I must have broken every traffic law known to man as I raced home from the nail salon.
The only time I cried was when I first entered the car but as I drove, my anger began to get the best of me. I could hear the girl's conversation replaying in my mind as I whizzed past the traffic around me. I knew of past encounters that Nikki had with other girls but he swore to me that he hadn't been with anyone in over a year. He also promised he wasn't doing drugs again but I knew that was also a lie. It was as if our marriage had been a complete joke for the past year. He was out screwing anything that walked and I was patiently and naively waiting for him to come back. I could have been like the other girls and had my own little fling. It's not like I've had guys throwing themselves at me but it wouldn't have been hard to pick up some wannabe at the parties we attend. I just don't see how these girls can throw themselves at men and be okay with one-night stands. I would feel horrible if I was the type of girl who just went to parties and concerts to hook up. I've seen the way they dress when they're at the club and even when they're at concerts. Their hair is sky high and their clothing looks as if a shedder had eaten most of it. Sometimes I wonder why Nikki and I got together in the first place. We were opposites and I definitely didn't look like the type of girl that he had been with in the past. I was a plain jane, who resembled a librarian rather than the wife of a successful rock star. My wardrobe consisted of dresses that rested at my knee and varies pairs of jeans and shirts. I don't even think I owned anything that would ignite a fire in a guy's pants.
I arrived home and saw that Nikki's car was nowhere to be found. I felt a bit relieved to see this because I wasn't sure how I would have reacted if I saw him at this point. I made my way into the house and threw my stuff down on the couch before collapsing on it myself. I let out a sigh as I turned on the TV and just blankly stared at the screen. MTV was on as usual but I didn't care to listen to who was playing. I don't know why I was so down, it's not like this was the first time I've heard girls say things like that. The difference between today and the past was that they were saying those things in front of other people. In the past, the girls would personally come up to me and speak about their nights with Nikki, but these girls were spreading it to everyone that was in the nail salon. I don't know if they were but I felt as if everyone in the shop was staring at me. I doubt they knew who I was since I don't parade myself around but it wouldn't surprise me if the girls didn't tell them.
I was in the middle of flipping channels when I heard a car pull up. I figured it was Nikki, so I didn't bother to get up. I had nothing to say to him and I sure as hell wasn't going to greet him as soon as he walked in. "Caroline?" His voice rang out as he opened the door. "Babe?" I remained silent as I heard not only his footsteps walk into the house, but a trail of others as well. Typical! He was always bringing over strangers to not only stink up my house but to trash it as well. "Here you are." He smiled as he walked in front of the television. "Why didn't you answer when I called?" I just shrugged my shoulders, craning my head past him so I could see the TV. I heard someone snicker from behind, causing Nikki to turn red in embarrassment. He probably told his guest that I was some doting little rock wife, who would kiss his ass every time he walked through the front door. "Caroline, would you like to introduce yourself to our new friends." I rolled my eyes. They weren't my friends and they would probably never be my friends. I let out a sigh as I turned off the television and raised from the couch. Behind me stood three guys, a blonde and two brunettes. "Guys, this is my girl Caroline. Caroline, this is Sebastian, Rachel, and Snake." I cocked my eyebrow up at the name of the last guy. The blonde guy was the first to come, sticking his hand out for me to shake. I gave him a small smile as I accepted his handshake. "Nice to meet you." I spoke. The other two guys followed their friend's lead as we all exchanged greetings. "Baz and the guys are going are playing a gig tonight and I told them we would be there before we hit up the party." I kept my eyes on the guys as Nikki spoke. "It's gonna be a killer show." The blonde smiled.
I just nodded my head as I turned to look at Nikki. "I have a few errands to run, I'll be back later." He looked at me confused as I told the guys goodbye and made my way towards the front door. The California sun had heated up since this morning, making me glad that I had decided to wear a tank top under my overalls. I hopped into the car and made my way onto the highway. The windows were down and the music was up as Huey Lewis sang his heart out. I never listened to the same music as Nikki. Hell, I couldn't even listen to Motley Crue. Whenever Nikki would decide to drive, metal music would be blaring out of the car. Bands that influenced him and those that had gravitated their way into his life would be screaming out of the stereo system. He would always bitch about how I played nothing but country and the Top 40 but that's just the music I grew up loving. I guess you could say that's another personality deviant we have.
By the time I was done with everything it was already 6:30. The streets were filled with people on their way home from their jobs, while the rest of the people prepared for their nights out. I didn't bother to ask Nikki or the guys he had brought over what time their set started but I was guessing it would be late. I doubt we would be staying the whole time unless the guys were good, but that rarely ever happened. Most of the concerts Nikki attended were performed by mediocre bands who wanted to make it big like their idols. They all seemed to look the same with big hair and more makeup on their faces as if they were competing with a crowd of hookers. Of course, I was dragged to these shows as well and had to endure an hour or two of loud guitars and obnoxious lead singers. It got a little tiring after a while.
I made it home a couple minutes before seven and saw that Nikki's car was parked in the same place it had been when I left. Knowing him, he probably fell asleep for a few hours after his guest left. He would party all night and sleep all day to reenergize for the next event. I was surprised to see that he was up before three today when he came back from wherever he had went too. I carried the groceries into the house, not bothering to yell his name like he had done earlier. I quickly put the food away and slowly made my way up the stairs to our room. Nikki was sound asleep on the bed as some movie glowed through the room. A part of me felt like drawing open the drapes and having the sunset blast through the room, giving him a harsh wake up call. I shook my head at the thought as I walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I started the shower and quickly washed my body and hair. By the time I was done with my hair and makeup, Nikki had finally decided to wake up. His eyes were bloodshot and his raven hair was a tangled mess. "Babe?" His voice cracked. I appeared from the closet and turned on the lights so he could see me. "It's almost 8." I simply said. He let out a sigh as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "What's your problem, Caroline."
