Storiesonline.net ------- Axe Victim by Lellan McLemore Copyright© 2006 by Lellan McLemore ------- Description: Life on the road is dragging Axe Woodson down. Even his music isn't much fun anymore. Life is about to get more interesting for Axe. Codes: MF mf slow tears rom cons ------- ------- Chapter 1 Home, Donovan wasn't sure what that was these days. Sure, he owned a house on the beach south of L.A. and a condo in Aspen, as well as a house in suburban Central City. But he was rarely there. Twenty-seven weeks on the road sucked the energy right out of him. Every couple of days the band was in a new town. Throngs of people clamored for his attention. It wore on him these days. Was it ever fun? He wasn't sure any more. At least there would be peace and quiet. No more entourage, no more fans, no more agents. Only Crystal and that would be bad enough. Maybe he could recharge before she found out he was home. Maybe it would all be better after a good night's sleep in his own bed in his quiet house. The gentle thrum of the airliner's engines failed to lull him to sleep. At least no one on this flight recognized him. Maybe it was the week old beard that he sported. Or the plain red flannel shirt. He really didn't care what it was. He just wanted to be away from the fans. He shuddered as he recalled the nightmares of clutching hands and demands for money and time. Everything in life had a price to pay. Fame was no exception. In fact, Donovan mused, fame charged an exorbitant toll. As he stared out the window at the soft white pillows floating below the plane, Donovan pondered his life. He had never really wanted fame. He just wanted to play his guitar, his shiny, metallic blue Gibson Les Paul Custom. He was like an addict, addicted to the sounds that poured forth when he plugged that blue monster into his Marshall stacks. To him, she sang as his fingers caressed her strings, drawing forth pleasured notes in fleeting runs across her neck. But when the lights were dimmed and the amps turned off, she was a thousand pound weight around his neck, striving to sink him in a pool of screaming teenagers and twenty somethings. Perspective, that's what he needed. At least that was what his agent, Morty Andrews, told him right before he boarded this flight. "You'll be back," Morty said. "You just need some time away. Your calendar is clear for a month. Go home, relax, and write a few more songs." The last part was really what Morty wanted. More songs, lots more songs, a whole album full of songs. The record company was getting nervous. It had been nearly two years since Barrier Riff put out an album. They owed the record company another platinum album. Wasn't there anyone who wanted nothing from him? All those thoughts wore on him as he stared out the window. Finally, the plane began its descent. Maybe this time Morty won't have tipped the paparazzi off about his destination and arrival time and he could make it through the airport without a dozen cameras being thrust in his face. Donovan stood and dutifully shuffled off the plane with the crowd as they made their way through the terminal toward baggage claim. He leaned patiently on the column as the belt circulated with the leftover bags from a previous flight. His eyes closed as he tried to relax. "It's him, Mom. It's got to be," he heard a girl off to his left say. "Jennifer, don't bother the man. Even if it is him, he deserves some peace." Finally, a person with common sense, Donovan thought to himself. "But, Mom! He's just the best. Please, I promise I won't bother him too much. Just an autograph, Kasey and Janey will never believe that I saw him without it." "He looks pretty tired, Jennifer. Why don't you just let the man rest?" "But, Mom!" Donovan decided that if he was going to get any peace, he'd best open his eyes and reward his fan. Maybe then she'd leave him in peace. He opened his eyes and peered over the tops of his sunglasses and below the brim of his ball cap. He spied the teenager instantly. She was staring at him intently. He could feel the gaze of her green eyes boring into his skull, trying to will him to wake up and notice her. She was cute. Her long red-brown hair hung down her back in a single pony tail. She wore a tight pink t-shirt that said "Princess" across her chest. Donovan chided himself when he noted the sharp points of her budding breasts pushing out against the tight fabric. Her shirt ended just above her navel, and like so many other young girls these days, a simple silver ring was fastened to her belly button. Her jeans were dark blue and low cut on her hips, emphasizing the soft curves that had only recently begun to form. Donovan