Riptide, p.6
Riptide, page 6
“Oh, how is your sister doing? She had a rough night when I met you guys at the club. Bett, right?”
I chance a glance over at her before I pull out onto the road, and she gives a slight nod.
“Yeah. Uhm, she was doing okay after that night, but she had a trip to the E.R. last night. She’s resting today, but I shouldn’t be gone too much longer.”
“Holy shit. What happened?”
“Oh, uhm. I’d rather not say.”
“Okay, I get that. No need to spill your family’s business to a stranger, right?”
Ronnie nods and gives me a small smile. I grip the steering wheel tighter and urge traffic to keep up so that I can maximize her time meeting the guys. The drive is quiet, but the atmosphere inside my car is tense. I want to know what’s on Ronnie’s mind and more so, I want to know what those luscious red lips taste like, what that soft body feels like under my hands. When I peek over at her, Ronnie is biting her lower lip and staring straight out the windshield. I can feel her glances every so often and I wish I could just pull over and throw myself at her and relieve us both of the tension that’s so obviously between us. Before I can give in though, I’m pulling into the driveway at the townhouse and I kill the engine and quickly jump out of the car. I attempt to make it around to open Ronnie’s door before she can, but she unsurprisingly beats me to it again.
I lead her up to the front door, unlock it and dart my glance around the living room to make sure everyone and everything is at least somewhat presentable. Nick is sitting on the couch, craning his neck around to try to get a peek of Ronnie from around me, but I know I am filling enough of the doorway. He slumps back into the cushions. Jimmy is lounging across the opposite side of the couch from Nick, and Paul is sitting on the arm of the loveseat across from them, his feet on the couch, so that he’s facing the door. Fucker was probably watching through the window blinds since we got out of the car. His shit-eating grin only convinces me that guess was accurate. I move out of the way to let Ronnie through the front door and close it behind her. When I turn back around, Nick’s jaw is almost in his lap. I smirk.
Yeah, mother fucker. She’s not just hot. She’s fucking gorgeous.
“Ronnie, this is Nick, our lead singer.”
He scrambles up to shake her hand. Jimmy snorts.
“Hi, Nick. Nice to meet you.”
“Oh, baby, I promise you, the pleasure is all mine.”
I smile when Ronnie rolls her eyes at him.
“I’m sure that sweet talk is part of the reason why you guys are in this situation, huh?”
Nick’s smile drops and Paul and Jimmy burst out into laughter.
“Yeah, I guess it is.” Nick admits as he runs his hand up the back of his neck, looking slightly embarrassed.
Ronnie gives him a small knowing smile and I continue on with the introductions.
“Jimmy is our bass guitarist,” I say as I hold my hand out to indicate him to her.
He also rises and shakes her hand.
Paul jumps off the couch and holds his hand out to her, “And I’m the drummer, Paul.”
She gives him a genuine smile as she shakes his hand.
Lucky bastard.
“So, to what do we owe this pleasure to? I thought you were the only one meeting her?” Nick asks.
“Oh, well, I wanted to meet all the guys I will be representing in my work. Taylor took me to the studio to listen to your music. You guys sound amazing and your music isn’t just bullshit to sell. All of your songs hold so much meaning in them, as well as sounding badass. I’m sure you will get plenty of record deal offers. I’m thrilled to be designing for your demo.”
The guys eat up her praise and all start goofing off. Jimmy and Paul ask to see some of her past work since Nick and I made the decision to hire her without them. I can tell by watching their expressions that they’re impressed. I’m starting to feel a bit grateful that Nick fucked things up with Tiff. As long as all of us can keep our relationship with her professional, I have big hopes for what she can do for us. Even though I’m probably the one who wants an unprofessional relationship with her the most.
The guys all bullshit with her and one another and we’re all laughing within minutes. Paul and Jimmy start up a game on the XBox. We all take turns answering Ronnie’s questions about our band and us in general. She looks more comfortable wedged on the couch between Paul and Jimmy than she did at the café or the studio. I’m relaxed on the couch next to Nick. I enjoy having her in our space.
