Page 26 of Laying it Bare Backstage

Ascher ran his hand through his hair. “They will probably be a while. But I guess we weren’t interrupting anything considering she has a concussion.” He smirked at me.

I punched him in the shoulder. “Don’t be an asshole.”

He studied me for a moment, his smirk morphing into a satisfied smile. “You’re in love with her.”

“Yeah, I am. That means no jokes about her like she’s some groupie. She’s the one, Ascher. We have some things to figure out, but she’s it for me.”

“I’m happy for you, Bro. And I didn’t mean any disrespect to her. I could tell she is important to you. I’m a little jealous too. I can’t quite figure out Ivy. Sometimes I think she really likes me and other times I think she just likes the idea of dating a drummer. And while she’s hot and there are benefits to that; I think I’m ready to settle down too. And maybe weshouldgo take a look at your songs so that can be an excuse for all of the pansy shit coming out of my mouth right now.” He shook his head.

“I won’t ridicule you for it. But before we head in there, now that the girls are out of earshot, I’m really getting uneasy about all of this shit going down around Serenity. I know car accidents are commonplace, but this bad luck streak is really nerve-wracking.”

“I guess the police don’t have any answers to the earlier incidences?”

“No and I know I’m putting connections together that aren’t substantiated by evidence, but I can’t help it. It’s a bad feeling in my gut. I don’t think she was accident prone before she met me. She doesn’t seem the type and I don’t get that impression from the way Ivy has reacted to all of these things either. These incidents aren’t settling well with her either.”

Ascher rubbed his chin for a moment, his eyebrows furrowed, and his expression pensive. “The only thing that really isn’t random is the bloody picture that was at her house. Everything else can be brushed aside as shit that happens. I know that doesn’t make you feel any better, but I can see why there haven’t been any answers.”

“And it’s frustrating the hell out of me. If she really is in danger; I want it stopped before one of these times it’s really serious.” A shudder of terror shot up my spine with the thought. “But she won’t hide away from life. Not that I want her to. It’s just ...it makes me want to lock her away so I can keep her safe.”

“You’ll just have to be more vigilant when you’re out together and she’s going to have to not so much be more cautious but more mindful and watch her back. It’s kinda a terrible way to have to be, but at least until something comes to light. And hopefully it does soon.”

“I’m hoping they track down who stole the car because that will give them a person. And then they can back track from there. I mean these could be random things, but I have an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach over all of this. And if the driver happens to be someone we don’t know, then maybe I won’t be so anxious about this. Thanks for listening, but let’s go talk about something more fun.” I wasn’t brushing things aside, but I needed a positive attitude, even if just for Serenity. And I didn’t want to ruin the mood for tonight. I was looking forward to taking her to the beach tonight and hopefully getting away from these troubles for a little while. Her thoughts mirrored mine and I had to be strong for her. Although she was in no way a wilting flower. Instead, she was one incredible woman.

Ascher followed me to my office and I played a couple of the songs for him and had him look at the others and give me his thoughts. He agreed with me that while they needed some tweaking, they sounded spot on. As long as they meshed with the other guys. While we were hanging out, my phone buzzed on my desk, Quinn’s name flashing on the screen.

Snatching it from the smooth surface, I swiped to answer and put her on speaker. “Hey, Quinn. We don’t have definitive dates in mind, but I’m making great progress and should be able to meet up with the rest of the guys in a month or so to start making tweaks to the songs.”

“That’s great to hear, but I wasn’t worried about that. You guys do an amazing job of keeping things on schedule. I wanted to know if you and the guys would be interested in doing a benefit concert at Choco Hall next Saturday afternoon. There are a few other bands that are scheduled. Not a huge venue; they’re hoping to get three hundred attendees. All proceeds are being divided among the homeless shelters here.”

“I can send a text out to the guys and see if they are available. If not, I can do it myself. I can do a few songs acoustic. I would bet I won’t be expected to play a long time on stage, so I’m game for that.”

“Awesome. Let me know later today or tomorrow if possible. And then I’ll email you the details. Thanks, Teak. I’ll be talking to you.” Her end dropped off.

Setting my phone back on the desk, I lifted an eyebrow at Ascher. “You want to make it a double date?”

“I think if the other guys aren’t available, it will be easier to just be you. But Ivy and I will be there as your crew.”

I chuckled. “I don’t need a crew if I’m doing it acoustic. But good, then you guys can keep Serenity company while I’m on stage. And I’m sure there will be some pictures and autographs afterward. I’ll send a text now, but I’d be surprised if any of them will be available. They always take off across the country when we have our break. And I don’t blame them. If I didn’t live here and have my dad here, I would do the same. But I’m glad I do because otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to chase down Serenity.” Smirking, I shot off a group text to our band mates and then Ascher and I strolled out to the deck.

Slipping myself behind Serenity on the chair, I wrapped my arms around her middle and nuzzled her hair. “You still feeling okay?”

“Still just a little bit of a headache and I’m tired, but other than that I’m good.” She rested her hands on my forearms.

Ascher tucked himself behind Ivy. “Have you been keeping it low key out here?” Leaning to her side, he nibbled her ear.

“Don’t be such a jerk.” Twisting her head to the side, Ivy fluttered her eyelashes at Ascher. “Or you’ll have some groveling to do when we get back to your place.”

“You do know that isn’t much of a deterrent.” He shot her a devilish grin.

“Save it for Ascher’s. I’m not averse to watching porn on the screen, but I don’t know about live action.”

Ivy rubbed her hands together like a cartoon villain. “Ooh, you’ve given me something to think about. Maybe someday we might want to try that.” Winking at Serenity, Ivy gave her a mischievous grin.

“Which are you ...never mind; I don’t want to know so I’m not asking.”

“My oh my, a job on the side or an invitation to my bestie and her lover. I’ll let you know what I decide.”

“Ugh. Don’t you know I’m recovering here and don’t need your insanity.”

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