Straight from the Heart Page 4

  I saw Cale open the door, hopping off the bus to greet me. “It’s not fantastic, but it’s ours. We bought it when Raptor and I started the band. Pissed our parents off we spent all our money on this bus, but it runs like a charm.” He grabbed my bags and guitar, putting them in the hatch on the side of the bus that I assumed held the rest of the equipment. I still had no idea what I was doing.

  “It’s nice, though. Like a home away from home, right?”

  “Exactly. We pretty much have everything, DVD player to watch movies, Xbox, kick ass music; it’s a big party until we come back home and back to the real world.” He shut the compartment by the wheels one last time and extended a hand. “Want a hand up?”

  I took his hand as he helped me up the stairs to the bus. The inside was just as amazing as the outside. Slick black leather seats sat on both sides of the bus and a flat screen TV was displayed against one of the walls. “Bryn Schaefler this is Hal Reynolds. He’s our bus driver and guard so to speak when we have girls fawning over us.” I grinned, not knowing if he was completely serious about the girls “fawning” over them.

  Hal must’ve been in his late 30’s. His muscles were bigger than both my legs combined, and his head was shaved. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Maybe you’ll keep these boys in line. Crazy fuckers we’re dealing with,” he joked, and shook my hand.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll give them a piece of my mind, Hal. It’s nice to meet you,” I replied, following Cale as he led me back towards Luke, Raptor and Vince, who were fighting over some solider war game on the Xbox. Their heads shot up when they heard me speak.

  “Hey Bryn, welcome aboard!” Luke said, his eyes never peeling away from the screen.

  “Thanks guys. Having fun with that?” I asked, as Vince shouted a string of swear words after his guy died on screen.

  “Shit, fuck. Sorry. I’m usually the one who kicks their asses at this shit.” Vince gave me a sheepish look as the others threw their controllers down.

  “You’re scaring her off already with that shit man,” Cale laughed, making his way further back, and showing me the bunks. They were tiny as Hell, twin sized with little wiggle room, but it was still freedom. I would take what I could get. “Yeah, the beds are small; they’re definitely not made for two, but give it a couple of nights and you will get the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had.” He put his hand on the small of my back and grinned like a possum. When I glared at him, he removed his hand. “Sorry, sorry. I promise that won’t happen again.”

  But I wished it would.

  ***

  We arrived in Detroit late afternoon on our first day after stopping at a burger joint near the concert hall the show was at. My head was pounding, trying to remember all of the new music I was expected to play in front of hundreds, maybe thousands. This was my big debut. The whole drive I had my head phones in, iPod blaring with “pump me up” music. What if I screw up a solo? What happens if I trip on stage and fall on my ass? Maybe the crowd won’t like me. I couldn’t let all of these thoughts get to me like this. I had to focus on playing an amazing show. To get me on the right foot and become the greatest female guitar player ever.

  I wished.

  Lying on my top bunk, I looked out the window, seeing a crowd of dozens already lined up, waiting to see the bands tonight. This is real, I told myself. I’m finally living my dream.

  Hal parked the bus in with the other buses that belonged to our fellow tour mates, and I jumped down from my bed, sifting through my bags for an outfit to wear tonight. Every little piece of clothing I brought with me was courtesy of Hot Topic and a vintage store next to it. Oh my mother would kill me if she saw the things I was doing and wearing. Peeking around the corner to make sure the guys were still off-loading all of the equipment, I changed into what I wanted to make my big debut in.

  I researched Everlasting after Cale offered me the spot in the band and they were nuts. Like thrashing around the stage nuts, practically banging their instruments with every ounce of passion that could pour out of them. I knew these were guys that loved what they did, and sang their hearts out and cared for their fans. All I could do was just try to act the same way.

  Stepping off the bus, Hal whistled at my outfit. “Look at you, young one. Gonna break some hearts?”

  I laughed and high-fived him. “That’s the plan. Break hearts and break faces by the time I’m done playing. The guys are inside already?”

