The Wannabes (8 page)

RYDER WATCHED AS Corbin exited the
building, seeing no one follow her, he seized the opportunity in hopes to get
her alone. When he walked out the door he saw her standing with a couple of
younger girls. He turned to go back inside.

“Ryder…” Corbin called.

Shit

He walked to them. Corbin held her open pack of cigarettes
out to him. He took one and lit it.

“This is my cousin Brylee and her friend Mia. Girls, Ryder
James, lead singer of Infected Whiskey.” Corbin gestured to him. Ryder shook
the girls’ hands.

“Never heard of Infected Whiskey,” Brylee said.

Ryder cleared his throat. “We broke up about a year ago.”

“Oh I hate hearing that,” Mia said. The three turned away
from him and continued on with their conversation. Ryder stood silent, smoking
his cigarette and wished the other two would disappear. As he listened to
Corbin talk about how sexy Mason looked tonight, he felt anger and jealousy
filling up his gut. He threw his cigarette down and stomped it. He leaned
towards Corbin.

“You going back in?”

“Yeah, in a few.” She gave him a quick glance then returned
to her friends.

Seriously, did she just blow me off? And why the hell do
I care if she did?

Ryder turned on his heels and trudged back inside the bar.
Once inside he headed straight for the bathroom. He stood alone at the urinal,
trying to rationalize what just went down with Corbin. He heard the door open
and then someone locking it. He turned and saw Tina and Trina standing behind
him.

Oh Shit.

“Hey ladies, what’s up?” He shoved his dick back into his
pants. They looked at each other and giggled.

“Tina and I were just talking about that awesome weekend we
had with you,” Trina purred.

“We would like to pay you back.” They approached him and
kneeled in front of him.

Oh fuck.

They began working on his button and zipper. They pulled out
his dick and gave it a kiss. He entwined his fingers in their hair. He
swallowed hard, it had been months since he got laid. Now two hot chicks were
on their knees in front of him, ready and willing to please him. He closed his
eyes and envisioned Corbin on her knees instead of the twins; he opened his
eyes and stared down at the twins as they worked their magic. He sighed and
pulled away from them.

“I can’t do this.” He shoved his hard as hell dick back into
his pants and turned away from them.

“Excuse me?” Trina huffed. She and Tina stood.

“So I heard Ryder James is in the house tonight.” Ryder
heard Mason say. Some whistles erupted.

“Sorry.” He gave them a nod and unlocked the door.

“Ryder are you here? If so, get your ass up on this stage,”
Mason said loudly. Ryder took a deep breath then made his way to the stage and
hopped up on it.

“Well, holy fuck, you are still alive.” Mason wrapped a
sweaty arm over his shoulder. “I do believe your fans want you to sing a little
sumptin.” The crowd roared. Ryder smiled then took the mic from Mason.

“Is that what you want?” he growled. The crowd roared again.
He turned to Mason. “How about Closer?”

“Closer it is!” Mason raised his hand up. The heavy music
started. Ryder watched Mason weave through the crowd his arms draped over Tina
and Trina. He shook his head.

Fucking whores.

He focused his attention on the crowd and watched as Stella
and Corbin danced their way to him. They stopped in front of him, Corbin
swaying her hips and mouthing the words right along with him.

“I wanna fuck you like an animal!” Ryder screamed into the
mic. He pointed to Corbin and watched as she pulled her already short skirt up
her thigh a little more. He almost forgot the words to the song as he watched
her dance.

I got this.

He finished the song and bowed to the crowd. Corbin and
Stella whooped and hollered along with the rest of the bar. Ryder jumped off
the stage, grabbed Corbin’s hand and hurried to the door. He looked around, a
few people were milling about. Seeing an unlit area, he pulled Corbin into it.
He firmly planted his lips on hers and gave her a deep intense kiss. The taste
of tequila and apple pucker filled his mouth.

“I want you now, Corbin,” he groaned in between kisses. He
pinned her up against the building, lifting her. She wrapped her legs around
him and pressed against his hardness. He kissed her harder and slid his hands
under her skirt and over her panties.

This is it.

Corbin began giggling, “That tickles.”’ She dropped her
legs.

