Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement was intended.
Song for this chapter – Cover of the Rolling Stone- Dr. Hook
Warning: This story will have drug use, alcohol abuse, and graphic situations. It will also delve into underage sex, Bella will be seventeen and Edward is twenty-four. Remember this story is about becoming famous, and people that follow them around while on tour. Please be advised if this is not something you wish to read please back out now.
Thanks for dannibags for suggesting this story for correcting my errors, and for being awesome. Piesmom for making sure that everything is good before its début.
Chapter 9
Cover of the Rolling Stone
EPOV
I felt bad about asking Izzy to come with me this morning to the Rolling Stone's photo shoot, but after last night and the connection I felt with her, I couldn't stand being away from her today. She didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, I think she was excited to finally be coming along for something. The majority of the time, the guys left their girls at the hotel because it was simpler; plus sometimes it was just boring. Plus with them at the hotel, they would take care of our food and laundry, and had time to socialize with one another. The thing I benefited the most from her socialization was the fact she would learn more things to do in the bedroom that she was excited to try. I wasn't about to argue with that. However today, I wanted her beside me.
Since last night, it had become pretty apparent that I had never made love to a woman before. I had fucked them, but never actually made love to them or had a connection on another level that had anything to do with getting off. It was sad I guess, but it also solidified the need to get a divorce from Kate. We never, and I mean never, had anything like that and it was clear Kate was a fucking mistake. Truth be known, if Kate wasn't standing in my way, I would have probably marched Izzy down to the Justice of the Peace and gotten us married this fucking morning. That's how much I fucking loved that girl and I still didn't have the balls to admit it to her either. I tried so many times to just utter the words, but every time they would get stuck in the back of my throat and I couldn't make them come out. I couldn't think about those things, but promised myself that once I got my withdrawals to the coke under control that I would tell her what I wanted and thought. I focused back on the task at hand … getting the photo shoot and meeting over as quickly as possible so I could spend the rest of my time with Izzy.
The first half of the photo shoot was relatively easy. The photographer was cracking us up and I even noticed Izzy snickering a couple of times at his instructions. I didn't really pay all that much attention to him though. I smiled when he said smile, looked angry when the moment called for it, and allowed him to adjust my body several times during the whole session. The only time I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up was when he would place me out in front. I knew it was going to happen, and I knew Garrett would be thinking the same fucking thing behind me. It was a tough spot to be in, and I wanted no part of it.
Marcus, the photographer, wanted the whole band to take off our shirts for a shot. It didn't really matter to me; I was used to being naked from the waist up. Sometimes while on stage the lights and the heat coming off the equipment made it extremely hot, and I would shed my shirt to make it through the songs we played. So being shirtless wasn't as big of a deal to Emmett or me. However, Garrett and Mike about had a hissy fit over it, wanting to know if the photographer was going to retouch the pictures for the magazine. I thought that was comical. All those two needed to do was workout a little bit more and they would be solid, but both loved their cheeseburgers just a little too much to work out.
Once the shirtless shots were finished, I leaned over to grab my shirt to put back on when Marcus walked over to me. I didn't like this one bit, but I was stuck.
"MCA asked me to take a couple shots of you with a couple of woman. I don't want your shirt back on," he whispered. I don't know if the others weren't meant to hear this conversation or if it was the fact I had brought a guest that he was being hush-hush about things. I threw the shirt back to the group and watched as two blondes walked over, pulling off their robes. It was sad that at one time in my life I would have tried to fuck one or both of them, but now neither really held my interest. I looked in Izzy direction and knew exactly the look she had on her face … jealousy. If she only knew I've carried that look every time a member of the band or crew has gazed upon her. She truly didn't know how fucking beautiful she was.
Sucking up the situation and putting my best face forward, I did everything Marcus wanted out of us. At least, it was all an act … none of it meant anything to me and for the life of me, I hoped Izzy understood. Marcus took shot after fucking shot as the woman pawed at my chest and the gal in front of me even rubbed over my junk. I looked over at Izzy praying that she either didn't see or didn't allow it to bother her. She must have missed it though because her look didn't change until Marcus led the whole group into another room. Inside the room, it had a couch and a bed and I crossed my fucking fingers he didn't want me in bed with the girls, but I wasn't holding my breath.
