Chapter 15
GOOD GIRLS DON'T
"Good afternoon, boys!" Addison cheerily greeted Mason and Zed as she and Bree walked to their table in the quad. She kissed them both on the cheek and climbed up the bench, sitting on top of the table. "So…. what's everyone doing this weekend?"
"Well, Z here was going back up to Seat..."
"Mase… it was a rhetorical question," she said interrupting him. "We have plans." She reached into her purse and pulled out two envelopes, handing them each one.
"YES!" Mason yelled out excitedly. "I didn't know you set the date!"
"What is this?"
"Only the most sought after invite of the year! Hot off the press!" Bree teased from next to him. "You better hold on tight to that… last year one of them ended up fetching a grand."
Addison giggled. "She's exaggerating… It was a set that went for a grand… but I wouldn't worry too much about it, this year isn't going to be nearly as big as last year."
Zed finally opened up the silver envelope and pulled out the heavy card, reading it over. "Wait… your birthday is this weekend?"
Addison nodded her head and smiled. "It worked out that we could have the party on my actual birthday."
"Who's playing?" Mason asked as he dug around in her purse. "Where's your gum?"
She smacked his hand away and pulled the pack of juicy fruit out of her cheer top, handing him and Zed both a piece. "I don't know yet. Daddy said it's a surprise."
"I thought we played your parties? I'm offended," Zed teased as he popped the gum into his mouth.
"You know you guys are my favorite garage band, despite the crap-tastic name," she added with a heavy eye roll. "But I want you guys to enjoy the party."
"Dude… Last year was insanity! I don't even remember all the names that played! It was seriously bigger than Coachella!"
Addison rolled her eyes again. "Mason is exaggerating. We only had one stage… but that's beside the point… Last year was my Sweet 16, and we went all out. This year is much smaller and back at my mother's house. It won't be all that different from the parties I throw every few weeks."
"Except this one will have concert level production value, a professional DJ, one or more of Bamm!'s current top-selling artists… shall I go on?" Bree giggled from next to them.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah..." Addison smiled. She stood up and jumped off the table, bending down to pick up her backpack.
"Adds! Aren't you supposed to wear something under your cheer skirt!?" Mason scolded.
"I am!"
"La Perla doesn't count!"
She stood up and looked over her shoulder, throwing him a wink. "Where's the fun in that? You coming to class, Jacobs?"
Zed almost tripped over his own feet as he quickly jumped up to follow her.
"Well, that will certainly make the Pep Rally more interesting!" Mason called out after them.
"They're going to look anyway! Might as well give them something to look at!" She called back to him.
Zed couldn't help but laugh. "You're wild… you know that, right?"
She shrugged. "We all rebel where we can… So… think we'll be first in today?"
He glanced down at his watch. "We have fifteen minutes…"
"We better hurry then!" She grabbed his hand and ran towards the music building. Afternoon vocals was always her favorite class. They all used it as a chance to show off their skills. Every day it was a race to see who would get there first to commandeer the spotlight.
When they finally reached the classroom, she let out a sigh of contentment. "I love when I'm the first one in," she said with a satisfied smile, flipping on the lights. She dropped her bag off in the corner and ran to the piano, firing off a few rapid scales out of habit.
"Damnit! Donnelly got in first again," one of their classmates said as he walked into the room a second later.
Addison blew him a kiss as she started to play.
"I've been a bad, bad girl..."
"Wooooo!" one of their other classmates called out as she walked in. Addison smiled and continued to play.
"I've been careless with a delicate man
And it's a sad, sad world
When a girl will break a boy
Just because she can..."
"Aww, come on… Fiona Apple? Really?"
"Everyone's a critic..." she laughed. "Fine...fine..." She looked over to the corner where Zed was standing, watching her like he always did. She motioned for him to come over. "Do you know that No Doubt song New?" she asked in an almost whisper.
"In a late 90's early 2000's mood today?"
She smiled, "Yes or no, Jacobs?"
"Yeah, I know it..."
"Good… take over..." she slid over making room for him on the bench. He cracked his knuckles and started to play as she continued to sing.
"New, you're so new
You… you're new
And I've never had this taste in the past
New... you're so new..."
Addison stood up on the bench, using it as a step to get to the top of the piano. She looked down at him and winked.
"My normal hesitation is gone
And I really gravitate to your will
Are you here to fetch me out?