  He nodded. “Yeah, they’re in the dressing room. You go right straight past the buses and through that black door. Take a right and it’ll have the band’s name on it. We’ve played here before, so I know the place quite well.”

  “Thanks, Hal. See you in a bit.” I waved and weaved through the hustle and bustle of roadies and groupies. I could feel eyes boring into me from left and right. I didn’t know if I should be happy about that, or watching my back.

  Passing the bus for Ignite the Flames, I saw someone leaning against the door of the bus, smoking a cigarette, aiming the smoke in my direction.

  “First show?” The guy asked, taking one last puff of his cigarette and throwing it onto the pavement. He was good looking to say the least. It was like I was staring at Jax Teller from Sons of Anarchy in the flesh, minus the whole biker jacket thing going on. Wow, I could hardly contain myself. Down girl…you have a show to play.

  Turning towards him, I put my hands on my hips. “How’d you guess?” I asked, cocking one hip to the side. I was showing a little too much leg, but I knew that’s how a lot of girls dressed when on stage. I figured I might as well follow suit.

  Jax look-a-like smirked and gestured toward my outfit. “It was easy, love. The outfit for starters, the way you carry yourself, like you’re a stuck up pageant queen or some shit.”

  I gave him an indignant look. “Do you get all of the girls like that, saying they’re stuck up pageant queens?”

  “Of course,” he winked, taking steps towards me and outstretched his hand. “Damon Charming, Ignite the Flames.”

  I took his hand, shaking it with a tight grip. His grey eyes were shooting laser beams into my system and all of a sudden, I felt throbbing between my legs. I knew what that meant. I wasn’t that inexperienced, despite being a virgin. His eyes met mine and I smiled in return. “Bryn Schaefler, Everlasting.”

  “Bryn Schaefler huh?” He pulled out another cigarette and lit it up right in front of me. “I heard about you. New lead guitarist. Cale seems to think you’re a frickin’ prodigy or something.”

  Cale really said that about me. He must have been bragging to the world that he nailed me, not literally. I shrugged my bare shoulders. “Yeah I guess I’m pretty good.”

  He took another puff and handed the butt over to me. I shook my head and he placed it back into the side of his mouth so he could talk. “Well, pretty good gets you nowhere, darling. You’ve got to shred those notes like fuckin’ butter. Move those fingers like you’re screwing the guitar bare back.” I stood there with my mouth gaped open. I didn’t know how to react to that. Sure he was pretty damn gorgeous, but I’ve never been around someone who swore so much to my face. Showed how much I got around. “But good luck. I’ll be watching you.” He winked again, and I mouthed “bye”, looking back a couple of times his way before finally making my way inside the venue.

  This was where the chaos began. Dozens of people were in the hallways, making sure equipment wasn’t missing, guitars tuned. It was like a high school drama production. Complete madness. I followed the directions Hal gave me, and turned right, finding Everlastings dressing room within minutes. While knocking, I grinned when I heard Poison’s “Nothin’ but a Good Time” blaring inside the dressing room. I wiggled my hips to the beat of the music as I waited for someone to open the door for me. Just as I was about to knock again, Cale opens the door, shirtless, and wearing a pair of black jeans that lay just below his waist. What was it with me and guys? I had to get a grip; these were my friends, not eye candy. But I couldn’t help myself. It was o
bvious he worked out with the way his six pack was displayed in all its glory, and his hair was tousled around, hiding his amber colored eyes.

  “About time, slow poke. Pre-party was just getting started!” Cale said, gesturing to the rest of the guys drinking out of tall glasses and the excess beer cans splattered on the floor. He must’ve finally noticed what I was wearing, because the look on his face turned from happy to see me to sour in mere seconds.

  “What?” I questioned him. “Am I wearing the wrong thing to go on stage? Is my skirt too short or something?” I pulled down my black tutu so it covered some of my butt and crossed my arms in front of the tight red corset I could barely squeeze into. Most of my cleavage spilled out of it, so I had to be careful and not let anything fall out tonight. Would this be something I would normally wear? Hell no. I thought briefly back to the days my mother would have our driver take me to the designer stores an hour away just to buy dresses when I got a single stain on one. She never believed in keeping clothes for long.

