Encore (The Black Eagles Series Book 2) (12 page)

              ‘Thanks. And…er, yeah, I am. I’m on at ten.’

              ‘Oh, I’m on before you. I’m nervous. I was supposed to have my girlfriend with me but she’s done one to Australia with her “friend”,’ Cassie had said with a hint of sarcasm, swinging her hair, which was elbow length back then, over her shoulder. ‘She’s no friend any more. I’m so done with her.’ Cassie continued to explain about her relationship troubles and concluded that she wasn’t bothered about a cheat. Jo-Jo was sucked into the conversation, agreeing, and liking the fact that she was having a real girly chat. It was only later that evening the thought had struck her that Cassie had said ‘“girlfriend”, not that she cared. They had then joked about never having to worry about liking the same guy or girl.

              ‘Are you ready? Let’s get a drink. I need one.’

              Cassie had grabbed her arm and pulled her to the bar, and it had been the start of their friendship. After a few drinks and general chit-chat and hysterical laughing, Cassie was on and her performance had been outstanding. She did a few covers before doing her own song, the acoustic version of “Run and hide”, which later became one of Echo’s biggest hits.

              The pub had erupted in applause as Cassie finished. Jo-Jo was in awe of the girl who she hoped would become a real friend. Cassie jumped from the stage and returned to her seat next to Jo-Jo.

              ‘That was incredible,’ Jo-Jo gushed.

              Cassie let out a sigh of relief before taking a sip of her beer.

              It was then that the night took a turn for the worse, as Jo-Jo saw Kelly Treat in the corner of the pub, with her minions crowded round her table, the same crowd and looking even more vicious. It had been several years since she had seen them, but that feeling of terror still swept through her. There was no way she could get on that stage, not now.

              ‘I can’t do it,’ Jo-Jo cried, and rushed out of the pub without explaining her sudden change of heart, leaving her new friend utterly confused. It was only after a few minutes of running that she realised the shouting behind her wasn’t Kelly, or her pack, but Cassie begging her to stop, and tell her what was wrong. Jo-Jo had never had anyone to confide in but she felt completely at ease with Cassie, and it all poured out in a rushed garble of words.

              ‘So let me get this straight. You are going to let her in there ruin your life. Dictate what you do?’ Cassie crossed her arms, smiling warmly.

              Jo-Jo shrugged. ‘She made my life hell. I’m not going to allow her to taunt me in there.’               Cassie cursed and then explained how her cousin had been bullied. How he had allowed the bullies to win by taking his own life. ‘Don’t let them destroy you. I happen to think you’re lovely.’ Jo-Jo sucked in her breath, shaking with fear but feeling a glimmer of hope in her heart. ‘You say that you’ve never had a real friend?’ Cassie asked linking arms with Jo-Jo who nodded. ‘You have now. Let her dare try to start on you. She hasn’t met me yet. She’ll wish you were her best friend by the time I’ve finished. I take care of my friends,’ she said as she walked them back to the pub.

              ‘Where is she?’ Cassie whispered once they were back inside. Jo-Jo flicked her eyes in the right direction. Cassie used her skill to seek Kelly out, ensuring she didn’t make it obvious. She smirked as her eyes landed on the target. ‘Fake blonde. Big Tits. Shit make-up?’ Jo-Jo laughed as she confirmed that was, indeed, Kelly Treat.

              Just then Jo-Jo was called to the stage. The fifty people packed into the small pub felt like thousands to Jo-Jo. Her heart pounded and her hands were sweaty. Just as she started her first song, she heard the heckle from the corner of the pub.

              ‘Oh…my…god! No way. Look, girls. This is just too funny. I can’t even…’ Kelly stood on her chair to get a better look. ‘Yep. Slag, slag Smith’s about to entertain us.’ She still had that same glare. Bitter and twisted.

              ‘This should be entertaining. She’s way too stupid and ugly to pull this off,’ a pack member had shouted in a bid to look cool in front of her mentor. ‘Choke, Smith.’

              Jo-Jo took a deep breath and focused on her new friend who was nodding at her. ‘You can do this,’ Cassie mouthed and for the first time Jo-Jo found a form of strength. Her version of Bette Midler’s “The Rose” went down a storm. Even the evil pack shut up for once. They quietly sat down and talked among themselves. They didn’t heckle any more, nor did they show any appreciation. Kelly was secretly amazed by how good Jo-Jo had performed. She wouldn’t show it. Of course not. Cassie and Jo-Jo celebrated at their table.

