Brooklyn & Beale (7 page)

One layover and nearly fourteen hours later, the group landed in Dublin, Ireland. It was early morning when they stepped off the plane, and even though Reid was anxious to get to the venue, he agreed a stop by the hotel was necessary. Reid wasn’t surprised to find fans and paparazzi lined up outside the hotel when they arrived. He was, however, a little surprised by the number of them.

“Get used to it,” Tom said, clapping Reid on the shoulder as they walked into the hotel lobby. “This isn’t going to be anything like the last tour.”

Reid eyed a group of people who seemed less than thrilled by his presence. They held signs that mocked the American legal system and its special treatment of celebrities. He looked away, unwilling to let them see how the words on their signs affected him. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

Tom followed Reid’s line of sight. “Fame attracts all types. You’re going to have your fans, but you’re also going to have those who will never let go of what happened. It doesn’t matter that they don’t know the facts or that it doesn’t concern them. For some people, nothing makes them happier than pushing their unwanted opinions on others.”

“The thought of being reminded of that night over and over . . .” Reid let out a tired breath. “It’s going to be difficult.”

“It will. You just have to be strong. Remember why you’re here and what’s important.”

“I’m here because of my music. To the fans, that’s what’s important. I still can’t write. It’s like whatever place I used to get that inspiration from is gone.”

“Give it time.”

“And if it doesn’t come back? Then what?” Reid knew how whiny he sounded, but his frustration was mounting by the day. The thought of having angry fans attack him for something they knew nothing about only heightened that frustration.

“Why don’t we head to the venue? Let the others relax. It’ll give you a chance for a little breathing room and to meet with your opening act, Modern Misery, again.”

Reid agreed, pausing when his gaze landed on Chloe. “Maybe we should bring Chloe. She doesn’t really know these guys, and I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable her first night.”

“She looks okay to me,” Tom observed as the group across the lobby chatted while waiting for room keys. “Unless there’s another reason you want to bring her.”

Reid looked at Tom, his confusion clear. “What other reason?”

Tom shrugged. “You tell me. First with the private sessions before rehearsals, then upgrading her seat to first class. Now you’re being weird about leaving her alone with the others. Is there something going on between you two?”

“I’m with Jess.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

Reid flexed his jaw in anger. “I wouldn’t do that to Jess. But, to answer your question, no. There isn’t anything going on between me and Chloe. I like being around her. She’s funny. She doesn’t have negative memories attached to her like my other friends. Nothing more.”

“So she knows about Jess?”

“Of course.” Reid paused as he tried to remember if Jess had ever come up in conversation with Chloe. He pushed his hand through his hair and grunted in frustration. “Shit. I don’t remember. I don’t see why it matters. We’re here to work, not share our thoughts and feelings.”

“Strictly professional, then?”

“Absolutely,” Reid affirmed.

Tom let out an amused chuckle. “You’re so full of shit.”

“I mean it.”

“Then you’re not friends?”

“I—” Reid grabbed the strap of his bag and threw it over his shoulder. “I need you to not make this a thing. I’m already stressed about everything else. This is an aggravation I don’t need. She can stay here. It’s no big deal.”

“Hey, Reid. Tom.” Both men jumped in surprise at the sound of Chloe’s voice. “After we check in, Greer and I are going to run out for food. Do you guys want to come with or have us pick something up for you?”

Reid cut his eyes to Tom, who watched him expectantly. Shaking his head, Reid looked back to Chloe. “Nah. We have some things to take care of. You guys go ahead. We’ll catch up later.”

“Okay. Just leave a message with the front desk if you change your mind.”

Once Chloe disappeared into the elevator, Reid turned and headed toward the car waiting out front, ignoring the smirk plastered across Tom’s face.

Chloe stared at her reflection in the mirror. “Breathe,” she whispered, pulling in a deep breath and releasing it slow and controlled. Reid and the others had already taken the stage, but since Chloe wasn’t joining them until midset, she had a little longer to wait. She’d thought going on later would be less nerve-racking, but she wasn’t so sure it would make a difference anymore.

“You okay?”

Chloe turned to Inky and smiled. “Yeah. Just nervous. I’d be better if someone hadn’t taken my bag of Starbursts. I can’t find them anywhere.”

“Is that a euphemism for drugs?”

“No,” Chloe laughed. “I don’t eat them unless I’m touring. I know it sounds weird, but it’s my thing. Someone lifted the bag I brought. Now I don’t have any and I’m kind of having a mini freak-out.”

“You’re being serious,” Inky said, her expression bewildered.

“I am.”

“Man, I thought Reid had some strange rituals before he went on stage. You two are perfect for each other.”

Chloe’s eyes snapped to Inky’s reflection in the mirror, then her own. She was grateful Inky’s focus was on her phone and not Chloe’s pinked cheeks. Not wanting to dwell on her body’s reaction to Inky’s words, she focused on the other part of what Inky said.

“What kind of rituals?” For the first time, Chloe realized she hadn’t seen Reid since the opening band went on.

