Beat to Their Heart Read online

  “You got any plans on your day off?” Hmm, that was a thought, what did she have planned. Oh the joys of Transformers and Avengers with Milo.

  “Nope, just staying home and catching up on much needed sleep.”

  “Well, you should come out with me. I promise you will have a good time.”

  “I don’t think that’s wise, Dr. Hudson. Thanks anyway.” She quickly chugged her coffee, letting the coffee burn going down, but it was better than dealing with Hudson. As quickly as she could she went back to the ER, this time hoping for someone crazy to make time fly by.

  Chapter Two

  Joey looked at the music that Mickey had provided for them and did a dry run to see how it sounded. He had to admit it was pretty good, but he wasn’t a big ballad person. The softer stuff bored him. He loved to get lost in the rhythms of his solos.

  “Hunter, that’s good, but you need to crescendo near the last measure before the break to have the buildup needed. Joey, there is a drum break for a reason. The song needs the break to help move it along, and I know you hate the damn brush, but just try it.” Joey was gritting his teeth at this song. He wanted something that people enjoyed, but it seemed they had enough of those and not enough softer ones. Whatever the hell that meant. Mickey was the glue holding them all together, and pushing them all to get out of this town. They had gotten several gigs to play in bigger venues, but when funds were short, they took what they could. “Okay, let’s try this again. Booker, you ready?” Booker nodded and Joey counted it out starting it off. By the end, he was okay with it more than before. Mickey knew what he was doing. He was just glad he wasn’t singing, though at times he did do backup. After they practiced it a few more times, Booker stated it was time for lunch. Thank God there was food. He had gone to the local gas station and grabbed a doughnut and coffee this morning before driving to his apartment to change but that only touched a sliver of his hunger. The only reason he grabbed a motel the night before was because he knew he wanted company for the night. He would never bring someone to his apartment, even if it was just to get laid.

  In Mickey’s kitchen there were several different buckets of fried chicken, mash potatoes, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, cold slaw, and biscuits. Grabbing a paper plate he waited while everyone started to dish up. God he missed a home cooked meal. They all seemed to eat like this a lot, especially when they were traveling.

  “So you gonna tell them the good news, Mickey, or do I?” Booker was very excited, and for once Joey was out of the loop. Both he and Hunter turned to see another man standing in the kitchen with them.

  “Guys, this is Marty, and he is seriously interested in the band. He has a couple of producers coming tonight to the club to hear us. They like us, we can be on tour within a month. What do you think?” Joey for once was stunned. They had talked and joked about what it would be like if they actually got their big shot, but here it was and he was struck stupid.

  “I say let’s do it.” Hunter pulled out five beers and passed them around. Popping the top he held it up and they all clanked their drinks before talking about the set list for tonight. It was set for a fancier club uptown, a place Joey wouldn't feel as comfortable with as he would performing in the rundown joints. Maybe it was how he was raised, or wasn’t raised in his case. Sometimes it’s hard to change something instilled in you at an early age. Setting about eating his chicken and drinking his beer he tried to forget what could happen, and focused on what he could see right in front of him, and right now, that was food.

  *****

  She was still a little tired, but she felt so much better. This was her time with Milo. He had a half day and went on and on about how they drew their favorite superhero in art and he drew Captain America because he was the original one. For a six year old he was pretty smart.

  “That’s great, baby. Let’s head inside. Trudy left some cookies for us as a snack. I can make us some lunch and then we can have one. What do you say?”

  “Okay, Mommy. Then can I watch Transformers.”

  “I will think about it, Milo. You need to pick up your room first.” She grabbed Milo’s hand and headed up to the stairs that led to their apartment on the second story.

  “No, I wanna watch Transformers,” he started to protest.

  “Milo, I said after. Come on, let’s go inside now.”