had seen so many like her in the past ten years; some who kept their innocence and others who bargained that innocence for a moment in the spotlight. The mother stood off to the girl's left. She was an older version of the daughter. The few wrinkles around her mouth and the corners of her eyes gave her face a character that the teenager lacked. She looked a bit tired. Her lips were taut as she waited not so patiently for her baggage. She wore her auburn hair in a ponytail as well, though it was shorter than her daughter's. She wore a tan suit jacket that was tailored perfectly. The white blouse beneath it was unbuttoned just enough to show the beginnings of the cleft between her breasts. He was a little surprised to see her wearing a skirt, but it was not very short, dropping slightly below her knees. Donovan could see Jennifer struggling to keep herself under control and not rush up to him. The longer he stayed there, the more she fidgeted. Finally, Donovan decided that she had been very patient and he reached into his jacket pocket. He always kept a few small pictures and mementos from his concerts for times like this. He pulled out a replica of his latest album cover and scrawled a note on it. He put the pen back in his pocket and then pulled his sunglasses off. The P.A. system announced his flight number and as the throngs of people crowded forward to find their bags, he approached the mother and daughter. He watched as Jennifer pushed her way to the baggage track and when she had her back to him, he tapped her mother on the shoulder. "You have a very well behaved daughter," he said as she turned to him. "Thank you," she replied, turning to look at Jennifer again. "Would you mind giving this to her," Donovan asked, placing the autographed photo in the mother's hand. "You didn't have to..." "It was my pleasure," Donovan said. "This could have been ugly if she had screamed and shouted. Good behavior should be rewarded." "Well, thank you. I'm sure Jennifer will be thrilled." Donovan smiled and nodded and then turned away to find his bags. ------- Finally, he was out of the airport. He had his suitcase slung over his right shoulder and his guitar case in his left hand as he walked through the doors toward the cab stand. He paused before crossing the street and was surprised to see Jennifer and her mother waiting on the center island for a shuttle. He watched as her mother gave Jennifer the photo. He wished he could bottle the excitement that flowed from her as she stared at the photo and read what he wrote. He was about to get in the yellow taxi when someone tapped him on the arm. He turned, annoyed at being interrupted, to see Jennifer standing there. "Mr. Woodson," she said meekly. "I, I just wanted to say thank you. I'm like your biggest fan." "You are welcome, Jennifer," Donovan said, relaxing when no one else seemed to be paying attention to them. "Don't miss your ride home, now." "Oh, yeah. Bye!" Jennifer shouted as her mother waved frantically. Donovan chuckled as she raced to her mother's side, just before the doors closed on the shuttle bus. What a cute kid! Donovan thought to himself as he slumped into the taxi. ------- The sun was sinking below the tops of the mountains creating a spectacular multi-colored painting in the sky. Donovan sat on his balcony with his feet propped up on the table and a cold bottle of beer in his hand. He felt at peace for the first time in a long while as he watched the sun slowly sink out of view. His peace was shattered by the sound of the door banging open and Crystal swept back into his life. "Donnie!! You're back. How come you didn't call? I missed you, baby! How was the tour?" "Hello, Crystal," Donovan stood as she crashed into his arms and kissed him. "I was hoping for a nice quiet night to relax." "No, Baby, you've got to get dressed. It's May day." Donovan wondered how she knew he was back in town, but at least now he knew why she was dressed to the nines. The Stanberry's threw a May Day party every year, drawing all of the important people in Central City. Donovan wasn't sure why he continued to get an invitation. Barrier Riff's popularity was still solid in Central City, but the band hadn't issued an album in two years. He knew that Crystal Layne had to be there. She was constantly schmoozing with the big money folks, the Stanberrys and the Ashforks, hoping to move up the food chain in their local television market. Anchoring the noon news wasn't going to get her to New York. Donovan sighed. Crystal was pretty enough, especially in that royal blue sequined gown she was wearing tonight. Her blonde mane was pulled up above her head, baring her shoulders