“So, we have a gig downtown tonight. You wanna tag along and watch us play?” Nick asks Ronnie.
I shoot him a glare and then look back to Ronnie to see what her answer is. Although, she did say she couldn’t stay long because of her sister. I’m betting her answer will be no. Plus, she said she was going to start on our designs tonight.
“Oh, I’ve seen you guys play. At the Basement. Taylor didn’t tell you guys that?”
Paul and Jimmy both pause their game to look at me and Nick just looks surprised.
“I didn’t really think about it.” I shrug.
Nick’s eyes narrow at me.”Well, I guess that makes sense, since that’s where Gina knows you from.”
“Yeah. I go there with my sister every so often. Your show was the last time I’ve been there, though.”
“Well, we’re definitely worth seeing more than once, right?” Jimmy says as he throws his arm over her shoulders and Ronnie nods and laughs.
A pit starts to form low in my stomach.
“Well, yeah, of course. But I have to go home and check on my sister. Besides, I'm planning on starting on your logo tonight.”
Nick purses his lips into a pout and both Jimmy and Paul give her puppy dog eyes. Ronnie chuckles and I just shake my head.
These assholes are incorrigible.
“You can always bring your sister with you,” Nick says.
“Yeah, plus, it’s an earlier show. We start at seven instead of nine, so even if you go, you should have time after we’re done if you insist on working tonight,” Jimmy adds.
I can see Ronnie debating, but she gives me a pleading glance, as though asking me to save her from my band mates.
Not a chance, Beautiful. I want you there, too.
She inhales deeply. “I’ll have to check with my sister first, she isn’t feeling well today.”
Fuck. The E.R. trip. Right.
“Taylor, would you mind taking me home and I can text you later about coming to watch you guys tonight?”
“Yeah. That’s fine. We can go now, that way I can get back and help the guys load things up.”
Ronnie bids the guys goodbye while they try to make her promise to come tonight, but I have a feeling that with whatever is going on with her sister, we won’t be seeing her later.
The car ride to Ronnie’s house is completely uneventful, as it should be. Ronnie only speaks to give me directions, which is fine by me. I can tell that if I push her too hard about coming tonight that she’s likely to shut down on me, and I’d rather this goodbye be warmer than the last. I pull up in front of the modest house and Ronnie all but jumps out of the car, but I manage to catch her hand before she can slam the door in my face. She looks down at where our bodies meet and then up to my eyes as she raises a brow.
“Can I come in while you check on your sister? If she’s good, you both are more than welcome to ride with me to the club.”
I’m about to hold my breath, almost as if she’s a wild animal and if I make too sudden of movements, she’ll run away. Her eyebrow drops as she considers my offer, and I am almost positive she’s going to turn me down again. All business.
“Sure, come see for yourself that she isn’t in any condition to be going to a club tonight and then you can pass that information on to the rest of your band.”
My heart races as I jump out of the car and follow Ronnie to the door. She pulls her keys from her pocket and pushes one into the doorknob, twisting, and then pushes the door open. I’m almost shaking with excitement, hoping that Bett is on the couch glowing with wellness.
The house is silent inside, but I see a shadow dart under the couch as Ronnie flips the lights on in the front room.
“Don’t mind Axl, he hates new people.”
I assume Axl is the shadow that’s now hiding.
Ronnie’s house is exactly what I would expect from her. Simple, but cozy. Ronnie crosses the room and goes down a small hallway and knocks on one of the doors. “Bett? You awake?”