When Marcus instructed the women to remove their shirts and their tits bounced out of their outfits, I about fucking died. I wanted to turn away from the view, but I couldn't, until I heard Izzy huff from the sidelines. I knew she wouldn't like it, and knew we needed to get this over as quickly as humanly possible. Rip the Band-Aid off and go with it. It will hurt for a moment, but once it's done and over with, no one will remember, or I hoped she wouldn't. Marcus positioned me in one of their laps as the other dragged her body down my own. I tried to think of anything except the fact that a woman was rubbing her tits all over my chest. I hoped Marcus got his fucking shot because I wasn't doing that one again.
The bed was next. Marcus had one of the girls put her shirt on which was a blessing, but the other one who was still topless, Marcus instructed her to lick and suck on my nipple. I couldn't believe he wanted a shot like this. The other girl held a Jack Daniels bottle at my crotch and I was never so fucking thankful to have something pushing my cock back down. It might have been staged, an act, but it was hard to get the body to behave.
The last shots of the day were me alone with the bottle and a couple of shot with my guitar; those weren't too bad. I gladly welcomed those moments, but also knew what it all meant. Aro was going to ask me to go solo like I had already assumed, and now he had the shots for promoting my solo career. I pulled my shirt over my head and ran my fingers through my hair. The stylist had put way too much shit in it, making it feel all stiff. Izzy walked over just as I noticed Aro and the new manager of the band Caius coming into the studio. They had timed it just right and now I had to leave Izzy for a meeting I wanted no part in.
Aro motioned me over and I quickly excused myself from Izzy; I didn't want her anywhere near that man. I didn't want him to use her as leverage against me in some way; I tried to act like she was one of the extras here or something.
"Aro," I said, walking up to him and extending my hand for him to shake.
"Edward, always a pleasure. Have you had a chance to meet Caius Masen yet?" he asked, looking over toward the new manager.
"In passing," I said, extending my hand in his direction and shaking it.
"Let's step into the studio office and chat for a moment," Aro said, pointing toward Marcus office. I followed behind the men as they lead the way into the office. Aro quickly placed himself behind the desk with me occupying the chair in front of the desk.
"So, how are things going with the band?" Aro asked as he leaned forward and stippled his fingers in front of him. I hated how every time we talked he always wanted to ask about how things were going. It didn't matter if we were fighting amongst each other or not, the show would still go on.
"Good," I replied, never the one to tell everything we were doing. It wasn't any of their business. If or when we decided to disband, he would be the first to know just because it was business.
"Good, I would have figured Garrett would be pissed at you by now and ready to move on to greener pastures." I didn't reply to his remark. If I didn't take the solo contract and they decided to offer it to Garrett, Aro would use whatever I said here to his advantage and have Garrett ready to sign just because of what he thought I had said. Aro was worse than a pack of women in a beauty shop about spreading rumors, and what little bit he had done was easily pushed to the side. It was just a matter of time before he did something that destroyed us all.
"However, I'm afraid that I'm done with Garrett's antics and ready to move onto greener pastures myself," he said, rubbing his chin looking right at me.
"What do the record sales look like?" he asked looking over to Caius.
"They are horrible, and it doesn't look like they are going to pick up steam anytime soon, especially being that we have actually lost sales from the previous album," Caius said, not even looking at anything. It was either all from the top of his head or a clever ruse to begin with.
"See, here is the thing Eddie boy …" I gritted my teeth. I hated it when someone called me Eddie "… we did a survey of the people when it came down to the band. They felt like you have the most talent out of all you guys. Garrett's just the outside package; a very faulty package, but the outer layer. You are the meat … the inner filling that keeps the people coming back for more. The other guys in the band are a dime a fucking dozen. I already have three kids knocking at my door wanting to play the bass and drums. Hell, I have a couple of guitarist too, but no one … not one has the talent that you do."
