered. I could tell he was angry and I felt horrible. As their manager, I had let them down. "He said something about the scheduling not working for him, but I don't know if I believe that because he didn't even attempt to reschedule. I'm so sorry Evan. I don't know what happened."
"This is such bull shit!" He suddenly yelled and I almost fell out of my seat.
"Evan-"
"No! Don't even start Rhiannon. We've been at this for over a year doing shit shows at shit venues for shit pay." His face was growing redder by the minute. "I'm sick of the 'we gotta pay our dues' pep talk of yours. I want to move forward with this but it seems like with every step forward, we take two more steps back."
"That's not true!" I yelled back at him. "You guys have come so far. Just give me some time. I'll find something better, I swear."
"Maybe YOU are the problem." He spat back at me. Now I was pissed.
"Excuse me? And just what the hell is that supposed to mean?" My temper was coming out in full force. One of the hazards of being a red-head.
"That means that you have absolutely no fucking clue what you're doing. Have you ever managed a band before? No. All you have is a bull shit business degree. This is all your fault."
"My fault? Maybe you shouldn't write such fucking pathetic songs! You think I have no clue what I'm doing? Fine. I quit."
"You're such a fucking bitch, you know that? And by the way, you can't quit because I'm firing you." He turned and headed down the hall. Shortly after, I heard a door slam.
I grabbed my purse and headed to the door. Jerry was walking in with burgers and beer. He had a look on his face that told me he knew what was going on. I didn't want to have to deal with it anymore so I mumbled "I'm sorry" and stalked out the door.
"Are you there?" Evan pulled me out of my thoughts. He seemed worried I'd hung up on him.
"Yeah, but I thought I wasn't your manager anymore. Isn't that what you said?"
"Jesus, Rhiannon. Give me a fucking break please." He said seeming genuinely upset. "I was pissed, ok? Not at you, just at the situation."
"Well it's not my fault Rick cancelled on us, Evan. I promoted the shit out of you guys and did everything but give a damn blow job to get you guys the gig. I have no idea why he bailed." I was extremely exasperated by the time I finished my rant and had opened my mouth to continue when Evan interrupted me.
"That's what I'm trying to tell you. I know why they cancelled. Just come back and we'll discuss it."
I stood there for another minute before I decided to answer. I couldn't stay mad at my big brother. We had always been close. He was my best friend. "You said you called to apologize and I haven't heard even one 'I'm sorry'" I joked.
He chuckled and then said, "I'm sorry, ok? I will buy you anything you want when I'm rich and famous. I'll even buy you an island. Just come back please."
"What's got you in such a good mood?" I was beginning to let my curiosity get the best of me.
"Just get here. Bring a bottle of Tequila and put your game face on. We have a meeting and we need our manager." With that, he hung up.
Well now I had to go. By the time I had picked up the tequila and driven the 30 minutes to get there, I was crazy with curiosity.
What the hell could have him so happy?
I gathered the liquor in my arms and stepped out of my car. I started to walk to the door when I noticed a car I didn't recognize sitting in the driveway ahead of mine. It was a freaking Lexus LS. Only my dream car! The car was gorgeous. The exterior was black while the interior was light gray leather trim with dark gray accents. It was way too fancy to be any of the guys' vehicles.
Unless the meeting is about one of them getting a new car. I laughed to myself.
I was just about to knock on the door when it opened for me. Evan was standing on the other side and gave me an apologetic smile. He then took the tequila off my hands and headed to the living room.
"Evan, what is this about? You've got me about to lose my mind. And whose car is that out there? I'm tempted to steal it." I said as I followed him into the band's practice room. I stopped suddenly when I noticed there were more than the customary 4 guys I was used to seeing. The man standing in the corner next to the makeshift bar was instantly familiar. I had to be losing my mind. There was no way that standing in Eddie's living room was Jackson Rathbone. Jackson Rathbone of one of my favorite bands, 100 Monkeys and one of the Twilight saga's most notable stars. If he wasn't the real deal he could certainly win a look-alike contest.
Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh…My…God…It IS him!
"Hi, I'm Jackson Rathbone." He said as he walked toward me with his hand outstretched to shake mine.
No fucking way.
Everyone busted out into laughter, including the beautiful man standing in front of me.
"Oh shit. I said that out loud didn't I?" I was so embarrassed I took off to the bathroom.
"Rhi, wait!" Evan called after me. He lightly knocked. "You need to put your hormones aside for a minute and hear him out." He said through the door. I opened it up just a crack.
"Fuck you." I whispered. "You could've told me Jackson Rathbone was here. That might have been some important information to pass along since I look like shit."