She opens the door and I edge closer, wanting to see with my own eyes if she’s as incapacitated as Ronnie claims. As I reach the doorway, I catch a slight whiff of vomit and disinfectant. Ronnie is already standing by the bed in the room, bending over a large mountain of blankets that is shifting around. Murmurs are exchanged and a slim arm squishes down some of the mountain as Bett looks down the bed at me. Her face is pale and her blonde hair looks as if it is trying to be in as many places at once as possible. Definitely not the vibrant, yet also vomiting, woman I previously met. I wave at Bett and she tries to give me a smile. I have a sinking feeling that Ronnie was not exaggerating nor making up excuses to not come out tonight, and I turn back to the living room to give the sisters some privacy as I wait for Ronnie to come and confirm that they will not be joining me.
A couple of minutes later, Ronnie does just that.
“Hey. It looks like we won’t be watching you guys tonight, but tell everyone I said good luck.”
I grin up at her. “Of course. I’ll let them know that you called for a rain check. When Bett is feeling better, let us know and we’ll get you into another show.”
Ronnie gives a slight nod and walks me to the door. She stays silent and I start towards my car, letting her close the door between us. I can’t say I’m not a little disappointed they won’t be coming tonight.
Chapter Ten
Ronnie
I watch through the front window as Taylor drives away and then turn back to Bett’s room.
“Hey, do you want me to make you some food? It’s almost dinner time. I’m thinking either chicken and dumplings or open-faced turkey sandwiches.”
Bett drags herself up into a semi-sitting position.
“Yeah, that sounds good. How about sandwiches?” Her voice is raspy from nonuse all afternoon, and I catch my wince before she can see it.
“Sure thing. Do you want to shower? I’m sure I can have them finished by the time you get out.”
Bett nods, and I stay to make sure she gets out of her bed okay before heading to the kitchen to start dinner.
A half hour later, just as I’m pouring the gravy over the sandwiches, Bett comes into the kitchen and takes a seat at the table.
“Feel better?”
She gives a gentle nod and I place her plate in front of her.
“Thanks, Ro.”
“Of course. Do you want to watch another movie tonight? I have to start on a new project, but I can do that on my laptop.”
“Sure. What was the rock star doing here?”
She tries to give me a mischievous smirk, but it falls a little flat.
“He’s actually who the new project is for. His band needs some graphics done on short notice. I guess the bartender from the Basement told her brother about me. He is the singer.”
“Oh, Gina? Yeah. I think I remember her telling me that the other night. That family has good genes.”
I snort.
“Yeah, well, those genes are what got the band in trouble apparently. Or lack of jeans, I guess.”
Bett rolls her eyes at my play on words and I chuckle at her.
“Why exactly was the lack of his pants what caused them to need your services? Are you pimping yourself out now?”
Bett starts laughing so hard that she snorts and I throw my napkin at her before laughing myself.
“Bitch.”
“Hey, I’m all for it. If you want to sleep with not only Rock Star, but all his hot friends too, more power to ya.”
Fuck’s sake.
“He slept with their last graphic designer, and then she caught him in bed with someone else.”
Bett makes a large “O” with her lips, but I see the twinkle in her eyes.
“Shame. She should have just joined them. I would have.”
I choke on my food, because of course she timed her statement to coincide with my swallow. I glare at her, hoping that if I was ever going to shoot laser beams from my eyes, that now would be that time.
Apparently, you can’t manifest everything.
Bett is almost falling out of her chair now from laughing so hard. Which is nice to see after the past few days, so I guess I’ll take one for the team. For now. Payback is going to be a bitch though.
◆◆◆
Three movies later, and I have a few different options for Taylor and the guys to look over logo-wise. I might add in a few more in the morning, but I should mostly be starting on their demo artwork. After listening to them live, and then listening to their recorded tracks earlier today with Taylor, I am so excited to be working with them. Not that I’ll ever admit it to Taylor. Cocky motherfucker needs no more fuel for his ego. Although, I guess it’s been well-earned. Riptide’s music is amazing and they write all their own stuff. They didn’t play one cover when I saw them. Although I’m sure if they did any covers, they would also be good.