"I beg to differ. I've told you before, Garrett is the one who comes up with the songs. I don't write that often, he does."
"Only because you allow him. Do you know that the songs you have written and performed are the highest rated song? 'Lunar Moon' has been in the number one position for the last eight weeks. And that is the only thing keeping the band in this damn tour. If you can't come up with another hit single to top the charts in the next week when the count is done again, then consider the second leg of the tour over."
"That's impossible … there is no way for us to get another hit single at the moment. The album has been out for six months now and if the radio station isn't playing the other songs, people won't know to vote for them," I stated, pulling at my hair, but I should have known he would put demands on us that were impossible to meet.
"There is an alternative … it won't work out so nicely for the other guys."
"What?" I asked.
"You become a solo act … in Canada, you go into the studio instead of touring. I will replace you on the tour with one of the kids that are knocking on my door to make them famous. You remember those days, don't you Eddie?" Aro smirked.
"What if I don't want a solo career?" I asked because I didn't want it. Hell, I was more than ready to walk away from the whole damn thing, taking Izzy with me.
"Well, then the band and you will be responsible for the two albums I produced, and the cost of your little girlfriends riding with you on the tour bus. Oh and that lovely tour bus racked up quite a few charges in West Virginia getting repaired. The road crews, the trailers that brought in your equipment for the show; remember those amps you wanted?"
"You wouldn't," I seethed, pissed he would charge us for the cost of everything. We were barely making any money as is … just enough to eat with a little left over. Everything and I mean every-fucking-thing was supplied by the label.
"I will … don't test me, Edward. You will find that I will do whatever it takes to get what I want. You boys will be paying me for the rest of your lives for the opportunity I gave you."
Pulling at the hair on my head was only giving me a headache and at the moment I needed something to calm me. Izzy … I needed Izzy.
"Think about it and have an answer for me in New York," Aro said, getting up and leaving the office. Caius followed right behind him. I sat in the chair for a few minutes trying to process the whole situation. Could I do this? Could I do what he wanted without causing each of us to be indebted to him for the rest of our lives?
I had exactly one fucking day to come up with a decision. However, the next couple of hours I wanted to spend wrapped up in Izzy and not deal with the decision I knew that was going to hurt a lot of people.
~AASS~
I should have known that life was about to throw me another curveball. My afternoon with Izzy had been utterly magical. She was still kind of sore from last night events, but allowed me to fuck her a couple of times before I had to leave. I actually hated having to leave Izzy at the hotel, but she insisted and promised to rest. I couldn't argue with that though because I still had plans for her. Hell, I didn't know if I was ever going to get enough of her. I still hadn't told her I loved her yet, which made me an ass. I wanted to say it when I was officially free to feel that way.
Izzy was in the shower when I decided to give my mom a call; it had been almost a week or so since I had talked with her. I was pretty sure she would be driving Dad crazy about hiring a PI to see if I was still alive or not.
"Hey, Mom," I said. I was so happy to talk to my mom and tell her everything that I have been waiting to.
"Hello, Baby Boy! Where are you now?"
"New Jersey … Mom, the reason I called was because I wanted to tell you something …" I said "… I've met someone on tour and Mom, I'm in love with her. I mean, really in love. It's nothing like Kate. I want her to meet you and Dad when you come up to Montreal. Her Dad is the Chief of Police in Forks. I think Dad knows him, but I can't remember." I think I heard my mom giggle.
"God, Mom, she's amazing and I want you guys to like her, but I want to warn you, she is a little young. Seventeen … she's seventeen, but she is mature and she takes care of herself. Her mother doesn't even treat her right. I'm in love … so in fucking love with her that my heart hurts." I just could not slow myself down. She for sure was going to know I was on drugs, or at least think I am.
"Edward." I heard her say, but I kept going.
"Edward," Mom said again laughing.
"Yeah,"
"I hate to tell you this, but I don't want to see your happiness go away …" I sat up on the bed midsentence as my mom was talking "… Kate's coming to New York. I never said anything about Montreal, and she came here wondering about Thanksgiving then Christmas."
