On The Edge

Chapter 34

TRUE DISASTER

Zed quietly strummed out a tune on his acoustic guitar, trying his best to ignore the numbness that was spreading through him from the biting cold, while Eliza snuggled up against him for warmth. They had been broken down on the side of the road for hours, all of them too cold to sleep. He looked across to the other bench where Addison and Tracey were huddled under a blanket together. Irrational jealousy warming him slightly. As if she could feel his eyes on her, she looked up and smirked. He shook his head and smiled. She always could read him easily. He arched his brow and glanced down at his guitar, asking her a silent question. She nodded and sat up ever so slightly.

"I tremble
I quiver
I shake
I shiver..." she sang looking into his eyes, wishing she were the one next to him.

"Ha. ha. ha..." Bucky said looking over to her. "Very funny. But please… continue."

She shrugged her shoulders and smiled, sitting up a little more and looking back into Zed's eyes.

"Looking back
Looking further
Staring right into your eyes
Drowning there
Drowning deeper
Drowning til I…
Come for you
Come to you
Come in you
Next to me
Or far away
When you say my name

I tremble
I quiver
I shake I shiver..."

Lacey huffed. "She does one show, and all of a sudden she thinks she's a singer and won't shut the fuck up."

"Shouldn't you be resting your voice?" Eliza snapped.

"She's right..." Bucky chimed in, putting Lacey in her place. "Besides… I'm always up for new material..." He looked back over at Addison and motioned for her to keep going.

Zed fought back a smile as she started back up.
"Screaming
Deep down
I feel like
I'm bout to die
To drown
To cry
I'm bout to
Enter the sky

You take my hand
You take my mind
Take my life
I give it up
I'll give you all
One more time..." she threw him a quick wink.

"I tremble
I quiver
I shake
I shiver

I tremble
I quiver
I shake
I shiver..."

As the song came to an end, Bucky started to clap. "That's what I'm talking about!"

Jacey yawned and shivered from the cold at the same time. "That would sound sick with a light bass drum," he added in, making Lacey sneer in his direction.

"We're not playing anything HE helped write!" she spat glowering over towards Zed. "It's still MY band!"

"Again, vocal rest?" Eliza questioned before looking at Bucky. "How much longer?" she whined, her teeth chattering in between words. Zed rubbed her shoulders, trying to warm her.

Bucky shrugged. "Don't know…"

"I still don't understand why we have to sit here!"

"Lacey..." Bucky sighed. "For the hundredth time… we don't want to kill the battery. The tow truck should be here soon."

"You've been saying that for the last three hours!" she shouted before breaking into a coughing fit.

Addison buried herself further into Tracey's chest, "Where are we?"

"The bus."

She lifted her middle finger in her step-brother's direction. "Not what I meant."

His chest shook with silent laughter. "About 20 minutes outside of Green Bay."

Addison sat up quickly, nearly knocking Tracey off the cold bench they were sharing. "Seriously?!"

Bucky rubbed his hands together, desperate for the heat from the friction. "Yeah."

"Why didn't you say so sooner?!"

"Oh no!" Bonzo whined.

"Oh, yes!"

"What am I missing?" Bucky asked looking between the two of them.

"Bree!"

"What does Bree have to do with any of this?" Tracey asked.

Addison ruffled his hair. "Her family lives in Green Bay most of the year!"

"Princess!" Bonzo whined.

She rolled her eyes and looked over to Bucky, poking her bottom lip out in a pout.

"What?"

"Can I call and ask for a ride? Mr. Mack wouldn't want one of his honorary kids to freeze to death when he's only a short distance away and could totally come to the rescue..."

Tracey joined in on the pouting. "I have no idea who he is, but if there's heat, I'm in!"

Bucky met Addison's eyes. "Are you sure?"

She nodded her head quickly and grabbed her phone out of her back pocket. "I'm so cold, I don't give a shit right now."

ZzZzZzZzZ

Thirty minutes later, a very large pearl SUV pulled over on the side of the highway in front of the bus.

"Oh, thank fuck!" Addison exclaimed as she opened the door and ran over to the very large man who was waiting for her with open arms.

Jacey looked out the window, wiping the sleep from his eyes. "I've got to be suffering from hypothermia delusions... or maybe it's the sunrise playing tricks on my eyes or something… that man looks a whole hell of a lot like Mack Truck Jeffrey..."