'Cause I've never had this taste in my mouth
Oh you're not old
And you're not familiar
Recently discovered and I'm learning about you
New…"
She swayed her hips and started to dance as she sang. Feeding off the energy from everyone in the room. She looked back down to Zed, knowing his eyes would still be on her. She didn't know what it was about him. The pull they had towards each other was so intense it scared her sometimes. She could lie to Mason and Bree all she wanted, but she couldn't lie to herself. She wanted more from him than friendship.
"And you're consuming me violently
And your reverence shamelessly tempting me
Who sent this maniac?
'Cause I never had this taste in the past..."
He winked and gave her what was quickly becoming her favorite cocky crooked smile, almost like he could tell exactly what she was thinking about. Stupid girlfriend... But, if she made him happy… who was she to get in the way of that?
"Why am I so curious?
This territory is dangerous
I'll probably end up at the start
I'll be back in line with my broken heart..."
The way he looked at her just wasn't normal. She had been trying to convince herself that she was reading too much into it. But that smile… it always seemed to be reserved just for her.
"Don't let it go away
This feeling has got to stay
Don't let it go away..."
"Miss Donnelly… as impressive as you've shown your range to be, I'm going to have to ask you to kindly get down from the top of the piano."
She looked up to see their teacher standing in the doorway with a large smile across his face.
"Sorry, Sir."
He waved off her apology, as he called out for them all to find their seats.
She looked over to Zed. "Give me a hand down?"
He smiled even wider and stood up from the bench, picking her up easily. "Gladly..."
The feel of his hands around her waist made her pulse quicken.
"That was a hell of a show," he whispered as he set her down on her feet. She didn't know if it was wishful thinking or if his hands actually lingered on her a little longer than necessary.
"Thank you for backing me up..."
"Anytime… I had quite the view..."
She playfully smacked his arm as she looked up into his eyes.
"Addison! Zed! Seats!"
They both suppressed a laugh as they found their way over to the corner of the classroom that they had claimed as their own.
She stood there staring at the nearly empty refrigerator. "Looks like my choices are Kale or Tofu..." she said into the phone.
"That's just wrong on so many levels..." Zed laughed on the other end.
She couldn't remember exactly when their nightly phone calls had started, but she did know that her evening felt incomplete if they didn't talk. Their conversations had started simple enough, asking about an assignment one night or laughing about something Mason had done. But they quickly turned into hours-long conversations about everything and anything.
"Yeah… I guess my mom forgot that I still live here, even when she's on location." She grabbed a bottle of water and closed the door."Well, what are you having for dinner?"
"No clue yet. My mom's working the night shift, so I'll probably end up ordering a pizza or something."
"Oh man..." Addison practically moaned. "Pizza..." she wandered into the home theatre and plopped down picking up the remote. "I could murder a Margherita pizza right about now..." She turned on the television and let out a gasp.
"What?"
"Audition is streaming on Fangoria!"
"Audition? Like Audition, Audition? As in the most disturbing Japanese horror movie ever made, Audition?"
Addison let out a laugh. "That would be the one! Man, I love that movie!"
"I've always wanted to see that!"
"You've never seen it?!"
"No, I haven't..."
"Okay, we have to do something about that! It's a must-see for any horror enthusiast!"
Zed was quiet for a moment. "I've got an idea..."
"What?"
"Pizza and a movie? I'll take care of the pizza and we can watch the movie in your ridiculous home theater."
She excitedly sat up in the plush recliner. "Really?!"
"Yeah… I mean, if you want to..."
She could hear the nervousness in his voice.
"I'd love that..." she smiled.
"Really?"
"Mmhmm..." she could hear a flurry of activity coming from his end.
"I'll be over soon, then."
"Sounds great! See you soon." She hung up the phone and sighed contently as she hugged the phone to her chest.
Thirty minutes later the sound of the gate buzzer was sounding through the house. She took a deep breath calming breath as she walked over to the control panel on the wall. "Relax… Just friends… You're Addison Donnelly… He's just a boy… Just a friend… He has a girlfriend," she repeated the mantra to herself as she opened the front door and walked outside to meet him. The moment she saw him pull up on a jet black motorcycle all coherent thoughts left her brain. Time seemed to move in slow motion as he killed the engine and took off his helmet, running his hands through his hair as he looked over to her.
"Adds..."
She shook her head and smiled. "I'm sorry, what?"
"I asked if you were okay? Still up for pizza?"