"Why haven't you called before now to let me know?" I asked, pulling at my hair.
"I tried, but I just missed you in Kentucky, and when I called the label, they said something about having to be on the bus for longer; something about West Virginia and the bus breaking down." Esme pleaded through the phone.
"She can't come here, Mom; I don't want her to come. She will ruin everything I have here with Izzy."
"I know Edward, I know, but you are going to have to figure out something to do. For the love of God, if you love Izzy, please don't sleep with Kate. Not only is she up to something, but if Izzy found out, it would probably break her heart and the love you have for her will break you in two." Hearing my Mom talk like that made me sick to my stomach. What the hell am I going to do now?
"What am I going to fucking do?" I cried. I love Izzy more than anything in the world. I can't lose her; especially not over Kate trying to prove something now. Why does she have to come here, when I have to deal with the band, Aro, and the label? I have a bad feeling my happy life with Izzy is going to shit real quick.
"I don't know what to tell you to do, baby boy, but remember if you love something, set it free … if it returns, it was meant to be," Mom said.
"I'll have to figure out something. God, Mom, why? Why now? She hasn't spoken to me since she left LA. Even when we came to Seattle, she barely saw me. She disappeared for hours, and even though I had already met Izzy, I was intrigued, but now … now I love her and want to be better for her. I've even thought about giving up this whole rockstar thing for her." I was practically in tears.
"I have to get off the phone, but please … please think about things before you go off on a tangent and do something that could ruin the both of you potentially. Please think," Mom begged.
"I will, Mom, I promise."
"I love you, baby boy, and will talk to you later."
"I love you too, and thanks," I said, hanging up the phone.
Tonight we would be heading over to New York, which meant that when we checked into our hotel room, I would have to tell Izzy to stay somewhere else. I climbed from the bed. I couldn't face telling her now and it was closer to the time I had to meet the guy's downstairs.
I knocked on the door and when she answered, I leaned in, letting her know I was heading out and for her to rest. Once the door was closed between us … I whispered the words I wanted to tell her so badly.
"I love you, Izzy." I turned from the door and headed downstairs. I needed to come up with a plan to get Izzy somewhere away from Kate. I needed to make a decision about the solo career, and I needed to focus on trying to be a better person without drugs in my system. But, all those things would have to wait until later. I pulled the Xanax and Percocet from my pocket, tossing them into my mouth and swallowing them without any water. I really should have sniffed them, but I didn't have time to hide and take care of it.
The ride to the stadium wasn't too bad. I smoked the entire ride, making Jasper look at me from the corner of his eyes. I guess you could say Jasper was my best friend, hell my only friend, on the tour. I could talk to him and he wouldn't judge me. I needed that; I nodded in his direction letting him know I needed to talk. As the car pulled up to the gates, I hung back to let Jasper know I would tell him later.
After about an hour's worth of work, sweating like a pig, I slipped through the gates and out to the cars that waited to take us to the hotel. Jasper had arranged for it to just be him and me so I could talk without having the others know what was going on.
Telling him about Aro was the simplest part because he probably already knew the majority of it. The best advice he could give was to do what was best for me. I knew what to do, but it felt good to get it off my chest. At least if I took the solo career, everyone else wouldn't be stuck with the financial responsibility. They would be free to start another band or even their lives. Emmett could marry Rose if he wanted start a family. Get things settled and collect the royalties off the use of our songs, instead of paying the record label for the rest of our lives. Jasper said he would back any decision I made, which was something I needed in order to decide.
"I know there is more going on than Aro," Jasper said as the car sat outside the hotel.
"Kate's coming to New York," I said, looking at him. Jasper let out a low whistle.
"Tell me about it. I love Izzy, Jasper. I can't hurt her, but I can't let Kate know about our relationship. I wouldn't want her to … I don't know."
"So, you don't love Kate anymore?" he asked.
"No, don't think I was ever in love with her really. My feelings for her have always been something different, but never on the same level of love that I have for Izzy."
"What are your plans?" he asked.
"You're heading back to LA right?" I asked.
