Chapter Two
DANGER
It’s fucking heart-wrenching walking back into my house in England, which I shared with Ella. Everywhere I look is proof of the life we made together, the pictures on the wall, the furniture we chose.
Everything in here is us.
I can’t stand being here.Period.
So I head straight for our bedroom, dragging my suitcase behind me and hoisting it onto our bed. With skilled precision, I upend the thing, then turn and start to repack. This time, instead of vacation items, I pack it with clothes and crap I want to keep and will need.
I’m in a mad rush, not wanting to be here longer than necessary.
Looking around our home one last time, I shake my head, disgruntled, as I gaze at the engagement photographs of us on the wall. We seemed so happy. What a farce that has turned out to be.
There is no way to stop the anger as I form a fist and punch the glass, shattering the frame before it falls to the floor. My knuckles burn, but I don’t care. It’s nothing compared to the rage in my chest.
This shit fucking hurts.
I pick up my cell and call the one person who might be on my side.
The phone rings twice, and then he answers, “Rob speaking.”
Sighing at the sound of not only my boss’ voice but Ella’s agent, I murmur, “Ella left me.”
Rob is quiet for a split second, and then I hear him sigh down the line. “I thought something was happening. Aston said you’d left Honolulu but wouldn’t tell me what was going on. Where are you?”
Aston, one of Ella’s bandmates… figures!
I rub the back of my neck, trying to soothe the kinks and look around the room again. “Back in England, but I’m about to take off for the States… for good. I’m leaving the house and everything in it. Can you deal with its sale? Give Ella whatever she wants, but sell everything else.”
He exhales down the line again. “Danger, I know this is a big deal, and I am sorry. But youcanstay in England. You’re damn good at your job. I hate losing you.”
I work at Rob’s record label beside him. When I left Recoil in the States and moved to the UK to help Ella focus on her band, I wanted a job in the music industry. So, she hooked me up with her agent. It’s been a great job. I’ve enjoyed it. But it’s not quite as thrilling as being on stage, up in lights with throngs of adoring fans at my beck and call.
“Rob… no. I know I’m leaving without notice and letting you down, but I need to. I can’t…” My throat closes, and I trail off with the tension building.
“Okay, I understand. I’m devastated this has happened to you and regret that it turned out this way. I’ll give you a reference for any position you want in the States. But honestly, when I saw Recoil on tour with12GAUGE-Slayedand Staked, you guys rocked the shit out of the stadium. Perhaps you should concentrate on the band if they’ll have you back. You need to refocus, and now, without distractions, your band could be great. Your energy and enthusiasm are phenomenal, and the band’s music is perfect for today’s market.”
Raising my brow, my mood lifts slightly. “You think so?” I ask.
I haven’t thought about Recoil in a long time because my life has been all about Ella, but now I’m free to think about myself and what I can do withmylife.
Not what I have to give up to be with Ella.
Maybe now is my time to shine?
“I do, Danger. Get back on the horse. Go. Perform. Get back into the music scene thatyoulove. You were born to be on stage. And don’t worry, I’ll look after the house and everything here in England. You go find yourself again because, mate, you were born to be on stage.”
Finally smiling, I nod even though he can’t see me. Finding me again doesn’t sound so bad. Maybe there’s a bright side to this shitstorm. Recoil was everything to me pre-Ella, now post-Ella, maybe, just maybe, it can be again.
“Thanks, Rob, appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. And, Danger… keep in contact.”
Managing a small smile—feeling like I actually have one person in the UK on my side—I exhale. “Will do, Rob… will do.”
After finishing the call, I consider Rob’s take on things. Perhaps redirecting my focus and moving back to the States with the notion of reforming Recoil is the way to go.