"Who?" Lacey yawned as she watched the man outside effortlessly lift Addison off the ground in a bear hug.

"That's because he is," Bonzo sighed.

Jacey's jaw dropped open. He slowly turned towards Bonzo with wide eyes. "You're..."

"Dating his daughter..." he swallowed loudly and stood up. "Yeah."

"Again, who?" Lacey asked as Bonzo walked out the door.

Jacey stared at her. "Legendary defensive back for the Green Bay Packers… How do you NOT know who he is?"

"What? I don't do sports," she said with a shrug.

Tracey laughed from next to them. "You just do the athletes who used to wander in to see you spin around on the pole," he teased.

Lacey cracked a smile and flipped him off.

ZzZzZzZzZ

"Remember, you don't know Zed, and nobody knows Bartholomew is my brother," Addison whispered just as Bonzo approached.

Mack laughed and patted her head. "Oh, Addison… what have you gotten yourself into?"

"Trouble, like always," she smiled back to him. "And it's Casey!"

"Feel free to call her Princess, it's just easier," Bonzo offered sheepishly, holding out his hand. "It's nice to see you again, sir."

"James," Mack answered, shaking Bonzo's outstretched hand. He shook his head and looked back over to Addison. "Princess?"

She shrugged. "They all seem to call me that."

"It's certainly fitting."

She rolled her eyes. "Not you too," she laughed.

He hugged her again. "Well, you better get everyone out here. Carla is already cooking breakfast for all of you."

"Of course she is," Addison smiled. "Thank you again."

"It's no trouble at all, sweetheart."

ZzZzZzZzZ

"MA! I'm home!" Addison called out playfully as she walked into a large marble entryway. The smell of french toast wafting through the air.

"I'm in Mack Truck Jeffery's house!" Jacey squealed excitedly.

Lacey rolled her eyes. "Oh, how the other half lives..." she muttered under her breath. "No wonder she can afford all those shoes."

"It smells amazing in here…" Zed practically moaned. "I missed..." he caught himself and changed directions quickly. "...the smell of home cooking."

Addison bit back a smile just as an older woman made the corner.

"There she is!" she exclaimed pulling Addison down into a tight hug. "Oh, you're freezing!" She took a step back giving her a long hard look and tisked. "And Bree was right… you do need a good home-cooked meal, honey. Good thing I made french toast… James, such a nice surprise to see you again."

Zed silently cheered. Ms. Carla's french toast had gotten them through some rough mornings back in high school. It truly was the stuff of legends.

"Good to see you too," Addison smiled before turning around to the rest of the group. "Guys, this is Bree's mom, Carla."

"We can do introductions in the dining room. Let's get you all warmed up and fed!"

As they walked by Carla nudged Zed's arm. "Good to see you again, Zeddy," she whispered.

"You too," he smiled. "Thanks for making my favorite, Ms. Carla."

ZzZzZzZzZ

The table was quiet as they all sat around stuffed to the brim with food.

"This was insanely decadent and delicious!" Tracey said, rubbing his stomach. "Thank you."

"Oh, you're welcome, Tracey."

"Seriously, though… you did not have to make all of this."

She waved him off. "It was my pleasure."

The sound of the front door opening caught all of their attention. "Hello, hello!"

Addison's eyes went wide with excitement. "Gus!" she exclaimed, pushing herself away from the table and running towards the entranceway.

Jacey's eyes grew large again. "Holy…."

"Do I want to know?" Lacey mumbled next to him.

Before Jacey could respond, a tall, well-built man walked into the dining room carrying Addison under his arm like a football.

"Guys! This is Bree's older brother, Gus!" she said as he set her down on her feet. "Gus, this is everyone… Tracey, Jacey, Lacey, you know Bonzo, and that's Zed..."

Gus bit back a laugh and waved to everyone before extending a hand and shaking Bonzo's.

"You're gorgeous…" Lacey said as she looked up at him.

Addison rolled her eyes. "He's married."

"Happily I might add," Gus laughed as he kissed his mother's cheek.

Carla fussed over her son, "I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow!"