"Yep, Alice is going with me too."
"Good, take Bella with you guys. Help her get her life together and don't let her go back to her mother."
"I can't promise all that, but I will try to keep her with us," he said.
"Good, that will be great. I will come for her when I can get my career settled out and Kate taken care of. I don't want Kate knowing about Aro's offer. She will want to stay married to get her half in everything."
"That sucks, but know one thing, I can't stop Izzy from going anywhere or doing anything. I can encourage her not to, but she is a grown woman. Then, there is the issue of her mother … what if she finds out she is in town? She could make her life hell until she turned eighteen."
"I doubt her mother would really care, but I do see your point."
"Think about it is all I am saying. Have her lay low and when Kate is gone again, go back to the normal. Then as soon as the tours over, get the divorce before Kate can figure out the whole Aro thing," Jasper said, climbing out of the car.
"Good talk," I muttered getting out behind him, heading toward my room.
~AASS~
Walking into the room, I knew the conversation I was about to have with her would break her heart in some ways, but I was going to hold onto the promise I made her at the beginning of our relationship. I wouldn't touch Kate and that was something I held deep in my heart.
Izzy was still tucked under the covers, asleep when I walked into the room. I didn't want to wake her quite yet. They had changed the plans for the evening and we were leaving for New York in the morning because it would take us that long to get there. So, I pulled my sweaty clothes from my body and showered as I considered the options.
Hands snaked around my body slowing reaching for my dick. I wasn't even paying attention, so wrapped up in my own mind, that I didn't even notice her slip into the shower with me. I smiled because this was something new and something I had never done before in my life.
I needed to let her know what was going on and how things would be in New York. The more I thought about Jasper taking her to LA without me killed me. I didn't know what I was going to do, but I had to come up with something better before Jasper and Tink were in the air.
"Baby, we need to talk," I said, moving her hands from my body. She was making me feel too good and as much as I wanted to enjoy this moment, I couldn't.
"Did I do something wrong?" she asked, backing closer to the wall of the shower.
I spun around and grasped her cheeks in my hands. "You've done nothing wrong, I promise. Get showered and once you're done, we will talk." I leaned down and kissed her nose, leaving the shower. I could kick my own ass for walking out when Izzy was so wet, naked, and ready for me. I wouldn't do that when something this heavy was weighing on my mind. I wouldn't leave her wondering if she was nothing more than a piece of ass to me.
Slipping on my clothes, I walked over to the window in the hotel room and lit my cigarette. I needed something to calm me down because I felt like a nervous fucking wreck, but together we would figure it out. Right? I wasn't so sure of that at the moment.
Izzy walked out of the bathroom, gathering her clothes and taking them back to the bathroom. I knew she thought it was something she had done, but truly it wasn't her. Everything would be perfect if it wasn't for fucking Kate.
I finished my cigarette, putting it out in the ashtray. Walking over to the bed, I got comfortable with my back against the headboard and waiting for Izzy to come out of the bathroom again. When she finally walked out of the bathroom this time, I noticed her puffy, swollen eyes, and knew she had been crying. I never wanted to see her cry and over something that wasn't her fault at all. If anyone was to blame, it was me and then Kate.
"Come here," I said, motioning her toward me. I had to make this right, but also let her decide what was best for her to do.
"I'm so sorry. I will never sneak in on you again," she cried as I pulled her into my arms.
"It's okay. Honey, you can do that anytime you want." I kissed her forehead, trying to let her know I wasn't mad at her for walking in on me in the shower.
"Then why didn't you want me to … touch you?" she asked, wiping the tears from under her eyes.
"It wasn't you coming in the shower that bothered me. There is something going on that I need to tell you about, and I am worried you will be upset."
"What's going on?" she asked, pulling away to look at me.
"I talked to my mother today. She gave me some bad news," I said.
"Oh no, they are not going to be able to make it to Montreal? I wanted to meet them," she said. I wished it was that simple.
"No, baby, they are still coming to Montreal, but tomorrow, Kate will be in New York," I said quickly. I wanted it on the table.