“Huh?” Ryder panted. He reluctantly released his grip on
her.

“I need a smoke.” Corbin pulled her cigarettes from her bra.
Ryder let out a frustrated sigh and ran a hand through his hair.

Maybe I should have let the twins finish me off.

“Shit, I can’t find my lighter.” Corbin dug in her bra.
Ryder pulled the top of her dress out and looked inside, then reached in and
pulled out the lighter. He lit her cigarette and then one for himself.

“I need to sit.” Corbin sat down.

“A little buzzed?” Ryder sat down next to her. Corbin
shrugged.

“You did an awesome job on Closer tonight. Much better than
that Backstreet Boys shit and Ice Ice Baby.” Corbin poked his chest. Ryder
laughed.

“Why did your band break up?”

“I got stupid.”

“What do you mean?”

“I fucked up. That’s a story for another day.” He felt
Corbin’s fingers intertwine with his.

“I bet you guys were amazing.” Corbin took a long drag from
her cigarette. Ryder leaned his head back against the building and reached out
and touched her lips.

“I think I smudged your lipstick.” She in turn touched his
lips.

“I think you’re wearing it.”

“Ok peeps. Here is a slow one for all you love birds out
there,” Ryder heard Mason shout. The melody of I Remember You by Skid Row
played out.

“Oh...I love this song, come dance with me.” Corbin stood
and held her hand out to him. He took it and followed her inside. The dance
floor was packed. “I’ll be right back.” Corbin scooted towards the bathroom. Ryder
stood and waited for her. Many girls asked him to dance but he turned them all
down. Corbin returned, her beautiful lips redone. He took her hand in his and
led her to the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around his neck; he wrapped
his around her waist. He held her close against him, the heat between them was
almost overwhelming. He was sure his dick was about to rip through his jeans.
She kissed him on the neck then placed her head on his chest. Ryder felt a tap
on his shoulder. When he turned, he was face to face with Rob and a few other
guys.

Not now.

“Let’s go outside.” Rob pointed to the door.

“Rob, go away.” Corbin stormed off.

“Haven’t you had enough today?” Ryder cracked his knuckles
and placed his mind into battle mode.

“That’s my girl you’re fucking around with!” Rob yelled.

“Dude...I haven’t fucked her...yet.” Ryder moved his face so
he was nose to nose with Rob. Rob’s jaw clenched and unclenched. “She broke up
with you, dickweed.” Out of his peripheral he saw Rob’s friends surround him.
Rob said nothing. “If you want to go outside then it’s you and me. I took you
down once today. I am sure I can do a little more damage to that shoulder. But
remember you started this and I am going to finish it. ” Ryder gave him a jab
and Rob winced. Ryder whipped around and headed outside. There he jumped around
a little to get his cardio going. He clenched and unclenched his fists. He
heard the door open and spun around. Corbin stood there.

“Take me home?” Ryder took a couple of calming deep breaths
then nodded. The car ride was silent. Ryder pulled out his cigs and seen he was
out. He made a quick stop and bought a carton. When he returned the car, Corbin
was passed out in the passenger seat. Her curls draped over her face and her
legs were slightly spread, her dress was hiked up revealing her panties. Ryder
moved her hair out of her face, and then ran his hand up her inner thigh.

“Cold shower, here I come.” He threw the car in gear and
sped off.

“JESUS CHRIST, ALEX, get off my
ass.” Ryder ran a hand through his hair. Alex had been grilling him for an hour
about what went on with Corbin the night before.

“I just want to know what happened,” Alex pushed him. Ryder
turned to leave the room but Alex grabbed his arm.

“Alex, you are really pissing me off.” He yanked his arm
away then turned to face her and gave her a crooked smile. “Fine, I’ll give you
a play by play of last night’s events.”

“About time,” Alex huffed.

“Do you want the PG or R rated version?” Ryder lit a
cigarette and threw the pack on the table.

“Ryder!”

“Let’s see…” He tapped his chin. He knew he was about to
make matters worse with Alex, but at this point he no longer cared. “I think
the R rated version is a lot better. We arrived at Rebels, oh around 8. I
waited in line and listened to everyone babble on about Filthy Wilma. Oh and
the twins, you know my 48 hour relationship? Well, they were there. Later in
the night last night they locked themselves in the bathroom with me, got on
their knees and begged to suck me off.” He leaned against the sink and took a
long drag from his smoke.