"Pizza...Oh! Oh, yeah! Of course..." She let out a loud exhale. "I'm sorry… I'm just... I had no idea you drove a motorcycle..."
"Yeah… I worked my ass off for two summers saving up for this thing..." he stroked the steel frame appreciatively. "It's no Ferrari, but it's definitely an adrenaline rush… Have you ever ridden on one?"
She bit her lip and shook her head. "I've always wanted to… but my Dad thinks they're way too dangerous."
"So, a Ferrari for a first car, is safe, but a motorcycle?"
"The car also came with driving lessons with Sebastian Vettel from the Ferrari Formula One Racing team.
He threw his head back and laughed. "Of course it did."
"What? Daddy wasn't about to let me loose on the streets of LA without me knowing how to drive the thing."
"Why don't we go out for pizza instead of having delivery." He tossed her the helmet. "Get on..."
She caught it and smiled. "Really?!"
He nodded his head and gave her that damn smile again. She slid the helmet onto her head and climbed onto the back of the bike.
"You're going to have to hold on tight..."
She put her arms around his waist, "Like this?"
"Little tighter..."
She wrapped her arms tightly around him, leaning into his back. Her head swam as the scent of his cologne invaded her senses.
"Much better...You ready?"
She nodded excitedly as the engine roared to life.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
"Oh. My. God! What a rush!" she exclaimed as she threw her arms around him in the pizzeria parking lot. "Thank you!"
"So I take it you like the bike?"
"Yeah… that would be an understatement," she giggled. "I love driving my car, but man… that was..."
"Freeing?"
She nodded her head and smiled.
"Well, if it helps any, you look hot on the back of the bike too..."
"Zed, I'm always hot."
"Very true," he laughed draping his arm around her. "Let's eat..."
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
An hour and a half later they were finally back to her house.
"Are you sure you still want to watch the movie? It's getting kind of late," she asked as she flipped on the lights in the home theatre.
"I'm game if you are. My mom won't be home until I'm at school tomorrow."
"Well, of course, I'm game! I'm here by myself. I'll probably end up sleeping in here again."
"Does that happen often?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "When it's just me in the house, sure. The seats are surprisingly comfortable," she pretended to whisper as if sharing a big secret.
He smiled and hugged her. "You're too cute sometimes..."
"I don't think I've been called cute since I was in grammar school," she giggled.
"Well, you are."
"Thanks… I guess," she smiled up to him. "So… movie?"
"Let's do this!" He dropped his stuff into one of the recliners. "I'm going to hit the bathroom before we start though. If this movie is as scary as they say, I don't want to pee my pants..."
"God, I hope you're kidding," she laughed.
"I am… but I still need to go."
She motioned over to a door at the far end of the theatre. "It's right there. I'll go ahead and pull up the movie while I wait."
"Sounds like a plan...I'll be right back."
The door had barely closed when his phone began to ring.
"Z! Your phone!"
"You can answer. It's either Mase or my mom!"
She grabbed the phone out of his helmet, not bothering to look at the screen as she answered. "Hello! Zed's phone!" she said cheerfully. "No… This is Addison..." she pulled the phone away from her ear slightly as the voice on the other end yelled. The second Zed walked back out from the bathroom she tossed him the phone. "I think it's your girlfriend..." she said in a low warning whisper.
His eyes widened as he held the phone up to his ear. He listened for a moment longer before he interrupted her tirade. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk to my friends like that..." He rolled his eyes at whatever was being said. "You have friends of the opposite gender, too. I don't say shit about that." He was quiet for a few minutes as he listened to what she was saying. "Yeah… about that… some things came up." He held the phone away from his ear and mouthed the word "Sorry" to Addison. "Hey… Listen, I have to run… I'm working on a project for school...No, yeah, later… Uh-huh… you too. Byes..." He hung up the phone and let out a deep breath.
"I don't think your girlfriend likes me very much..." she fake whispered, making him smile.
"She doesn't even know you."
"Still… I hope you're not in too much trouble with her?"
"It's fine. Don't worry about it… She's just pissed because I told her I would call her tonight, and well… I forgot… She's not normally that bitchy. I swear."
"You don't have to explain anything to me. She's your girlfriend. Not mine," Addison giggled.
He sat down in the recliner next to her and put his arm around her. "Well, that would certainly be hot..."
"What would?"
"Nothing," he smiled, picking the remote up.
