Pick (Recoil Rock #1) Page 14

  “You two a thing now?”

  I scoff and push Techie off me while he chuckles.

  “She wishes.”

  “Do not!”

  “Okay lovers, what’s going on?” Mad Dog asks and Techie looks to me and nods.

  I exhale and slump my body. “You know how I’ve been spending more time with Danger and Recoil lately and less time at the club?”

  He nods and sits back in his chair, it creaks with the heaviness of his weight.

  Swallowing hard, I take another breath. “Well, I started a foundation and I’m going to be spending a lot more time on that. Recoil will be beginning their Australian tour soon, and I’d… like to go with them.”

  He rubs his bearded chin and licks his lips looking at me like he’s seeing right through me. “You want to leave the club?”

  I glance to Techie and he nods, so I nod.

  Mad Dog flares his nostrils as he breathes in loudly, sitting back up in his chair and places his hands on the table. “You haven’t been servicing the brothers on Steel’s orders, I respected that, he’s my VP. You’ve been out gallivanting with rock stars and slacking on your duties here as a club girl. And you quit at Strapless without consulting me. I respected all that, too. But now… you want to leave my club?”

  “It’s not that I don’t appreciate everything you’ve done for my family and me, but—”

  He raises his hand to silence me, and I close my mouth pulling my lips in by my teeth. “Lunar, as much as I respect having you here, as much as I think you deserve to be here, your heart isn’t in the club anymore, and I don’t want members that don’t want to be here. If you want out, you’re out! But, once you’re out there’s no coming back. You know that, right? We don’t give second chances.”

  I nod with a weak smile. “I know, but as you said, my heart isn’t here anymore.”

  “Your heart is with the rocker?”

  I swallow hard and tilt my head. “I don’t know if I would go that far, but I definitely don’t think my heart is with the Savage’s anymore.”

  “Because Steel is over you?”

  I half laugh. “I’m over him, too.”

  Mad Dog laughs and nods. “I can see that. Okay… you’re free to go. When are you leaving?”

  “Just like that?”

  He chuckles. “Yeah, sweetheart. You were an awesome club girl, you kept my boy happy while you two were… whatever you were. You deserve to find whatever it is you’re looking for.”

  Techie smirks and wraps his arm around my shoulders pulling me to him. “Okay, well, I have my stuff packed. I might as well leave today then.”

  “Do you want a farewell party?” Mad Dog asks.

  “Fuck yeah!” Techie chimes.

  “Fuck no! I don’t want a sendoff, I’m just going to go. The guys won’t miss me. I’ll just say goodbye to Skye and go without any fuss.”

  “If that’s what you want.”

  “I do.”

  “Right, be good, have fun with your charity shit and look after yourself. Keep in touch and if you need us we’re always here for you,” Mad Dog conveys.

  I nod with a genuine smile. “Thanks, Prez.”

  “Now… get out,” he yells.

  I smirk as Techie pulls me with him and we walk out of the assembly room.

  The door closes behind us with a thud, and I glance up at Techie and he smiles. “Wasn’t so bad.”

  “Wasn’t bad at all. Now I just have to find Skye.”

  Techie nods and looks over to the bean bag sofa where she’s sitting with FIM.

  I sigh. “This part’s gonna suck.”

  “Yeah, saying goodbye to friends is hard. But Lunar you have to do what’s right for you, babe. Skye will be fine without you, I promise.”

  Nodding as I detach myself from Techie, I walk over to Skye who’s laughing at something FIM has said. I’m surprised he isn’t behind the bar to be honest, he must be having a break. She looks up noticing me walking toward her and she smiles.

  “Hey, slut face. Me and FIM were talking about having some lunch, wanna join us?”

  Chewing on my bottom lip, I slump my body. “Umm… actually, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

  FIM stands up shifting her legs off his. “I’ll leave you two to it.”

  I nod at him with a slight smile and reach out grabbing his strong bicep. “FIM… thanks for looking after Skye for me, she’s a great girl and it’s nice to know someone is watching over her.”

