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“Oh, I have a novel idea, why doesn’t Trixie use some of the money that Moreno is fu
Just outside the wall is where Harrison keeps all his surfboards and wetsuits, plus anything else you need for the beach. His kitchen patio is state of the art and puts my newly installed outside kitchen to shame. His condo is south enough from LA that it hardly rains, affording us beautiful weather all the time. This is where I’d like to live if Josie ever agreed to move here. Fat chance of that happening after this whole picture shit with Layla.
When we catch up with JD, he’s body surfing with a few little kids. They’re all laughing and keep asking him to say different words. Little kids are easily fascinated by his accent. As soon as he sees us, he tells them he has to go and maybe he’ll see them around.
“New friends?” I ask, handing him the wetsuit.
“Hilarious. You’re just jealous that I have that universal appeal to everyone, mate.”
“Oh, believe me, I’m not.”
We step into our wetsuits and strap our ankles. The three of us, with our boards under our arms, look out into the ocean. We’ve been here before – same beach, same pose – right before shit started changing for us. Actually, it’s me who initiated the change and sometimes I wonder if I’ve steered them in the wrong direction. I know neither of them would give up Katelyn or Je
Where would I be right now? Dead? I don’t know why death is my first option, maybe because I felt like I was dying a little each day. Then I saw Josie again for the first time in ten years and everything changed.
“Let’s go,” Harrison says, walking out to the water. JD and I follow, dropping onto our boards and paddling out. I’m not great on the board, but I try my hardest and it’s a lot of fun. Harrison and Qui
We ride the waves until Tess hollers for us to come in for lunch. JD runs up to the house, picking Tess up and getting her all wet. She squeals in pure delight and pinches his cheeks when he puts her down.
Tess joins us for grilled chicken, corn on the cob and salad. Apparently Harrison told her we’re not eating very healthy.
“This looks delicious, Tess. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Liam.”
Small talk is made, and it’s mostly about her grandchildren – all five of them. Tess has always doted on Qui
“Has Anthony been by?”
JD, Harrison and I all drop our forks at the same time, but Tess keeps eating. It’s like she doesn’t know that she’s asked about the devil himself.
“Sometimes I forget you know the same people as my grandmother,” I say to Tess, who smiles softly. I look at Harrison and ask, “Do you remember that party? The one where Anthony was talking to Ness Cacco?” I’ll do anything to change the subject from Anthony Moreno.
He nods. “Yvie was trying to hit on you.”
“Oh my,” Tess says, covering her mouth. “I swear, that girl. I’m waiting for her to tell me its okay to let people know she’s engaged.”
“WHAT?” the three of us say at the same time, shock and surprise evident all over our faces. Clearly Yvie has been hiding this little bit of information from all of us.
Tess turns red and covers her mouth. Harrison pulls on her hand, but she shakes her head.
“Please tell me it isn’t that scumbag director?” I ask.
Another head shake.
“Xander?” Harrison asks.
Tess’s eyes go wide as she stuns us into silence.
“Spill now, Mom.” Harrison demands.
Her hand drops from her mouth and she starts filling us in on the details. “Xander proposed about a month ago, but Yvie has asked me to keep it quiet until she could give notice at the ballet and get moved.”
“She’s moving to Beaumont?” JD asks.
“Yes, by the end of the summer. She’s going to teach ballet above the gym.”
“So that’s why Xander has been remodeling,” I add, causing Tess to nod. She looks so upset that she gave away Yvie’s secret, but we’re all family, we won’t tell anyone. “You okay, Harrison?” I kick his shin to get his attention.
“Yeah, it’s just weird thinking she’s old enough to get married.”
“Um, you do realize that she and I are about the same age.”
He looks at me with squinted eyes. “Yeah, but you’re a dude and shit.”
Confusing explanations brought to you by Harrison James... and that is one of the many reasons why I love him.
After lunch, we have to say our goodbyes. Tess tells us she’ll be up for one of the five shows we’re going to play at Metro and asks us to come back and see her. Harrison promises, of course.
As soon as we pull into the hotel to shower and change, I spot Moreno waiting in the lobby. We bypass him on purpose, and he knows it judging by the smirk that’s on his face. We ride the elevator in silence, the only noise coming from our beating hearts. We know why he’s here, but the thing is, JD and Harrison get to escape him. I don’t. He’ll be knocking on my door any minute now.
“I think we should go to your room.” It’s JD who suggests this and if it wasn’t socially unacceptable, I’d handcuff both of them to me so they had to come in.
“I agree,” Harrison adds. “He’s been coming after you, alone, when it’s a band decision. Unless he just wants you... ”
I shake my head. “Even if that was the case, he knows I won’t go anywhere without you guys.”
The elevator dings and the door opens. Each step to my penthouse seems to take forever. And it seems like another eternity before the knock comes. Harrison answers the door, holding it open for Moreno to enter.
“Gentlemen,” he says, as if he’s welcome here. He sits in the same chair as he did last time, setting his fedora on the edge. Hospitality indicates I should offer him a drink, but after the meltdown I had the other night, I asked that all liquor be removed from my room.
“Page, can’t pay your bill I see?” he motions to the empty liquor tray.
“Nah, I just have a problem with people who show up to my room, uninvited, and help themselves to my booze.”
Moreno chuckles and pulls out a flask. Seriously, can’t this man go one day without a drink?
“Let’s talk business, boys.”
“Let’s talk restraining order,” Harrison fires back.
Moreno waves it off as if it’s nothing important. We could call the cops, but the likelihood that they’ll care is slim. They’re busy dealing with drug deals and dead prostitutes. Our gripe is a waste of time and Moreno knows it.
He brings his leg up, resting his ankle on his knee. “I’m going to cut to the chase. You need me. After the media frenzy the other day, you need strong representation.”
“You caused that frenzy,” I point out.
“Eh, it was purely to show you what you’ll be dealing with if someone like me isn’t around.”
“This sounds like a threat, Moreno,” Harrison states.
“Just stating the facts.” He shrugs and stares at JD. “You’re young. Make sure these guys make the right decision. If they don’t, you know where to find me.”
“Nah, I think I’ll pass. I’m happy with my mates, ta.”
“I don’t understand why you want us,” I say, as I sit in front of him. I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “What can we even offer you?”