  “No, Mommy, no. Please, you gotta let me watch them, please I need to watch them. They will miss me if I don’t. Mommy, please.” Her baby boy was starting with the tears. It was hard when he got like this. Most parents would claim he was having a tantrum, but Milo was special. He was diagnosed with Asperger’s, which is a high functioning autism. He didn’t understand things such as patience, like most kids would his age. He was getting better, but on half days like this, his schedule was off and he had a hard time adapting.

  “Milo, you need to calm down and look at me.” She had already had him in the apartment at this time. “We can watch Transformers later. We need to pick up the toys. If you want, mommy can help you.” But it seemed that nothing was working. Going to her old backup she started humming the sweet tune of “Puff the Magic Dragon”. She was sure it had nothing to do with the actual words but the soft soothing melody. When he was four, Sky had discovered that music seemed to calm him. Not being big on kid’s music, she had to resort to what she knew from her childhood. Personally, she was a rock girl at heart, but some of the newer stuff sucked. However, she did have her favorites she listened to when he was playing in his room. Looking at her sweet boy she couldn’t help but smile, thinking about how her life had taken a turn in a completely different direction.

  Once she had gotten Milo settled after his small meltdown, her cell phone rang. Picking it up she saw it was Casey.

  “Hey, chicky, whatcha doing?” Casey chirped happily.

  “Nothing, just got Milo settled, and just finished dishes. Why what’s up?”

  “Come out with me tonight. Ask Trudy to watch him, hell, I’ll even pay her.”

  “Oh, Casey, I can’t do that. You know she needs to have a break, and I’m not sure how Milo would handle it.”

  “Think about it, Sky. You spend every waking moment either at the hospital or with Milo. Not that I don’t love the little guy, but you need to have time to yourself. Say you will think about it.” Sky was really tempted. It had been a long time since she just did nothing with a friend. But it would be selfish of her to do that, just as she was about to say she couldn’t, Casey asked her to hold on she had another call. Grumbling because this was going to end with Casey saying she was disappointed in her when she clicked back over.

  “So I just talked to Trudy and she said she would watch Milo, in fact she sounded really happy and said something about making him a cake and movie time with him. See, I took care of everything. So please. Come on, Sky, just this once and then I will stop bugging you. Plus there is this new band going to be there and they are supposed to be amazing. Come on.”

  “Well it doesn’t seem like I have much choice, fine I will go. Do you want to meet me somewhere and I can drive?”

  “Nope, you just dress and I will pick you up. I’m so stoked. This is seriously going to be kick ass.” And with that Casey clicked off the phone. A weird sense of excitement started to fill her. It had been a long time since she had gone out, and this was only a one-time deal. Checking on Milo, she made sure he was all set before she went into her room to find something to wear.

  *****

  When the band pulled up to the club, Joey was shocked. It was a lot bigger than he thought, and if Marty was right, this would be just what they needed to take off. They had been in the studio before to lay down tracks, but something was different. Things had just started to get real. Pulling out his drums, he took care with making sure the rims weren't scratched or dinged while he unloaded them. No one was at the club yet except the owners and the bartenders. Booker was already unloaded and connecting his amp while a cute little thing brought him a beer. God, he could use t
hat right now. Maybe before he went on he would do a shot to calm his nervousness. This was their shot and he didn’t want to screw it up.

  “Hey, man, you doing okay?” Mickey asked. They should name him Big Daddy or something because he’s always acted like a mother hen. He and the others knew about his past, but it’s not something they ever brought up, and when shit hit the fan, he knew they had his back. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t act like an ass from time to time.

  Marty came over and gave them a onceover, making sure they looked okay. He made Hunter put on sunglasses and change his shirt, Mickey pulled his hair into a braid, while Booker left his down, and me, he gave me a weird look. Then the little shit told me to take my shirt off.

  “You want me to do what?” There was no way he wanted him to take his shirt off.

  “Listen, man, sex sells and since they can’t see you sitting behind the drums, they need to see something, so take off the shirt. The ladies will love it.” Joey glared at him, but it was Mickey who pulled him aside.

