Battlescars: A Rock & Roll Romance Read online

  Prison orange isn’t your color Aubrey. I repeated this mantra on my way over.

  “You never told me your name.” He was attempting to play coy.

  “Aubrey.” I said flatly, wishing that I was anywhere but here.

  “Pretty name, for an even prettier girl.” He smirked.

  I rolled my eyes and walked away.

  I checked to make sure that the luggage was secure before giving Mark the go ahead to takeoff. On my way back, I made sure that Captain Celebrity was properly buckled. He made a smart-ass remark about how I should check. I ignored the urge to slap him and kept moving. If he keeps this shit up, I won’t feed him any of the pot roast I have cooking. It was my mom’s recipe, and it was good enough to make you want to sell your soul. Ten minutes later we were airborne. Once we reached altitude Mark came through the sound system and said that everyone was allowed to move about the cabin. I got up and asked if either of them wanted anything to drink. I told them that I would feed them in about an hour. I brought them each a bottle of water and went back to my seat. I was listening to music and getting lost in the land of fictional characters when the seat next to me shifted.

  “Whatcha reading?” Jake asked, pulling an ear bud out.

  “None of your business.” I replied, not even bothering to look up.

  I wasn’t some groupie chick that he was going to walk all over. He put the ear bud to his ear, and I snatched it away.

  “You’re not going to share?” He cocked an eyebrow.

  “It’s an iPod not and usPod.” I snapped. He ignored my attitude and smiled.

  “If you could sum your life up in one song what would it be? Mine would be ‘Turn the Page’ by Metallica.”

  I looked at him confused and slightly annoyed. Why the hell was he so interested in talking to me?

  “I hate to say it, but I think you need to change your pants.” I looked at him curiously. “I think they’re cranky pants.” He started cracking up.

  “Actually, not that it’s any of your business, it probably has something to do with the fact that I’ve barely slept in three days. Oh, and you’re a rock god that likes to make fools out of girls like me. No thanks.” I scoffed.

  “Rock God? At least you admit it.” He beamed. “Listen, we’re going to have to learn to get along if we’re going to be spending the next three months together. So how about a truce? I won’t judge you if you agree not to judge me.”

  “I don’t make promises that I know I won’t be able to keep. We’ll take it a minute at a time.”

  “Deal. So let’s start over. I’m Jake Parker, and I’m not the womanizing asshole that the media portrays me as.”

  “I’m Aubrey Thompson. I am opinionated and downright uncensored. Fair warning.” I shrugged.

  “Nice to meet you uncensored, opinionated Aubrey. How old are you?”

  “Twenty-three, almost twenty-four.”

  “I’m twenty-five, almost twenty-six.”

  “Well, almost twenty-six year old Jake I’d really like to get back to this.” I held my e-reader up.

  “I like you Aubrey. I can tell by your sarcastic undertones, rude comments and sheer lack of common decency that we’re going to friends in no time. I can just tell.”

  “Whatever you say, Boss.” I grumbled.

  I turned my attention back to my book until the timer went off letting me know that the food was ready. I expertly prepared the dishes. They looked as if they came out of a five-star restaurant. I placed them down on the trays in front of the boys. Jake devoured it and moaned the whole time earning a secret laugh from me. Maybe he wouldn’t be so awful after all.

  He called to me over his shoulder. “If you cook like this all the time we’re skipping the friend stage and getting married.”

  I take that back, we’re going to kill each other. I sat down and curled into a ball. I lost the battle of the heavy lids.

  Jake

  “This tour is important to the label, and you’re going to do it, whether you want to or not.” Bruce Samuelson, an executive from the recording label was holding up the contract that I signed. His daddy sent him over here to do his bidding. I hated him and his fucking label.