Addison snatched it out of his hand and turned her body so that she was looking him in the eyes. "What would be hot?"
"I was just momentarily fantasizing about the two of you together," he shrugged. "Sorry. I'm a seventeen-year-old guy."
She rolled her eyes. "All right, Jacobs… let me see her picture."
"What?"
"Your girlfriend… I know you have pics and Mason has said she's hot… Sooo… let me see."
He gave her a questioning look but obliged. He unlocked his phone and pulled up his gallery for her to look through.
After a few minutes of scrolling, Addison sighed and handed him the phone back. "I'm sorry, Zed."
"For what?"
"I tried to make it work… but, she just isn't my type."
Zed rolled his head back and laughed. "Good to know… what is your type?"
Addison smiled. "Wouldn't you like to know."
"I would! That's why I'm asking."
"Well… I guess it depends."
"On..."
"If we're talking about guys or girls or..."
Zed sat up a little straighter. "Wait… girls?"
She shrugged and nodded her head. "Yeah… I mean, you can't turn off what turns you on… so… why limit yourself to one gender? Sexuality is fluid...Go with the flow."
Zed's jaw dropped open. "You are full of surprises, Addison." He smiled as he snatched the remote back from her. "Shall we, my dear?"
She leaned over and hit a button on the remote, dimming the lights in the room. "We shall… after all, this is a very important school project."
"You caught that, huh?" he laughed and hit play as they settled in to watch one of the scariest movies ever made.
Throughout the movie, she could feel his eyes on her. Finally, at about the halfway mark, she looked over to him. "What?"
He bit back a laugh at being busted. "I keep waiting for you to flinch, or jump, or be scared."
She smiled and rolled her eyes. "Awww… were you hoping I'd have to hide my face in your chest and have you hold me to make me feel safe?"
Zed laughed a little louder. "I'm just saying… those services are available if needed."
"Noted..." her smile grew a little wider. "How about this..." she flipped the armrests of their recliners up and grabbed the throw blanket from the chair next to them, before snuggling into his side and covering them with the blanket. "There. Is that better?"
He wrapped his arm around her, grinning like an idiot. "Much… And you're right, these chairs are comfortable."
"I told you so. Now watch the damn movie… this is the best part."
When the movie finally ended, they stayed snuggled together falling asleep to the next movie that autoplayed.
"YO! ADDS!"
She rolled her eyes and stood up from her spot on the balcony, looking down to see Mason and Zed standing by the front door. "WHY CAN'T YOU USE THE INTERCOM LIKE A NORMAL PERSON?" She called down to him.
"JUST LET US IN!"
"YOU KNOW THE CODE! USE IT!"
"BRAT!"
"YOU KNOW IT!" She looked over to Bree and laughed. "He's going to be pissed we started without him."
Bree shrugged. "Well, then he shouldn't have been forty minutes late!"
A second later they heard loud footsteps running up the stairs. Mason threw open the door to her room and ran over to her, picking her up and swinging her around.
"Happy Birthday!"
She hugged him tight and kissed his cheek. "Thanks, Mase!"
He set her down and hugged Bree. "Aww, man! You're pre-partying without us?" he whined, noticing the joint laying in the crystal ashtray next to them.
"Well, yeah. You guys were late. At this point, guests are going to start showing up."
Zed was standing against the doorway to the balcony shaking his head. "Sorry about that. Someone couldn't decide on what to wear..."
"Hey! There's going to be a lot of hotties here tonight… I need to look my best!"
Bree snorted. "Maybe you should have taken more time then..." she said offering him the joint.
Mason flipped her off before taking it from her.
Addison and Zed both rolled their eyes before looking at one another and laughing.
"Happy birthday," he said softly, giving her her favorite smile.
"Thank you," she mouthed silently.
"A tiara?"
Addison let out a soft laugh and pretended to straighten it. "Too much?"
"It suits you… very princessy..."
"Well, it is my birthday."
"Will you two stop flirting?" Mason said as he handed her the joint.
She rolled her eyes. "We are not flirting, Mase. We're talking."
"Riiiiiiighttttt…. Whatevs… So… What's the entertainment schedule for the night?"
She took a puff and passed it to Bree. "DJ playing the first half and then Neon Trees plays the second half."
Bree choked on the smoke she was holding in. "Did you just say Neon Trees?!"
Addison shook her head and smiled. "They're recording over at Daddy's studio downtown. So, he asked them to play tonight. Try out a few new songs live."
