"Shame?" A woman with very short black hair that was brushed and styled down the center of her scalp in what looked like a very pretty faux hawk, walked in but jumped when I screamed. She was beautiful, dressed in a three piece suit and complete with her blue tooth, but her eyes were smeared with black makeup. She looked over at me in my terrified state. I don’t know if she thought I was a crazyfangirlor an employee of Howies, but either way she smiled sincerely and extended her hand. "I’m guessing here, but I assume you are Cassa?" Her eyes were kind; I would always remember that about Tayla.
"Yes." I whispered and tried to get my composure.
If possible her smile grew bigger. "I'm Tayla. Shamus has told me so much about you I feel like I know you."
I smiled, feeling comfortable with her immediately. Shamus walked to my side his face repentant when he realizedhehad scared me. He took my hand into his and smiled. He was still angry, I could see that, but he wasn’t lashing out. He cupped my face in his hands and looked me in the eye. "Think like the old Cassa, remember I would never hurt you." He kissed the top of my head and looked at Tayla. He didn’t make a fuss or treat me like I was crazy. It was something that made me fall for him all over again.
"There has to be some solitude Tayla. My father’s death may be great for publicity, but I don’t care if his death ended world hunger, I need some privacy. I don’t need the world to watch me mourn my father." I could feel his pulse as he held my hand and I felt awful for being scared of him. He had every right to be angry he needed to say goodbye to his dad with some dignity and the world wasn’t going to let him.
"I know Shame. I will have the lot emptied before we leave and I talk to the press." Tayla looked back at me, her smile still comforting. "Really sorry we had to meet like this, under these circumstances."
"Me too. Jerry spoke of you often and always with kindness and fondness. He always called you the fifth TAT member.” I smiled a sad smile at the memory.
"Oh no I am the Manager of this band." She came forward with her smile becoming one of seriousness. "I would never let anyone boss me around like Shame and the guys otherwise." She winked before looking at Shamus. "My job is to deal with Drew. Go out and be with your family and friends."
"Let’s get back out there." Shamus said before kissing me sweetly asking with his kiss to be forgiven.
Duh! Like I could deny him?
"Really sorry Sass." He said against my mouth effectively making me melt. I loved the feel of his talking sweet things against my lips. He may have given that piece to other women, but it was and would always be mine.
"I overreacted Shame, you have every right to be mad. I have no right to make you feel like you can’t react because I might. It’s complete bullshit that you have to worry about that nightmare while you’re sitting smack dab in another one. My reactions are just reactions." I kissed him just as soft and just as sweet, letting my next words fall on his lips in the same manner as he did. “I’m not scared of you baby.”
He looked at me, his eyes soft and empty from anger. "I love you."
I would never get tired of hearing that. "I love you." I said back with a smile. "Now I am dying to see everyone else." I walked to the door and could hear Tayla behind me.
"I have to go talk to Cal about some guitar string fiasco." Tayla spoke as she opened the door and stopped short, looking at the man standing on the other side.
The most amazing looking man stood there smiling at the three of us. He was Asian descent, Japanese maybe? His dark eyes were coal black and he had a knowing stare to them that was a warning to anyone.
“Yeah, he’s out there paranoid waiting on the strings.” Shamus said, smiling before locking the man in a handshake and then pulling him into a hug. Cal was paranoid over everything that involved the band. Today it was guitar strings. Tayla seemed to handle the chaos in stride. Amongst all the fans and Shames obvious frustration, she was now taking the strings fiasco in stride.
“Sorry I was late, I heard about the drama at the door.” The unknown guy said.
“You’re here now, you can kick ass later.” Shamus said with a laugh.
“I’m sorry about Jerry Shame. He was a hell of a man.”
“Thanks Drake.” He looked at me with that loving glint in his eyes and smiled. “Drake I would like you to meet my Cassa.”
Drake, OK, I knew who he was. I had heard stories of Drake and his terrifying presence. I was shocked because he wasn’t what I expected. I was expecting a guy big as The Rock. This guy was built for sure, but he didn’t look the part. Based on the stories I had heard of his strength and know how, I assume his appearance is a weapon of its own. He was very ordinary, non-threatening. It could be a mistake of epic proportions to assume the man lacked strength. “Hi, nice to meet you Drake.”
“Well, I see the earth stood still for about five minutes.” He said with a smile before hugging me. “Um, sure.” I said and looked at Shamus through the crease of Drakes neck and shoulder completely confused about why the earth stood still.
Shamus laughed. “Drake is head of security Sass, and my friend. He has hearda lotabout you.” He said, dragging out thea lot“From the day I signed on he has been with me, he always told me that if the world didn’t revolve around me that I may find you again.” He kissed along my jaw and whispered, "Thank God I did."
I looked at Drake. He definitely didn’t look like the typical security guard. He didn’t seem big enough. They must have guessed my thoughts because Drake, Shamus and Tayla started laughing. “Trust me sweetie.” Tayla said and wrapped her arm around me. “You wouldn’t want to be going up against Drake. Heis”
“I’m a pussy cat.”
“Trust me, he’s good.” Tayla said with a smile as we all made our way to the bar.
It was time to say goodbye to a sweet old man.
I'm a sailor peg
And I've lost my leg