and her neck. The strapless gown barely contained her. She is so obvious, Donovan thought to himself. Was she that obvious when we first started dating, he wondered. "You go, Crys. I need calm and quiet tonight." Crystal was having none of that. She tickled his earlobe and nibbled on his neck. "You gotta go, Donnie. Everyone is going to be there." Another good reason not to go, Donovan thought to himself. "Please, baby. I need you to escort me," Crystal whined softly in his ear. "I'll be ever so grateful later." Donovan sighed. He really didn't need this now. Was Crystal the problem or just a symptom of the problems dragging on him these days? He sighed. "Okay, Crys. Give me a few minutes." Crystal purred softly as she let him go toward the bedroom. ------- "Axe, what are you hiding out here for, man? The party's inside," Donovan turned and stuck his hand out. "Hey, Stix! I didn't think you'd be here. How's Robin doing?" Charlie "Stix" Matthews shook his band mate's hand. Charlie and Donovan started Barrier Riff their senior year in high school. Both men wore their hair long and sported a well trimmed goatee that seemed to be all the rage with the musicians. Donovan's was brown, Charlie's blond. "She's pregnant again." Donovan chuckled and saluted his friend. "They know what causes that these days." "Yeah, maybe one of these days I'll put up a fight." "You'd lose." "No doubt, she is one determined woman," Stix smiled as he blew his wife a kiss across the room. Donovan smiled. He wished he could find a woman like her. Robin didn't play games. She loved Stix with all of her being. She especially loved being loved by Stix. She made no secret of it. She relished it. "Speaking of determined, Key and Bass were chewing my ear off about studio time this afternoon. I guess Key's got enough songs for an album." "I heard. I'm not sure I'm ready." "I hear you. I'm enjoying this break. How's things with Crystal? She got you roped and tied yet?" "Not gonna happen, Stix. Not as long as she does that." Donovan pointed his beer bottle at Crystal who was draped all over Barry Ashton, laughing at something he said. "You are one lucky man, Stix." Donovan could see Robin Mathews dancing slowly toward her husband. Donovan could feel himself disappear as she got closer. Robin wrapped herself around Stix, kissing him fiercely. She whispered something in his ear. Donovan didn't hear everything she said, just enough to know what was going on. "Call me tomorrow, Stix, when she lets you out of bed. See you, Robin. You look great. Don't wear him out too much tonight," Donovan winked as the couple waved and walked away, kissing. "What a slut," Crystal said as she looped her arm through Donovan's. He was watching the lovebirds make their way through the crowd. "Give it a rest, Crys. They're married." "So? She's all over him." "And you weren't crawling inside Barry's jacket a moment ago? At least she's crawling inside her husband's jacket." "Oh, Donnie, don't be so jealous. I need Barry. He's producing a new special next month." "Don't mistake annoyance for jealousy, Crys." "Don't be like that, Donnie. I need that special." Donovan looked at Crystal. "Yeah, right. No, Crys. You want to do the special. You want anything that will get you to New York." "And what's wrong with that, Mister Guitar player." "Not a thing, Crystal. Just lay off Robin. You are not in her league." Crystal hauled off and slapped Donovan. Donovan nodded. That was the final straw as far as he was concerned. He raised his bottle in salute, downed the amber liquid and placed the empty bottle on the table beside him. "I'm going to be out all day tomorrow. Be sure your stuff is gone and the key is in the mailbox by five." With that, he turned and walked out of the party. ------- Chapter 2 (two days later, in another town) "Oh, my god, Jessie, what are you going to do?" Leslie Noonan asked as she slid a cup of tea across the counter to her friend, Jessica Mayberry. "I don't know, Les. I'm still in shock." "Well, yeah. I mean, what about Kasey? I could take her, of course, but I..." "I know, Les. You have things you need to do. No, I couldn't burden you with Kasey. You need to get settled in Central City." "The girls are going to flip out on us, you know." "Yeah, I can't say that I blame them." The two ladies sat at the counter quietly, each wrapped in her thoughts. Leslie tried to think of a way to help Jessie out. If only she had more time, she and Jennifer could take Kasey with them. The girls were as close, no closer, friends than their mothers. The divorce decree and the sale of this house left Leslie with just enough money to make the move to Central City