"Well, when Dad called while I was in morning workouts saying he was going and picking this one up," he said hugging Addison close to him again, "I rearranged a few things… I missed you at Christmas, kid."

Addison shrugged. "I was busy."

Gus's eyes found Zed across the room. "I know…" He smiled and ruffled her hair. "But, I also have an ulterior motive..."

Addison pulled away. "Uhoh..."

He barked out a laugh. "Nothing too bad… but… I've got a road game next weekend."

"And..."

"And, I'm going to miss my anniversary… Any chance I can get you to do the thing? It'll score me some pretty serious brownie points with the missus."

"Gus..."

"What thing?" Tracey asked, walking up and resting his head on Addison's shoulder.

"This one here wrote and sang our first dance song at our wedding."

Addison shrugged. "It was their wedding present."

"That's a wonderful idea! You can use the piano in the sitting room, sweetheart," Carla chimed in.

"Lord knows no one around here uses it," Mack added under his breath.

"I'd love to really… But I can't…" Addison sighed dramatically. "It was a duet..." she smiled, meeting Zed's eyes.

"Aren't you guys in bands or something? I'm sure someone could pick up the other

verses," Gus asked, hoping he wasn't being too obvious.

"Well, I for one am WAY too full to sing," Tracey said as he rubbed his stomach dramatically. "I need a nap like yesterday!"

Zed let out a quiet laugh."I can help you out if you'd like."

"You sure?" Addison asked trying to hide her smile.

"I mean, I'll probably need a few practice run-throughs, but I'm sure I can catch on."

"Oh, joy..." Lacey mumbled.

Gus smiled wide and hugged Addison again. "Gabby is going to love this!"

"Alright, alright…" she said, pushing him away. "Give us a few to rehearse and then you can Facetime Gabby." She stood up and grabbed Zed's hand, pulling him across the house towards the large sitting room where the baby grand piano was located.

"Well this is certainly an unexpected trip down memory lane," Zed whispered as he slid onto the piano bench next to her.

She smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder, looking up into his eyes. "You remember what happened the last time we sang this?"

His chest shook with silent laughter. "Yeah… I still can't walk past a storage closet without thinking about that night."

"Have I ever told you how hot you look in a Gucci suit?"

He leaned down to nip her nose playfully. "Hope you have a good memory, because Gucci anything isn't happening again for a loooong time."

She giggled and placed a few soft kissed along his jawline. "This could be a disaster… If Lacey..."

He leaned down and cut her off with a kiss. "I don't give a fuck."

"Easy for you to say, I'm in HER band… and YOU, are off-limits... remember."

"Good thing neither of us believes in limits," he breathed against her lips.

"Trouble."

"You love it."

"So do you."

"Damn right," he smiled, deepening their kiss.

"Some things don't change." They both jumped apart, only to find Gus standing in the doorway.

Addison clutched her chest. "You scared the shit out of me!"

"Good," he laughed.

She flipped him off.

"Mom sent me in to put a few of these away," he said, walking over towards a display table against the wall. "She figured you two would have a lot of questions to answer if anyone saw them."

Addison and Zed both stood up and walked over to the table.

She gasped as she looked through the pictures displayed. "I had no idea these were here!" she whispered, picking up a delicate silver frame that held a picture of her, Zed, Bree, and Mason wearing their cap and gowns at graduation.

"Obviously," Gus laughed as he gathered up pictures from his wedding and from his sister's eighteenth birthday and senior prom. "Um… is that one okay?" he asked her, pointing to another picture in the corner of the table.

Zed started laughing. "I almost forgot you two went to prom together."

Gus sighed. "Yep… When your high school girlfriend dumps you three days before senior prom, your freshman sister sets you up with her best friend."

"As if I wasn't popular already… that night set me for the rest of high school." Addison giggled and hugged him as she pinched his cheek. "You were such a cute date, too."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah…" he said playfully pushing her off. "Does the pic stay or go?"

She shrugged. "Leave it, it's adorable."

"If you say so," he mumbled. He scanned the table one final time. "I think that's about it."

"Thank you," Addison whispered.

"You're welcome. You two are going to have a hard enough time keeping this quiet, it's the least I could do… Just try not to sneak off after you sing the song this time."

Zed snickered as Addison blushed. "You knew about that?"

