Page 40 of Legendary Rock Star
I was happy Maggie was in my life now. That was worth everything. Inspiration was what I had needed, far more than a reward. I said, “I hope you can see how wonderful you are.”
The studio music director called Maggie’s name through the loudspeaker. She cupped my face and said, “I have to go. I’m due in practice.”
“See you soon,” I said and kissed her.
Tomorrow might be the last time I would ever see her. I needed to get that contract straightened out. Hurting another singer wasn’t going to happen. Not after Fiona. And I’d never use Maggie. She deserved her chance to shine and I’d win the concert without taking a shortcut to do it.
I already had a good life writing music. But I needed arenas full of fans to feel alive.
I read the ’80s glam rock song I’d been assigned and retooled the composition for the next hour, until my name was called.
Then I stood and headed to where I’d practice. For the show tonight, the producers wanted to the singers to have minimal rehearsal time so the judges could catch us off guard.
At least I knew the words to my song already, and the band and I practiced my rendition.
As I left to head to wardrobe and stage makeup, one of the camera crew came over to me with his clipboard.
He asked casually, “So Maggie doesn’t mind that you almost killed Fiona?”
They knew. I glanced around and wondered where the camera was as my heart sped up. I asked, “How do you know that name?”
“Her father is friends with a camera man.”
My stomach twisted. Hearing him talk about the reason I had failed was a colder slap than the ice bucket challenge. I lowered my head and asked, “Do the producers know?”
He patted me on the back like we were friends and said, “Yes. I overheard them talking and thought you should know first. The crew enjoys working with you, including me.”
So there was no camera hidden in a wall? I massaged the back of my neck and said, “Thanks. I have to tell Maggie.”
He tapped his board and said, “Better get going. She’s in studio already as she’s one of the early performers.”
“Maggie!” I called out as I saw her being escorted to the side wings with security.
But hair and makeup pulled me in before I could reach her.
They could hit her with the truth about Fiona on camera, and tell her why I’d been kicked out of Indigo 5 before I had a chance to explain.
They’d destroy my life entirely, then. I changed quickly. At least glam rock meant I could get by with an unbuttoned shirt, tight black jeans and messy hair.
The show’s music started, which meant they’d be starting the performances soon.
I had little time, but as I ran toward the stage, I bumped into a man coming the other way—a man who used to be so much bigger than me. I slowed down as my mother and father entirely blocked my way. My mother said, “Phoenix, hi.”
At least she didn’t sound high. I skidded to a stop and asked, “Mom? Dad? Why aren’t you on your way back to Vegas?”
She kissed me like she actually cared and said, “The show flew us out here and offered us tickets for tonight. Your father and I have been using it as a little vacation.”
Of course. They never paid their own way… That wasn’t a good thought and I stopped it quickly and placed my hands on their backs and directed them out. “I’ll buy you both tickets to go home right now.”
My father stopped and asked, “Why? We haven’t tried to bother you.”
Big Bad Brett Steel didn’t seem so big or bad now. He seemed … upset. I stepped back and said, “I appreciate that, really. But if you’re serious about reconnecting, I need you on the next flight to Vegas. And I swear I’ll call.”
“That’s all we want.” My mother curled her hand into my father’s and said, “We need to go to the hotel to get our bags first.”
Good. I tugged my phone out of my back pocket and said, “Done. My limo driver, Hank, will take good care of you. He’ll be waiting outside that door. Goodbye.”
I texted Hank and my mother kissed my cheek again as she said, “Good luck, son. We have missed you, and I’m sorry.”