and try the one thing she had always wanted, to own her own fabric store. Things were too tight to include Kasey in the equation. She would only get one shot at this and if she failed, both she and Jennifer would pay the price. Jessica's thoughts were running on a different track. She knew that Leslie would happily sacrifice her dream for Kasey, but Jessica couldn't allow that to happen. She needed to go to Central City for another reason. She needed to see Kasey's father. Kasey's father had no clue about her. Jessica had moved away after that fateful night. Don moved away too. She was hurt when the letters she sent went unanswered, but a few years ago, she'd found out that Don never saw them. She had come to terms with her life and now it was ending. The cancer was too far advanced, the doctor said. Two months, maybe less, he told her when she asked how long. "No way, Jenny!" the women heard Janey yell as the front door burst open. The three amigas, Janey, Kasey and Jenny stormed into the house as only three fourteen year olds can. "Hi Mom!" the trio chorused as they hurried to Jenny's bedroom. "Way," Jenny replied, pulling a picture out of the diary on her desk. It was Axe Woodson with his guitar and his sexy smile. "It is him," Janey swooned, staring lovingly at the picture Jenny showed her. Axe Woodson was their heartthrob. Each one of the trio thought of him in their nightly fantasies. "Wow! And you got to talk to him too! Way cool. Can you believe it, Crystal Layne dumped him. It was in the paper this morning." "Yeah, what a bitch." "What time is it? Damn, I wish I could stay and drool over this all night, but Mom said dinner was at six. I can't be late again, so I better go. Bye." Ten minutes later, Jessie and Kasey left. Kasey sensed something was going on the way Leslie hugged her mother. She walked quietly beside her mom wondering what was up and thinking how lucky Jenny had been to meet their idol. "Kasey, sit down, honey, we have to talk," Jessie said as soon as they were back in their house. "What's up, Mom?" "Oh, God, I don't know how to tell you this, honey." Jessie couldn't help the tears that streamed down her face. She was leaving Kasey all by herself in the world. It was too much to bear. "What is it, Mom?" Kasey was really nervous now. She'd only seen her mom cry twice, when each of her grandparents died. They didn't have any other family. She didn't know her father, and she knew that he didn't know about her. Jessie hugged her daughter to her, still in tears. "I wish I didn't have to tell you this, baby." She pulled back and held Kasey's hands in hers. "You know I haven't felt well lately." Kasey nodded. "Well, Doctor Jenkins got the test results back today. I have liver cancer, very advanced and inoperable. I, oh God..." The tears rolled down her face as she shook and held her only child in a death grip. Kasey wasn't sure what this meant, but she knew that cancer and inoperable were a bad combination. Surely it didn't mean... The pair sat their on their couch in tears for a while. Jessica finally calmed down enough to let go of her daughter. Kasey tried to smile as her mother wiped a tear off her cheek. "I am dying, Kasey. The doctor says two months, maybe less." "No, you can't!" "I know, baby," Jessica tried to comfort her daughter. After another bout of tearful sobs, the two separated. Kasey took a deep breath. "What, what is going to happen to me? I mean, grandma and grandpa are gone. I don't have aunts and uncles. Jenny and her mom are moving next week. I, I..." "I know, baby. It's a long shot, but I want to contact your father." "I thought you didn't know where he was?" "Well, I might. Like I said, it's a long shot. He may not even remember me, if it is him. I don't know what else to do. Leslie can't take you. She and Jenny have enough on their plate. I can't ask them to take this burden too. I will, if this doesn't work." "What about Janey's family?" "Would you really want to live with Mr. Perkins? I thought you didn't like the way he looked at you three?" "Ewww. Yeah, that would be bad." "If I had no other choices, the Perkins would do, but I think there are better options." "What if he doesn't want me?" "We'll cross that bridge when we get there, okay? Kasey nodded. She collapsed into her mother's arms. Jessica finally got Kasey to bed. The girl had taken things as well as could be expected. Kasey was a bright girl, she knew. She watched from the bedroom door as her daughter slept. Jessica could see Don's influence in her. Her hair, her facial features, and her long fingers all pointed to him. God help us if it's not him, and god help him if it is. The picture in the