"I love your birthday parties!" Bree giggled. She grabbed Mason's hand and started pulling him towards the door. "Let's go!"
"But the party doesn't start for twenty minutes!"
"I don't care! I'm not moving from the front of that stage!"
Addison shook her head as she watched them run out of the room. "Zed..."
He looked over to see her beckoning him closer with her finger.
"What's up?"
She looked past him to make sure that Mason and Bree were far enough out of earshot before looking back up to him nervously. "I didn't want to say anything in front of them because I only have two… and you can totally tell me to fuck off..." she added quickly before taking another breath. "...but my step-brother hooked me up with two tabs for my birthday… he wouldn't have given them to me if they weren't safe… and it's no fun rolling by yourself… and I can't choose between Mase and Bree… and… and..."
Zed smiled and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Just ask, Addison."
She smirked and rolled her eyes. "Fine… Do you want to do a tab of X with me?"
"You are full of surprises..." he laughed.
"Is that a yes or a no, Jacobs."
He took a step closer to her. "It's your birthday. Do you want me to roll with you?"
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't..."
"Then the answer is yes..."
She smiled up at him and bit her bottom lip. They were so close together that their noses practically touched. "Are you always this easy?"
"Just ask..."
She smacked his arm playfully. "You, are trouble." She reached into her bra and pulled out a small clear baggie containing the two pills.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
"I feel soooo good right now," she giggled running her hands through his hair. "You're hair is so soft… I could do this all night..." She was feeling completely free, enjoying the euphoria of every sensation.
His hands rubbed along her leg inching higher and higher with each pass. "You're skin is soft too..." His nose skimmed her cheek.
"That feels… so good..." she was lost in the feeling of his hands on her. It didn't matter where they were, as long as he didn't stop.
Hey, hey
You, you
I don't like your girlfriend
"OH MY GOD! I love this song!" she yelled out, suddenly hopping up from her spot on his lap.
No way, no way
I think you need a new one
Hey, hey
You, you
I could be your girlfriend
She grabbed his hands, dragging him towards the dance floor. "Dance with me?!"
Hey, hey
You, you
I know that you like me
"Whatever the birthday girl wants, the birthday girl gets," he shouted over the music with a laugh.
No way, no way
No, it's not a secret
"Don't you forget it!" she giggled as she started to dance around, losing herself in the music.
Hey, hey
You, you
I want to be your girlfriend
"You're so fine
I want you mine
You're so delicious
I think about you all the time
You're so addictive
Don't you know what I can do
To make you feel all right?" She jumped around singing along with the lyrics.
Don't pretend
I think you know
I'm damn precious
"And, hell yeah! I'm the motherfuckin' princess!"
Zed laughed and spun her around, before pulling her in closer to him.
I can tell you like me too
And you know I'm right
She's like so, whatever
You could do so much better
"I think we should get together now
And that's what everyone's talkin' about!" She kept her back to him, their hands intertwined while their hips moved along with the beat.
Hey, hey
You, you
I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way
I think you need a new one
"I can see the way
I see the way you look at me
And even when you look away
I know you think of me
I know you talk about me all the time
Again and again
So come over here
and tell me what I want to hear
Better yet, make your girlfriend disappear
I don't wanna hear you say her name ever again…
In a second you'll be wrapped around my finger
Cause I can, 'cause I can do it better!"
He spun her around so she was facing him, holding her close enough that she could feel how hard he was.
There's no other, so when's it gonna sink in?
She's so stupid
What the hell were you thinkin'?
She stared into his eyes as they danced against each other.
Hey, hey
You, you
I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way
Her mind was all over the place. She kept trying to remind herself that they were just friends. But his lips looked so kissable. All she'd have to do is close the small gap between them. She smiled and looked away.
I think you need a new one
Hey, hey
You, you
I know that you like me
"What's wrong?" The feel of his whispered breath against her ear made a warm tingle spread through her body.
No way, no way
No, it's not a secret
Hey, hey
You, you
"Nothing… I think I just need something to drink."
I want to be your girlfriend
No way, no way
Hey, hey
You, you
He tucked her under his arm. "Well, let's get something to drink then."
I don't like your girlfriend
"I don't you know," she whispered into his ear as they made their way across the yard to the bar.
"Don't what..."
"Like your girlfriend." The ecstasy coursing through her making her even more confident than usual as she ran her nose along the side of his face. "I think you could do so much better."
