My Melody (Downtown Book 3) (19 page)

HSSweethearts
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No. She can’t be! She can’t be the one Wayne got pregnant! However, the text he sent me, saying he was with an old friend, clarifies this tweet. I feel sick to my stomach and race to the bathroom to retch up my dinner from earlier. This bitch has my man in her trap. She’s the black widow who is tightly wrapping her strong web around him, crushing him until he no longer cares about me. He must have told her about us, or this wouldn’t have been happening. She wants him all to herself and she knows exactly how to exploit it. She has ties and ways to make it happen. Forget about calling him. I know where I lie now, and it’s definitely not in his bed. He hasn’t even tried to contact me to warn me this time. I’m the one who’s been played, but it certainly won’t break me. I still have my job at Shazzy’s. I’ll be fucking fine.

*One month later

After that whole picture shit, nothing has happened since. The rumors of Wayne and that bitch were now history. Unfortunately I have yet to get any other information from it. Wayne and I haven’t spoken. I don’t try to reach out to him and he doesn’t either. It really hurts, yes, but what can I do? He’s still on tour and probably doesn’t have the time to look at any messages. Okay I am lying. I have reached out to him, only to get a failed message, saying his voicemail is full. Forget about texting. I wanted to talk with him, hear his voice. I just have to get over the fact that we’re never going to be together. I had my chance and I failed miserably.

I have focused all my energy and time putting on a great show at Shazzy’s Lounge. The crowd never seems dull or bored. They love me and I love performing for them. Being the head entertainer has been a great reward. I’ve been asked to play a fans favorite, asked on several dates by distinguishing men - but turned them all down - and my favorite is meeting a few celebrities. So, I have definitely been having the time of my life here.

The month is almost up and I have yet to make a decision about June’s offer. We’ve talked several times, but she hasn’t pushed me. She knows my deal and is letting me take this ride with ease. I’m having a blast and doing one hell of a job. People come back to only see me perform. How fucking awesome is that? It’s an amazing feeling.

The place is filling up rather quickly. I’m too excited to get up on stage and do my thing. I just wrote a new song and I have a feeling it’s going to knock all my other songs right out of the park. Here I go!

“Sugar Cube,” Shaz grabs my attention.

“Shaz, I’m about to go up.”

“Wait on that. I want Tally here to go first.”

Who
?
What
?
Tally
?
Who the fuck is Tally
?

“Hi!” this Tally girl says way too enthusiastically. Just from the looks of her I want to puke. She looks like Pat Benatar but with blonde fucking hair. “I love your lineup of songs. You have a beautiful voice.”

I am stoned face. I don’t know what to say other than, “Uh…thanks.”

“Go on up, Baby Doll.”

“Eek! So excited! Thanks Shaz!” She hugs Shaz like he’s the greatest gift to mankind.
Holy crap, I did the exact same thing
! That bitch, Emily was fucking right! Shaz so played me with his charm, and fake support.

I am livid and show Shaz just how much. “What the hell Shaz!”

“Now, now Sugar,” he says all cool and swag. “Don’t be upset. You’re still my number one, but sometimes I like to mix things up, once in awhile. So don’t get yo sexy feathers ruffled, ahright?”

“So…what? Does this mean I don’t get to play tonight?”

“Givin’ you a night off. Go out. Have some fun. Live it up on the strip for once.”

“Will I be singing tomorrow night?”

“I wanna see how well my girl does first, and then we’ll talk,” he pats me on the cheek like a fucking toddler and walks away.

I cannot believe this shit happened! Who the fuck does this guy think he is? I’m the best singer he’s ever had and he’s blowing me off for miss goodie goodie. I am angry as hell and order a couple shots at the bar. I down them like water and order a couple more.

“Told ya.”

Oh fucking hell
. Emily just had to get on her high horse and throw her smug ass comment in my face. “Piss off,” I gruffly reply, downing another shot.

Her deep throat laugh makes me want to strangle her. “Maybe you should find a stripping job or something. That usually helps with those that are untalented, such as yourself.”

“Speak for yourself.”

“I take my talent in other places.”

“Like your boss’ bed?” Her eyes widen and her nasty smirk disappears. I have struck gold and feeling a nice little buzz. I look down upon her, telling her exactly what I think. “Yeah, fucking your boss is a
true
talent. Makes you his little whore. No wonder you’re so jealous with those that have actual talent, because you probably couldn’t make it out in the real world on your own. I feel sorry for people like you. You’d rather make others feel like shit than try to get a real job. Instead you’re fucking
The Shaz
just to keep a job.” I click my tongue, shaking my head. “You poor soul. Unlike you, I know how to get by in this world without fucking my way into it, just to feel like I have control of something. You’ll see me in the spotlights someday, trust me on that. You’ll eat your words up and regret ever knowing me.” I down my last shot and head back up to my apartment.

I’m ready to get the fuck out of Vegas for good. There is nothing left for me here. Shazzy’s Lounge is nothing other than a memory. He can kiss my big white ass goodbye; he’ll never have another talent like mine. I’ll be laughing all the way to the Grammy’s.

The first thing I do when I enter my apartment is call June.

“Hey, I was just thinking about you,” June announces.

“I’m in.”

“Are you okay? You sound upset.”

“I am the opposite of upset. In fact I am better than I have ever been in my life.” This statement is a fucking fact. I am feeling on top of the world because for the first time in a long time I know exactly what I want. I want to perform, for the rest of my life.

“So…you’re in?
In
as in…..”

“Yup. I am coming back home, so we can talk about my career.”

I laugh when June starts screaming for joy. “I swear to you, you are not going to regret this!”