  Cale licked his lips, placing his hands on his hips. “Just not what I expected from a girl who used to wear only pretty dresses. But truthfully, you’ve got the looks that kill tonight.”

  Walking into the dressing room, he shut the door behind me. “She reminds me of Lucy a little bit.” Luke came up and gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek. Cale shot daggers in Luke’s direction and looked about ready to strangle him. “Seriously, I mean with that red corset thingy or whatever it’s called…”

  “Who’s Lucy?” I wondered, wishing I wouldn’t have asked that question out loud.

  “No one,” Cale snapped. “Plays bass in Ignite the Flames,”

  “And Cale’s ex-girl,” Luke piped in again. Out of reflex, Cale punched him in the arm, causing Luke to fall back a few feet.

  “Shut the hell up, Luke, or I’ll rip your balls off and feed it to the line of fans outside this venue.” Cale pointed a finger at his chest, and Luke put his hands up in defense.

  “Sorry, softy. Don’t be so uptight.” Luke shook his head, turning his attention over to me. “By the way, Bryn, you look like the hottest chick I’ve ever seen right now wearing that. I’m just saying.”

  “Thanks Luke.” I replied with a chuckle, flattered in some strange way. I sat down on one of the chairs next to the beat up leather couch.

  “’Thanks Luke’ he’s just sucking up, B, because he likes you.” This time I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Cale was unbelievable. Ever since meeting him, he’s been either like a big brother as sweet as can be, then the next minute being a complete asshole. I didn’t get it.

  So I called him out on his bluff. “You’ve been saying that about everyone Cale. You’re way too moody. You need to loosen up. Live a little bit!” I decided to reach for the bottle of vodka next to me and poured some into a glass. I chugged the sour taste down, letting it burn in my throat as I stood up shaky on my heeled boots and swayed to the music. “Don’t need nothin’ but a good time…” I banged my glass against the rest of the guys’ glasses as we took one last drink and smashed them onto the long table in front of us. Cale slumped down onto the couch with a pissed off, or jealous, expression. I couldn’t tell which.

  “Heyy come on, Pelton. Hot stuffs right, loosen up. Maybe screw one of the groupies after the set.” Raptor slapped Cale on the back and handed him a can of beer.

  He snatched the can of liquid away and drank it down in seconds. Meeting his eyes with mine, he winked and said “Maybe I will.”

  Chapter 5: King for a Day

  This was so surreal. I was standing on the side of the stage watching The Nemesis, one of the other supporting acts on the tour, perform. I could see the thousands of people chanting along and throwing their fists in the air to every word the singer was shouting through the microphone. Their music reminded me of Pierce the Veil, one of my favorite screamo bands. The lead singer had long blond hair that was being thrown every which way as he spun with the mic stand, and growled with such passion and dedication. The guitar players were playing back to back as they shredded the notes, killing it on stage. I practically stood there with my mouth open in amazement, hoping I could pull that same kind of energy off tonight.

  “They’re good, huh?” A voice asked from behind me. I spun around and saw a girl standing behind me. She had black hair streaked with pink that was put up in a messy up-do and wore a tight white tank top with a skull in the middle and holed up skinny jeans.

  “Yeah, they’re awesome,” I answered, smiling at her. “I like your outfit by the way.”

  “Oh, thanks,” She replied, “Been trying to lose this excess fat like crazy and it’s finally working.” I thought she was joking. This girl had no fat to her; I could break her into two if I tried.

  “Bryn Schaefler.” I stretched my hands out towards her.

  “Lucy Tomlinson. Bass player extraordinaire in Ignite the Flames. You’re the new member in Everlasting aren’t you?” I put two and two together and realized this was the Lucy that Luke was talking about in the dressing room. Whatever she was to Cale, she must’ve been really special.