Inky tsked. “No way. I’m not getting on his bad side this early in the tour. You want to know his crazy little quirks, you’ll have to ask him. Now, you need to get your cute little ass ready to go on stage. You good?”

“Well, now that I’m picturing Reid biting heads off chickens before he goes on stage, yes. I’m sufficiently distracted.”

“Good.” Inky tugged on the ends of Chloe’s hair and grinned. “You’re going to be amazing. This is no different than any other tour.”

“Except there’s about ten thousand more people in the audience,” Chloe mumbled as she stood.

Inky shrugged. “Minor detail. Now, I’ve got some merchandise to sell. Catch you later.”

Chloe waved good-bye and moved down the hall toward the stage. Her hands shook with nerves and excitement as the sound of Reid’s voice grew louder. People bustled around her. Some with headphones and clipboards, others carrying instruments or checking cables. No one paid her any attention; everyone was focused on their own task. It wasn’t until she reached the side curtain that she finally saw a familiar face.

“Hi, Tom.”

“Hey, Chloe. I was about to come looking for you. Everything okay?”

“Yeah. I had a small Starburst crisis, but Inky distracted me.”

“I have no idea what that means, but as long as you’re good, I won’t worry about figuring it out.”

Chloe laughed. “I’m good. Two more songs, right?”

“Two more songs.”

Chloe leaned against the wall and checked all the points on her violin. She’d already tuned and checked it more than a dozen times, but one more time wouldn’t hurt. “So,” she began, attempting to sound casual. “Reid has some pretty strange habits before he goes on stage, huh?”

She cut her eyes to Tom, who stared at her with narrowed eyes. “How do you mean, strange?”

“I don’t know.” Chloe shrugged, her forced nonchalance crumbling into a laugh.

Tom cracked a smile. “Thank God you don’t have aspirations of working as an interrogator.”

“Right? I suck at this.”

“And ignore Inky. She likes to bust Reid’s balls. It’s funny as hell to watch, but you don’t want to get caught in the crossfire. Boredom causes their childish sides to come out. They’ll have toothpaste in your socks if you’re not careful.”

Chloe wrinkled her nose. “I don’t want any part of that.”

“Good. Okay, it’s almost time. You better get into place. See you after the show.”

“Thanks. See you soon.”

“Are y’all having fun?” Reid asked, the crowd cheering in answer. The heat from the lights and the rush of adrenaline caused sweat to trickle down the side of his face and neck. He grabbed the water bottle next to his feet and took a big swallow before dumping the rest on his head.

“It’s fucking hot up here, man.” The crowd roared, those by the stage lifting their drinks in offering. Anything to draw his attention, pull him in their direction, be noticed, if only for a second.

“I have a surprise for you guys. You like surprises, right?” Reid lifted the bottom of his shirt and wiped the sweat from his face, working the already electric crowd into a frenzy. He looked to the side of the stage and smirked at Chloe, who stood hidden, shaking her head and laughing.

“Y’all might know this next song. It’s about the first girl who ever broke my heart.” Reid lowered his eyes as the crowd booed. After a beat, he lifted his chin and flashed a devious smile. “That’s okay, though. Do y’all know why it’s okay?”

“Because karma’s gonna get you, girl!” Everyone screamed as Chloe stepped out of the shadows and began to play the familiar opening chord of the song.

Reid bobbed his head and turned to Chloe with a huge smile. The lights reflected off her white tank top and danced over her colorfully inked skin as she made her way across the stage. Her cotton and lace skirt fluttered around her legs, the dainty material a stark contrast to her chunky knee-high combat boots. The closer she moved to Reid, the more the cheers grew.

Once the pair stood next to each other, they turned to face the crowd clapping in sync with the beat of the drums. Reid watched those closest to the stage. Chloe’s violin piece was a new addition, and from what Reid could tell, it was a success. Although he wasn’t quite sure if it was the music, or the person making it. Either way, he felt a level of relief he wasn’t sure he’d have the opportunity to experience. When Chloe hit her last note, Reid began to sing.

It was the summer of ’03

and there was only you and me

Wind in our faces and the sun at our backs

we flew down the highway, young and free.

Making out in the back of my S-10 under a big oak tree,

I knew you and me were meant to be.

Then one night, under the cover of the moonlight,

I snuck to your window around midnight.

When I looked inside, you were gone,

and that’s how I came to write this song.

The lights flashed and beams of color swept over the arena as Reid’s fingers flew over his guitar. Chloe stood next to him, the pair grinning as they played off each other. Reid strummed a final note then dropped his hands to his sides and walked to the front of the stage. He clapped with the melody that Chloe continued to play and began to sing the chorus.

You played a game with my heart, now karma’s gonna play its part.

It’s gonna get you, girl, it’s gonna, gonna get you, girl,

Oh, karma’s gonna get you, girl.

You played a game with my heart and now karma’s gonna play its part. It’s gonna get you, girl, oh, you better believe, karma’s gonna get you, girl, it’s gonna get you, girl.