              ‘You showed those skanks. They were gutted,’ Cassie cackled.

              But it wasn’t too long before the pack had swallowed their disappointment. Kelly made her way over to their table, pouting. Only she was in for a shock. Cassie had been watching Kelly and had her suspicions about the girl. Kelly leaned down, smirking, and put her hand on the table. She looked at Jo-Jo in utter disgust, but Cassie saw in her eyes the pure jealousy that coursed through her. Kelly was jealous of Jo-Jo.

              ‘Do you think you’re something special?’ she hissed at Jo-Jo.

              Jo-Jo glared back at Kelly. ‘No,’ she snapped back.

              Kelly leaned into Jo-Jo, their faces almost touching. ‘I have always hated you. You’re such a—’ 

              Kelly didn’t finish her sentence because Cassie dragged her upwards by her arm and spun her round, marched her out of the pub and threw her to the floor. Kelly’s pack followed, stunned by this sudden intervention. Then Cassie dragged her back up by her hair, screaming in her face. ‘I am sick of bullies like you. Well, you can listen to me. That is my friend and you touch her or speak to her like that again and I will break your pretty little face.’ Cassie smirked as she ragged her hair.               Kelly didn’t react or try to defend herself. She had met her match and was scared. As all bullies are, they dominated by causing fear. But this girl showed no fear and was bigger than her. ‘You and your pathetic friends. Now piss off, you’re offending me with your cheap make-up and fake clothing.’ They had wisely left, and quickly.

              Twelve months later Cassie and Jo-Jo were still the best of friends, starting their own band. After trying out several drummers and finding nobody that felt right, Allie had turned up, their last hope and she was perfect.

              ‘Oh, shit. Beth’s had a baby girl!’ Cassie yelled after receiving a text from Melissa and they abandoned the jamming session to have a drink to celebrate the new arrival.

*****

‘Dale, it’s fine. Go,’ Beth ordered. ‘Melissa will stay with me.’

              Dale looked from Beth to Melissa and then back to his daughter. He was torn. She was only a day old and he had to leave them. Nancy had arranged interviews and some promotional shoots for that day and Beth didn’t want any more holds up. It was their income and she didn’t want the band to be held up any longer. She had to get used to being on her own sooner or later, so better to start now. Melissa left the room to give them a little space, pulling Luke with her.

              ‘You have to go,’ Beth said for the third time. ‘Go tell the world that you’re back and that we have a daughter, Ebony Sofia Baxter.’

              Dale sat on the bed next her, Ebony in her arms. ‘ I think her name’s perfect. Your mum would be pleased you gave her name as her middle name.’ He stroked Ebony on her tiny cheek. ‘Are you sure about the surname?’

              ‘Yes. I have to be tied with his name. My daughter won’t be. She’s nothing to do with him. Never will be.’

              Dale leaned in and kissed her. ‘He won’t ever hurt you again. I promise.’ He leaned down to kiss his daughter making her the same promise then looked up at Beth. ‘How do like the name Bethany Baxter?’

              Beth gazed at him, processing his words. Her eyes lit up. ‘Are you asking what I think you are?’

              Dale nodded. Beth placed Ebony in her Moses basket, and tucked her in.

              ‘Beth, I love you. I trust you. I respect you and I want you to be my wife. We can be a proper family. Just like you’ve always wanted. You can be a Baxter. Cut that final tie. Be mine, officially.’ Dale stroked her cheek, waiting for her to answer.

              Her bottom lip trembled, and tears fell. ‘You-you really want to marry me?’

              ‘I just asked you didn’t I? Please say yes.’

              ‘But what about my dad, what he just did to you, to Luke. He won’t leave it there—’

              Dale grabbed her face. His expression was fierce, but not at her. ‘What happened yesterday, it made me love you more. It made me realise just how much I adore you, want to protect you. I know the real you, loving, protective, kind, loyal and most all the bravest, sexiest woman alive. You can fill this room with fifty naked super models, and I would still choose you.’

              Beth threw her arms around him, and sobbed into his chest. ‘Yes...yes..’ she sobbed. Her emotions were all over the place, making her sob even more. She found his lips with hers, pressed against him and kissed him so passionately, it was almost bruising. ‘You are my absolute everything, and anyway…I’d hunt you down if you ever left,’ she said.

              Dale laughed. ‘I have no doubt. I value my life, I’ll stay.’

              They were interrupted by hungry cries from Ebony and Beth rushed to feed her.

