Chapter Seventeen

Eddie

Seeing Callie unconscious on that hospital bed when I arrived is forever burnt into my brain, it’s like a switch turned on and an overwhelming urge to protect her and never let her be hurt like this again has swept over me. The doctor says she only passed out, but seeing your child like that would be enough to cause the strongest of people to fall. I left her room to take a leak and, of course, she’d woken up and I knew where she’d be. I never expected her to fall into my arms, but the moment she did our bodies came together as if they’d never been apart. And that kiss…I can still feel the way her lips touched mine and how I knew she was going to give me a chance to show her this is the man I can be without all the rock god bullshit.

After lightly tapping on the door to Beau's hospital room, Callie looks my way and smiles. “Hey, how’s he doin’ today?” I whisper, walking towards her. She hasn’t left his side since he came out of surgery yesterday and neither has his girlfriend. She’s a feisty little thing, and when the doctors told her she couldn’t stay and that only Callie could stay, she told them she wouldn’t be leaving. Callie’s Ex-husband made a call and she was allowed to stay as long as she calmed down.

“He’s doing well; his doctor should be here soon,” she whispers, trying not to wake them both, young love is adorable. She takes my hand and walks me out of the room.

“How are you doing? Do you want to go take a shower? I can get Damien to take you?” I ask, trying to offer her some kind of help.

“I’m fine for now, thanks for asking, but when Beau is out of here I plan to do so many things to you,” she says, looking me right in the eyes and the words coming from her mouth make my cock pulsate.

“Damn woman, don’t be saying things like that. I wonder how quickly I can get Beau home and in the care of a nurse.”

“The things you’ll do for sex,” she laughs.

“No, the things I’d do for sex with you,” I say, pulling her body into mine. I like seeing her so playful and with her guard down. “I have a meeting with Oliver and Alex.” I feel her body go tense at the mention of Alex’s name and I don’t blame her. “I can cancel if you want me here.”

“Don’t be silly, I’ll be fine.”

“Okay, I’ll make it quick. I’ll leave one of those bozos here and if you need anything they’ll make it happen, even if it’s just a coffee.”

“I’m not the famous one, you need to make sure they protect this,” she says, cupping my crotch with her hand.

“What about my pretty face?” I ask with a frown.

“Yes, I’ll need that, too,” she says cheekily.

“I assure you, you will,” I wink. “I’ll be back,” I say, pulling her in for a kiss. We’re interrupted by the doctor, so I move aside and Callie follows the doctor into the room. Damien and three new security guys are standing on the opposite side of the corridor.

“You,” I say, pointing to the ugliest one, I can’t have the hot one stay with her. “You stay here and look after my woman. If she needs anything, and I mean anything, you get it for her. If she says jump, you ask how high? Am I clear?”

“Yes sir,” he nods. Damien radios down for the driver to bring the car around. The press has made a point of trying to get the story since late last night, and Marcus ordered Damien to make sure a driver was available at all times. He’s so paranoid. The amount of press that greets us outside the hospital is overwhelming, and Damien tells them my publicist will make a statement at a later time as we make our way through them. I’m sure they were expecting it to be me here being treated for an overdose. I call Delilah and ask her if she could go buy Callie a phone and bring it to her, she’s over the moon when I tell her Callie and I are a little more than friends.

When we finally arrive, Oliver and Alex are waiting in his office.

“Can we make this quick, I need to get back to the hospital.” I say and I notice the way Alex is standing close to Oliver. “What’s going on here?” I say, pointing between them. Neither can answer before the famous Bastien Fontaine makes a grand entrance. “So, I take it this must be important for the big man himself to make an appearance.”

“You, my boy, are in a world of trouble,” Mr Fontaine says, taking a seat at his son’s desk.

“What have I done now? I thought since I’ve been sober the trouble would have stopped.”

“Sexual harassment in the work place is no laughing matter,” he says.

“Sexual Harassment?” Mickki says, waltzing into the room. Everyone turns to look at him. “What, you didn’t think you could have a meeting with Eddie and me not be here? I’m sure you’re all well aware that Eddie and I have been a package deal, it’s in our contract and we wouldn’t want to void that now, would we? So, back to this alleged sexual harassment,” he asks.