“I don’t want to hear about that shit,” Alex spat.

“No...no…no...I’m telling you about my night. Now where was
I? Hmmm…I sang a song, almost kicked Rob’s ass… again… and danced a slow dance
with Corbin. She asked me to take her home so I did. She passed out in the car.
I carried her upstairs and put her in her bed. After that, she started an
awesome puke fest. I cleaned up her mess, changed her clothes and sat up most
of the night making sure she was ok. Is that enough info for you?” Alex eyed
him for a moment.

“So, no sex?”

“I didn’t say that.” Ryder shrugged. He watched as Alex’s
face contorted into anger. “Later on, I met up with a chick named Rosie Palmer,
we invited her friend, Jergens, to join in. We had a great time.” He sat down
at the table.

“You are such a dick.” Alex pushed away from the table.

“You’re the one who wanted all the details of my night.”
Ryder crushed his cigarette. Alex nodded and stood.

“I’m going to bed.” As she started to walk away, Ryder felt
as if something snapped in his brain.

“I am really digging on Corbin. I am going to pursue her and
see how things play out.”

“Huh?” Alex turned to him and crossed her arms.

“I like Corbin…a lot.” Ryder made hand gestures as if he
were using sign language.

“Ugh...” Alex threw her hands in the air.

“She’s sexy, smart…”

“Leave her alone!”

“I can’t, Alex. I know I said I would stay away, I have
tried, but I just can’t.” He tapped his lighter on the table waiting for the
blow up that he knew was about to happen.

“She just got rid of one asshole user, she doesn’t need
another one in her life.”

Ryder stood so fast that he knocked the chair over. He was
nose to nose with her.

“You need to realize that I am not that person anymore! I
could have easily let the twins finish me off last night. But I stopped them,
do you want to know why?” He watched as tears welled up in Alex’s eyes. He took
a deep breath and pointed to Corbin’s bedroom door, “She’s why.”

Alex shook her head.

“Quit throwing my past in my face. I’m fucking tired of it.”
He grabbed his cigs and keys from the table.

“Where are you going?” He felt her grab his arm.

“Out.” Ryder yanked away and stormed from the apartment. On
his way down the stairs he ran into Stella and nearly knocked her down them. He
steadied her then continued on.

“Where’s the fire?” he heard Stella ask. He got into his car
and sped out of the parking lot.

ALEX SAT STUNNED, tears poured down
her face.

“What’s up, buttercup?” Stella asked as she entered the
kitchen.

“Big fight with Ryder.” Alex wiped her eyes with her shirt.

“He looked pretty pissed as he almost knocked me down the
stairs.”

“He told me he had a thing for Corbin, even after I told him
to stay away from her.”

“Why did you tell him to stay away? Do you want her for
yourself?” Stella began making coffee.

“Gah Stella, no, you just don’t know Ryder like I do.”

“Maybe not, but when I see the way he looks at Corbin…sigh.”

“When have you seen that?” Alex blew her nose.

“Duh, all the time, you have to be blind not to see it.”

“I think you’re high.” Alex began wracking her brain in an
attempt to recall those moments.

“I think you should quit trying to be Ryder’s parent and
start being his sister.”

“Who asked you for your opinion?”

“Nobody, but I am putting it out there anyway.” Stella
turned to her. “Everyone deserves a second chance. Everyone deserves happiness.
Maybe you should stop sticking your nose in everyone else’s lives, maybe then
you could see your happiness.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Alex threw the paper
towels on the table. She watched as Stella shook her head and stared up at the
ceiling.

“One word…Moses.”

“We work together, so what?”

“What is wrong with you people?” Stella shook her head,
poured herself a cup of coffee and left the room.

Alex sat at the table, her mind reeling from the fight with
Ryder and Stella’s words.

“Moses?” she said aloud.

THE SOUND OF Corbin’s phone ringing
woke her. She fumbled around with stuff on the night stand and found it.

“Hello.” She grabbed for her head.

“Corbin?”