I hopped in my truck and drove all night,

parked by the river around daylight.

And what I saw, I’ll never forget, damn, my ego took a hit

’Cause there you were under our big oak tree,

making out with someone who wasn’t me.

I spun out of there in my old S-10, feeling like my world had come to an end.

I stopped at the store to get some gas,

and that’s when I realized karma had my back.

’Cause your daddy was there and anyone could tell

that son of a bitch was mad as hell.

He asked where you were and I didn’t hesitate.

I sent him straight to where you were on Benny’s tailgate.

I didn’t feel bad about what happened next,

you shoulda known better than to become my ex.

You played a game with my heart, now karma’s gonna play its part.

It’s gonna get you, girl, it’s gonna, gonna get you, girl,

Oh, karma’s gonna get you, girl.

You played a game with my heart and now karma’s gonna play its part. It’s gonna get you, girl, oh you better believe, karma’s gonna get you, girl, it’s gonna get you, girl.

The crowd erupted when the final notes were played and the lights dimmed and faded. Reid grabbed another water bottle and walked over to Chloe.

“You did amazing,” he said before downing the water.

“Thanks. You sure got the crowd into it.”

Reid looked back to the audience. “Are you guys tired yet?”

“No!”

“Are we staying until they kick us out?”

“Yes!”

“What about you, Chloe?” Reid asked. “Do you think they really want to stay here all night?” Chloe’s eyes widened a bit, but she recovered quickly and shrugged.

“I don’t know, Reid. Do you really think they can handle more?”

Reid swept his hand toward the crowd and smirked. “Why don’t you ask them?”

Chloe propped her violin on her shoulder and looked out over the sea of people. “How many of you out there are ready to party all night long?”

The response was deafening. “Hell, Chloe. I think they like you.” Again the crowd screamed as Reid signaled for Drew to start the intro for the next song. With a slow beat, Drew gradually brought the drums to life.

“What do you say, Chloe? Do you think they’re ready?”

Chloe stepped forward. “Only if they can make me feel it right here,” she said, tapping the end of her bow to her chest. The crowd screamed and stomped their feet as the drums hit full volume.

“Can you feel it, Reid?” Chloe asked, positioning her violin.

Reid nodded and looked to the bottle of water by his feet. The vibration of the cheers and the drums had caused the entire stage to shake. “Oh, I can feel it. One, two, three, four.”

For the next hour, Chloe and Reid set the stage on fire. Their onstage presence became a living, breathing energy that fed the crowd and kept them worked into a frenzy until the last note of their encore fell silent.

“Oh my God, that was amazing,” Chloe said, breathless and keyed up, once they left the stage.

“That was one hell of a performance you put on, Reid,” Tom agreed, slapping Reid on the back.

“Chloe,” Reid said, motioning in her direction with a smile, “stole the fucking show. I had no idea it would be like that.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

Reid stumbled to a stop and looked at her with a bemused expression. “Are you kidding me? You were fantastic. I had no idea how much fun it would be having someone play alongside me.”

“What the hell are we? Chopped liver?” Greer joked.

“What do you think the audience would say if you asked them to compare you to Chloe?” Reid stood with his brow lifted in challenge.

Greer gave Chloe a once-over before letting out a dramatic sigh. “Chopped fucking liver.”

Chloe laughed and smacked his chest as the group moved down the hall to the dressing rooms.

“Who’s up for a celebratory drink?” Drew asked.

“Hell yes,” Greer said, tightening his arm around Chloe’s neck. “You really do have one hell of a stage presence, girl. I hope you realize that you just became spank bank material for every guy in that audience.”

“Probably most of the girls, too,” Drew added.

Chloe covered her face with her hands. “You guys are insane. Now, where the hell are those drinks?”

“Reid, you in?” Drew asked.

Reid pushed the hair out of his face and looked at his bandmates. He usually disappeared to decompress before meeting fans backstage to sign autographs, but that was the last thing he wanted to do tonight. He wasn’t sure if it was the excitement of the first show, or how completely different he felt performing with Chloe. All he knew was there was no way he was missing a second of this experience.

“I’m in.”

Everyone cheered and moved toward the lounge area. Beer sat in buckets of ice, and the equivalent of a full bar lined a table in the corner. On another table, there was a variety of food that Reid requested to be served after his shows. The group wasted no time filling plates of food and grabbing drinks. Once everyone was seated, Tom addressed the group.

“Tonight was one hell of a show. This is going to be a long tour, and there will be times when we’ll want to kill each other. Times when we miss our loved ones and want nothing more than to pack our bags and go home. But when that happens, I want you all to remember how you feel at this very moment. I want you to hang on to that feeling and remember you’re doing something you love, something that is part of who you are. There aren’t many people who can say that. No matter how tired, grouchy, or homicidal you feel, remember . . . You could be picking up trash on the side of the road or stuck inside a cubicle working a dead-end, nine-to-five job. Instead, you get to travel the world and be motherfucking rock stars.”