  I was supposed to be on a hiatus for a while. We just returned two days ago from a month long tour all across Europe. Now they go and pull this shit and decide that they need to use me as their cash cow again. I was tired and run down. I needed some R&R. At twenty-five, I was starting to get burnt out. I’ve always had issues with sleeping, but lately I’d be lucky to get an hour or two a night. I also haven’t been able to write a song in almost a year. The rock star life wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be. Sure, there is always an abundance of women willing to throw themselves at you, and you’re pretty much guaranteed free things wherever you go, but it gets old quick. You never know when someone is being your friend for you, or for your rock star alter ego. I looked over the tour schedule. I hit the roof when I saw that we were set to leave tonight. That only left me with a few hours to get my shit together. I stormed out of the room and angrily yanked the luggage that I had just put away out of the closet. Dipshit left with a grin on his face.

  I forced myself to call Brett, my bodyguard, and tell him that he needed to pack again. I felt horrible since we just got back. He hadn’t seen his daughter in over a month, and now we were leaving again. I would make sure that he was able to come home sometimes in between shows, but it still sucked. The rest of the band seemed equally annoyed about hitting the road again so soon. At least life was slightly easier for them, they didn’t have the persona or profile that I did. It made it impossible for me to go anywhere without being nagged.

  “Hey, Jake. How’s it going?” Brett asked.

  “Hey man, apparently the record label decided that it wants to keep fucking me.”

  “Huh?” I laughed just imagining the confused look on his face.

  “What I mean is Bruce just left. We’re going on tour again.” I bitched.

  “Already?” He sounded just as surprised as I felt.

  “Yeah, we’re actually scheduled for takeoff today!” I said angrily.

  “Alright. Let me just get some shit together, and I’ll be by to pick you up.”

  “I’m really sorry, Brett. If you want some more timeoff, I can call Vin.”

  “Dude, it’s fine. I mean yeah it sucks, but if you need me I’m there.”

  “Thanks Brett.” I said sincerely.

  “See you in a bit.”

  I hung up and finished packing, or as I called it ‘throwing shit in a suitcase without folding it” and hoping I had underwear. I was lucky if it was clean. At least the label made arrangements for private air travel this time. It would mean that I would be safe from getting mauled at the airport like last time. I cringed remembering the incident. It was pre-Brett, and I was getting ready to fly out of Atlanta. I was walking toward my terminal when I was literally attacked by a group of four young women. They started tugging on me, and actually ripped a sleeve off my button up shirt. Airport security had to come and usher them away. It was right after that I decided I needed a bodyguard. I took my suitcases and left them by the door and waited for Brett to come collect me. When he knocked I tossed my bags out the door and locked up. I climbed into his truck and looked at my house as he backed out of the driveway. We made one final pit stop at the mecca of fast food, In-N-Out Burger. Brett pulled out into traffic and headed to the airfield.

  The small commercial jet was waiting on the tarmac when we arrived. Brett pulled up and insisted that he check it out before letting me board. It made him feel important, so I let him have his fun. When he came back to give me the all clear he had a massive smirk on his face.

  “Dude, wait until you see the hot little number on there!” He was grinning like the Cheshire cat.

  “What are you talking about? Aren’t all flight attendant’s middle-aged, blonde women?”

  “Not this one. She’s feisty too, kneed me right in the balls.”

>   I smiled, and it was actually genuine. I wondered if he was fucking with me. But, it was enough to peak my curiosity. I slowly walked towards the plane wondering if it was going to be a grandma, or something. It wouldn’t be the first time. I really hoped that it wasn’t some die-hard groupie either. As soon as I reached the top of the stairs I almost tripped and fell on my face when I got my first look at her. She was gorgeous! She looked like she walked straight off of a pin-up girl calendar. She had long, black hair with strands of hot pink. I appraised my way down her body. She had a slim waist and curvy hips. She was built like an hourglass. I noticed a couple of sexy facial piercings. She had an adorable little nose and big brown eyes. Then I saw a tattoo peeking out on her shoulder. I could tell that she had a chest piece. I was instantly hard. Awesome…

