He flashes a hint of a smile. “That’s true.”
I glance up, and Mallory flashes ten fingers at me, then points to the door.
“Coffee’s on its way.”
Jacob brushes his fingers against his throat. “I don’t know how much longer this can last.”
“What are you talking about?”
He tilts his head, watching me from the corner of his eye. “I’m not like you. My daddy didn’t send me to professional lessons. I’ve been opening my mouth and screaming since the beginning.”
Half-truth, but now isn’t the time to call him out. His parents sent him for lessons, then declared he wasn’t good enough and stopped paying for them. It’s how he learned the same vocal warm-ups he still uses today. “Use some of the money we’re making to take the lessons now.”
“I can’t change my signature style. It’s gotten us this far.”
“You can change if you think it will save your voice.” I bite the inside of my cheek, debating my next words. “The coke and alcohol don’t help.”
“Give me a break. That’s got nothing to do with my voice.”
How deep his denial runs.
“Like fuck it doesn’t.” I gesture toward the door. “You ran up and down the hallway screaming at the top of your lungs last night. That can’t be good for your vocal cords.”
He scratches the side of his head. “No, I didn’t.”
“Yeah. You did. I found you up on the roof. We had to drag you downstairs kicking and screaming. Robbie tied you to the bed, so you wouldn’t get loose again.”
Instead of, oh, I don’t know, being fucking horrified, he doubles over laughing. “Oh, fuck. That’s some funny shit. I thought I hooked up with some kinky chick, but it was Robbie.”
“It wasn’t funny at all, dude. The hotel was going to kick all of us out.”
Jacob finally pulls himself together about an hour before we go on stage. And by pull together, I mean, has dropped the pity party and graduated to pissing me off.
“Who’s the old dude? That Mallory’s dad?” Jacob lifts his chin in Audrey and Doug’s direction. “You trying to set him up with Audrey?”
“Knock it off. That’s Audrey’s boyfriend. He’s a nice guy.” Square and out of place at a rock concert, sure. That doesn’t mean I want anyone to hassle him.
“Her boyfriend? Does he know?” Jacob wiggles his eyebrows like a jackass.
“I don’t know, so keep your mouth shut and don’t be a dick.”
“Whatever.” He shrugs. “Good for her. It’s a lot more respectable to straight up fuck for money than fuck with a bunch of hidden expectations.” He aims a glare down the hallway. I follow his line of sight to Holly.
“What’s wrong now?”
“Nothing. I told her I didn’t want her to come tonight, yet she procured tickets and passes from somewhere.”
I hold up my hands. “Wasn’t me.”
“No, it was probably Jane. She keeps insisting Holly and I are made for each other.” He finishes that last part in a high-pitched voice and clasps his hands under his chin.
“Aw, where is Janey?” I tease.
“Stay away from my baby sister.”
“But I haven’t seen her in forever.” I cast a lecherous look around the area just to piss him off. Legend has it, Jane had a crush on me when she was younger. I never encouraged her and stayed far the fuck away, but after the bullshit I put up with last night, I feel entitled to torment Jacob.
He slaps my chest. “She thinks you and Mallory are a cute couple.”
“I’m flattered.” I glance around again. “Seriously, though. Did she show up? Make sure Robbie looks out for her if she’s only here with Holly.”
“Nah, I doubt my parents let her come.”
“Let her? Isn’t she like nineteen now?”
He shrugs. “They pay for everything.”
“Try not to be too mean to Holly. She and Mallory are still friends.”
“What do you want to do, double date?”
“Fuck no.” I slap him on the shoulder.
Valerie approaches like we’re two poisonous snakes on the loose. “How do we feel about tonight, boys?”
Jacob and I share a look. “Good,” we answer at the same time.
Val blows out a relieved breath. “Thank God. You scared the shit out of me last night, Jacob.”
“Scared? Why? Sounds like I had a blast.”
Please let us survive these next two shows.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chaser
The final show is the best one yet.
“I could do ten more of these!” Garrett shouts, pumping his fist in the air, as we file into our dressing room.
“Glad you can. I’m wiped,” Jacob rasps. He falls onto the couch and closes his eyes.
To his credit, after last night’s show, he went straight to bed and stayed there.
There’s a knock at our door, and since Valerie’s closest, she opens it. Her slack-jawed expression and the way she slowly opens the door pulls me to my feet.
Mark Cutter walks in and introduces himself to Val.
“Sorry, I haven’t been able to get back to you, but I’m here to discuss Kickstart now,” he says.