"Would you have believed me?" He laughed. "Besides, you look fine. Now get your ass back out here." I looked at myself in the mirror. I did not look fine. I was wearing jeans with the knees worn out and a white tank top. I couldn't believe I had gone out in this knowing how self-conscious I am about my arms. I wanted to throw up as I looked at myself. The only good thing about how I looked was my hair. My hair was always perfect no matter what I did to it. It was my crowning glory. Pun intended. My hair was a natural deep red and wavy. I kept it shoulder length and usually wore it down. Today had been no exception.
Ok get your shit together, Rhiannon. You can do this.
I took a long, slow breath and opened the bathroom door. I walked confidently back to the living room and all the way up to Jackson.
I immediately smiled and held my hand out to shake his. "I'm so sorry about that. It's nice to meet you Jackson. I'm Rhiannon Grey, the band's manager."
"Nice to meet you too, Rhiannon." The way he said my name with that southern drawl made my knees weak.
"Ok so now that the pleasantries are out of the way, does someone want to tell me what this is all about?"
Jackson spoke up first. "I think we're the reason you guys got screwed over on the Boudreaux gig." Confusion must have been written all over my face because he quickly continued. "First of all let me apologize. When we were told we had a meeting with the owner, we had no idea that we would be booking the same date as you guys had. I happened to notice Rick erasing something on the board. When I asked him what he was erasing, he said that he had to reschedule a band that was supposed to play the same night as us. He told me the name of the band. I looked you guys up, called Evan, got directions and here I am." He finished with a chuckle.
God, he's gorgeous. Even his laugh is sexy. Ugh! Stop drooling, you idiot.
I pulled myself together long enough to ask the important question. "I still don't understand what you're doing here. Why did you go to all that trouble to contact us?"
"Well I was hoping you guys would consider doing the show with us." He answered. "When I found your website I listened to some of the music and I really like it. Our styles aren't that different and I think together we could put on a fucking great show."
There were some "Hell yeah"s and some handshakes between the men. Unfortunately I had to be a downer and bring them back to business.
"I think it's unanimous." I laughed. "I'll just need to get some information and speak to your manager."
"She's all business." Jerry chimed in. Jackson laughed and I could feel my face growing hot. I shot Jerry a death glare and then turned my attention back to Jackson.
"Of course darlin." He said.
Did he just call me darlin?
"Um. Y-yeah. If you'll give me the number, I can call tomorrow."
"That's ok. I have your number. I'll just have Marty call you if that would be easier."
"Wait. How do you have my number?" I asked. I couldn't get over the fact that Jackson Rathbone, God of Sexiness, had MY phone number. I'm pretty sure I was smiling like an idiot.
"That would be my fault." Evan said. I looked at him, once again confused. Then it hit me.
"The phone you called me from was his?"
Evan only nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "And you have his number." He winked at me and my face grew hot again.
Jackson smiled. I was afraid I was going to start giggling at the mere sight of his amazing smile so to keep from embarrassing myself any more I decided to go have a smoke.
"I'll come with you if you don't mind." Jackson said.
Shit.
As we walked outside I couldn't help but steal glances at the beautiful man. He was dressed casually in a T-shirt, jeans, and his signature cowboy boots. His hair was a gorgeous mess of dark locks. I hadn't realized I was staring until I noticed he hadn't lit his cigarette yet. He was looking back at me with a smirk on his face.
Shit.
I smiled nervously and quickly occupied myself with looking in my purse for my pack of cigarettes. Once I found them and selected one from the pack I noticed that my lighter was missing. I looked up and Jackson, still wearing that smirk, had his lighter lit and was holding it out towards me.
"Thanks." I said and leaned toward the flame.
"Anytime honey."
I laughed a little too loudly and he smiled in return. Jesus, I'm making a fucking fool of myself.
"So Evan is your brother right?" He asked. I was afraid to open my mouth for fear that something stupid would come out so I just nodded. "I hope you don't think I'm being nosy, but I overheard him on the phone with you earlier. What was he supposed to be apologizing for?"
"Oh we just had a little argument about the cancellation of the show. He was a dick to me for no reason. Come to think of it, he still has some gravelling to do before I'll completely forgive him."
We laughed and continued smoking our cigarettes. Jackson struck up a little more small talk. "I read up a little on you guys from the website, but it never mentioned how the name was chosen. It's really unique."