*****

‘Wow, a baby and now a wedding.’
Melissa looked out of the window, deep in thought, curled up on one of the sofas. Luke worried that Melissa was thinking about Beth and Dale and their accelerated relationship. They were all thrilled by the news. It was what they both wanted, and what Beth needed. A strong family unit. To finally belong to someone who loved her. Luke cuddled up next to Melissa, and kissed her cheek. ‘Liss, you know I love you. And I know we don’t have the baby, and I haven’t proposed but I...’ 

              Melissa turned and laughed. ‘Luke, I’m happy as we are. One day I would love that. Just because our friends are doing it doesn’t mean that I expect you to follow suit. We still have a lot of healing to do, and a whole lot of fun to have.’

              Luke couldn’t help but show his relief. ‘I just don’t think we’ve had time to be us. So much bad stuff and not enough good. I’m not ready for kids yet.’

              Melissa jumped on his lap, and kissed him. ‘Luke, I don’t want a baby, or a big white wedding. I want you. Nothing else. I want to get your career back on track. I want to have fun, travel, find a career myself. I’m not Beth. She was deprived of a loving family. It’s perfect for her, and I couldn’t be happier that she’s getting it. I’ll have to share you with the world again, and I intend making the most of every second I get with you.’ She backed this up by taking her top off, and then his. ‘Starting right now. When are you back in the studio?’

              ‘Fucking hell, woman. You really are perfect. And tomorrow,’ Luke said wasting no time in beginning the fun.

The Black Eagles will headline at In Your Soul festival on July 6th. The south coast band will be Sunday’s headline act. This big secret has been kept under wraps for weeks, while it was being finalised. The organisers didn’t want to confirm too early as the band are still tying up loose ends from last year, but it was confirmed by Purple Velvet Records, the band’s new label, this morning.

              Their new single, “Bound”, was released today. The band have also completed the new album, due out in August, which is some fast work, but the band’s rep Nancy McQueen had this to say:

              “It is such an incredible time for us as a label, to work with such talent. These boys do not mess about. Luke Black is an incredible human being. He has talent that I have never seen before. The band just gel together when they play. It’s almost as if they read each other’s minds. Truly brilliant to watch. The album will blow the fans’ minds, they are putting their hearts and souls into it. Luke is allowing his fans into his mind more than he has ever done before. These people have been through a really bad time but have shown absolute class in dealing with it. Luke, Melissa and Megan are all fully better and the rest of the band are just focused on the future. I’m honoured that they signed with my label. I have promised them, and I promise their fans, that this label will take very good care of them.

              It would have been very easy, especially for Luke, to use the past events in a negative way. Incredibly, that isn’t the case. He and his girlfriend have worked together to pull each other through their ordeals. It is true that Luke struggled for a while with songwriting. He has fixed that and the material he is producing is inspiring. Yes, is the answer to the question: Will he use the past as inspiration?

              I’m Nancy McQueen, the woman who people have called “Ice Queen”. Luke Black has made me cry on more than one occasion with his work. A talented, hard-working, charming, lovely guy.

*****

Luke watched as Melissa unpacked her small bag. He’d lost count of how many times she had changed her mind on what to take. ‘We’ll only be there for two days. How much do you need?’ he asked. His bag was ready by the door along with Chloe. He, as usual, would travel light.

              Melissa rolled her eyes at him. ‘Yeah. But as you know, the world will be scrutinising me. If I look like shit…well…oh, you know...’ She was panicking.

              Luke took her bag from her and cupped her face in his hands. ‘You never look like shit. Not to me. Don’t let that fucking magazine get to you.’ Although if he was honest, the new article had got to him just as much. It was another false story, claiming Melissa and Luke were so unhappy about her scars, that in order to save their relationship Luke was paying for his girlfriend to have plastic surgery. He wanted her to look like she did before her attack. He couldn’t cope with how she looked now. And that Melissa was also going to get a boob job as Luke wanted her to have bigger boobs. It made him sound like the worst boyfriend in the world.

              ‘I’m trying. Christ, they’ve made you sound like an arsehole. I want to smash their stupid faces in...’

              ‘Calm down. Who gives a shit?
We
know the truth…’ He looked down at her chest. ‘You have the best tits, and while they might not be the biggest, damn they are perfect. They fit right in my mouth...’

              Melissa hit him playfully, giggling. ‘You really think my scars have healed OK?’ she asked.