  “Listen, bro, just do it. No one can really see too much, and no one close enough can see the marks. All they will see are the tattoos. Come on, Joey.” Mickey was practically pleading with him.

  “Fine. But you fucking owe me,” he grumbled as he pulled his shirt up and over his head. His back was covered in tattoos, and his chest had several ones that had a special meaning to him. Walking over to the bar, he got a drink after everything was set up to his preference.

  Time seemed to fly as they were given an introduction from the owner of the club. The club was located in a high trafficked area of LA that seemed to attract a lot of big names in music. Not thinking about that, Joey looked to his left that had the lineup of songs for the set, so he knew what was coming next. Looking out in the crowd he was surprised at how packed the club had become. Nothing like the small dives they had played in the past, this was the real deal. Giving everything he had to the music, he let Mickey take lead and when it came time for the drum fill, he let his sticks fly showing everyone what he could do.

  When the song finished he was shocked at the cheers and screams coming from the crowd, but it was time for a break. He sure needed it. Not used to actual lights, he found himself thirsty. He could use another shot, but drank some water first, making sure he didn’t get sick and screw up his kit. He took a breather and actually found a seat at the bar to rest for a minute.

  A young girl, who wore a, “I’m Twenty-one Today,” sash and crown walked over to him.

  “Hey, you guys are awesome. Do you guys take requests?”

  “Thanks for the compliment, but we don’t do covers, we are all original,” he said as he went about drinking his water. He wasn’t going to touch her. He needed to keep a clear head if he wanted to finish this set and see what would happen next. He spotted Marty talking with Mickey and some guys in expensive suits. Looking around the club, he noticed a larger younger crowd. Typical for this part. He was about to leave when he looked by the door to a woman who was definitely not twenty-one. Starting with her shoes, working his way up, she wore some type of boots with skintight jeans that showed off all her natural curves. Such a contrast to the skinny women who looked like toothpicks. Continuing his journey up her body, she wore a black tank top with no crazy designs or colors. It was a very simple outfit, but given her shape, it made his cock pay attention to her. A cute face that wasn’t covered in make-up, at least that he could see, and brown hair that was clipped in the front to keep it out of her face. She was definitely someone he wanted to talk to. Watching as she and her friend, whom he glanced at but didn’t give much thought, followed alongside.

  Watching under hooded eye the two women asked for rum and cokes before turning and talking to each other. He had to get on stage soon, so he figured why not talk to her. The worst that could happen is she ignored him.

  “Hi, ladies,” trying to remember what manners he did have.

  “Umm, hi,” said the friend, while the beauty who captured his interest looked down at her drink trying to avoid eye contact.

  “I’m Joey, and you ladies are?”

  “Hi, Joey, I’m Casey, and this is Skylar.”

  “Skylar, that’s a unique name,” he thought that sounded good. It'd been a while since he spoke normal to a woman instead of his usual line of "Let's fuck."

  “You ladies having fun?” he asked, trying to make small talk, seeing if she would respond to him.

  “We just got here. Heard the band is pretty hot. Do you know them?” Oh so they came to see the band.

  “Yup, they are pretty good.” He smiled knowingly. “They go on in a few minutes. Do you like rock music, Skylar?” He was trying to get her attention, and when she did look up, warm brown eyes looked directly at him. Damn she was beautiful. The women he had before didn’t even come close in comparison to her.

  “Yes, I like rock music, though I admit I don’t get to listen to a live band very often.”

  “Well then you’re in for a treat. Look, I got to run, but can I talk to you later?” Hoping she would say yes, she just smiled at him sweetly before nodding. He turned and ran to the stage getting ready to start. He caught her in the audience and he kept his eyes on her while the others welcomed them back. He pointed his stick at her giving her a wink before counting out the song. Then he was in the zone.