"I chose it." I said and launched into one of my favorite stories to tell. "My brother has been playing music since he was 10 and writing music since he was 12. He'd play his new songs for me to get my opinion. When he was 15 he started dating his first love. They dated until he was 18 years old. My mom and I were sure they'd get married, but unfortunately they didn't last. She cheated on him and while he didn't want anyone to know how much it hurt him, I knew. A few days after the break up, he came to my room and asked me if I would listen to his new song. I always loved to hear him sing, so of course I was excited. He sang one of the most beautifully heart-breaking songs I have ever heard. I was in tears by the time he finished. The name of the song was 'Abolish Luck'. He refused to ever sing it for anyone else. He said it was too personal so when he formed the band, I insisted on that being the name." I finished with a smile.
His retuning smile was dazzling and I almost jumped him right then and there. I looked away quickly and cleared my throat.
"Listen, I'm sorry about the way I acted in there." I said. "I think there may be something wrong with the filter from my brain to my mouth." I laughed nervously.
He chuckled and turned towards me. "It's no problem. I'm kind of used to it I guess. At least with you, I don't really mind the attention."
I looked up at him and found him staring at me intently. It was like he wanted to say or do something. Unfortunately I didn't have the chance to find out what it was because we were rudely interrupted.
"Hey, there you two are." Eddie was standing in the doorway. "How long does it take to smoke a cigarette? Don't we have some business to discuss, Boss Lady?"
"First, don't call me that. I'm not your Boss Lady. Second, we've only been out here, what, 5 minutes? And third, if you want to keep your balls intact, you will never sneak up on me like that again."
"Yes Ma'am. Whatever you say, Boss Lady." He laughed as he took off into the house.
I sighed heavily. "I'm dealing with children." I said under my breath. Jackson was laughing as we stood up and stepped back in to the house.
For the next hour we discussed everything from timing to songs and everything in between. We were taking shots and having fun. I couldn't remember the last time I had seen the guys so happy. This was all thanks to Jackson. They had their gig back and they were playing with 100 Monkeys. It was a great opportunity for them.
Jackson said it was time for him to get going back to the hotel. They were just in Baton Rouge to meet with Rick and had to get up early to head to a show in Arizona, but he promised to have Marty call me as soon as he could. We all walked him out and said our goodbyes and Thank yous. When he got to me, I held my hand out to shake his. Instead he grabbed my hand and pulled me in for a hug. He smelled delicious and I would've loved nothing more than to stay like that forever, wrapped in his arms. When he began to pull back he stopped with his lips by my ear. I could feel his breath on my earlobe and my body broke out in goose bumps. "I was hoping maybe I could call you sometime." He whispered. He pulled out of the hug completely and was staring into my eyes. "S-sure." Was all I could manage to say. He smiled again and started to get into the Lexus.
"Hey, is that your car man? It's fucking sweet." Jerry called from the porch.
"Nah, it's a rental. It's a great car, but not my style." He shrugged as he climbed into the car.
I watched as he drove off feeling giddy, but not really sure why. I felt eyes on my back and realized I wasn't alone.
Great. Giddy feeling gone.
"Don't even start, Evan." I didn't have to look at him to know I was about to get mercilessly teased for how I acted around Jackson. I finally turned around and was shocked to see a look of concern on his face.
"What is it?"
"I don't like it." Evan said, his look of concern turning into a look of anger.
"You don't like what? Don't tell me you're not doing the show!"
"No, we're doing the show. I just don't like how flirtatious he was with you." His eyes were boring into mine.
"You're delusional. Jackson Rathbone was not being flirtatious with me. Stop being stupid and let's go celebrate some more." I tried pulling him by his arm back to the house but he was having none of that.
"I heard him ask if he could call you, Rhiannon. That is definitely being flirtatious. I'm a guy. I know how we think."
"Look I am not even remotely hot enough for Jackson to want to flirt with me. If he was flirting, I'm sure it was just him trying to be nice. I am the band's manager, you know. He probably just wanted to make sure you guys would definitely do the show by buttering me up. And as far as him wanting to call me, I'm sure it's just to discuss business. So stop with the whole 'Big brother protection' thing and lets drink some damn tequila!" I didn't wait for him to answer. I turned and headed back to the house.
As I was taking my 6th shot of the night, I got a text message. The number wasn't familiar at first, but I knew who it was as soon as I read the message.
Just wanted to tell you again how nice it was to meet you. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone, especially you.
I quickly closed the message and put the phone back in my purse. Why was he being so nice to me?
He probably felt sorry for me and decided to give me some attention since I did everything but hump his leg when I met him. Yeah. That's what it was. He was always nice to his fans. I was no exception. There was no way a simple girl like me would ever land a guy like Jackson. Maybe we'd be friends, but that would definitely be the extent of it.
Mmmm…friends with Jackson Rathbone. Yeah I could definitely get on board with that.