Gus rolled his eyes. "Everyone knew about that… heard it too," he laughed. "Alright… you guys finish 'practicing' and I'm going to go stash these in my mom's sewing room. Be back in a few."

Addison took Zed's hand and pulled him back towards the piano. "Where were we?"

"Hmmm..." he smiled. "I think… right about…" he leaned in and kissed her. "Here."

She smiled against his lips. "We should practice."

"I think we're pretty good at this, but if you insist..."

She laughed and pushed him away. "We're definitely good at that, but I was referring to the song."

"Oh, fine..." he sighed. "But I already know it. I did help write it, remember?"

"I know. But… you need to practice NOT knowing it," she giggled, leaning over to kiss his cheek.

A few minutes later everyone was gathered in the sitting room. Gus stood at the other end of the piano with his phone so his wife, Gabby could see.

"You ready?" Addison smiled up to Zed.

He nodded and threw her a wink.

"You owe me, Gus… Happy Anniversary Gabby!" she called out as she started to play a twinkling melody on the piano.

"We could leave the Christmas lights up 'til January
And this is our place, we make the rules
And there's a dazzling haze, a mysterious way about you dear
Have I known you 20 seconds or 20 years?

Can I go where you go?
Can we always be this close?
Forever and ever, ah
Take me out, and take me home
You're my, my, my, my, my lover"

She looked over to Zed as he picked up the next verse. It was almost as if they were back in high school in her music room singing the song together for the first time.

"We could light a bunch of candles
And dance around the kitchen, baby
Pictures of when we were young would hang on the wall
We would sit on the stoop
I'll sing love songs to you when we're eighty
See, I finally got you now, honey, I won't let you fall"

His hand brushed across her thigh as she joined in.

"Can I go where you go?
Can we always be this close?
Forever and ever, ah
Take me out, and take me home
Forever and ever
You're my, my, my, my lover"

"Ladies and gentlemen, will you please stand?
With every guitar string scar on my hand
I take this magnetic force of a man to be my
lover"

"Look in my eyes, they will tell you the truth
The girl in my story has always been you
I'd go down with the Titanic, it's true, for you"

"Lover"

"And you'll save all your dirtiest jokes for me
And at every table, I'll save you a seat."

"Save you a seat"

They subconsciously moved even closer to one another, their foreheads nearly touching as they sang.

"Can I go where you go?"

"Can I go where you go, baby?"

"Can we always be this close?
Forever and ever, ah
Take me out, and take me home"

"Forever and ever"

"You're my, my, my, my
Oh, you're my, my, my, my
Darling, you're my, my, my, my..."

"Lover" she breathed out the final word, unable to tear her eyes away from his. It was the same thing that would happen every time they sang that song. Even though they had set out to write it for Gus and his soon to be wife all those years ago, the inspiration they drew from their own relationship was obvious to anyone who had known them.

It wasn't until Carla wrapped her arms around both of them and kissed their cheeks did either of them remember there were other people in the room.

"Oh, you two!" Carla gushed.

Addison was still at a loss for words.

Zed squeezed her hand. "It's the least I could do Mrs. Jeffrey. Thank you for your hospitality."

"Oh, nonsense," she teased, pinching his cheek before she turned around to address the rest of the room. "Now, if those yawns you lot were making at the table are any indication, I'd say you all are exhausted. We've got plenty of rooms upstairs if you want to get some shut-eye."

"Really, that's too kind. We wouldn't want to put you out," Tracey said around a loud yawn.

"Please, I'm used to football players taking over my house. A group of rail-thin musicians is nothing. I ought to be cooking you another meal."

"Leather isn't as forgiving as football pads," Addison said with a smirk.

Carla smiled and shook her head. "Okay, up we all go. Gus, Mack?"

"Yes?" They both asked in unison.

"Be dears and show our guests upstairs. I want to talk to my other daughter for a few minutes." She walked over to one of the large plush sofas and patted the seat next to her.

Zed waited until everyone else had passed before stealing a quick kiss and then followed the group upstairs.

Carla laughed. "Honey… this is quite the situation you've gotten yourself into."

