The Redemption (6 page)

The night started off innocent enough. Lara and I had dinner and drinks, then headed to see The Resistance. In the past, New Yorkers have always been crazy and fun at their shows. I assume they won’t disappoint tonight.

Feeling sexy in my new black jeans and tank top, I decided my high-heeled knee boots, silver and black necklaces would complement. The outfit is a departure from my normal California style, which tends to be very laidback and more free-flowing with some Mom mixed in. Tonight’s theme is sex appeal and rock n’roll. Lara was influential in the ensemble.

She looks amazing—effortless, but always at the edge of fashion. Together, we are both beauty
and
brains. We learned a long time ago that we can be sexy without coming off like bimbos.

Clutching her purse under her arm, she glances my way. “So I’ve been thinking about our conversation last week. Maybe it’s time for you to start dating again.”

There’s a quiet between us as we both take that in. Finally, I say, “And why do you think that?”

“Seems like you might be more ready than you think.”

I shrug. “I dunno. I don’t think about it much.”

“Tonight seems like a good time to start.”

“Start what? Thinking about it or dating?”

She shrugs this time. “Maybe both.”

With a laugh, I say, “I can tell you’re gonna be trouble with a capital T tonight.”

“Is there any other way to be?”

Shaking my head, I laugh again. I love her spirit and energy too much to deny her the possibility of the fun in store for us. I also feel my more adventurous side revealing itself. It feels good to let loose. It’s been too long and the rush of adrenaline hypes me up after so many years. Taking her hand, I pull her into the massive crowd toward the doors.

When we enter, I realize it’s also been forever since I’ve been on this side of a concert. The T-shirts, buttons, posters, and passion displayed for the band makes me smile. But I’m soon tugged to the left by Lara when she spots a bar. “Shot time.”

While we wait in line, I ask, “You’re gonna get me wasted, aren’t you?”

“If my plan works.”

“Fine. First round is on me.” I bump her hip with mine. “If we’re gonna do it, we’re gonna go big.”

After two shots and a Jack and Coke to-go, we make our way backstage, flashing our badges when necessary. I leave the guys alone, not wanting to interrupt their pre-performance routine. I lead her down to the VIP area off to the side of the crowd next to the media. “This is great,” she says, squeezing in next to me.

The anticipation builds just like it always did when I used to come to their shows. I would watch Cory, my eyes fixed on him. Tonight I stare at the spot where he used to stand to start the show, but he’s not there. I take the other shot, wanting to drown out the memories and live in the here and now. The music being piped in overhead stops and the arena goes black. My heart starts thundering in my chest from excitement. This is how The Resistance has started every show since the first tour, and for tradition, they still do. With one loud hit on the drums, the entire place goes quiet. Dex is at his kit, doing a countdown even though the arena lies trapped in darkness. I smile.

I can’t see, but I know Kaz and Derrick should be in place. Dex kicks into the opening solo and we start screaming along with everyone else. Like I’ve seen so many times before, a spotlight hits Johnny center stage, his guitar hanging upside down on his back, his hands gripping the microphone in such a seductive way, the way that made him the star he is.

His voice carries over the screams. The girls next to me start to cry and the guys holler. Johnny’s pitch is flawless, something that’s always come so easily for him. Dex is in the background—sunglasses on, no headband anymore like he used to wear when his hair was long, ripped shirt where the sleeves used to be, and a rhythm that no other drummer on the music scene can rival. I close my eyes, the alcohol and song melding perfectly together. For a minute, I forget all that’s happened in the last three years. For a moment in time, I feel, just like I used to feel when I played guitar and wrote songs with the guys. When I open my eyes, a wave of emotion takes hold and I finish the drink in my hands, dropping the plastic cup to the floor and throw my arms in the air, letting the melody wash through me, over me, taking me whole.

The only thing more powerful than music is love. The music will have to be enough for now.

Five songs in and the audience is much drunker and less aware of their bodies. Lara and I follow as the vibe of the night carries us. I spin, dancing my ass off, and embracing the freedom. Before the band breaks for the encore, we sneak backstage again and make a cocktail. The guys have a full bar setup back here. They don’t drink before or during the shows anymore, but after, I know they like to have the option. With fresh drinks in hand, we go to the dressing room and plop down on the couch together. It only takes one look in each other’s direction and we start giggling. “You’re a mess,” I tease.

Poking me in the arm, she says, “Look who’s talking.”

The door swings open and the guys come in one-by-one. Dex smiles when he sees me—cocky and annoyingly sexy. The rest of them greet us before retreating to different parts of the room. Johnny makes a call. Kaz goes into the bathroom, and Derrick hops up on the counter, his back against the mirror, and starts playing on his phone.

Dex sits next to me, a bottle of soda in his hands. He takes a long swig, his eyes steady on me and asks, “Are you drunk?”

Leaning my head back, I reply, “A little.”

“Don’t get wasted… yet. We’re going out later.” He stands up and heads for the door. But he stops to look in the mirror and run his hands through his hair first. He puts his sunglasses back on and leaves with a bodyguard in tow.

I’m left there with my mouth hanging open and very much looking forward to later.

Derrick gets up, looking annoyed. “Damn Kaz, hogging the toilet.” He walks out. I guess in search of another bathroom.

Johnny hangs up, then grabs a water from the fridge. “It’s a good crowd tonight. Holliday says hi.”

“New York,” I reply as if that’s the only answer needed. “Tell her hi.”

“I’m glad you flew out, Ro. It’s good to have you back on the road again.”