  I nodded. “That’d be me. First show I’ve ever played. Just a tad nervous.”

  She gave me a friendly hug even though I only knew her for a few minutes. “Don’t worry, hun. We’ve been signed since we were all 17 and now I’m 22. I still get nervous every now and then. You’re young, like what, 18 I’m guessing? We’ve all been there, but I have to say you pull that corset off like a pro, Schaefler. Can never go wrong with wearing one, drives the crowd nuts.” I grinned and she started walking towards the dressing rooms just as applause broke out. “Good luck tonight, Bryn.”

  “Thanks, you too.” I waved.

  Over half an hour later, my new electric guitar was tuned up, strapped on me and ready to play. Vince, Raptor and Luke were pep talking over by the water cooler while Cale was doing some kind of weird stretches behind the closed curtain, shielding us from the crowd.

  “Remember everything okay?” Cale asked as I played some chords to warm up my fingers.

  “Think so. I have a good teacher.” I teased jokingly and he smirked.

  “You nail tonight we’re keeping you around, B. Just don’t screw it up. Messing up first night on tour is bad luck.” The crowd started cheering and chanting for us shouting “Everlasting!” “Bring them on!” It only intensified when Raptor warmed up his drums, pounding on his bass drum like a heartbeat, bum bum, bum bum. “Feeling nervous now?” he whispered in my ear.

  I shook my head. I was ready. Ready to show this crowd what I could do. I wished my parents and Brayden could have seen me in that moment. “Excited more than anything.” I replied, as he gestured for the rest of the members to come over.

  “Alright, everyone. Are we ready?”

  “Yeah!” Everyone chanted in return. We linked arms and brought our heads in like we were on a football team discussing a play.

  “Guys, and B, you know what to do. Raptor start out the drum solo and we all run out on stage and everything goes as planned, okay? Let’s do this shit!” Cale patted each one of us on the back and Raptor took his place back at the drum set.

  Showtime.

  We ran out onto the stage, taking our places behind the curtain, and once Vince and I started playing the notes to ‘Afterlife’ by Avenged Sevenfold, it felt like war. The curtain dropped and the crowd was already pushing and shoving as I eased into the music. Cale’s voice was perfect. The whole hour we played our cover songs, originals, he hit every note, never missing a beat. Everyone was having so much fun, and the fans were going crazy for each song we played.

  “Hey how’s everyone doing tonight?” Cale growled into the microphone, standing on top of one of the speakers that held his weight. He had that presence that made everyone pay attention to him, commanded that stage with ease. “I wanted to take the time to introduce everyone in the band. On the drums is the mighty Raptor…” People started yelling “Raptor! Raptor” and he stood up and threw some dr
umsticks into the audience and waved. “Playing the bass guitar, the wonderfully single Luke!” Luke slipped off his shades and put up a middle finger. “On the guitar is the king of shredding, Vince!” Vince played a string of fast notes and got the crowd fired up.

  Cale jumped down from the amp, and made his way over to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “During the break Everlasting lost an amazing drummer. Raptor stepped into that role and we found a killer new lead guitarist who is going to be with us for a long time to come. This is Bryn. Everyone welcome her to the group!” He kissed me on the cheek and I waved, still feeling the touch of his lips on my skin. Having all of these people staring at me was a little intimidating but I went with it.

  “Thanks everybody, we’re going to play one last song, and then up next is Ignite the Flames!” I spoke loudly into the mic as Cale took it back, grinning at me. We played one last original song before our set was done for the night.

  After unplugging the equipment and moving the amps off stage to the bus, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. I was sweating bullets in my outfit and could feel my corset soaked. I wanted to get the thing off right away and not think twice.

  “So how did that feel?” Cale muttered in my ear as I shut the hatch up on the side of the bus. I jumped from where I was kneeling, almost landing into his arms backwards. He smelled like a good combination of sweat and beer, which I never thought I would like until that night.

  “Thrilling. Fucking breath taking, my ears are shot,” I said as we stood just centimeters from each other. Cale threw his head back and snickered.