  Skye furrows her brows at me as FIM nods. “Sure thing. She’s great, and I’m always going to watch out for her. Don’t worry, Lunar, I’ll have her back.”

  “Good! Okay, now fuck off, I need to talk to my bitch,” I tease. He chuckles with a nod and walks off toward the bar.

  Skye sits up taller on the sofa and frowns, taking in a deep breath as I plonk down next to her. “You’re leaving aren’t you?” she asks.

  “Yeah, I am.”

  She sighs and her eyes begin to water making my chest hurt as my throat tightens in anguish. “Tell me I have a little while before you go? Tell me I have some time with you?”

  I sniff, shaking my head as she winces and a tear falls down her cheek. “Damn it, Lunar. You’re meant to give me time to get used to the idea! I knew you were going to go, but I need time to adjust to the actual leaving bit.”

  I reach out grabbing her hands and hold onto her tightly. “I’m sorry. I’ve been so wrapped up in my own world I didn’t think, and I know I’m leaving you here and things are weird in the club right now. The dynamics are shifting and things are changing, but if anyone can handle change you can. You’re stronger than anyone I know. Hell, no one can take on Jess and win like you can.”

  She laughs and rolls her eyes. “That girl is cray-cray. What with the ping pong balls and what not,” Skye says wiping her tears and I smile. “How long do I have?”

  Wincing, I take a deep breath. “Right now.”

  She groans and shakes her head. “You’re leaving after we finish talking?” she murmurs, her tears falling faster and heavy now which causes mine to start.

  Nodding, my bottom lip trembles and I sigh. “Everything is packed. I don’t need a big farewell party or anything. I think it’s better if I just slip out quietly without any fuss.”

  “But I want to fuss, you deserve a fuss!”

  “Just spending my last moments in this club with you is all the fuss I want and need. Honestly, this is how it’s meant to be, Skye. I’m good. I’m going out into the big wide world and I know you will too one day.”

  She leans in wrapping her arms around me tightly, so tightly I can barely breathe, but I like it as I hug her back and we both softly cry. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, you know that right?” she whispers into my hair.

  “I always will be. I’m only a phone call away. Whenever you need me… always.”

  She pulls back and wipes the salty water from her cheeks and smiles. “I really am going to miss you.”

  “Me too.”

  “You’re going to be a rocker’s girlfriend!”

  I chuckle and roll my eyes. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, we’re just—”

  “Fucking?” she quips.

  I giggle and tilt my head. “Well… yeah! But I can see myself with him… as his girlfriend. But fuck we’re both in such a weird headspace that I don’t think that’s on the cards at the moment. Right now, though, we’re just hanging out. We know we like each other and that’s enough for now.”

  “Well, you’re leaving to go on tour with him so he must want you around. That’s got to count for something.”

  “Yeah, I guess it does.”

  “He’s going to fall in love with you just like I have.”

  I screw my face up and giggle. “Ewww… lezzo.”

  She slaps my arm and rolls her eyes. “Hey, I’m trying to be real here.”

  “Sorry. Thank you. And it will be interesting to see where Danger and I end up. I’ll kee
p you informed.”

  “Yes, you must.”

  Sighing, I look to the clock above the bar and frown. “I said I’d be back at the hotel for lunch.”

  She looks to the clock and slumps her body. “Okay. I love you.”

  “I love you, too, so much. Be good and don’t take any crap.”

  She smiles. “FIM is looking after me. I’m sure I’m going to be well looked after from now on.”

  I nod and stand up.

  She stands too and takes a deep breath wiping some fresh tears away from her cheeks. “Have the best time.”

  “I’m going to.”

  She leans in hugging me, and I close my eyes to stop them from crying again as Techie steps up behind me and pats my back.

  “I have all your stuff in the car when you’re ready.”

  Pulling back I look at him. “I’m ready.”

  Skye sobs letting me go, and I wince at her but start walking off with Techie toward the exit.

  It feels weird. I know I might not ever come back here, and leaving without saying goodbye to everyone is strange, but this is how it needs to be done.