              Luke stroked her cheek and smiled down at her. ‘Yes. Honestly. I don’t even notice them. You look just the same to me. You are still my beautiful, sexy Liss. Now shut up and get ready. We leave in less than an hour…hmmmm, you know what. Screw this,’ Luke grabbed his phone from his pocket. He opened up his Twitter feed and let the world know how he truly felt. ‘My girlfriend is perfect. She doesn’t need to change. Just because you write it doesn’t make it true. #lies’ There was a certain amount of restraint when in a position like his, and keeping your opinions to yourself was important. In this case he felt he had every right to defend himself. When they brought Melissa into it, making him look like a terrible person, he wouldn’t stand for it.

              Melissa added her own little message to back up Luke.               ‘I won’t be changing anything. My scars show how I had to fight to survive. Luke has been my rock through this. Don’t taint what he has done to fix me.’

              They left it at that. The fans would take it from there. Melissa finished packing her bag, and before long they were on their way to their first ever festival.

*****

Melissa held onto Luke’s hand as they walked through the crowds, stopping on several occasions to talk to festival goers who wanted pictures or to chat. Luke did his dutiful idol bit and smiled on the photos and signed one girl’s bra. Eventually they were able together to enjoy a band on one of the stages. They both wore hoodies with their hoods up, sunglasses shielding their faces. They were able to blend into the crowd, unnoticed for a few songs at least. But it didn’t take long before their cover was blown and they moved on.

              ‘Oh, you have got to be kidding me,’ Melissa said, cursing more. Just a few feet from them, a group of girls were downing drinks, dancing and laughing loudly. Zoe was in the centre of the group, dancing seductively in front of a group of guys. As if she had sensed them watching she looked up and waved in their direction, then skipped over, all pouty and looking like she was on the hunt for some guy with a wad of money and a record deal. Melissa couldn’t help scowling. If Megan saw Zoe here, it would ruin her weekend. Zoe seemed to think what she had done wasn’t a problem. She tried to hug Luke, but he stepped back and held his hand out in front of him.

              ‘What’s the problem?’ Zoe asked, looking hurt.

              Luke glared at her in disbelief. ‘What’s the problem? Let me remind you. Megan.’ Zoe frowned, and muttered something under breath. Luke thought it sounded like “fuck Megan”. Luke told her firmly to stay away from Toby. ‘You upset one of my best friends again and you’ll regret it.’

              Zoe looked like she had been been hit in the face. Luke Black, who had always been so friendly towards her, had just broken her heart. Deep down she had always wanted
him
. Toby was just the next best thing. She had lost them both. Her connection with one of the biggest bands around, the reason for her popularity, had just been shattered. The glare from his girlfriend, beautiful, inspiring, a force to be reckoned with, Melissa Webb, said nothing but looked at her with contempt. It was enough to know she was no longer welcome in their entourage. Megan May, however, had taken her place. And Luke had just referred to her as one of his best friends. When Luke Black thought of you as a best friend, you would be sensible not to upset them. Zoe watched as they walked away, not looking back. Her friends crowded around her, wanting to know what he had said, and still looking at her like she was queen of the group. They hadn’t heard their conversation so she pretended Luke had told her something very hush hush, which she couldn’t possibly tell anyone. And that he had offered to get her backstage, but because the offer was only for her she had decided to stay with her friends. Another way of keeping them close. They trusted her. Her status was still intact, for now.

*****

‘Oh, my god! Tom!’ Beth called as Echo arrived at the festival. They had been booked in right at the last minute after another band had pulled out. Nancy had jumped in with Echo, her thinking being to get both bands in on the line-up. The girls had a small window in the middle of their tour giving them exposure. The added bonus was that the two bass players were an item so it would give them time together, and hopefully keep everyone happy. Of course, they had kept it quiet as Jo-Jo wanted to surprise her boyfriend. The three girls walked in a line, looking smug at their unexpected arrival. Tom looked up from his phone, grinned and ran towards her and lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around him and ignored their audience as they greeted each other with passionate kisses.

              ‘Well, this is a nice surprise. Did you forget how to play and come for some help?’ Tom joked.

              Jo-Jo planted another kiss on his lips. ‘You wish I sucked as much as you.’

              Cassie hugged them both before making her way to Luke, who smiled as she approached, ready with a sarcastic comment at their sudden arrival. He stopped when he noticed her irritated expression, the one that said she was not in the mood for jokes so to do so would be at his own risk. He raised an eyebrow and stood up. ‘Cass, you OK?’

