Page 50 of After Care

“I think you owe him the courtesy of a returned call or text. Maybe he owes you an explanation.” The words flew from my mouth while my heart raced. Wasn’t I doing the same thing? Ignoring Tommy instead of facing him? Granted, Tommy wasn’t actually busting up my text messages or trying to call me, but I had been the one short with him in return. Did I warrant more communication after my response that I couldn’t talk? Maybe. Suddenly, I wasn’t willing to let Tommy off the hook any more than I thought Masie should dismiss West. West had been chasing her all week. I didn’t believe he thought she was a kid, or if he did, he needed to tell her that. But as he was the one still calling her, I didn’t believe he felt that way.

“By the way, who gave you all those drinks anyway?”

“Petty.”

+ + +

After three unanswered text, and one phone message, I decided I needed more aggressive action. I’d broken down and texted Ivy.

Tommy’s here, she sent back when I asked if she knew where he was. She opened the door on my first knock.

“I’m so glad you’re finally here. He’s been a total sourpuss all day.” She paused as she closed the door. “No, he’s been an ass. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. A total asshole all day.” She smiled to prove she wasn’t upset with me, but harried over her uncle’s behavior.

I followed her through the living room and out to the rooftop balcony. Tommy sat in the same chair as the first time I’d been out there, his head rolled back as he stared up at the stars. The rest of the band was present, and suddenly the emboldened woman stalking across the resort wanting answers was nowhere to be found

“Hey Edie, how’s Masie?” West asked almost instantly, as I neared their seating. Tommy’s head shot up and his eyes met mine—dark orbs that didn’t look too excited to see me. The bottle of whiskey on the low table worried me.

“She’s good. Maybe you should go see her.” West’s brow rose in surprise at my suggestion. “She decided to stay in tonight and watch a movie.”

“Oh, Loverboy,” Petty sang out. “Your girl is calling.” He’d snatched West’s phone and dangled it in his hand. Petty held it back out of reach and West tried to lunge for it.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” I asked, concerned that I’d just suggested he visit my daughter when another girl was calling him.

“No, but he wants one,” Petty snickered, wiggling the phone further out of reach.

“Are you jealous because you don’t have one?” I asked, and the slow ohs and sharp bark of laughter told me I’d hit a nerve for Petty. “Maybe, you wanted my daughter for yourself.” My voice was rising and suddenly so was my temper. My fist clenched at my side. “Is that why you gave her all those drinks?”

The patio went silent as Petty lowered the phone, and West paused to look at me over his shoulder. The next moment time sped up as West lunged for Petty, clocking him in the jaw, knocking his head back against the seat. Gage stood to grab West off Petty while Tommy leapt to his feet

“What the fuck were you thinking?” Tommy snapped. “Giving an underaged girl alcohol, not to mention a girl your bandmate has interest in?” He grabbed Petty by the collar and dragged him upward. Jared stood, trying to get his arm between his bandmate and their manager.

“Let go of him, Tommy,” Jared pleaded, attempting to push back at the older man.

“I’m sick of his shit,” Tommy snapped.

“Then quit!” Jared hollered, and suddenly I realized Tommy’s bad mood had to do with much more than me.

“You wish,” Tommy barked back.

“Do it,” Jared demanded.

“You know he can’t,” Gage said, still holding back West. “And you don’t mean that, Jared.”

I watched in wonder, not understanding any of what I heard.

“I do mean it, Gage. I’m tired of his old man ways and knocking around Petty. It isn’t necessary.”

“Jared,” Gage warned.

“No, I’ve had enough. You know my reasons, and he does, too,” Jared said, glaring back at their manager. Tommy released Petty instantly, swiping a hand through his hair. He stepped back and looked at me, his eyes wide.

“Apologize,” Gage demanded.

“Fuck off,” Jared replied, but it was then that I noticed Tommy and Gage were locked in a stare down.

Tommy swiped a hand through his hair again, looking out over the balcony.

“Family always says sorry,” Gage demanded, and I remembered this hint of why Ivy was adamant Gage apologize to me.