“It’s a contract Eddie wants out of anyway,” Oliver snaps.

“Children, one thing at a time. Now Eddie, Alex has to our attention your unwanted sexual advances,” Mr Fontaine says and Damien scoffs.

“My unwanted sexual advances? That’s rich coming from the woman who came into my room, almost naked, and threw herself at me.” I look at Alex and she really is a good actress. “What’s wrong princess? One taste of my dick too much for you, and you go all crazy stalker when I turn you down.”

“Enough. Obviously this needs to be handled the right way, and until it is Mr Diamond, you’ll still be held to your contact.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? We had a deal that if I did that charity concert, I’d be out as long as Mickki stayed,” I blast back.

“Since it wasn’t in writing, there’s nothing you can do about it,” Oliver says with a smug look on his face, the damn fool is fucking her. “Fuck you all,” I say, pushing my chair across the room.

“You’ll be hearing from our legal team,” Mickki states, standing.

“Can you believe this shit?” I say to Mickki as we exit the room with Damien and Marcus following closely behind us.

“Of course, I can believe it, I’m surprised it hasn’t happened earlier. When will you learn to keep your dick in your pants?” he hollers at me.

“I didn’t fuck her. I could have, but I didn’t; she came on to me,” I say, defending myself.

“And how many people will believe that?” he says.

“I was hoping at least three people—you, Callie, and Damien.”

“Damien?” he questions.

“Yes, he saw her come into the room, and saw her in the bottom of the shower and walked her back to her room,” I say and he looks at Damien for confirmation.

“Well, good. At least we have something to take to the solicitor. Let’s go.”

Marcus and Mickki go in one car and Damien and I go in another. I can’t believe this shit is happening when all I want to do is go back to Callie. I check my phone and see a text from Delilah saying Callie has the new phone, but almost didn’t take it. Delilah always gets what she wants, and I don’t doubt she forcibly made Callie keep the phone. I program the number she’s attached into my phone and shoot off a quick message.

Hey Beautiful woman, had a slight set back but will be back as soon as I can.

The reply is almost instant

Who’s this?

What does she mean who’s this?

How many ppl call you beautiful woman?

None up until now…stop stressing…do what you have to do and I’ll see you later

Xxoo

“You’re smiling like a creeper,” Damien says.

“Shut up. You’re the creeper watching me and not the road. Don’t you know who you’re driving around? I’m Eddie Diamond, fucking rock god.”

“More like pain in my ass,” he says, giving me the finger. I don’t know many people who are friends with their personal security, most just treat them like servants, but Damien is a friend, pretty much the only real friend I’ve ever had.

We pull up behind Marcus and Mickki at Mickki’s house. I don’t know why he even has this house, considering he spends most of his time at my house. I think it’s for sentimental reasons or some other bullshit excuse. It’s a cute little six-bedroom house, like something out of a fairy tale. I follow everyone into the house and we take a seat in the dining room where the team of lawyers are already sitting and looking at me; I swear they’re all thinking, ‘what has he done this time?’

“It’s okay boys, I didn’t torment any taxi drivers this time,” I say in amusement. One cracks a smile and I decide he’s the one I will be dealing with, at least he has a sense of humour. “You,” I say pointing to him. “You’ll be leading this case, the rest of you can leave.”

“But he’s only an associate,” stutters Brindley, who looks like he has a stick shoved up his ass.

“I suppose you’re a partner then?” I throw back, knowing damn well who he is.

“I’m…I’m more qualified to handle yo…your case,” he says.

“I’m sure this young guy…” I say, looking in his direction and prompting him to tell me his name.

“Derek,” he replies.

“I’m sure Derek will do just fine. I’m sure I could call and complain that my needs aren’t being met.”

“If that’s what you want, but I can’t guarantee you a win if you use an associate.”

“I’m sure, with the amount of money we will be paying you, Paul, that you could look over the case at a later time and help Derek,” Mickki says. “I’m sure you’re aware of how my brother works and that once he has his mind set on something you won’t change it. I’m also sure we could get your daughter some VIP tickets to our next concert. I know she’s a die hard Black Diamond fan.