"I see," she said, pulling away from me, sitting with her back facing me. I knew it wasn't going to be easy.
"I have to spend time with her," I said, immediately regretting my choice of words.
"Of course you do," Izzy hissed. She stood from the bed and walked over toward her bags, placing her things in. We would be leaving for New York in the morning, but her packing her bags now wasn't a good sign.
"Please, don't go … if you don't want to be here, then I will leave," I said, getting up from the bed and walking toward the door.
"Look, I know I am being a brat about it, but it's either her or me. You're going to have to make a choice," she said with her hands across her chest.
"I am trying to make it until the end of the tour. You know that and I promise I won't touch her … please believe me. I want you more than anything. I … I … "
"I will stay on the tour, but until you figure out what to do with your wife, please don't talk to me. I told you in the beginning that I didn't want to be hurt, and you have done just that by pushing me to the side. I know what you're going to do, Edward … you expected me to stay with Tink or one of the other girls while you played the faithful husband; so she won't ask for everything in the divorce. I get that, really I do, but more than likely, you will have to share half with her, at least for a while," Izzy said as tears poured down her face.
"You don't understand. I can't lose you," I cried because I didn't want this to be over. I reached out for her and pulled her body into my arms as she cried, soaking my chest.
"I can't do this … it's all or nothing. Jasper's going back to LA … maybe it's best if I go with Tink and him. Maybe finish school, I don't know maybe I need to get away from this tour so I can see the bigger picture. It was all about the music anyway." I pulled away from her arms. The last statement pissed me off, and she was already throwing everything about us down the drain. Earlier, I was about to tell her I loved her to make her stay, but now … no way I was going to admit it when it was "all about the music".
I didn't even turn around to look at her as I left the room. Sure, I could stay and argue … stay and tell her I loved her, only for it all to boil down to the music I made. She said she was different from the other girls, but apparently she was the same. All any of them cared about was my status as a musician.
~AASS~
Sitting outside the room was the worst thing in the world to do, but I couldn't leave the stupid door. I tried several times, but just couldn't go while Izzy was inside crying her eyes out. Yeah, she had sniffed and screamed out numerous times, but I wasn't going in and I couldn't leave. I leaned my head back against the wall and listen as her cries finally quieted down and just as I was standing to enter the room, Jake walked by. Great, I thought. Perfect fucking timing, everything he had said I would do … I did.
"They're having a poker game in room 293," Jake said, stopping. I couldn't believe he would even have the balls to talk to me after the incident a couple of days ago. Apparently, he had a set of steel ones, but who I was I kidding, I was the one who was fucked from the beginning.
"Who's playing?" I asked, not remember who was in that room.
"It's 'The Hawks'," he said. 'The Hawks' were another band that had been around for years. They had several number one hits and were currently on the same tour schedule as us. The only difference was that they were usually heading out as we were arriving in an area.
Izzy was asleep and I wasn't going back inside anytime soon. I had left her to sleep before and didn't see the difference. I mean, maybe after she had a nap, maybe things would be better. With my decision made, I got out off the floor and walked down the hall to the room.
Jake and I entered to see a whose fucking who of rockers; there was Glen Walsh, Don Frey, and Joe Henley from 'The Hawks'. Then there were others mingling around the room. I couldn't believe I was going to be sitting here with them. Ace handed me a beer and told me if I wanted to get into the game it was going to cost two hundred dollars. I looked into my pocket, pulling out the money I had saved from not buying coke from James. I planned on using it to buy Izzy a nice present from Tiffany's, but it didn't matter anymore. So, I let Ace know I was good to go.
I watched as the player's sat, bullshiting with one another, and calling each other's bluffs. It was awesome! James walked by and stood beside me. It had been a while since I had seen the slimy fucker, and I wasn't too happy about it now. However, James had something that would take my mind off things, and if I wasn't going to be with Izzy anymore … well I might as well have a line or two.
Within a matter of minutes, James handed me what I wanted and I disappeared into the bathroom, where I cut out my lines and sniffed them up my nose. I closed my eyes because the fucking feeling was great. It had been a while and God how I had missed it. I wiped the counter down and left the room to see if the game was ready.