He stopped walking and turned her so she was facing him again. His hands were in her hair, twirling circles on the back of her neck. "Is that so..."
She nodded her head as she leaned further into his touch.
He leaned down and lightly nipped her ear. "Any suggestions?"
She smiled at the feeling. "Wouldn't you like to know..."
"I would… But, I think maybe we should have this conversation when we can be sure it's not the X talking..." He nuzzled his nose to her, stealing a soft peck.
Her breath caught for the millionth time that night. "But I don't want to wait..." she stuck out her bottom lip in a pout.
"Awww, come here, Baby," he winked, gathering her into his arms and kissing her cheek as they sat down. "That pout is lethal."
"Baby, huh?" she giggled. She inched closer to his lips, easing her way onto his lap. "Careful there, Jacobs… a girl could get used to that." Her nose touched his. "Hi..." She could tell her face was going to hurt in the morning with how much smiling she was doing tonight.
He pushed her hair away from her face. "You're so beautiful..." He pulled her chin closer as his other hand snuck under her skirt, grabbing onto her ass.
The contact made her tingle from head to toe. She leaned in and nipped his soft lips, silently hoping he'd deepen the kiss.
"There you two are!" Bree yelled from across the bar. She quickly made her way over to them. "I've been looking everywhere! The band is about to play! Come on!"
"But our drinks!" Addison pouted.
Zed ran his nose along the side of her face. "I'll get the drinks and meet you over there." He palmed her ass once more before helping her to her feet.
Addison followed Bree through the crowd, meeting up with Mason in the front row against the stage. As the music started, her hips started to sway.
Here we go again
I kinda wanna be more than friends
So take it easy on me
I'm afraid you're never satisfied
Zed walked up and stood behind her, possessively wrapping his arms around her waist. He leaned down and brushed a soft kiss on her cheek. "Here… drink this."
"What is it?"
"Tequila and orange juice. The vitamin C will boost the X."
Here we go again
We're sick like animals
We play pretend
You're just a cannibal
And I'm afraid I won't get out alive
No, I won't sleep tonight
She knocked back the drink quickly.
"Damn… want mine too? It's vodka though..."
She licked her lips and shook her head, no.
Oh, oh
I want some more
Oh, oh
What are you waitin' for?
Take a bite of my heart tonight
Her arm came up and wrapped around his neck holding him against her as they moved with the music.
Here we are again
I feel the chemicals kickin' in
It's getting heavier
I wanna run and hide
I wanna run and hide
I do it every time
You're killin' me now
And I won't be denied by you
The animal inside of you
Addison looked to her left to see Bree and Mason completely enthralled with the show. She turned her head to look up at Zed and bit her lip. She wanted him. Every cell in her body screamed to feel his lips on her again.
Oh, oh
I want some more
Oh, oh
What are you waitin' for?
Take a bite of my heart tonight
Oh, oh
I want some more
Oh, oh
What are you waitin' for?
What are you waitin' for?
Say goodbye to my heart tonight
They stared into each other's eyes, neither of them able to look away. The magnetic pull between them intensifying.
Hush, hush, the world is quiet
Hush, hush we both can't fight it
It's us that made this mess
Why can't you understand?
Whoa, I won't sleep tonight
I won't sleep tonight
"Fuck it...it's my birthday." She laced her fingers in his hair and pulled him down to her, moaning as his tongue invaded her mouth. Her whole body coming alive under his touch.
Here we go again
She could feel Zed moan into her mouth as he bent her back. "Fuck, baby… I could kiss you all fucking night."
Oh, oh
I want some more
Oh, oh
What are you waitin' for?
She licked her lips, savoring his taste. "Then do it..." she whispered breathlessly.
Take a bite of my heart tonight...
.
Addison woke with a sudden start. She sat up and ran her hands through her hair in frustration. "Stupid fucking dreams." She grabbed her phone from its spot on the small shelf next to her and looked at the clock. 10 am, no use in trying to go back to sleep at this point. "Fuck..." She slid Zed's black t-shirt off over her head and pulled on an old Runaways vintage shirt and a pair of ripped jeans before climbing out of her bunk and making her way into the kitchen at the back of the bus.
"There's the birthday girl!" Bucky whispered as she made her way over to the liquor cabinet.
She rolled her eyes and shushed him. "Remember, we're not saying anything about that." She uncapped the tequila and took a long swig, embracing the burn down the back of her throat. "
"Little early for tequila, don't you think?"