  I take one last look around the place that was my home for the last four and a half years, and I smile. As I walk through the big black door I know for the first time in my life I’m doing the right thing.

  Techie has brought me and my belongings back to Danger’s hotel, and as we walk toward Danger’s room, there’s a peaceful calm running inside of me. I thought I’d be panicking about leaving the clubhouse, but I feel at ease. I needed this, and I think Techie can sense that.

  “You look happy,” he says as we reach Danger’s door.

  Sighing, I smile at him. “I think I am.”

  He nods and knocks on Danger’s door. Standing taller, I take a deep breath as Danger pulls the door open.

  “Hey! Thanks for bringing her over,” Danger says taking my luggage from Techie’s hands. “And thank you for helping her leave the club.”

  Techie nods and wraps his arm around my waist. “It’s going to be so much quieter without her there, but you have to promise to take care of her,” he demands, and I roll my eyes.

  “I will, and I promise we’ll keep in touch. Thanks for everything man, we couldn’t have started this journey without you.”

  Techie shrugs. “Meh… was my pleasure. I’m going to keep working with Luke from the back seat as you tour, and keep everything going promotion wise etcetera.”

  I lean in kissing Techie on the cheek, and he smiles wide. “Thank you… for everything.”

  He nods and kisses my forehead. “Have a good time. Be your true self, Lunar. You’re free to be whoever you want now,” Techie says letting go of me. He gives Danger a curt nod and then turns walking down the hall leaving me alone.

  “I’m so happy you finally had the courage to leave,” he says gesturing for me to walk inside.

  “It was hard, but I couldn’t have done it without you,” I say, stopping in the middle of the bedroom and turning to see him right behind me. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me to him.

  “I’m only too happy to help. Shower?” he asks, and I smile and nod.

  We fly out to Melbourne this morning to start preparations for Recoil’s first Australian tour. This afternoon they have a press conference, but their actual concerts don’t start for a while as they have rehearsals for a few weeks with the backing band, and no one knows who they are yet. Luke has organized it all. They’re an up and coming sensation apparently, and Luke said because Recoil are basically new in this country they have to take who they can get as their backup. They can’t afford to be picky. So Recoil told Luke to get whatever he could, and therefore they didn’t go through a selection process.

  We touchdown at Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport and we file off the plane. Heading through the arrival lounge a small, and I mean small, swarm of girls descends upon Recoil—about seven teenagers in all. I smile wide as I let Danger’s hand go and allow him to do his thing along with the other guys. Danger and Ryan chuckle as they look toward the girls and shake their heads.

  “This is nothing like what we’ve had in the past,” Ryan murmurs to me before they take off and start signing autographs and taking photos with their very limited adoring fans. I stand back watching in slight awe of how Danger works his devotees. They love him, and somehow he knows he’s going to be huge. There’s an arrogance about him, but that doesn’t take away from the persona he exudes. I’m sure this little ensemble of fans is nothing compared to what awaits him.

  Luke steps up to me and tilts his head in observation. “How does this make you feel, Lunar?”

  “This? This is great. I love how the teenagers adore him. It’s great to see them appreciating his music.”

  He nods and exhales. “And if the girls were in their twenties and throwing themselves at him?”

  My eyebrows scrunch together and I turn to face him shaking my head. “But they’re not?”

  “No, but this is only the tip of the iceberg, Lunar. Once they start getting bigger and their fan base grows, the fans get older and they get sluttier. How will you handle that?”

  Swallowing hard, I turn my head from side to side cracking my neck and exhale. “Well, it’s all part of it isn’t it? But in the end, I know he’s going back to the hotel room with me, not them.”

  He smiles and nods. “Good girl. Just try to remember that when the swarms get bigger and the girls get older, okay?” He walks off and grabs Danger, telling the girls that we need to go and they all groan in disappointment.

  Nate looks over at me and frowns. He knows that this is going to bug me. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to show it to anyone. Especially not Nate. He nods to me dodging the girls coming over and smiles wide. I’m not sure what his game is right now as Danger watches on but is slightly distracted by Luke talking to him.