I stayed silent for a moment before telling him that I was fine. If he bought it or not I didn't care. "Don't give me that shit." He replied as he struggled to get out of the bed. "I know when you're pissed off at me." I watched as he made his way towards me, causing me to back into the wall. I clenched the towel I had wrapped around my body tighter as his eyes traveled up my body. "I bet I know something that will make you feel better." His hands reached up, grasping onto the towel. Within seconds, the towel was on the floor and I was stark naked. "I just did my hair and makeup." I whined as his lips connected with my collarbone. "Nikki, I'm serious." I tried to push away but his hands caught mine and pinned them against the wall. "You can redo it." He simply said as he trailed his lips further down my body. I wanted so badly to push him away and yell at him for what I went through today but I couldn't do it. Once again, Nikki was in charge and I had no control….
I redid my hair and makeup for the second time that night while Nikki showered. I felt like kicking myself for what I allowed him to do but it was my own fault for allowing it to happen. I could have pushed him away and told him no but I just couldn't do it. I did my best to cover the blotches and bruises that covered my neck and collarbone but it was no use. There were too many to count and he did it on purpose. He wanted every guy we met to see that I was his and his only. I styled my hair in a way that would allow my ponytail to lay over my right shoulder, hiding most of the damage. Luckily, my outfit covered up the rest.
I waited for almost an hour as he finished getting ready and doing whatever else he did before we went out. He reeked of alcohol and cigarettes and it only got worse once we reached the car. He ordered management to get him a limo for the night, telling them that he wanted to show the new guys what fame could bring. I for one thought he was rubbing it in their faces but I chose to keep my opinions to myself. The ride was spent with him pouring drink after drink as I sat back and stared out the window. The streets were littered with people waiting in lines to get into various clubs, some getting turned away as soon as they reached the bouncer. I watched as girls strutted down the streets in their skimpiest clothing, while guys trailed after them. I knew that would be the case as soon as we got to the club and would only get worse when we reached the party.
The limo came to a stop outside of the building and I could already hear the girls waiting to see who was inside. "Ready babe." Nikki smiled as he placed his sunglasses over his eyes. I just nodded my head as I waited for the driver to open the door, Nikki getting out first and reaching his hand out for me to take. The people waiting outside screamed as Nikki and I began walking towards the entrance. Most of the people in line were girls and a handful of men. Nikki did his usual wave and hellos while I just trailed behind him. I had no reason to wave and greet the people who hated me the most. I wasn't the rock star; I was only the wife. We made our way into the room and the band was already playing. I wasn't sure what time they had started but I'm sure Nikki did. It was kind of rude to come in late when a band was expecting to see you at their gig. It was probably a big deal to them to have Nikki come to their show and then find out he's not there.
We were ushered to a table filled with other guys from the record label and a few guys from various bands. The guys from the bands had a mixture of girls with them and I could already feel the glares. A few of the girls were actually watching the band and enjoying them but most of them were probably figuring out a way to get into their beds and try to stay for the night. I took my seat and looked towards the stage. Nikki of course was in rock star mode as he lit a cigarette and ordered a few rounds of alcohol. The band was actually pretty good as they performed song after song. They had a stage presence that would rival those of the successful bands and for once the singer was good. The music wasn't my favorite but they were entertaining to watch. Nikki must have liked it as well since we stayed for the whole thing. As soon as the band went offstage, he grabbed my hand and led me back there. The entire table followed behind as we went to see the guys.
As soon as the guys laid eyes on Nikki, they erupted in cheers and crowded around him. The people who followed us proceeded to do the same, giving the guys the credit they deserved. I decided to stay behind since I wasn't the one they wanted to see. I watched as everyone congratulated the guys on a great show, either shaking their hands or giving them high-fives. Even the girls that had trailed behind us were congratulating them by making their seductive moves and gestures. "Who's ready to party?!" The blonde quickly shouted out, causing everyone around them to let out a cheer as well. "Let's party!"
Since we had the limo, Nikki told the guys that they would be riding with us to the party. They were more than ecstatic to hop in and take a car ride with a true rockstar. I was wedged between Nikki and another guy as they others filled in tightly in front of us. They all made conversation as I sat there and listened. I really didn't have anything to say since I had only met three of them earlier in the day and the others were total strangers. "How'd you like the show?" The guy next to me asked. I was a bit taken back, not sure if he was talking to me or not. I stalled for a second before I answered, "Yeah." I stuttered. "It was a great show." He gave me a lopsided smile and turned his attention back to the other guys. I felt bad for giving him such a generic answer but I didn't know what to say. A part of me wanted to turn back to him and ask what his name was but I didn't want to interrupt the conversation he was having with the lead singer. I looked forward once again and made eye contact with one of the guys that Nikki had brought over. He gave me a smile, causing me to smile back in return. I was the first to break eye contact but I couldn't help but glance back. He was different looking, not in a bad way or anything, but in more of a good way. He had bright green eyes and blonde streaks in his messy brown hair. His clothes looked to be in the same thrown-together fashion that Nikki displayed but not as expensive. I don't know why I couldn't stop looking at him but my pulse sped up every time he looked my way. Maybe I was just being paranoid, he was probably looking at the guy next to me….