"Tell me about it," Addison scoffed as she stood up from the piano and went to sit down next to her. "My brother is my manager, but no one other than his girlfriend knows he's my brother. AND no one knows she's his girlfriend. Zed is my high-school boyfriend, and well… current boyfriend too, but according to the contract my brother signed for me, I can't be involved with him. Jacey and Lacey are the only ones who don't know my real name or who I really am, but Bucky and Eliza don't know that the others know..." she sighed and dropped her head into her hands. "Not to mention I'm going to have to tell Zed about Penny at some point… What am I supposed to do?"

"Let me ask you something..."

Addison sat back up and nodded.

"What do you think your Daddy would tell you to do."

"I try not to think about that," she whispered.

"Well, that's part of the problem, hun." Carla wrapped her up in a tight hug. "You've got to stop running away from who you are."

"I'm trying… I'm singing again."

"And I'm so very happy you are." She lifted Addison's chin to really look at her. "I haven't seen you smile like this in a long time…. And you know just as well as I do what your Daddy would tell you right now."

Addison smiled. "Why don't you tell me anyway."

"He'd tell you to follow your heart… So… what is your heart telling you?"

"The exact opposite of what's good for me. As per usual."

"And that would be?"

"That I need to be myself and I need to be with Zed… damn the consequences."

"Well then, I guess you should start listening to it."

"I know but..."

"But what?"

"I don't want to ruin things. The band would fall apart and my brother would be pissed..."

Carla arched a brow. "Those sound like half-truths and excuses. Bucky would support you no matter what. I'm sure you could make it all work… So you wanna tell me what's really holding you back?"

"Fine..."

Addison sighed. "I'm scared of failing… and more importantly, what if I tell Zed and he leaves me? I don't want to get hurt again. You know what I was like the last time."

"I swear I'm going to knock your momma out if I ever see her again. Who does that to their own child!"

"My mother," Addison deadpanned.

Carla muttered a few curses before hugging Addison again. "If he really loves you, he won't leave… But you've got take that risk. It's part of living."

Addison pouted. "I hate when I know you're right."

Carla laughed and hugged her even tighter. "That boy has always made you happy and you've always brought out the best in one another… He's also grown into quite the looker," she added in a whisper.

Addison shook with silent laughter.

"And as far as failing… you have been singing for as long as I've known you. You were born to be a star."

"Thanks, Ma."

"You're welcome, honey... Oh, I've missed you... Now if only I could get Bree to visit me out here sometime!" she said with a laugh.

"I'll see what I can do."

Carla kissed the top of her head. "Now you go run along and get some sleep."

"Zed's in my sister's room," Gus teased as he and his father walked back in.

"As tempting as that information is, I can't… too risky with Lacey around," she sighed.

"I do not trust that girl!" Carla interjected. "She asks way too many questions for my liking… not to mention the advances she kept making on my son."

Addison laughed and hugged her. "No one trusts her!" She stood up and walked over to the piano and sat down. "Besides, sleep can wait. You gave me a lot to think about, and I do my best thinking right here."

"I know you don't want to hear this, but your Daddy would be proud of you."

"I don't know about that… but I'll get there… one day."

Carla stood up and walked over to her, hugging her again.

"Ten minutes!" Bucky warned, popping his head into the green room.

Zed looked over and caught Addison's eye as he stood up and stretched. "I'm going to grab a quick cigarette..." he mumbled, throwing her a wink and heading for the door.

Addison gave it about thirty seconds before she stood up and made some excuse about needing to use the lady's room, ignoring the look that Tracey and Bonzo were throwing her way as she walked out the door.

She had barely made it around the corner before she felt his hand reach out and grab hers, pulling her towards the delivery entrance. "You know we really need to work on our excuses," she laughed as he pulled her out into the cold night air.

"I told you. I don't give a fuck anymore," he smiled, pressing her up against the cold steel door and kissing her. "I miss having you all to myself."

"I know," she breathed, hitching her leg around his waist.

"First night headlining. Nervous?"

"Strangely enough… no." She bit back a moan as his teeth scraped along her collarbone.

He shook his head and kissed a trail back up to her lips. "Only you could pull off writing a song that quickly."

"What can I say, I was inspired," she teased.

"Game on, baby. I hate opening. Don't think I'm going to take it easy on you because I love you."

"When have either of us ever taken it easy on the other?"

"True… Meet me back out here after?"

"Like you even need to ask," she whispered against his lips before biting down. "I miss having you all to myself, too."