I close my laptop and set it on the end table next to the couch the three of us are sprawled out on. Axl is asleep on my shoulders and Bett is using my lap for a pillow. Maybe I should just get comfy and not disturb them. Or we could move this cuddle puddle to my bed so that my entire body doesn’t ache in the morning.
Option two, it is.
“Bett, come on. Let’s go to bed, you can sleep with me tonight.”
I rock her shoulder until she stirs.
“Mmmrrrpphhh…”
“Bett, get up. Go get in my bed.”
More indecipherable mumbling, but then she cracks one eye open.
“That’s it. Let’s go get in bed.”
She pushes up off of me and takes the blankets with her. I follow behind, turning lights and the television off as I go. Axl brings up the rear. I all but collapse onto my bed, snuggling with my twin and letting Axl get under the covers by our feet. I try to count back from 100, but I don’t even make it to 91.
◆◆◆
Three days since meeting with Taylor and his band and I’m almost finished with all of their logo designs. I have several different options for them to choose from, with different versions for their marketing needs. I’m taking a quick break from work: a trip to the bathroom, a coffee refill, and making sure that Bett is doing okay. She is in the living room watching My Best Friend’s Girl, her laughter is music to my ears.
I make my way back to my office, place my headphones back on and get ready to start my playlist over on my phone, but pause at the incoming text.
Taylor: Hey, how are the graphics coming along?
Me: Good. : ) I have all of the logo options finished and was just getting ready to start on the demo artwork.
Taylor: Awesome! Can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with.
I feel my cheeks grow warm, and then scold myself for wanting his approval. However, he is my client, so I should care what he thinks. But, I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s more than that. I set my phone down and reach for my mouse as another text pops up.
Taylor: We have a show tonight about an hour away. Do you and Bett want to come with?
I hesitate from declining on instinct, but remember how excited the other band members were about me watching them again. And it would be helpful to see them live again, that way I can watch them and analyze their playing from a strictly professional standpoint. I snort.
Yeah, sure. Professional, my ass.
But it really would help. Might give me some more ideas or clarification for their artwork. They were electric the last time I watched them. I would love to get another feel of that energy, maybe I could figure out a way to incorporate that into the demo options. I head out to the living room.
“Hey, B. Feel up to going to a show tonight?”
I see the light flare up in her eyes as she looks up at me.
“Which one?”
“Well, Taylor invited us to go watch them again. You know, for work.”
Her eye roll tells me that I convinced her about as much as I did myself with that line.
“Only if you promise to be more welcoming to Taylor’s advances this time,” she replies with a smirk.
I shoot daggers at her with my eyes.
Again, with being able to manifest anything you set your heart on…
Knowing that I won’t win this, I concede.
“Fine, but can you please behave? I really do need to get another look at them through the professional lens.”
Her Cheshire grin doesn’t do a damn thing to sooth my concerns about her going to a club again so soon, but I’ll keep a closer eye on her tonight. I look down to my phone and type out a reply to Taylor.
Me: Sure.
Taylor: ; ) Pick you up at 5
“Be ready by five.”
It’s only one, so I get back to work. Bett comes in about 45 minutes later.
“Whatcha gonna wear?”
“I have no clue. Clothes?”
Bett scoffs at me, and I spare her a glance. She has her hands on her hips and is giving me an incredulous look.
“What?”
“You’re going to a rock show, that the lead. singer. Invited you to, and that’s all the thought you’re going to put into what you’re going to wear? I think you got swapped at birth with my real twin. We’re obviously not blood related.”
Bett and her fucking dramatics. I sigh.
“Go pick something out for me then. But I want my tits and ass securely covered. I don’t want to deal with any assholes thinking I’m open to their advances tonight. I really do want to pay attention to the music.”
Bett makes a choking sound, “Of course you’re not, you already have the sexiest fucker in the building trying to get in your panties. I bet he won’t even let you in the crowd. He’s gonna keep you hidden backstage once he sees what I’ve done with you.”