  At first glance, it looked as if she was checking me out. Then her face changed. She looked disgusted. I introduced myself, but she wouldn’t even give me the time of day. I knew that I never slept with her because I would have remembered. I’ve also been in a dry spell by choice for over a year. I tried making some small talk, but she wasn’t interested. I let it go until she put her fucking pot roast in front of me. I had died and gone to food heaven, it was that good. It’s been so long since I had anything that tasted remotely homemade, and certainly never from my mother. I practically proposed on the spot. I know, smooth move on my part. I looked back and saw her sleeping curled up in her seat. She looked peaceful. I noticed there were blankets set out, so I grabbed one and went over to cover her up. She genuinely was a beautiful girl, and I liked that she was sassy. I was a little discouraged that she obviously made her mind up that I was some kind of crazed sex fiend, I wasn’t. I brushed some stray strands of hair out of her face using my fingertips. I wanted to get to know Aubrey and her buttons.

  Aubrey

  I woke up somewhere over the Midwest and mentally kicked myself. I sincerely hoped that I didn’t piss anyone off, especially Mr. Rock God. I rubbed my eyes and staggered to my feet. I quickly walked over to Jake and Brett. Jake looked up from his book and smiled politely. Brett was snoring like a chainsaw.

  “I’m so sorry.” I apologized profusely.

  “It’s okay. You said that you were tired.” He seemed unfeigned. “I figured I better let you catch up on your sleep now since we’re going to be running around a lot.”

  “Can I get you anything? I brought some of my mom’s chocolate cake.” I offered.

  “Do you have milk?” He grinned a megawatt grin, and I nodded.

  I walked over to the tiny kitchenette and fixed him a slice of cake and a glass of milk. I set it up on the tray and handed him a fork.

  “You’re not having any?” He raised an eyebrow. I suddenly felt self-conscious. Was he taking a stab at my weight? Sorry Mr. Parker, but I’m not one of your anorexic bimbos. I refused to divulge any emotion.

  “Maybe later. I need to clean up and get ready for our landing. Let me know if you need anything else.”

  I cleaned up the few dishes and put them away. I went into the bathroom and quickly ran my fingers through my hair. Thankfully, I still looked somewhat decent. Not that I was trying to impress anyone. I headed to the cockpit talk to Mark for a minute. He said that we were scheduled to land in forty-five minutes and that a car would be there to take us to the hotel. He told me he was going to stay with some friends while we were in New York. Which, essentially meant that I was going to be on my own. Great…

  We taxied into the runway a little before eleven. Jake whined that he was starving even though he just ate cake less than an hour ago. He said that we were going to have to stop for dinner before going to the hotel. Brett exited the plane first to make sure that it was safe. I went to grab my luggage, but saw that Jake already had it. I tried to get it back, and a bit of a struggle ensued. I lost. He stood there with a smug look on his face and insisted I go in front of him. I walked down the stairs and climbed into the waiting car. Jake slid in next to me, and we sped off into the night in search of food.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Better Dig Two

  Jake held the door open as we walked into Margo’s Bar and Grill. I can’t believe I got suckered into coming here! With him nonetheless! I was getting the feeling this was a set up for me to hang out with him. The hostess ogled Jake in his black Henley that may as well have been a second skin. Though I strongly disliked him, even I could admit that he looked good enough to eat. I chastised myself, again.

  “Right this way.” The hostess purred.

  Girls like her made me sick. He is still a human just like the rest of us. I was starting to get a better understanding of why he seemed so hostile in the media all the damn time. I would probably be locked up if I had to deal with this shit on a daily basis. She seated us right in the middle of the freaking restaurant. It was as if she wanted to put us on display, that or didn’t want us to have any privacy. My guess was the latter. Brett sat a safe distance away at the bar and watched us with hawk eyes.

  “Your waitress will be Carla. She’ll be right over.” She placed the menus on the table and strutted off making sure to add a little extra sway to her hips. Jake seemed oblivious.

  As if on cue, a perky blonde with way too much perfume strolled over.

  “How are you folks tonight?” She gushed enthusiastically downright ignoring me.

  I rolled my eyes at her, but she wouldn’t have noticed anyway since she was too busy eye-fucking Jake. At least he didn’t feed into her. He was a total contradiction to what I was expecting.