Zed moaned and grabbed her ass. "I love you."

"I adore you."

"Forever."

"And after," she giggled as his teeth found her neck once again.

A sharp rap on the door broke them apart. He quickly set Addison back down on her feet and took a few steps away.

"I thought you didn't give a fuck?" she whispered.

He blew her a kiss and pulled a cigarette out just as Bonzo opened the door.

"Break it up love birds. Bucky's looking for you and we've got a show to do!"

ZzZzZzZzZ

Addison made her way through the crowded club and over towards the bar where Bucky was standing. "Is there a reason you sent Bonzo into the lady's room to find me?" she asked with a laugh as she tapped his shoulder. "And why aren't you backstage with everyone else?"

He turned around and smiled. "Because we've got a VIP tonight who wanted to see you."

She arched her brow. "Who?" No sooner did the question leave her lips did she feel a pair of strong arms wrap around her mid-section and lift her off the ground in a bear hug.

"Me!"

"Gus!" she exclaimed, swatting at his arm until he set her down. "What are you doing here?" She looked around him anxiously.

"What are you looking for?" he asked as he and Bucky performed the same intricate handshake they had perfected back in high school.

"I'm looking for the always present crowd of football fanatics that seem to follow you."

"Easy, kid," he laughed. "I'm in disguise!"

She eyed him skeptically. "Really? A USC baseball hat is your attempt at a disguise?"

He shrugged and pulled her in for another hug. "It'll have to work. Did you really think I'd pass on the opportunity to see what my sister's boyfriend does for a living?"

Addison rolled her eyes and sighed. "Silly overprotective big brothers"

"Damn right!" Gus teased. "Speaking of which, shouldn't you be wearing something more than that?" he asked motioning down to her short red leather mini skirt and looking towards Bucky for backup.

Bucky laughed sarcastically. "Yeah, I've been threatened with bodily harm several times if I say anything."

"Dude, you grew up with the mob! Are you really going to stand there and tell me you're scared of this pip-squeak?"

"You do remember that we taught her how to hit… Trust me when I say she paid attention."

Addison was about to make a smart ass comment when the house lights dimmed and the crack of Eliza's drumsticks sounded out, capturing all of Bucky's attention instantly.

Gus leaned over to him. "So… you're dating a drummer… hot!"

Bucky shook his head and smiled. "Yes, she is."

Addison wanted to tease him, but the second that the spotlight hit Zed, her mouth started to water. She licked her lower lip and pulled it between her teeth. She quickly caught herself and glanced nervously in her brother's direction. Fortunately, he was too wrapped up watching Eliza to have noticed.

"I'm going to um..." she pointed towards the stage. "Um… warm-up. Enjoy the show, Gus!"

He laughed and pulled her into a hug. "You are so screwed, kid," he whispered before kissing the top of her head.

"Trust me, I know," she said pulling back and flashing him a smile. "I'll send Bonzo out when they finish. Take it easy on him. He's good people."

"I know. He wouldn't still be dating my sister if he wasn't… Doesn't mean I can't make him sweat a little."

She rolled her eyes and kissed his cheek.

ZzZzZzZzZ

"Thank you Green Bay!" Zed screamed into the microphone "The Acey's are up next. Get ready to have your asses rocked!" He unplugged his guitar, took a bow, and followed Eliza and Bonzo off the stage.

"Great show guys!" Addison said as she hugged Eliza. "Bonz, Gus is out by the bar with Bucky. He's expecting you to hang out."

Bonzo sighed. "Way to kill my post-show endorphins, Princess."

"Anytime!" she said sweetly with a wave as he and Eliza walked past her and towards the stage exit. The second the door closed she spun around and launched herself into Zed's arms.

"Woah..." he laughed as he caught her, guiding her legs around his waist as she attacked his mouth. "I thought I was the reckless one."

"Tracey is watching the stage door," she giggled mischievously, her hands raking through his sweaty hair "We've got a couple minutes."

"Whatever shall we do?" he teased, tightening his grip on her.

A warning knock sounded on the door.

With a groan, Addison slid down and straightened her skirt. "Apparently nothing..." she whispered just as Tracey opened the door.