“Yeah,”

“This is Nancy from Friendship. Sorry to wake you.”

“Is Mom ok?” Corbin sat straight up in her bed, her head
felt as if it were about to explode.

“That’s why I am calling you. Are you coming to visit today?
You’re usually here by now.” Corbin looked at her clock it was 10:00a.m.

“Shit, sorry I overslept.” She jumped out of bed and pulled
on some shorts.

Nancy cleared her throat.

“Do you remember meeting Jan from Hospice?”

“Yeah.” She searched frantically for her keys.

“She’s here and thinks it’s time for them to step in.”

“Wait, what?” Corbin stopped searching.

“We will talk more when you get here, ok?”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Corbin waited for the line
to go dead. Tears stung her eyes while she dialed her brothers’ numbers and
left them each a voicemail. She opened her door and frantically searched the
apartment for her purse and keys.

“Nice shirt,” Stella said from the couch.

Corbin looked down and seen she was wearing an Infected
Whiskey t-shirt. She wracked her brain for memories of the night before, but
came up with nothing.

“Have you seen my keys?” she blurted. Stella pointed to the
table by the door.

“Are you ok?” Alex asked as she entered the room.

“No, mom’s worse, I have to go,” Corbin sobbed. Alex and
Stella walked to her and gave her a hug.

“I’m driving,” Stella said softly. She picked up Corbin’s
keys and the three walked out the door. They met Ryder walking up the stairs.
After seeing him, Corbin flung herself into his arms.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s her mom,” Alex answered.

“I got you, let’s go,” Ryder whispered in her ear. He gave
her a squeeze and they continued on down the stairs. She clung to him on the
way there and held onto his hand tightly as they entered the facility. Nancy
met them in the foyer.

“Can…can I see her?” Corbin wiped her eyes. Nancy gave her a
nod.

“We will be right there if you need us.” Alex gave Corbin’s
shoulder a squeeze. Corbin nodded then unfolded her hand from Ryder’s. He gave
her a wink.

Corbin followed Nancy down the hall. They had moved her Mom
into what Corbin referred to as the death room. Her Mom was lying on the bed
and was mumbling something.

“Have you called your brothers?” Nancy asked. Corbin nodded.
She felt fresh tears spill down her cheek. “I’ll give you a few minutes.”
Corbin pulled chair up next to the bed.

“I’m here, Mom.” She took her mom’s hand in hers and gave it
a kiss. Corbin placed her free arm on the bed railing and rested her chin on
it.

“Corbin, Jan is here.” Nancy said softly.

“I’ll be right back.” She gave her mom a kiss on the forehead,
then followed Nancy to her office.

Corbin shook Jan’s hand.

“Please sit.” Jan gestured to a chair.

“Would you like some coffee?” Nancy offered.

“Ahm…, yes please.” Corbin grabbed the box of tissues. Jan
sat down next to her. For the next hour she explained her role and what to
expect during the process. Corbin broke down a few times as they spoke, and
then her brain felt numb.

“Do you have any questions for me?” Jan took Corbin’s hand
in hers.

“How long does she have?”

“That’s hard to say. Only your mom and God know when the
time will be.”

“This sucks.” Corbin began crying again.

“I know it does. I promise you I will be here for you and
your family, day or night.”

Nancy knocked on the door and leaned in.

“I just got off of the phone with each of your brothers.
They will be here tomorrow.” She gave Corbin a small smile then left.

“Come on, let’s go see your mom.” Jan patted her arm. They
went back into the room and Corbin took the same seat as she had before. This
time her mom’s eyes were open, she turned to her and smiled.

“My baby girl, I haven’t seen you in so long.” Her Mom
reached out and touched her face. Corbin openly sobbed.

“It has been a long time.” Corbin stood and hugged her.

“Where have you been? How’s school?”

Corbin pulled away and stared into her mom’s eyes.

“I’ve been around. School’s great,”

“Don’t cry, everything’s going to be fine.” Her mom squeezed
her hand.

“I love you, Mom,” Corbin sobbed.

“I love you too.” Her mom kissed her hand and a few short
seconds later, her eyes closed and she began mumbling again. Corbin couldn’t
move from her seat. She just sat there and watched and waited for her to wake
up again.