              Cassie grabbed his arm and they walked away from the group. ‘No, don’t know. I was hoping for a weekend without that annoying idiot. Sadly, my drummer is fucking smitten with the prick.’ Cassie just needed to rant and not have to watch what she said. Luke was someone who would be completely on her side. ‘Just watch him. I’m certain you’ll see it and agree with me. I need someone to tell me I’m not going crazy,’ Cassie said once she’d filled him in on the full story.

              Luke told her to relax. He would keep his eyes open and tell her honestly what he thought. ‘Don’t lose your shit, not yet,’ he said, knowing the look in his friend’s eyes. ‘That him?’ he asked as Shadowed Faces had just joined their group.

              Cassie gritted her teeth. ‘Yes.’ Then she smiled a little as Summer turned and waved in their direction. Cassie waved back.

              ‘I take it that’s Summer. Nice,’ Luke joked, and winked. ‘I see why you like her. She is fit.’               Cassie blushed. ‘Yeah, another reason I’m trying to keep my cool. She’s stuck in the middle and I’m still trying to work her out. She not actually said she’s into women but she is giving me vibes.’ Cassie lit a cigarette and took Luke’s beer from his hand. She finished it and gripped the bottle tightly.

              ‘Easy,’ Luke said taking the bottle from her. He watched as Nathan wrapped his arms around Allie, and whispered something in her ear. She giggled, looking very much in love. ‘Shit. Did Allie just giggle and blush at a man?’

              ‘I rest my case. That is not my Allie,’ Cassie said grimacing.

              Luke raised an eyebrow as he looked at Cassie. ‘You know, she is allowed to be happy. Maybe it’s just thrown you. People act differently when they fall in love.’ Then he saw it. Nathan’s eyes moved from Allie and landed on Jo-Jo, who was still locked in a kiss with Tom. Nathan was watching in a way that was not normal. If you look in the direction of a couple showing public displays of affection normal behaviour would be to look away. But Nathan stared at the couple. He looked annoyed, then smirked as he whispered something to their drummer who seemed to laugh but shook his head at the same time. Luke decided to keep a watchful eye to be sure. Your mind can interpret things how it likes if a thought has already been planted inside it.

              ‘You saw that, didn’t you?’ Cassie asked.

              ‘I’m watching,’ was all Luke said as they joined the group and were all introduced. Luke played it cool as he chatted with Shadowed Faces but he had already decided that Nathan was up to something. Just in the few minutes they’d been chatting he’d noticed Nathan would constantly flick his eyes towards Jo-Jo and he was sure Cassie was not being paranoid.

*****

Megan made her way through the crowd. She had wanted to explore but had been distracted by some guys beat boxing and had lost Toby, Tom and Jo-Jo. She was now lost. She took a sip of her cider and turned around several times trying to get her bearings. It was useless. She was well and truly lost. Annoyingly, the reception in the area was really bad and her phone signal kept dropping out. All she could do was keep walking. She would find her way back to Toby sooner or later.

              It was about half an hour later, feeling hot and completely fed up with her search, that she stopped. There were some food trailers and merchandise stalls situated by the entrance markers. It wasn’t far from where they were based. However, she still needed to send a message to Toby before he began to worry about her. She walked behind a burger van holding her phone in the air trying to get a signal. Thankfully, after a few seconds she had one bar, enough to send a message telling Toby to meet her by the VIP tent. As she turned to move back into the crowd she heard a sound. It sounded like crying, not very far from her. She looked down the back of the food vans and saw a foot sticking out about four vans down. The sobs were coming from whoever that foot belonged to. Megan walked slowly towards the sound. A young girl, no older than seventeen, sat distraught, tears soaking her cheeks. Her hair was light pink and tied in a ponytail. Her arms were decorated by an array of wristbands, all band related. Denim skirt and a white bikini top were her only attire.

              ‘Hey, are you OK?’ Megan asked and knelt down next to the girl. ‘Are you hurt?’

              ‘Go away,’ the girl said without lifting her head. Sobs broke out again. ‘I’m so stupid.’ Megan knew that feeling well. She felt a strong urge to at least get this girl back to her friends. It wasn’t safe to be on your own. ‘My friends will only laugh. They told me about him. I never believed it. I’ve done so much for him, been there from the start...’ She wiped her eyes and turned to look at Megan. Her eyes opened wide and she let out a sound close to a squeal. ‘Megan May…it is you! Right?’ The girl jumped up. ‘Sorry…I didn’t mean to be rude.’ The fact that she had just been rude to the second most famous person she had ever met made the tears well up again.