As I walked out of the bathroom toward the tables again, I grabbed another beer, already downing my first one. Don motioned me over as the losers this round was leaving. I sat down between Don and Glenn.
"How's life on the road?" Glenn asked.
"Good, can't complain," I replied, taking another drink of my beer.
"I could," Don said. I looked over to see if he was going to elaborate on his comment, but he didn't. Glenn didn't ask any more questions and often times muttered things under his breath. It was quite comical. 'I'm going to kick his fucking ass,' was one of them and I couldn't help but wonder if he was talking about me. I looked in his direction after that mutter and he smiled at me, so maybe it wasn't me, but I still wasn't sure. I paid in and received my chips as the bottle of Jack was passed around the table.
In thirty fucking minutes, I drank like a fucking fish … lost every dime I had in my fucking pocket, and was higher than a fucking kite. It was like a light bulb went off in my brain. Aro wanted the band to get another number one song before the end of the week. What if during our tour, we get out on the street and sell our records … lead the customers to stores. Do what we did with the first album? However, now the boys had grown lazy with the 'Love Bands'. If I got rid of the 'Love Bands,' maybe the boys would work harder, and if I traded the girls to 'The Hawks,' they would still be on the tour. Well, not really, but essentially. I mean, we would all pass each other at some point. This would keep Izzy out of my hair while Kate was here and I would get to see her in passing. She wouldn't have to experience me being nice to Kate to get hurt. I wouldn't have to worry about her in LA; it was a fucking awesome plan.
When I lost the last round, I bet one more time, but I had to talk the guys into letting me get away with it. I had been losing since I sat down, so losing the girls wouldn't be hard for me now.
"Spot me," I said, as they were looking at me. Both men chuckled.
"Edward, we are not spotting you. I think it's time you left the table," Don said, sliding his chips closer to himself.
"What if I had something better than money to offer?" I asked.
"What's better than money?" Glenn asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Women ... girls … pussy," I said, cringing at the last words that were uttered out of my fucking mouth. I didn't want either one of these men or anyone with them to touch Izzy.
"I'm listening," Glenn said, sorting out his own chips in front of him.
"There is the group of girls touring with us, the 'Love Bands'. They love the thrill of meeting and being with rock stars, and love the music. They are looking for a good time and would love to go with you guys."
"How many we are talking here?" Don asked, looking directly in my eyes.
"Three, one is heading back to LA tomorrow," I said, quickly taking another swig of the Jack on the table.
Both men leaned back in their chairs. I could only assume they were talking to each other behind my back, but it didn't matter if I got another chance to play. Then there was the benefit if the girls were out of our hair.
"Deal," both said, shaking my hand. I didn't even fucking try … the cards that were dealt to me were shit and there wasn't any way to make anything of them. I folded within a matter of minutes leaning back in my chair and nursing the bottle in my hands. I looked over my shoulder to see a fuming fucking Jake. I didn't care what he thought at this point; it wasn't like Izzy was in love with me or even cared. I was just the first musician in a long line of others. If he wanted to fight me, we could work out something, but I sat back and watched the whole thing play out in front of me.
Within minutes, Don won the game and now he was the proud owner of the 'Love Bands'.
"It was a pleasure," I said, grabbing the bottle and bidding the men farewell.
"I will let the girls know where to meet you in the morning," I said, rising from the table.
"So, where will the ladies be heading next?" I aske, looking at Don.
"Hartford, Connecticut."
"Good night." I walked out of the room about hundred pounds lighter.
A/N: I know … I know … Edward is being stupid here, but if you have ever watched Almost Famous … Russell does the same thing to Penny Lane. Remember, this is what the story is based off of. Do you know who he was playing card with? Try to guess and I will tell you if you're right. The next chapter will be Izzy/Bella and the entrance of Kate. Don't forget to read the newest stories on my profile … Talk Dirty To Me, Quattro Amore, and Sometimes Love Just Isn't Enough. As always be kind and leave a review. ;)