paper this morning wasn't very flattering, but it was unmistakably him. Now all I have to do is find him, Jessica thought as she slowly closed the door and headed out to the kitchen. With a sigh, she sat in front of the computer and watched as it booted up. She knew where he was yesterday. Maybe he has a house there. Maybe she could even find out the address. And maybe cows can fly, she thought to herself. Two minutes later, she stared at the screen. It couldn't be this easy. There it was, on the screen, his name and address. "We're going with you, Leslie," she said as the two women sat at the counter again. Boxes filled the room around them. They had been packing all day. "Why? There's nothing for you in Central City." "Her father is there." Leslie looked at her friend as if she had two heads. "I didn't know you knew where her father was." "I didn't until yesterday." She showed her friend the picture from the entertainment section. "Are you sure?" "I think so. That's Don aged fifteen years or so. The last name's the same. The face is close. It's got to be him." "The girls will absolutely freak." "You can't tell them. I don't even know if he will remember me." "Or if he'll believe you." "There is that." "It's a long shot, Jessie." "But it's the only shot, Les. I know you'd take her in, but I can't ask you to sacrifice your dream if there's another way. I've got to try and I have to do it while I still can." "And if you can't get past his bodyguards and managers?" "I have to get past them." Leslie looked at her friend. The fire in her brown eyes was undeniable. Leslie frowned, but nodded. "Okay, how do we handle it?" "We're going to Central City to help you get started. I quit yesterday. The girls are out of school for another two months. If I can't make other arrangements, in a month, I make you Kasey's guardian and..." "Ride off into the sunset." "Only if this is a Hollywood movie." "If it is, Hitchcock wrote it." "Yeah, no doubt." ------- Chapter 3 (two more days have passed) What a day, Donovan sighed, pulling his black pickup into his driveway. He couldn't believe the stuff Keys came up with this time. It was trite schlock. And he told them so in no uncertain terms. Barrier Riff had never fought in the studio before. This one was a doozy. Keys was right about two things. The record company wasn't going to wait forever, and Donovan had nothing better for them to play. There was no way his name was going on an album with that schlock. Donovan was proud of his music. The first three albums had been hugely successful and well written. Their last album wasn't. They needed something good or they were going to disappear. Lately he'd been wondering if disappearing was a bad thing. Barrier Riff had a good run. Thirteen years was a long time for a rock and roll band. Not many other bands could claim nine years of headlining tours and four platinum albums. At least he was home now. He needed some time to think things through. So why was there a woman sitting on his porch? He stopped the pickup at the garage door and hurried out of it. He was not in the mood for someone selling something, especially if she were selling herself. "Hey, lady. This is private property. You can't be here." The woman stood. She looked good in her tight blue jeans and white blouse. She reached down and pulled her purse over her shoulder. "I am sorry to bother you, Mr. Woodson. But if I could just have a couple minutes of your time..." "Look lady, whatever you're selling, I'm not interested." "I'm not selling anything." Jessica put her hands on her hips. "I promise." "Yeah, right," Donovan muttered. "Look Ms..." "Jessica Mayberry." Donovan stopped short. "Then you do remember my name at least." Donovan stared at her. It couldn't be, not after all these years. The memories and heart aches flooded through him. He continued staring as she closed the distance between them. Her eyes were the same eyes he still dreamed about. They were the inspiration for some of his best music. My God, it is her! "J-jessie? What? Where? How?" Gently, Jessica pushed Donovan's mouth shut and put her arms around him. When he hugged her back, everything felt so right. Donovan couldn't believe it. It was a dream. He hugged this woman tightly. He wasn't going to let go this time. And then he felt her shake and the tears soaking his shirt. He couldn't think of a thing to say, so he just gently nudged Jessie toward his front door. In no time, they were seated on his couch. "I can't believe it's you, Jessie. It's been forever. I gave up ever hearing from you or about you." "I'm sorry, Don. But I have no where else to go with this," Jessie said, wiping her tears