“Thanks.”

When he leaves, I turn to Lara. “You still up for going out?”

“Umm. Have you met me?”

“Silly question. What was I thinking?” I laugh, then ask, “Where exactly are we going out tonight? Any idea?”

“Hopefully not to jail.”

“So that’s our goal? Just to stay out of trouble?”

“No one said anything about trouble. Trouble is definitely still on the agenda.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve hung out with the band in public. My mind has blocked the chaos that came along with it. But I’m quickly reminded when we get out of the SUV and have to walk one block up to a private restaurant and bar. Derrick and Kaz went to party across town with some friends of theirs. Johnny went to the hotel. Tommy and Lara lead the way inside while Dex walks next to me. Our hands accidentally touch a couple of times and I notice each one, wanting more. My desire is fulfilled in a different way when we go inside the bar. His hand presses lightly against my lower back, guiding me in, and making me wonder if he’s ever done that to me in the past. I don’t think he has because that one caring gesture is felt throughout my entire body. I think I would remember this sensation. Once inside, the crowd is subdued, calm is being restored as the adrenaline starts wearing off. So does the booze, so I tell Dex, “I’m ready for a drink.”

With a smile that reaches his eyes, he says, “I’m ready for a few myself. Our table’s over here.”

The music is exotic—seductive, the lights dim, and the crowd stylish. I recognize a few celebrities, some I’ve met before—one is an actor, Chad Spears, who hit it big in the last year and hit on me at an after-party of an awards show a couple years back. He was young and cute then. He’s more man and more handsome these days. Sitting on a white leather couch, he has his arm draped over a woman who is either a model or a wannabe actress. Chad’s gaze meets mine and a wry grin appears. With a nod, we acknowledge each other just as Dex’s hand slips to my side, redirecting me to the corner where our booth is located.

We settle in and order drinks. Tommy jokes about a screw up backstage while Dex eyes me. “You look good tonight.”

“Good?” I tease with a nudge to his side, liking the fact that he’s looking at me.

“Better than good. Hot.”

I tap my head lightly to his shoulder. “Aww, thank you. You look go—”

A smooth voice interrupts us, “Hey, Rochelle.” I know it’s Chad before I even look up. Glancing past him to the VIP table he was recently occupying, I notice the girl is gone. “Good to see you.”

“Hi,” I reply just as our drinks are delivered.

“Chad,” Dex says with a harsh emphasis on the name.

“Interesting to see you here… in a bar, Dexter. How’s post-rehab working out for you?” Chad eyes Dex’s drink insinuating everything.

Dex is calm considering the insult, and says, “I don’t do drugs anymore, so it’s working out just peachy.” Dex is about to say something else, but bites his bottom lip as he looks away. Picking up his glass, he drinks like he’s got a point to prove.

Chad bumps his leg against mine, making me look back up. He straightens his suit jacket and puts a smile on for me. “We should catch up. Can I buy you a drink?” I start to say no, but he cuts me off. “Just one. Please.”

He holds his hand out for me. Feeling it would be rude not to, I take it. Dex grabs me by the belt loop and stops me. “Stay.”

“Just one drink,” Chad interjects. “Relax, I’m not gonna steal your date.”

“Stay.” There’s a plea in Dex’s eyes that makes me start to pull my hand back from Chad, but Chad tightens his grip and pulls me to my feet.

“Just one drink,” he says. I can tell he’s trying to charm me. “He’ll be okay without you. He gets plenty of company. I want a little time with you.”

“I made plans with my friends tonight. It would be rude if I left.”

“Maybe later then.”

“Yeah, maybe later,” I reply and sit back down.

As he walks away, Dex’s hand covers my knee. “Stay away from him. He’s an asshole.”

“That was uncomfortable. What’s the history between you two?”

Dex sits back and looks over his shoulder at Chad across the room. “We went to high school together.”

“You did?”

“Yeah. He was an asshole then, too.”

“Let me guess. Star quarterback, dated all the hot girls, Class President?”

He chuckles. “Something like that.”

“Tell me about you,” I say. “Give me all the dirty details of when you were younger.”

“The past doesn’t matter, Rochelle. Only tonight.”

His words and his eyes, the way they’ve latched onto mine, possession taking hold, I’m shocked I’m still upright. My body is flooded with want for him and I quickly reach for my drink to cool myself down. I close my eyes and sip. When I open them, I find myself gravitating even closer to him, pressed to his side. I whisper, “You can’t say things like that to me, Dex.”

His hand warms my leg and he leans in until I feel his words cover my skin. “Why not?”

Just as I’m about to answer with that there is no reason or maybe with a kiss, we’re interrupted by a group of women. “You’re with The Resistance. Can we have your autograph and a picture?”

She shoves a napkin and a pen in front of him. As he scribbles his name, my gaze meets Lara’s across the table and our silent conversation begins. Her lips purse and her eyebrows are raised. She signals toward Dex with a nod, questioning.

He’s hot and I don’t know, I guess I like his attention. I like him. I say all that through a guilty smile and a playful shrug.

Looking at Tommy, she leans in and tells him something. He jumps and sits on top of the booth. “You need another?” He asks me from across the table.

“Yes. Thanks.”

Slipping out of the booth, he leans in when he passes and says, “You guys be careful. Okay? You know what happened last time.”

I’m not sure if he’s giving me advice or warning me. I know he cares about both of us and his concern is showing tonight. Understandable worry since he’s had to watch Dex and I flirt so much tonight.