“Sure thing, Mickki. I’ll call you when we have this sorted. It won’t be easy if we have to go up against Fontaine records, but I’m sure we can settle out of court.” Paul says, standing along with his other older colleague; leaving Derek sitting at the table.

“I’ll walk you out,” Mickki says and they all leave the room.

“So, do you think you’re up for a case like this?” I ask, watching the young kid; he doesn’t look like he’s been out of Uni long.

“I’m always up for anything,” he replies.

“My kinda answer,” I say as Mickki walks back into the room. We go through everything that happened between Alex and me, from our first meeting to our poker game, the few times we’ve been alone together, and the night she tried to seduce me and it backfired on her. Damien retells his side of that night also. Derek says it sounds like we have a pretty easy case and she must want something from me, because they see this often with musicians and actors. He says he’ll go and update his boss, make a few calls, and update us later. What could she possibly want from me? She really isn’t ugly, so this can’t just be about the sex; from what I saw in Oliver’s office, she’s getting some.

“What do you think she wants from you?” Mickki asks after Derek leaves.

“Look at me, what wouldn’t she want?” I say, but he doesn’t find my answer amusing. “Honestly, what could she really be after when I know she’s screwing Oliver. Maybe it’s about getting his sympathy and nothing to do with me.”

“We’ll have to wait and see, I suppose,” he says.

“I have to get back to the hospital. I’ll catch you later. We still on for the session later tonight?”

“Sure are; we need to talk as a band, and see what this means for us.”

“Ok, will see ya tonight then,” I say, pulling him into a hug. “Love you, Bro.”

“Love you too. Now, go back to that woman before she realises she’s too good for you,” he says and I give him the finger. Damien follows me out to the car, the sun is starting to set, I didn’t realise how long I’d been dealing with all this Alex drama. Shit, I forgot about the girls at my house, I fly them in and ditch them. Damien assures me they’re fine and making themselves at home at my house. So, that’s something else I need to deal with when I finish visiting Callie.

On the way to the hospital, I put in a call for some decent coffee and some pastries to be delivered. I’m sure Callie hasn’t eaten a thing, and the coffee there sucks. When we arrive, there’s still a few slimy reporters hanging around. Damien’s team of men meet us at the doors and escort me up. Beau’s room is empty when we arrive, he opens his eyes as I shut the door.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you,” I say, taking a seat beside his bed.

“I was awake; I’m just glad mum and Jaynie have gone for a walk. I love them, but I needed a break from them,” he says.

“I get that, they’re just worried about you. Shit, I was worried after your call and flew back to make sure everything was okay.”

“You really flew back? She loves you, you know?”

“I love her, she’s something special,” I say, smiling. I feel like a teenage boy with a crush, it’s ridiculous.

“Can you promise me something?” he asks sincerely.

“Depends what it is, I don’t like making promises. I don’t have a good track record with following through.”

“I need you to promise to make an honest woman of her, she deserves a good life.”

“I…”

“Let me finish. Love her, put her first, and tell my little sister how much I would have loved to be around while she grows up, but I’ll always be watching her and will always love her.”

“I…you…you’re okay Beau. I think you’re jumping the gun, unless you’re still planning to, well, you know,” I say, concerned that maybe the kid has some mental health issues going on that I don’t know about.

“Eddie, I’m not crazy. I’ve known for as long as I can remember that I would die before I turn eighteen. I don’t know how I know, or why, but I do and the only person who believes me is Jaynie. My dad and his doctor think I have bipolar or schizophrenia, and I hid it from mum because she’ll blame herself. But the moment she told me she met you, everything started falling into place and I’ve accepted it. Yes, yesterday I had a moment where I wanted to end it, just to make it easier, but at least promise me you’ll care about her enough to put her feelings first; she’s had a rough life and deserves nothing but the best.”

“I’m kinda freaking out to be honest,” I say.

“I don’t blame you, but everything will make sense soon enough. I have something I want you to put away for her. There’s an envelope in my bag over there, with mum written on it, can you just make sure she gets it after I’m gone.”

“Sure, and as much as all this sounds crazy, I promise to always put her first and make sure she’s looked after,” I say, going to his bag and retrieving the envelope. I fold it and shove it in my jacket pocket.

“You’re not a bad person, Eddie, just misunderstood.”