"Sorry, doll-face! Bucky's on his way. Some technical issues with the lighting change the stage manager needs to talk to him about?"

"Thanks, Tracey." She sighed.

Zed grabbed her shoulder and spun her back around crashing his lips to hers. "Knock 'em dead baby. I'll be waiting for you after."

ZzZzZzZzZ

"Did you grab me one?" Zed asked with a smirk as he walked up to Bonzo and Gus at the bar.

Bonzo slid over a bottle of beer. "Of course man!"

Gus leaned over and shook Zed's hand. "I was just telling James here that you guys were pretty damn good."

"Thanks, Gus."

"Way better than that band you were in back home… Although at least then you didn't have half-naked women throwing themselves at you."

Zed laughed and took a sip of his beer. "Perks of the job! It comes with the territory."

"Mmhmm… you know Addie is like a sister to me," Gus glared in a warning. "Don't you think it's a bit disrespectful?"

"Adds knows I'm all hers. As far as the fans go… she gets it. Trust me. Just watch when she takes the stage!"

Right on cue deep throbbing notes from a keyboard sounded out from the still darkened stage.

"What the..." Bonzo said looking over. "Well, that's new… since when do their sets start like this?"

Zed smiled as a seductive bass line picked up the melody and the lights flashed on illuminating Addison as she stepped up to the microphone. "Since my girl remembered who she is. Get used to opening dude… As long as she's calling the shots, we're screwed."

"Pretty boys, they didn't teach me things I didn't know
They don't have the thing that I need
But they don't know they don't
You got that old thing about ya and I can't hide my feels..."

"I wonder who this one's about," Gus said as he clinked his bottle against Zeds.

"Pretty girls, they always die out, need another sex appeal

I said, come on, give zero fucks about it
Come on, I know I'm gonna get hurt..." She leaned over and ran her hand down the face of one of the men that was already drooling at her feet.

"Come on, give zero fucks about it
Come on..."

Gus laughed and elbowed Zed. "Yeah… I guess she does get it!"

"Keep playing my heartstrings faster and faster
You can be just what I want, my true disaster
Keep playing my heartstrings faster and faster
You can be just what I want, my true disaster..."

"She's a goddamn rockstar!" Gus exclaimed loudly, trying to be heard over the escalated crowd noise as they watched Addison dance across the stage.

"She always has been!" Zed yelled back to him, unable to hide the adoration in his eyes as he watched her come alive more and more in the spotlight.

"Pretty girls, they like it fancy, but you don't keep it clean
We get dirty and we go hard, some things we don't mean
They tell me, 'No one's gonna get ya," I'm just straight up mad
A fool in love, roll up beside me, and you're just as bad..."

He knew the second she spotted him in the crowd. Everyone else disappeared around them and her voice took on an even more seductive tone as she sang only to him.

"I said, come on, give zero fucks about it
Come on, I know I'm gonna get hurt
Come on, give zero fucks about it
Come on..." she threw him a wink and grabbed a shot that someone in the crowd was offering her, downing it before she belt out the rest of the song.

"Keep playing my heartstrings faster and faster
You can be just what I want, my true disaster
Keep playing my heartstrings faster and faster
You can be just what I want, my true disaster!"

As the crowd around them cheered for more, Gus draped his arm around Zed. "That sounded a hell of a lot better than it did this afternoon in my parent's house," he laughed before suddenly growing serious. "You hurt her, and I promise I will tell her brother... You'll have to deal with both of us. And I will not hesitate to beat your ass."

Zed swallowed loudly and nodded.

Gus smiled and patted him on the shoulder. He pulled out his phone and held it up towards the stage. "I've got to record this..."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter took me FOREVER to write. Between this crazy quarantine and back to school stress and life in general being a far cry from normal, I'm spread insanely thin at the moment. So with that being said, I apologize for the late update and the general suckiness of this chapter. It's not nearly what I was hoping for, but I needed to get it over with so I can move on to the next round of craziness awaiting these characters. As always, your thoughts and feedback are appreciated!

****If you're looking for a new story to read, go check out A FATHER'S PERSPECTIVE by the lovely SWChica2005****

SONGS USED IN THIS CHAPTER:

Shiver- Julia Clara

Lover (remix)- Taylor Swift ft. Shawn Mendes

True Disaster- Tove Lo