"Ever heard of a tequila sunrise?"
"Yeah...that has orange juice and grenadine..."
She shrugged and took another swig. "I prefer mine straight… I'm a purist like that… Where is everyone else?"
Bucky took the bottle from her and placed it back in the cabinet before handing her a mug of coffee instead. "E went to go grab breakfast down the street, everyone else is still sleeping. Back to the birthday topic..."
"Which we are not acknowledging..."
He rolled his eyes. "You had a package arrive at the venue yesterday. It was here when we pulled up this morning," he motioned over to a large box sitting on the table.
She walked over and read the label. "It's from Bree!" She quickly tore it open and removed the tissue paper.
"What is it?" Bucky asked, trying to peer over her shoulder.
"I seriously have the best friend in the entire world!" she said excitedly as she pulled out several smaller white boxes. She opened one up and held up the contents from La Perla.
"Nope… didn't need to see that..."
"Oh, how I've missed this stuff!"
"You know, there's no reason you can't buy it yourself."
She turned and glared at him.
"And I'm dropping the conversation because I love you, and it's your birthday… Don't say I didn't give you anything."
She rolled her eyes. "Gee, thanks Brother-dear."
"Hey, I'm also giving you all day off tomorrow!"
"The schedule was made before I even joined the tour!" she poked her tongue out at him and continued to open the boxes.
"So what do you two have planned for tomorrow?" Bucky asked as he sat down at the table, carefully moving a piece of underwear with as little contact as possible.
"Don't know yet. I just wish she was flying in tonight so we'd have more time."
"Who?"
They both looked up to see Zed standing in the doorway.
Bucky stood up and refilled his coffee cup. "Casey's friend Bree is visiting. She's coming in tomorrow. So I expect everyone to be on their best behavior while she is here. Got it!"
Zed snapped a salute and moved out of the way as Bucky walked past him to the other end of the bus.
Deafening silence filled the small kitchen. Neither of them willing to break it first. The tension was thick in the air. Addison closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them, he was gone. She shook her head and cursed under her breath, hastily repacking the gift boxes. She tossed the box onto her bunk and grabbed her cigarettes, heading for the exit.
She made her way across the parking lot, finding a cement bench a safe distance away from the bus. She lit a cigarette and called Bree.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Bree shouted.
"Thank you!" Addison giggled. "Damn, girl. The phone barely rang!"
"I knew you'd be calling soon."
"I just got your package! Seriously, you're the best!"
"Well, I figured you could use it. Lord knows you have a history of having it ripped to shreds."
"Ha. Ha…. You're funny."
"Speaking of which… how are things going with… well, you know who..."
"Ugh… I don't know whether I should be happy he's done nothing but ignore me for the two weeks since Strippergate or grab him by the shoulders and scream at him to notice me."
"Strippergate? Really? Is that what we're calling you drinking too much vodka, dancing on a pole, and, for what has got to be a first, unsuccessfully seducing Zed Jacobs?"
"At least I didn't end up pregnant this time… Fucking vodka."
"There's looking on the bright side."
"And to make matters worse, I've had to watch him night after night hook up with groupie after groupie. Half the time I can't even get on the goddamn bus after a show because he's tag-teaming some floozy with his bandmate!
"Are you telling me you haven't snagged an admiring fan or two since that night?"
She let out a quiet laugh. "I didn't say that."
Bree laughed on the other end of the line. "I swear, the two of you are insane." They were both silent for a moment before Bree spoke again. "Have you tried talking to him lately?"
Addison let out a loud sigh. "No."
"Adds, I really think you should… especially about P."
"Why would I Bree? He's the one that left. He gave up any right to know anything when he sent me that letter," she was trying to fight off tears. "And now it's nothing but radio silence." She took a drag of her cigarette and tried to collect herself. "Bree… I shouldn't want him anymore. I should hate him. But..." she practically whispered, not trusting her voice to not crack.
"I know."
She wiped her eyes. "Please tell me you're still coming tomorrow? I need a day away from this mess."
"I will be there! My flight will be getting in bright and early tomorrow morning."
"Thank you!" she sighed in relief.
"CASEY! MEETING TIME!"
Addison looked up to see Tracey hanging out of one of the windows on the bus, waving wildly at her. She waved back and dropped her cigarette to the ground before putting it out with the toe of her boot.
