"I think the band should vote on whether or not to perform-"
"They're going to have a hard time performing without a vocalist. I'm not-"
His words were cut off when Sally suddenly stumbled forward. She bumped into his chest before he could catch her. "You okay?" he asked, steadying her. But Sally didn't answer because she was being screamed at by one very upset Nikki.
"You fucking bitch, I saw him first." Nikki grabbed Shade by the arm and tugged.
What the fuck?
"I already told you I'm not interested," Shade said
"Yeah, because you've moved on to this slut," Nikki spat.
"I'm married," Sally said, shaking her head in disbelief.
"This married slut," Nikki said.
Sally shoved Nikki, who stumbled back and then with an angry growl launched forward and took a swing at a stunned Sally. Luckily Shade's reflexes kicked in. He managed to grab Nikki's wrist and prevent the blow from connecting.
"Not cool," Shade said to Nikki, lifting an arm to block the blow she directed toward him. Her half-assed slap turned out to be a diversionary tactic so she could grab a handful of Sally's thick black hair.
Sally shoved Nikki again. "Back off!"
Melanie was the one who pulled them apart. She didn't say a word, just took Nikki by the arm-Nikki went inexplicably docile beneath her friend's touch-and escorted her out of the dressing room and into the corridor.
"What the hell just happened?" Sally said, smoothing her hair with both hands.
"I fucked that chick last weekend. She seems to want a repeat performance."
Sally rolled her eyes at him. "Why don't you try keeping it in your pants for a change?"
Shade chuckled. "It doesn't get off on dry humping. It prefers hot, slick orifices."
Sally shook her head. "You probably get what you deserve, stud. But I'm not sure why I was assaulted."
"She obviously thought you were her competition."
"For you?" Sally snorted. "She can have you."
Shade's ego stung slightly. He knew Sally had eyes only for Kris, but she didn't have to be so harsh. "Guess I'll go tell her that you gave us your blessing."
He started to walk away, but Sally caught his arm. "You do not have my blessing. I suggest you stay the fuck away from her," she said.
He planned to do exactly that.
"And I think you owe me for putting up with your crazy sex partners."
"Fine," he said. "I owe you one."
Sally grinned deviously. "So I guess you'll be performing at Rock on the Range after all."
Shade scowled at her. "Nice try. I already said no. Julie comes first. You can run me into the ground on any day except my weekends with Julie. I'm not bending on this issue, so you might as well quit pushing."
She sighed with resignation. "Fine. I get it."
"You aren't going to mention this to the rest of the guys, are you? The last thing I need is everyone ganging up on me." Not that it would change his mind.
Sally shook her head. "No, I'll keep it to myself. That daughter of yours is a lucky little girl, you know."
"I do my best to be a good father." Yet he always felt as if he wasn't measuring up and that he didn't get to see her nearly enough. That was why he was determined to make the most of the time he did get to see her and why he guarded those precious moments ferociously. Performing at Rock on the Range on the main stage was a big deal, but nothing was more important than his daughter.
Sally left him while she went to make sure the setup was running smoothly. She was excellent at her job, and usually Shade had a hard time telling her no, but she knew better than to try to schedule performances or events during his visitation weekends.
Shade ventured out into the backstage area to chat with other musicians, the roadies, and the fans who had lucked into backstage passes. Next to performing onstage, this was his favorite part of the rock star gig. He met so many interesting people, and there was always someone to talk to, always someone to share a beer with and pass the time. The cellphone in his pocket vibrated, and he pulled it out to see who wanted to interrupt his good time.
His heart stumbled over a beat when he saw that the message was from Amanda. God, he couldn't wait to see her later that night. And if he was lucky, all weekend long.
I know you're probably busy, her text said, but I can't stop thinking about you.
Understandable, he texted her back in jest.
Egomaniac, her return text accused.
Any man lucky enough to have you thinking of him would have a swollen head.