Pulling my cell from my back pocket before I sit on the edge of the bed, I realize I still have it set to block any incoming messages. I switch it back on and my screen floods with notifications. Messages, missed calls, and voicemails from Sean, Austin, and Mom scroll down the screen so fast I don’t know where to start.
I click on the most recent message first, a text from Sean that contains a screenshot from one of the bigger tabloids.
RICHIE SANDS’ ESTRANGED DAUGHTER HIDES IN PLAIN SIGHT
Daughter of rock legend Richie Sands left the limelight after being estranged in her teens, but inside sources reveal she is none other than up and coming rock sensation, Lexi Marx. The star has been touring with Three Ugly Guys this summer and if she’s anything like her father, rumors that she’s dating not one, but two of the well-known rockers is no surprise.
My stomach drops as I scroll to see the photos of her and Sean walking back from our wing challenge in Baltimore, her and I kissing backstage after a show, and pictures of her as a child with her dad.Shit.She doesn’t need this now. How the hell did this happen?
The shower turns on in the bathroom and I don’t waste any more time checking messages. I go to my contacts and click on Bedo’s name. He picks up on the second ring.
“We have a problem,” I bark into the phone.
“Don’t tell me you’re not coming back tomorrow.”
“I’m not coming back tomorrow.”
“Damn it, Trent!” He’s not happy but tough shit.
“Richie passed away today. I’m taking a week off and so is she.”
He cusses under his breath. “People die, Trent. You can’t bail on this tour.”
I get it, I do, the predicament I’m placing him in, but there’s no way I’m leaving Lexi to deal with the aftermath of her father’s death on her own. “I need a week, Bedo.”
“Three days.”
“Six days.”
“No more than four.”
I blow out a breath and lift my gaze to the ceiling. With the power Richie had, I’m sure we can rush the process along, whether his wishes were for a burial or cremation. Money and fame have a way of expediting just about anything, even after death. “We’re taking five, and that doesn’t include today. But that’s not why I called.”
“You’re killing me, T. What else is wrong?”
“Who leaked the story?” My anger returns as soon as I spit out the words.
“They would’ve found out anyway.” Bedo brushes it off like it’s no big deal.
“How’d they get those photos? The ones of me and her backstage.”
He sighs through the line and I can almost picture him rubbing his temple. “You weren’t hiding your relationship very well, Trent. It was only a matter of time.”
“So, you sped up the process?”
“That’s not what I said.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“What do you want from me? I’ve rolled with all your punches. Done right by you guys, and given you more freedom that you probably deserve. Hell, you still don’t have an official drummer, but I let that shit go. Now you’re canceling shows last minute, in prime summer tour season. That sets us back hundreds of thousands of dollars and risks your reputation in the industry as well as with the fans. And why? All so you can hold your new girlfriend’s hand. But you’re mad because I’m willing to do whatever it takes to not go down in a sinking ship.”
“That wasn’t your call to make.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Trent. I didn’t do anything wrong. I’ve always done right by you. I always do.”
“It sure as hell doesn’t feel that way now.”
“Enjoy your mini vacation. You better get your ass on that airplane next week, ready to play some music.”