"Looks like everyone's awake. Guess I have to go participate in yet another thrilling band meeting before rehearsals. I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you then, Adds! Happy Birthday, girl!"
"Thanks, Bree." She hung up the phone and shoved it into her pocket as she took off back towards the bus.
Addison couldn't take it anymore. She stole another glance to the couch where Zed was sitting. Two overly made up surgically enhanced bimbos were basically in his lap. She kept waiting, hoping that he would glance her way. But tonight's groupie selection had his undivided attention. For the first time, she was completely off Zed's radar.
"I'm out for the night, B" Addison said to Bucky as she passed him in the hall.
He grabbed her arm, pulling her back to him. "You okay?"
She nodded, not trusting her words.
"Okay… I'll see you in the morning. I have my cell if you need me."
She nodded again and forced a smile before making her way through the venue to the parking lot. She took a deep breath, allowing the cold night air to fill her lungs. She lit a cigarette and stared up at the cloud-filled night sky. It was her birthday, and she was by herself. With a heavy sigh, she started towards the bar down the street.
"Why the long face?" the bartender asked as he tossed a stained white towel over his shoulder and leaned across the nicked wood of the bar.
"The short version?" she asked, stirring her tequila and perrier with her calloused index finger before licking it clean. "I'm stuck pretending to be someone I'm not, while also being stuck watching my ex, who's done nothing but ignore me for two weeks, hook up with any skank with a pulse." She held the glass up in a mock toast before knocking it back in one smooth gulp. "And today is my birthday. I'm officially twenty-four and have no idea what I'm doing."
"Well, no one should be celebrating alone," he said with a large smile. He reached down and pulled out two shot glasses and a bottle of tequila, pouring a shot for each of them. "Especially a pretty girl like you."
Twenty minutes, and a nearly empty bottle later, the bartender brushed a stray piece of hair away from Addison's face. "You know, good girls don't normally finish off a bottle of tequila with a complete stranger."
"Well, lucky for you, I'm not a good girl..." she threw him a wink and slammed her last shot down on the bar before busting out a rhythm on the hard wooden surface with her palms. She wiggled her ass on the stool, putting her back and hips into it. Words surfed along her brain waves as she hummed, mumbling bits and pieces.
"That sounds like a song," he whispered inching closer to her from across the bar for a kiss.
"That's because it is," she smiled, pushing him away. She stood up and jumped on the bar, grinding her hips and putting her years of training to good use. She grabbed an empty beer bottle off the bar and used it as a microphone as she began to belt out the lyrics running through her.
"I've been a-dancing in a devil's dirt
I'm a whole lot of trouble in an itty-bitty skirt
Well, the best kind of loving is the one that hurts
You can get your kiss, but I'll get my purse
I can take you down when the damn get wild
There's a whole lot of sinning but they're greener for miles
Three hits on the 6, there's a number that you dial
You can be like me but I'm a real brat child
I do what he good girls don't
I do what the good girls don't
I do what the good girls should never ever, never ever do
Hey, hey, hey
Since I'm gonna go to hell anyway
I'll go out with a bang, bang, bang
Crash and burn it all away
Well, I walked in the light and I lived in the sun
Now I die for the night 'cause the days are done
I kissed a couple of angels but it wasn't much fun
So I shake, shake, shake it with an evil tongue
I do what he good girls don't
I do what the good girls don't
I do what the good girls should never ever, never ever do
Hey, hey, hey
Since I'm gonna go to hell anyway
I'll go out with a bang, bang, bang
Crash and burn it all away..."
When the song came to an end, claps and cheers and whistles warmed the room. A bead of sweat rolled down her cheek. "Thank you guys for coming out. You've been great!" she joked before taking a bow. She jumped off the bar and sat back down.
"That was quite the performance," the bartender smiled over to her, grabbing another bottle and pouring her another drink. "You ever think about being a singer?" The sound of the door opening caught his attention as a loud group of fresh customers walked in. "I'll be right back..."
Addison took a large sip of her tequila and wiped the sweat off her forehead.
"I thought he'd never leave," a deep familiar voice said from behind her.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this weeks chapter. Drop me a review and let me know!
MUSIC USED IN THIS CHAPTER:
(Yes, I know there was A LOT)
Criminal, Fiona Apple
New, No Doubt
Girlfriend, Avril Lavigne
Animal, Neon Trees
Good Girls, Elle King