  “Lunar, it’s cool when fans greet us, hey?”

  Smirking, I shrug. “I wouldn’t say this was a massive reception, Nate.”

  He chuckles and nods. “True, we’ve had much bigger. And with the shows coming up, and the tour starting up, our popularity will get even bigger. Just know that if it gets hectic, and Danger isn’t around but you need someone to lean on, I’m here. I’m a good listener.”

  Furrowing my brows, I tilt my head to the side and pout my lips out. “Umm, okay, thanks?” I say more like a question than a statement.

  He smiles, nods, turns and walks back over to Ryan, who gestures for me to follow them as we strut through Melbourne airport now without the little fangirls. I can’t help but think that was weird for Nate, but maybe he’s just trying to be nice to me. Maybe he knows I’m going to be around for a while now and is actually making an effort? Either way, I’m not going to think about it too much and just get on with my day.

  We arrive at the hotel in Melbourne and Luke tells us the backup band for the tour is staying here as well, and we’re going to meet them before the start of the press conference. The guys are excited to see who they will be jamming with on tour, but Luke isn’t giving them any information about the other band at all.

  “Can you at least tell us the band’s name, Luke?” Danger asks as we walk to the conference room.

  He smirks and takes a deep breath. “Luminous.”

  Danger curls his lip and furrows his brows. “Luminous? That’s a strange name for a bunch of rock and roll guys?”

  Luke swallows hard and nods as he opens the door to the conference room and we walk in. The room is small, and standing inside are a few people, mainly women, a couple of people dressed like they’re cameramen or runners, maybe show producers and reporters. Then the obvious strangeness in the room is the five women who are dressed very oddly with lightning painted on their faces, and wearing very interesting clothing. Instantly, I gaze over at Luke, who stares at me chewing on his bottom lip. I pull my lips in by my teeth and try to hide my laugh.

  The guys are not going to like this.

  “Okay, so
where’s this band? I can see their weird-ass groupies are here, but if they can’t be here on time then we need to set some ground rules before this tour kicks off,” Danger calls out.

  The shortest of the women, with her long flowing straight blonde hair and her tiny frame steps forward, she doesn’t even reach his shoulders she’s so small but what she lacks for in height she makes up for in sass. The glare in her eyes as she stares down Danger, makes him furrow his brows as he takes a slight step backward. It makes me giggle softly.

  She shoves her finger into his chest pointing it hard. “First of all, we’ve been here for over fifteen minutes waiting for you to get here. So you’re the late ones. And… we’re not the groupies you cocky, arrogant son of a bitch, we’re Luminous.” Her hands fly up into the air as she says the last word and she waggles her fingers around like she’s a fairy or something. My eyes open wide and Danger furrows his brows and slowly shakes his head as Ryan smirks.

  “Fuck yes!” Ryan chimes.

  “Fuck no… a bitch band?” Danger states glaring at Luke, and he winces and shrugs as the five girls all gasp.

  “We are not a bitch band. We are girl rockers, and I’ll have you know we rock harder than any rock you can rock… you cock.” The blonde girl struggles with her come back while the other girls all fist pump the air and praise her for her not so witty come back as Danger squints and breathes heavy.

  “Seriously Luke? You think people are meant to take our shows as a legitimate rock and roll extravaganza with Luminous and… what’s your name?” He looks at the blonde.

  “Effervescent.” Her hands do the spirit finger thing again and my hand shifts to my mouth to hide my laugh.

  “Oh, you have got to be kidding me? Luke!” Danger groans glaring at Luke as Effervescent and her girls smile and sway from side to side like they might very well be high.

  “Okay, so yes the backup band is a girl group. But they’re not a pop band. They’re a rock group, Danger, and they’re good,” Luke defends and Effervescent nods with a satisfied smile.

  “Good? They’re good? She looks like a fucking pixie, Luke? And don’t get me started on the freaking lightning on their faces. What are they, in the seventies? Are they Kiss wannabes?”