AllFreeNovel
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It’s
nice to know Tyler’s dream came true. This man before me is a superstar. It’s exactly what he left this town to accomplish and the reason he shoved me out of his life. Tyler’s eyes soften and he opens his mouth to say something, but before he gets a chance to, Blake’s voice cuts between us, “Yo, you two coming or what?”
“Yeah, we’re coming,” I say and then turn to Tyler and decide that I need to let things be, if only for tonight. “Come on. Drinks on the house for saving our asses tonight.”
Tyler smiles and then follows me inside.
TYLER
Sitting across from Avery is like something out of a dream. I knew coming back here that it would be a possibility that I would run into her. I just never imagined that it would be so soon. When Blake asked me to meet him at the bar where he works tonight, I had no idea that Avery would be there too.
Blake adjusts the towel that’s wrapped around a bunch of ice on his face. “So, Mr. MTV, how’s life been treatin’ ya? I saw you on TV when you went to the Grammys. Life must be pretty fucking sweet for you.”
I chuckle. “You could say that.”
Same old Blake—hasn’t changed a bit since I saw him last. Sure, we’ve kept in touch through texts and social media, but being around someone in person is a much different experience.
Blake takes a long pull from his beer. “Is it true what they’ve been saying on the news? That the front man for your band is missing?”
I pick at the label on my bottle. “It’s true. No one has heard from Ace White since he walked off stage a week ago.”
“So that’s why you’re back?” Avery asks as she studies my face. “You’re on a bit of a break?”
I nod. “Yeah. Since they can’t find Ace, my tour manager, Jane Ann, cancelled all our upcoming tour dates. I figured it would be a good time to come back and visit Mom and—” I slap Blake on the back. “—a few old friends.”
I don’t admit to her that deep down I was hoping that I would see her too because I’m not sure how she would react. I still haven’t forgiven myself for her father’s death, and if I can’t do that, how can she possibly forgive me? On top of all that, I ran in her greatest moment of need. No matter what my personal reasons were for doing that, I’m ashamed I put my own fears ahead of her needs. I wasn’t strong enough to stay and face her. I caused her pain and then made it worse by running. I don’t deserve any kindness from her.
“Do they have any idea where the guy went? I mean, I’m sure they have to have some leads. It’s not like one of the biggest stars in the world can just go into hiding—staying undetected. He’s pretty famous to not be recognized.”
I sigh. “You would think that, but neither Jane Ann nor the cops have any leads on his whereabouts.”
Avery frowns. “Do you think it’s possible that he’s dead?”
“God, I hope not. I don’t really get along with the guy, but I wouldn’t wish anything bad to happen to him.”
She tilts her head. “Is he close with anyone in the band?”
I shrug. “Ace doesn’t really get along with anyone in the band. He’s way too controlling and doesn’t allow anyone else to have any creative input. It’s like he doesn’t trust that we were picked by the label for this band because we have talent too. It’s a shame, really. I think if all the guys ever put their heads together and started creating some real music—not just the canned music they have to record—Wicked White could really be something.”
“Being the biggest band in the world isn’t enough for you?”
I shake my head. “It’s not about being the biggest or the best—it’s about creating music that we’re all proud of. Every guy in the band can sing and we all come from different backgrounds. I think we could each bring something unique to the table.”
“Why don’t you just go out on your own then, since it seems they are stifling you creatively?”
“It’s not that easy. These big record labels . . . they just don’t hand out record contracts—not to guys like me who are looking for solo gigs. They signed me up for their band, and I figure if I play by their rules for a while, maybe they’ll give me a solo shot down the road.”
“Makes sense, I guess. It’s like you’re working an entry-level job and just biding your time for your promotion.”
Her analogy is pretty on point.
I give her a small smile. “Something like that.”
Blake downs the last of his beer and sets his bottle on the table. “Shit. I’m fucking beat. I think I’m ready to head home and hit the bed. You still staying with me tonight, Tyler?”
I nod. “If that’s still okay with you.”
“Of course it is. What are bros for?”