up with a tissue from her purse. Donovan started to say something. She put her finger on his lips. "Let me say this. I've been rehearsing it in my mind since I got here. I'm not sure I can get through it all, but let me try. Then you can ask questions. Okay?" She kept her finger on his lips, so he just nodded. He watched as she took a deep breath. Her breasts were bigger than he remembered. In his mind's eye he was transported back to that day, fifteen years ago. She was lying back on that blanket. She displayed herself for him as she smiled. It was time she'd decided and he was the one. They would make love for the first of many, many times. It turned out to be just the once, but at the time, they were committed to forever. Jessica stood up and moved away, staring out the back door at the fading daylight. "It all started that day. I was on such a high when I got home. And my bubble exploded in my face. Granny died. We were moving the next day, never to return. I didn't even have a way to tell you. As soon as we got to Hillside, I wrote you. I wrote daily. But you never wrote back. It broke my heart that the forever we promised lasted less than a month. I didn't find out until a few years ago that you'd moved away the next week." "I wrote you too," Donovan croaked, feeling the heartache return. "I know. I actually found one at the dead letter office. I couldn't believe it, but it was too late. And I had no way of finding you then. You see, six weeks after we moved, I still hadn't had a period. I was pregnant." Donovan gasped. "Yes, you have a daughter, Kasey. Momma and Poppa tried to get me to give her up, but I couldn't. I worked hard and I made a life for the two of us. Momma and Poppa helped. Poppa even tried to find you. After a couple of years, we stopped trying. Kasey grew up knowing she had a father, but that he didn't know about her. I explained it as best I could. I don't think she felt cheated until Poppa died two years ago. And then Momma went last year. We were still fine. I tried several times over the years to find you. It was ironic because you were under my nose all the time these last few years." Jessica was pacing now. "You see, Kasey and her friends adore you. They have every one of your CDs. They've even been to two concerts. But I was clueless. I never knew that Axe Woodson was you. And the pictures never looked like you. It didn't click until last week when your picture was in the paper. I'd seen that look once before when Tommy Johnson tried to pull my shirt off at the picnic." Donovan remembered that day. Tommy was a drunk, even at seventeen. Jessica finally stopped pacing and sat down next to Donovan. "I don't want to burden you with Kasey, Don, but I have no choice. I have liver cancer." Jessica stopped and grabbed Donovan's hand. She looked up to see the tears streaming down his cheeks. Donovan took a deep breath. "How long?" he croaked. "Two months or less." It wasn't fair. I just found you again, his heart said. I have a child? What do I do? A tornado of thoughts swirled in his mind. "I know it's a lot to process, Don, I wish..." Jessica didn't get a chance to finish. She was pulled off her seat into his lap. Donovan wrapped his arms around her and held her to him. They sat there like that just holding on tight for a long time. Donovan sat there rocking her in his arms, repeating softly, "I'm so sorry." Jessica finally sat up. She had cried all she was going to cry about this. She caressed his jaw and stared into his damp eyes. "Don't feel sorry for me, Don. I know none of this is your fault. I forgave you long ago for the hurt you inadvertently caused. Now, I just need to know if you can care for Kasey. She has no one. We have some friends, but you are her only family now. I need to know that she will be cared for before I go." "Yes, a thousand times yes, Jessie. How could there be a doubt? I could never turn my back on our child." The question shook Donovan out of his reverie. "What about you, Jessie? Is there anything I can do for you? I'll get the best doctors. I can..." Jessica sighed. "I wish, but no, Don, there is nothing you can do for me but love my daughter." "Where is she? When can I meet her? Do you have a place to stay? You will stay here. I can't undo the last fifteen years, but I can at least try to make your last months here as comfortable as possible." "I don't know, Don. I don't want to be a burden on anyone." "Not another word, Jessica Mayberry. You will not be a burden. I never stopped loving you. If I'm honest with myself, you are the reason I never married. I never found a woman who could replace you in my heart." A melodic tune chimed up from