“Thanks kid,” I say as the door slowly opens and Callie walks in.

“You’re back,” she says.

“I told you I’d be back.”

“How was your meeting?” she asks, but now isn’t the time to fill her in on all the crazy shit Alex is saying.

“It didn’t go as planned, but it’s being fixed,” I say.

“What have you two been up to while I wasn’t here?” she asks.

“Just bonding with my new daddy,” Beau says, being cheeky.

“Kid, I don’t know if you’re cool enough to be my kid,” I laugh.

We spend the next few hours chatting, his girlfriend joined us not long after Callie got back, and she’s a pretty cool chick. I can’t get what Beau said out of my brain. I watch the way Callie is with him and hope he’s just a little crazy. How could it be possible to know when you’ll die. I kind of expected to die young from the drug abuse, but that isn’t the same. I must have lost track of time until Damien comes in and lets me know I need to get home. I tell Callie to call me if she needs anything, and the same for Beau and Jaynie, who was a little excited to have a rock star’s phone number in her phone. I made her promise not to write it on any bathroom walls before I leave.

I keep checking my phone to make sure she hasn’t called me; I can’t get what Beau said out of my head. The guys are putting up with me not mentally being with it, the girls are a little in awe of the whole process. I made them play a few songs for everyone, and Mickki said he’ll see if he can talk with Oliver about getting them to open for us in the future, which lead to lots of screaming. Speak of the devil and he arrives, Oliver walks through the door and we all stop talking and look at him. I don’t blame him for taking her side, but it would have been nice not to be ambushed considering we’re his biggest clients. I hear the girls talking among themselves, Mickki stands to greet Oliver and I just eyeball him. This must be when the other shoe drops, or whatever that stupid saying is.

“So, to what do we owe the pleasure?” I ask.

“We need to talk, in private,” he says, looking at the girls. They stand and go to leave the room, Shan stops by my side.

“We’ve got your back,” she says, touching my shoulder. Once they leave, Oliver turns back to me.

“I’ve spoken with my father, and he wants this problem to go away as quickly and easily as possible.”

“Easy, fire the bitch and we can go back to your deal to let me out. I’m replaceable.”

“I can’t do that Eddie, that’s a law suit we don’t need; and about your contract, my father thinks with the current situation you need to honour your contract.”

“This is bullshit and you know it!” I shout and start pacing the room.

“I think what my brother’s saying is, if he has to honour his contract then that means I have to honour mine, and when our contracts are up we’re all out. I agreed with Eddie that I’d stay if he could leave, because I can see why he wants to leave,” Mickki says. We’d talked earlier today and all of us were in agreement on what we’d do if this were to happen; Benny was spot on when he predicted this.

“That fucking slut, she knew this would happen; she played us all,” I say, kicking the chair in front of me. “I can’t do this, I need out. One more tour will kill my chance with Callie; the drugs and temptation, I’m not ready for that.”

“It’s out of my hands now, I’m sorry,” Oliver says.

“Well, thanks for nothing. I hope your father knows he’s lost us after the next tour. Oh, and tell him we have a new opening act for the tour that is non-negotiable, or this rock star may cause so much bad press that he’ll want to drop me,” I say.

“I hope we don’t, but like I said it’s out of my hands. Can I at least hear the girls play before I take up that fight with my father?”

We get the girls back into the room and ask them to do their thing. They manage to get Oliver involved. Half-way through their second song, I feel vibrations from my pocket; retrieving my mobile, I see it’s Callie calling.

“Hey, beautiful woman.”

“He…he,” she sobs.

“He what, Callie? What’s happened?” I ask.

“He was fine one minute and we were talking, then the next thing I know his eyes went weird and the machines started going crazy, and the doctors kicked me out. He was fine.”

“I’m coming…DAMIEN! Just wait for a doctor to come see you and I’ll be there. Stay on the phone with me while you wait, okay?” She doesn’t answer me, but I know she’s still there, I can hear her sobs. My heart hurts for her and a feeling of dread washes over me; Beau’s words ring through my brain once again. Maybe the kid was right, but I hope he’s wrong; I don’t think she can handle this right now. She may act tough, but I know she isn’t on the inside; she’s just as scared and broken as I am.