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As many headaches as the band gets from Adrian, we all know he is trying, and for that, we protect his place in the band.
I finally ask what’s on everyone’s mind. “Did he relapse?”
Roger nods. “It was minor, and he called me right away.”
“So at least he’s doing what he’s supposed to,” I say.
Fritz’s beard shifts with the tensing of his jaw. He has little patience for anyone who he feels isn’t taking the band or its success seriously. But Fritz fails to see what I see: Adrian has a disease—one he has been working really hard to overcome. He deserves our support. To his credit, Fritz doesn’t say anything. He knows how both Roger and I feel, and he won’t go up against both of us. One, maybe, but not both.Industrial Novemberis a democracy.
If there is a bright side to this shitshow, it’s that all the fucking drama with Adrian scares the daylights out of Karl. He knows why our old guitarist got sacked from the band. Being the youngest, Karl still has something to prove to the rest of us. He drinks when the band parties together, but it never gets excessive. Somehow, his predecessor in the band and Adrian both serve as the best cautionary tales. Karl sits through the band meeting unusually quiet and avoiding all eyes as Roger and I set a plan in motion.
“What’s next?” I ask Roger.
“He wants to do a week in rehab.”
“For one night of relapse? Isn’t that excessive?” I ask.
“It’s not about that night. It’s that he wants to keep drinking and doesn’t think he’ll be able to stop himself.”
“Okay.” I agree that this is the best plan of action.
“We’ll postpone our next two concerts and loop back around when the tour ends. Can you make the changes?” I ask Roger.
“Already done,” Roger says.
“I’m heading back to Kansas City,” I say, surprising even myself.
That gets the attention of both Fritz and Karl.
“Why do you want to go back to KC?” Fritz asks, an eyebrow raised.
“I liked it there. Less paparazzi to deal with than here in Chicago. I found it easier to get around without being recognized. Plus, a week’s stay there will be cheaper.”
“Worried about money, Dad?” Fritz asks, and I want to smack the back of his head but don’t.
“Don’t call me that,” I hiss. Ever since Karl joined the band, he and Fritz have taken to calling meDad, and I fucking hate it—which only encourages them further.
“Wait a minute. This is about that girl, isn’t it? What was her name? That waitress from the bar?” Fritz asks.
“What girl?” Roger asks, his interest piqued.
“This major babe who showed up at the concert in Kansas City,” says Fritz, “then we found out she was waitressing at the bar where we ended up. Cool place too. We were able to get into a VIP room under the radar.”
“So you’re going back to Kansas City to chase tail?” Roger asks.
The darts I shoot Roger with my glare propel him to take a step backward. “Whoa, sorry. Man, you really must have it bad.” Roger laughs, and both Fritz and Karl join him with guffaws.
“You all better shut up now,” I say. What are we, in kindergarten?
“You know what?” Fritz says. “I think I’d like to go to Kansas City too. I agree; it’s easier to get around. Plus, I’ve been writing some music. Bren, I was hoping you’d whip up some lyrics to go with it?”
I send Fritz a knowing glare. It’s time for payback, fucker. “You’re not heading off to Mexico for the week?”
Fritz’s jaw ticks, and I know he would like nothing more than to punch me right now. We worked it out a while back that it’s Mexico he disappears to whenever we lose track of him. To our annoyance, we have yet to figure out why he takes those mysterious trips. Though I suspect our curiosity only makes him want to keep that secret closer to his chest.
I let him off the hook and change the subject. Whatever’s in Mexico isn’t pleasant for Fritz. “It would be good to stay on track and not treat this completely like a vacation. That’s a good idea. Karl? What do you say? Keep the band together for the week before we start making our way to the west coast?”
Karl considers it for a moment. Chicago has more allure to him than Kansas City—especially this being his first touring experience. But if he wants a larger role within the band, he’ll have to contribute to new music. This is a chance for him to show us what he could do creatively other than play the music written before his time.
