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“You need to listen, Navarone,” Sterling says, his voice hard.
I stand back, not knowing what to do. They don’t know I’m hovering in the doorway, eavesdropping on the conversation.
“Fuck you, man. I need to try and make it on my own,” Rone roars.
Sterling shakes his head, taking a seat on the couch. “Why? We sound great together. What else do you need? Do you really have to underline your rock status? I think the drinking you’ve been doing with Axl on a daily basis since getting back from Vegas has that shit covered.”
Rone paces the room, vigorously shaking his head. “Fuck you.”
“Is it about you wanting to prove something to her?” Sterling asks.
“Leave her the fuck out of it,” Rone spits out.
“Why? You married her. She loves your fucked up ass but you can’t go and make a decision like this on your own.”
Rone stops, brushing both his hands through his long hair. My breath hitches. He looks so hot in those tight black jeans and shirt. But what is Sterling talking about? What decision?
“You wanna go and play rock star like Dad still does?”
“This is not about Dad, Sterling, and you know it.”
“What is it about then?” he asks. “Dad is pouring money he doesn’t have into his fucking tour. Hell, I needed to help him pay off all his debts from my own royalties.”
Navarone stares his brother down. “I need this. I always wanted to tour with a rock band. And yeah, like Dad did all those years ago,” he drawls.
“What about what she needs?” Sterling cuts in. “This is her life, man. Nashville is her home. Her brothers, her father, all our friends are here. Are you planning on dragging her across the country like Dad did with us? Like it didn’t fuck us up?”
“I’m her husband.” He grunts. “I’m keeping the booze in check.”
“Did you tell her about rehab? And how we found you passed out backstage with an empty pill bottle next to you?”
“Fuck you, Sterling. I was goddamn tired. I didn’t fucking do it on purpose and you know it.”
Sterling stands before tapping him in his chest. “For fuck’s sake, start acting like a husband and ask her what she wants. Not what you press her to do.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“You know perfectly well, brother. Don’t play dumb. She is fucking eighteen, dude. You’re barely legal yourself. What the hell were you thinking getting married in Vegas?”
Rone takes a seat on the couch. “I love her, man. She’s the one.”
Sterling lays a hand on his shoulder. “I don’t question your loving her. But going on tour with Regulator, you sure you’re ready? Is she? I know how much you’ve been drinking again. I recognize the look in your eyes.”
“It’s nothing, and I’m keeping it contained,” he says all angry.
“Sure, little brother,” Sterling says, venom in his voice. “Tell me this: has she met the son of a bitch who comes out to play when you’ve been drinking nonstop?”
Navarone grunts a response.
“What the fuck are you trying to prove?” Sterling yells.
“That I’m not Dad. And I can make it on my own, not because of some damn legacy.”
“That’s your answer? Is that what you’re getting her into?”
“I guess we’ll find out because I said yes. These two months have been great hanging with you guys, writing songs together, and helping Jack out. But I’m leaving for LA tomorrow to start rehearsals. The singer is a certified asshole, but I know the other guys and we get along like clockwork.”
My breath catches in the back of my throat. He is going away and expects me to leave everything here and follow him to LA. And then go on tour around the country? And what about the drinking and the pills? I can’t raise a kid in that environment.