  Chapter Three

  Sky felt her skin flush all over as Joey watched her while he played. She felt self-conscious already with her outfit, but Casey told her she looked great and not to worry about it. Simple jeans and a tank top, but she did have some boots she kept for special occasions. When Joey came over and talked to her, she didn’t know what to say or do. The man was built like a damn sexy god with his shirt off. Never had she thought a man like him would talk directly to her, but when he climbed on stage and started playing, desire bloomed inside. There was a pull to him she didn’t understand, even though she had only said a little more than two sentences to the man. Her eyes must have been huge because Casey was laughing at her while swaying to the music. The band was amazing, and she loved their name. Chasing Tail seemed to be a hit with this crowd. She wouldn’t be surprised if they weren't picked up soon, if not tonight. Joey broke eye contact from time to time as the beat picked up. The singer and lead guitarist were amazing, hell, the whole band was better than she had heard in a while. Then again, she had been playing Disney radio when she was in the car with Milo.

  Taking another drink of her coke and rum, she allowed the music to move her. A couple guys had come over and offered to buy her another drink, which Casey had no problem accepting. When one returned with drinks, they all took turns dancing. The tall, darker skin male who seemed to take interest in her held on to her hips as she rocked to the rhythm. She wasn’t much of a dancer, but it didn’t seem like she had much choice.

  After sitting down for a while, when she got back up to dance a few more times, she looked at Joey, who seemed annoyed, she didn’t know if it was her, or the guy who was getting a little to handsy for her taste. The band finished with loud applause and the DJ started to play while another band set up. Sky looked around trying to find Casey, but she was cuddling close to the man whom she was dancing with earlier.

  “Come on, baby, let’s go somewhere and get to know each other better,” said Mr. Handsy as he ran his hands down to her ass making her gasp. He didn’t seem to get it.

  “I don’t think so. Thanks anyway. I think I should find my friend.”

  “She left with my friend, they won’t be back for a while. I can take care of you.” He started to rub himself against her and Sky wasn’t having any of it.

  “Look, you need to let go. Thanks for the dance, but I’m leaving.”

  “Come on, baby, you know you wanna come play.” He didn’t seem to take no for an answer. She pushed at him one more time, but this time he seemed too lost as he looked behind her. She could feel his presence before she could see him.

  “Skylar, you okay? I’m sorry I took so
long, I had to find a shirt.”

  “I’m fine, Joey, really. He was just leaving, right?” She glared at the idiot as he finally released his hold on her.

  “You’re the drummer right? You guys rock.”

  “Thanks, but I think you should leave now,” he said through gritted teeth.

  “Umm, you coming, babe?” The idiot didn’t seem to give up. However, Joey made himself known by standing next to her wrapping his arm around her.

  “I think she is going to be fine. Now leave.” Sky felt like such an idiot that a guy like Joey had to come to her rescue. She really should not have left the house. When the idiot finally left, she could feel the tension radiating through Joey. Unable to resist, she placed her hand on his now covered chest trying to soothe him.

  “Calm down now, big guy. It’s okay. He’s gone, thank you. There you go, nice and calm.” She smiled at him when he looked down at her with wide eyes.

  Joey had never had someone try to soothe him before, normally no one gave a rat's ass, except his band mates. They cared, but most of the time they let him beat the shit out of something until his aggression passed, or he got shit faced drunk. But Skylar seemed to calm him deep down with her touch. Almost like a mother’s touch. Taking some deep breaths, he let everything go. He could still see the fucker grabbing her ass and rubbing himself suggestively against her. He could have screwed about half the women in the club, but he was drawn to her. He wasn't built for a relationship right now, maybe ever, but she seemed different from others he had met. Sky wasn’t a groupie, but a real woman, a caring woman.

  “Are you really okay?” He turned her so he could look at her face to face. Damn, she was so small compared to him. With her heels she couldn’t have been more than five four to his six two frame.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you, now are you okay?” The concern in her eyes was almost overwhelming. She was so different from what he had experienced. The strange pull to her was like nothing he ever felt before, even in his past. Though not looking for a commitment, put aside the fact he wasn't in a place in his life to where he could offer one, if he could, she would be the one. It was crazy to have this feeling with someone you had just met.