“Will she cause trouble?”
“She is trouble.Walking talking trouble with a camera and a mic.”
“Xane, I didn’t know you were a film fanatic,” one journalist shouted.
“You’ve all very short memories.I only missed last year because the timing didn’t work.”
“Xane, when are you expecting the new album to drop?”
“Are there Black Halo ties to the film tonight?”
“When are we going to see your acting debut?”
“Are you finally over the death of your former drummer?”
Which clown had asked that?As if anyone just got over something as huge as losing your best friend.Alle frowned, irritated on Xane’s behalf, until Spook’s nudge reminded her she was supposed to look happy.Xane never even blinked at the questions hurled at him.
“They’re hideous,” Alle mouthed to Spook.She had an iron grip on his hand.“How do you stand these vultures?”
“By keeping my mouth shut,” he said.
“Which one of these lovelies is your date for the night?”
“Is it true you’re fucking your new drummer?”
Dear God, Luthor was right there.
Xane responded by pulling Luthor close enough to kiss.Although their lips didn’t actually touch, a million flashes went off in their faces nonetheless.
“How does your girlfriend feel about this?”
“She’s right here.Why don’t you ask her?Honestly, guys, get with the times.Have you never heard of polyamory before now?”
“How long before your label calls to give you all shit about this?”Alle asked Spook quietly enough that she was sure the press wouldn’t hear.
“I think they’re over the notion of containing it, and are embracing the LGBT, alternative relationships angle.It’s who he is, and he’s never really hidden it.It might lose us a few sales, but it’ll likely gain us just as many.Leastways, that’s what the money men are praying.”
“It’s not so much polyamory as your personal harem though, isn’t it, Xane?With poor Daniella as the token woman.I suppose you needed to replace Elspeth.”
“He didn’t though, did he?”Alle asked.Black Halo’s former keyboardist was taking some personal time.
Spook shook his head.“Ava really is a cow.”
Xane, sporting his trademark cat’s eyes contact lenses continued to smile.“Ms Leigh.How delightful to see you again so soon.Still desperate to be indoctrinated into the clan, I see.For the last time, woman, much as I enjoy a nice cunt, I fear yours would permanently shrivel my dick.”
She gave a slow clap.“Delightfully toxic as always.I’m not tawdry enough to want into your pants.God only knows what I’d catch.”
“Hm, must be pictures of your identical twin that Spook has in his groupie scrapbook?”He shot a confirmatory glance in Spook’s direction, who rattled off a date and time and what sounded disturbingly like a catalogue number.
Ava burned with indignation.“I have never soiled myself with you.I only went with Ash the once.”
Some of those around her laughed.Seething, she turned and shoved a pathway to the back of the ranks.
“Nice, Ava,” one of the other paparazzo’s jibed.“Bet you’re super proud of your Gore’s Whores pin badge and certificate.Must be endlessly disappointing to know you stuffed up getting your claws into the main man.”
“Shut up.”
“Don’t remember seeing the mention of you going undercover in your exposé article.”
“Fuck off.I didn’t print anything that wasn’t true.”
“One more photo, Xane.On the steps,” someone with seemingly some authority called, and they were arranged halfway up the grand entrance staircase.Finally, that over, they were free to enter the theatre, and settle into seats to see the film – a glorious, fantasy biopic about a former rock legend.