  “We’re fine. We’re actually ready to order.” He said politely. She pulled out her little notebook. “I’ll have the filet, done medium-rare and she’ll have a salad.”

  I shot daggers at him. I looked at the server seething.

  “Actually, I’ll have a steak cooked medium, with extra mashed potatoes and a beer.” She looked shocked, but turned and left to put our orders in. Take that Parker!

  I glowered at Jake. It was going to be a long three months…

  “Salads are for skinny bitches and people with health problems. I’m neither.” I said sharply.

  “You could have at least ordered a girly martini or something.” He smirked.

  I rolled my eyes and attempted to keep my temper in check. I sat on my hands like my mom used to make me do when I was little, so I wouldn’t reach across the table and smack the smirk right off his handsome face. He seemed to be getting some perverse amusement out of the whole thing.

  Better tell the gravedigger that he better dig two because we (mostly me) are going to strangle one another before the night is over.

  “Seriously? Do I look like a girly martini kind of girl?” I cocked an eyebrow.

  “Relax. The salad thing was just a test.” He rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. “I kind of have a thing against girls with food issues. No offense. I think you have a fantastic body. I’m sorry that didn’t come out how I wanted it to. Dammit! I’m just going to shut up now.” He said getting flustered.

  A small laugh escaped my lips. It was funny to see him get all worked up. We indulged in our dinners and engaged in some small talk. By the time, we were getting ready to leave my mood lightened slightly. He settled our bill, and we headed back to the car. I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window and felt Jake slide in next to me. Brett closed the door and climbed into the passenger seat. Apparently, we would be staying at the W Hotel. I watched as the lights of the city blurred by.

  We slowed to a crawl, and I looked out the window. During dinner, Jake warned me that there was always a chance of paparazzi lurking in the shadows. Nothing could have prepared me for the sight when we pulled up. He swore so much that I’m positive it’s still hovering somewhere in space. He claimed that the record company probably leaked his whereabouts. Brett said that we needed to be extra careful and to get to the door as quickly as possible. Ten seconds later we were thrust out of the car with lights flashing a mile a minute. The spots fogged my vision so badly tha
t I tripped stepping up onto the curb. Jake quickly grabbed a hold of my waist to steady me. We walked double-time into the lobby.

  Jake was clearly infuriated. “I can’t believe that weasel threw me to the sharks like that!”

  “Why would they do that?” I asked in utter disbelief trying get my wits back.

  I mean sure you hear stories, but to be a part of it was something else.

  “Free publicity. The same reason that the hotel’s security doesn’t do anything until we’re inside.” He spat looking directly at the hotel security guard, who quickly turned his head.

  He pulled me towards the front desk to check in. The petite redhead behind the counter had a hard time forming a coherent sentence when she looked at Jake. She pressed a few buttons and handed him a key card. She kept a firm grasp on the card and looked admiringly at him.

  “I’m off at one.” She batted her eyelashes.

  “Are you seriously offering yourself to me in front of my girlfriend? I mean no offense, but look at her and look at you.” He scoffed.

  I gasped.

  I was going to sneak in his room and murder him in his sleep. He grabbed my hand, and I tried to pull away to no avail. His hand refused to leave mine.

  “That’s how rumors get started you know. Now let me go so I can check into my room.” I said tersely, watching the cameras still flashing through the glass.

  “Whatever, just wait until morning when pictures hit the press. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re plastered everywhere in an hour.”

  “I’m going to kill you in your sleep.” I mumbled under my breath.

  “What was that?” He started laughing.

  “Nothing.” I backpedaled.

  “It will be easy since we’re sharing a room.”

  “What!?” I shrieked.

  “I have the entire top floor. There’s more than enough room.” He shrugged.

  “You have got to be kidding me!”

  “Aubrey, I thought we were going to try and be friends. Why are you fighting the inevitable? I’m not that awful, I promise. I don’t bite, unless you’re into that kind of thing, then I’d gladly make an exception.” He winked, and I slugged him in the stomach.