“I know I won’t.”

“This is unbelievable news, Melody!” I couldn’t agree more. “Hey, do you need help with moving? I have guys who can do it for you.”

“Thanks. That is actually a great idea.”

“I am so on it! When do you plan on leaving?”

“There is nothing left for me here, so…tomorrow?”

“No problem. I have guys established pretty much everywhere. They’ll get it done in no time.”

June is a total magic warrior. With a click of a button, things get accomplished. “Thank you, June. You have no idea how much your help means to me.”

“It’s my pleasure to help. I cannot wait to see you!”

We say our goodbye’s and immediately I start packing. I decide later on that I am going to surprise Harmony when I get back home. She’ll flip when she sees me. I miss her so much I am dying to leave tonight, but hold off because I need to sleep. Once I gather most of my things I hit the sheets and scroll through my phone for any updates on the band. They just ended their Orlando concert, heading toward Louisiana. I so badly want to text Wayne about my abrupt plans, but I am being a chicken shit and forget the whole thing. Unlike my sister, I don’t read before I go to bed. I hate reading, so instead I turn on my iPod and listen to some classic rock. Eventually I fall asleep.

My cell phone wakes me up some time in the middle of the night. It’s Harmony. This is an odd time for her to call me. It worries me.

I answer groggily, “Harm?”

“There’s been an accident, Mel,” she says, crying.

My senses are now on high alert. I sit up in bed and turn on the lamp. “What? What kind of accident? Why are you crying?”

“The tour bus…the guys got in an accident.”

My stomach suddenly drops. “Wait, wait, wait. What do you mean the guys got in an accident? Are they okay? Please tell me they’re okay!” I jump out of bed, pacing the room.

“I don’t know,” her voice cracks. “I can’t get a hold of Danny. Faith and June are over here. We’re about to leave for the airport.”

My God. I need to get there too! “Harm, where are they? What hospital?”

“Melody? This is June. I have arranged for someone to take you to the airport. I also paid for your flight.”

“Thank you,” I whisper out.

We end our call, without any mention of Wayne being okay. If anyone is okay. I am so worried I didn’t even realize I’ve been crying.
Wayne. Oh, God Wayne
!
Please, please be okay. I’m coming for you, Rocker Boy.

A FEW MORE HOURS AND
we’ll be in The Big Apple again. So before I go get some shut eye, I Facetime my sister, Amber. We talk for a little bit before she let’s Raquel take over. She’s so fucking adorable. Her big, blue eyes, and beautiful dimpled smile helps me smile back. Love my little Princess.

Raquel is holding a pink, glittery bear while we sit and chat. “I miss you Uncle Wayne.”

Those words hit me in the gut. Her tiny voice sounds so sad. “Miss you too, Baby, but I’ll be home soon okay?”

“When?” she pouts. “It’s been a long time.”

“I know it has. I’m in a pretty important business. Have a lot of people who have paid a lot of money to see me and the band play.”

“Yeah. I know. Mommy lez me listen to yor moosic.” The way she talks is so cute; she’s very animated.

“She does huh?”

“Yep! That way I can be close to you.”

This breaks my heart.
Damn.
“Quel, I promise you though, the minute I get home you and I will take a special trip to Disneyland. Would you like that?”

“Disneyland!” she squeals. She looks to the right and screams out, “Mommy, did you hear that!”

“I sure did,” Amber says. “That’s pretty awesome of Uncle Wayne.”

“I’m going to tell Daddy!” Raquel leaves the camera and goes yelling for her Dad. “Daddy, Daddy!” I chuckle from how excited I just made her.

Facetiming with my niece brightens up my mood. She’s the best medicine I could ask for. I really needed to see and hear her voice.

“Disneyland, huh?” Amber smirks. “You sure you can do that now, considering how popular you are?”

“Hey, I’ll make it happen. Nothing I won’t do for my little Princess.” And I mean every word of it. I never break my promises.

“Well, we will discuss it when you get back home. You look exhausted. Get some sleep.”

“Yeah, okay. Talk later.”

“Bye Uncle Wayne!”

“Bye, Princess, love you.”

“Love you too!”

God, I miss that kid. I shutdown my iPad, exhale a big yawn and go to sleep.

Next thing I know, we’ve made it to New York. I feel like I hadn’t slept at all.
Need some fucking coffee.
Low and behold there is a coffee stand right outside the bus. Lyric has some chick get us all a coffee. The guys are looking as dead as I am. Performing in the heat everyday is wearing us out. As much as I am having the best time of my life, it will be nice to get home. A couple weeks and that will happen.

“Welcome to New York!”

I turn around, startled to see Scarlett. “Scarlett. Hey, thanks.” I give her a one arm hug. I didn’t expect to see her this soon. I eye Lyric giving us an odd look as she and the band make their way inside the venue. Wonder what that was for?

“How was the trip?”

“Long.”

“I can imagine.” We continue to walk toward the venue. “Look about that tabloid.”

“It’s fine, Scarlett. Wasn’t your fault.”

“Hope your girlfriend wasn’t too upset.”

Wait, what?
I stop walking. “Never said I had one,” I scowl.

“You didn’t need to.”

Where is this sudden shrewd attitude of hers coming from? This is not the Scarlett I remember from high school. “Like I told you a few nights ago, I’m not going to give in and tell you anything. So can we please drop it?” I am more than a little irritated.

“You’re right. Sorry.”

“Look, Scarlett I know we just reconnected and once had a good relationship, but a lot has changed. You’ve changed, I’ve changed. We can’t exactly go back to what we used to be. You’re a fucking reporter now, for Christ sake.”