Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 78227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“Because we love our audience. We have to give them something.”
My brother’s such a rocker. Tonight, more than any other time performing with his band, I really felt a part of things. I’ve never considered myself an actual member of this band. I don’t perform with them all the time.
But for the first time, I wonder…
What would it be like to be a permanent member of the band?
I’m sure they’d have me, but am I ready to give up the rest of my life? Teaching? My holiday concert? I’ve already been going through programming in my head. I just haven’t had the time to jot it down.
“Was the guy from Rossi here?” I ask.
“I’m not sure,” Jesse says.
We’re packing up our instruments, when—
“You guys rocked it,” Guy says, walking to the stage. “The agent from Rossi is here and wants to meet you.”
My heart skips. “That’s amazing.”
“Absolutely,” Jesse says. “Where is he?”
“It’s a she, and she wants to talk to you at her table.”
“Maybe we could go somewhere quieter,” Cage says. “It’s still pretty noisy in here.”
Guy nods. “Let me ask her. Maybe she’ll come backstage.”
“That’d be great.”
We continue packing up, and once we’re about done, Guy returns.
“Hey, guys. This is Selena Campbell from the Rossi Group.”
Selena Campbell is dressed in black jeans and a bronze halter top, plus spiked platform heels. She doesn’t look like an agent, or at least not how I assume an agent would look. She looks more like a Playboy centerfold.
“Jesse Pike.” Jesse holds out his hand. “This is my sister, Rory. And my cousin, Cage Ramsey, our lead guitarist. Jake Michaels on keyboard, and Dragon Locke on the drums.”
“Dragon Locke?” Selena raises her eyebrows.
“Yes, ma’am,” Dragon says.
“So they named the band after you?”
“They did.”
“It’s just a really cool name, don’t you think?” Cage says.
“I do. You guys were terrific, especially you.” She eyes me.
I’ve seen that look before.
Jesse won’t recognize it. Neither will the guys.
This woman is attracted to me.
She’s beautiful, no doubt, with blond hair, blue eyes, and a killer body. But I’m not the least bit interested in anyone except Brock.
And I hope…
I hope she’s truly interested in the band and not just me.
“Thank you very much,” I reply.
“Have you ever thought of going solo?”
Jesse’s jaw drops.
Shit. Now they’re going to be pissed at me.
“In rock? No, I haven’t. My background is in classical singing and musical theater.”
“Musical theater… You do have an amazing voice for that as well. I could totally see you as Mimi in Rent. Or maybe Maureen.”
Both roles I know well. But I don’t volunteer this. Besides, opera singers as a rule don’t care for Rent, as it’s a poor rip-off of La Bohème, which doesn’t even have a mezzo role for me.
“Could we speak privately?” Selena asks me.
“I suppose so.” I glance toward Jesse.
His lips are pursed a little, but he gives me a slight nod. I move to a quiet corner with Selena.
“I’m horny as hell for you,” she says, “and for your brother.”
I inch backward. Not what I was expecting.
“You’re very attractive, but I’m in a relationship. As for my brother? You’ll have to ask him.”
She smiles, her gaze landing on my breasts. “I don’t think you’re getting my drift.”
“What other drift is there?”
“Rory…I’m interested in a…threesome.”
I can’t imagine what my face looks like. I know only the feeling of disgust that rolls through me at the thought. A threesome with my brother? Seeing each other naked? Even if we don’t touch each other, it would be way too weird.
It’s a pretty sick thought.
“Ms. Campbell…”
“Selena.”
“Whatever. Are you interested in our band at all?”
“You guys were terrific. I’m not lying. But I think you have potential for a solo career.”
“I tried a solo career. I didn’t make it.”
“When was this?”
“Seven years ago. I tried for an opera career.”
“You were too young.”
“I was twenty-one.”
“Yes, and for your voice type—which I assume is a dramatic mezzo, based on what I heard tonight—that’s too young.”
“Well, that’s in my past.”
“It doesn’t have to be…”
“Look. If you’re interested in me as a solo artist, we can talk some other time. Tonight is all about the band.”
“The band is terrific, but I’ll be honest with you, Rory. I’m not looking to sign any new acts right now. Solo artists or bands.”
Then why the hell is she here?
Easy enough question to answer. She likes going to bed with rockers. She wants to hit the sack. Specifically with my brother and me. Simultaneously.
Right. So not happening.
“Then I’m sorry for wasting your time.” I turn.
She grabs my arm. “Can’t you talk to your brother?”
“You really think I’m interested in having a threesome with my brother?”
“Why not? I’ve had similar escapades before, and it’s hot.”
“You’ve gone to bed”—I clear my throat—“with a brother and sister?”
“I have. Not everyone’s as uptight as you seem to be.”
I stop myself from dropping my jaw to the floor. This is rock and roll, I guess. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll, as they say—though I don’t exactly know who they are. This would never happen in the opera world.