Page 2 of Rockstar Retreat

I sneered at Tom’s back, then looked around. I was going to stay at a yoga retreat, something I found ridiculous because I didn’t give a damn about yoga. I didn’t understand why it had to be up on a mountain, with dirt and patches of grass on the ground here and there, and a bunch of trees in the distance. There were scattered buildings of different shapes and sizes, all done in creams and browns. Most people would probably find it soothing to be away from city noise, but I loved the distractions that came with living in the city. As far as I was concerned, this was a personal hell that I was being subjected to.

Then I saw a group of women walking in our direction, and I arched an eyebrow. Well, the stay might not be all that bad. At least the place wasn’t deserted, and these ladies didn’t look half bad. A couple of them glanced our way and did double takes, alerting the rest of the group to stare.

I grinned, more to myself than for their benefit. I was well built, with dirty blond hair and tattoos that were showcased by my low neck, loose tank top. I was used to getting looks from women, and I slid easily into the familiar role.

“Hey there, ladies,” I called as they grew nearer. “I don’t suppose any of you would be willing to show the new guy around for a few hours?” And preferably end up in bed for several more?

A lot of my fun would be cut down thanks to me being here, but I intended to make the most of it and what better way. Maybe, with the right company, I would feel less trapped on this retreat. A few in the group responded with flirtatious smiles that had my interest growing.

“We’d love to if you can find us later,” one of them nearly purred.

I hummed. “I like the sound of that.”

I didn’t even realize I’d slowed until Tom cleared his throat, loudly and obviously, and I was tempted to scowl at him again. Instead, I sent a wink to the group of ladies.

“I’ll find you all later,” I promised to a round of giggles. Then I went after Tom feeling much better about my stay there.

That was until we made it to reception to check me in, and I spotted the last person I would have expected to see at a place like this. Even after having been away from my home town for five years, I would have recognized her anywhere, like I still remember most of the people from my old, small town. Their faces run through my head like a hurricane every time I sit down to write lyrics. They are the reason that I’m so famous, the ones that stood and watched me destroy my life. I remember all of them, even if none of them recognized me.

Sharon was someone I knew, though not well, from back home. I don’t know when she left, I didn’t keep in touch with anyone back there, but her being there couldn’t mean anything good for me.

In a flash, it all came running through my mind the moment I saw her. Usually, it happens when I shut my eyes and focus or I need to write a new song and I need inspiration. My darkness helps me focus on the madness of my past, the shit that makes me snort, makes me drink and makes me want to revel in the pain.

Sharon saw me as I started to think about the real reason that I was here. I drank for a reason, took drugs to ease the pain. It was as if the moment she saw me, I was reliving my nightmare with my eyes wide open.

My feet moved without my permission, stumbling back, only for a hand on my shoulder to stall me. I looked away from Sharon to Tom, who was staring at me with a hard gaze, enough to make me flinch.

“Don’t you even dare, Jerrik. You stay here, and you go through the damn program, or you might as well say goodbye to the record label.”

Like I needed him to remind me. He had spent most of the car journey doing that and from the moment we hit the retreat he’d been telling me about my life and the reason that we were here today. No good reason, because, right now, everything in my life was shit, just like it used to be in the past.