Chapter 57: Bulletproof (I Wish I Was)
The
next morning at rehearsal, Russell made an announcement that really didn’t
surprise anyone: “Mr. Parker decided not to sign us.”
“Why
not?” Eric asked.
“He
wanted Quiet Storm to own your masters and your publishing.”
“Oh,
hell naw.” Rob said.
“Highway
robbery.” Eric added.
“Indentured
servitude, more like,” Terry said.
“That’s
why I didn’t take the deal.”
“Then
I guess he’s leaving empty handed,” Lisa quipped.
“Not
exactly,” Russell said.
Everyone
wondered aloud why that was. Terry had a notion about it as he glanced sidelong
at Dom, who pretended not to notice.
“Well,
“ Russell began. “It turns out that Mr. Parker wanted the group, but if he
couldn’t get all of you…”
“He
wanted our lead singer,” Terry finished. He looked at Dom and she looked away.
“Yes.”
Russell said.
“And
what did our lead singer say?”
“Yes.”
Dom answered.
“I
knew it.” Terry got up and started pacing angrily.
“So,
when were you gonna let us know?” Lisa asked.
“Actually,
she let me know after she spoke to Parker.” Russell explained. “We had a good
talk and she feels bad for getting signed and not the whole group.”
“Then
she shouldna did that shit.” Terry spat.
“Seriously,
Terry?” Russell said. “You’d turn down a deal, a guaranteed deal to stay?”
“In
a New York Minute.” He stated. “If my band can’t go with me, I’m not goin.”
“Hear-fucking-hear.”
Rob said.
“But
it’s my life,” Dom said. “I’m sorry; I love you guys, but I want to be a star.
I don’t want to be just locally known.” She shrugged and said, “I want more.”
There
was a lot of determination on her face, Eric thought. And courage. She wasn’t
backing down in spite of all the frustration and outright anger directed
towards her.
Eric
looked at Terry. He saw so much anger on his little brother’s face and felt
very bad for him. He understood how Dom felt, knew that was where her head was
at, but it still hurt and felt betrayed a little.
Eric
got up and stood next to Dom, put a hand on her shoulder and said, “I hear you,
Dom. Honestly, you should’ve shared that with us a long time ago. I can’t speak
for everyone, but I would’ve understood and not felt so betrayed right now.
“You’re
right, though. It is your life and if this is what you want, I say go for it
and you have my blessings.” He grinned sadly. “Just don’t forget about us.” Dom
grabbed him in a hug and promised she wouldn’t.
“I’ll
believe that when I see it.” Rob said. “I’m up. I ain’t feelin’ no rehearsal.”
“Safe
to say,” Russell added. “Y’all don’t have a show until Friday, anyway. Let’s
take a day.”
“Gladly.”
Lisa said. She did hug Dom and wish her the best. Everybody except Rob and
Terry congratulated her as they left. He sat on the couch, only a few feet away
from Dom, but it may as well have been halfway across the world. He didn’t say
anything, just stared at her. A wealth of hurt and betrayal was scrawled on his
face and judgment pulsed in his eyes. Dom had to look away. She wanted to
explain, make him understand why she felt the way she did. He probably wouldn’t
be open to it, but she had to try.
“Terry…”
she began and looked up. He stood by the
door, arms crossed and anger vibrating off of him. Dom sighed.
“Give
him a minute,” Russell said as he put a hand on her shoulder. “You did drop a
bomb on him.”
“I
know,” Dom sighed again. “I’m not looking forward to the ride home.”
“You’ll
be alright and so will he. You’ll see.” Russell assured her. Dom happened to
look and saw Terry drilling a hard look at her.
“If
you’re ridin’, let’s go.” He said as he walked out of the door.
Dom
sighed and took one last look at the Warehouse. There were so many memories,
good and bad, and she knew she’d miss the place, but she was ready to move on.
The sound of a car revving reminded her that she had one more thing to deal
with before she was able to start her new life. She wasn’t looking forward to
it.
(c)2015 Courtney & W.L. Sherrod