Jessica's purse. Jessica pulled herself from Donovan's arms and pulled her cell phone out of the purse. "I'm fine, Les. Yes, and yes. We were just talking about that. Could you bring her here? Yes, bring Jenny too. Okay, see you in a few." She turned to Donovan. "That was my friend Leslie. She brought me here. She is bringing our daughters here in a few. You've already met Jenny. You signed a picture for her at the airport a week ago." They continued to talk as they waited for Leslie, Kasey and Jenny. Donovan wanted to shout to the heavens and at the same time curse them. His heart alternately swelled and broke. To find his Jessie now when she has such a short time to live was almost too much. Add in a daughter that he never knew. It was unreal. Hollywood couldn't write scripts like this. Jessica could see the storms rolling across Donovan's face. Her heart remembered this man. She could feel the things she never thought she would feel again. And then he was in front of her. He stopped and put his hands on her hips, staring into her eyes, looking for a sign. He watched as her eyes fluttered closed and her head tipped. He felt himself drawn in then their lips touched. All of the heartache and pain drained out of him as the embers of his passion for her burst into flame. The kiss deepened as her hands curled around his neck. "Mom!" Neither of them had heard the door open or even the sound of Leslie's car coming up the driveway. The world had ceased to exist for them. And now with a word, Kasey pulled them back to reality. "Oh my God!" Jenny shrieked as Donovan released Jessica's lips and turned to see the two teenagers and the mother behind them. Jenny and Leslie he recognized from the airport. That meant the beautiful brunette was his daughter. He hurried to her and swept her into his arms. Jenny was speechless as she watched her idol approach her friend. Kasey's mouth worked, but no sounds came out. And then she felt herself swept into a hug that felt so dizzyingly perfect. Donovan could not contain himself as he pulled her to him. "Oh, Kasey, my sweet Kasey!" Tears came unbidden to his eyes. He could feel her heart hammer in her chest as he squeezed her to him. Leslie stood at the doorway taking it all in, from the happily dazed look on Jessica's face as she watched Donovan and her daughter to the total shock on Jenny's face. Kasey clung to her father for dear life as he did to her. Donovan finally set Kasey back down on the floor and knelt before her. "I didn't know, Kasey, or I would have been there. I'm so happy to finally meet you. Can you forgive me?" Kasey stared at him as if it were a dream. Jessica made her way to her daughter's side. "It's true, Kasey. Don is your father. We went to high school together in Grant City. We had one beautiful night together and both moved away. He never knew. I never realized that he was my Don." Donovan smiled and stood. "I know it's a lot for you to process, Kasey. It's a lot for all of us to process." He put his arm around Jessica. Don turned to Leslie and held out his hand. "We weren't properly introduced at the airport. I'm Donovan Woodson and you must be Leslie." Leslie smiled and nodded as she gripped his hand. "That would be me." He turned to Jenny. "If I had known you were my daughter's best friend, Jenny, I would have given you something better than an autographed photo." Jenny smiled. When Donovan held his hand out to her, she cautiously shook it. Donovan stood and surveyed the women around him. "I don't know about all of you, but I could use a drink and something to eat. Pizza? Romano's delivers." Leslie nodded. Jessica smiled and looped her arm in his. Both girls shrugged, still overwhelmed. "Okay, then," Donovan replied, feeling the need to take charge and do something for the first time in a long while. He kissed Jessica's forehead and pulled his cell phone out. Three large special pizzas were on their way in no time. Donovan guided to the table in his kitchen. ------- Chapter 4 Leslie took the two teenagers with her when she left. It was generally agreed that Jessica and Donovan had a number of things to discuss and they were in the way. Jessica shooed them all away with a smile and a promise that they could come back in the morning and the girls could stay with her and Donovan while Leslie got started on her dream, a fabric store named "A Stitch in Thyme." Donovan cleaned up the kitchen, tossing the empty pizza boxes in the trash and putting glasses in the dishwasher. When he finished, he walked out onto the deck. He paused for a moment to look at Jessica. She stood staring out into the night sky with her back to him. He admired the slim curves of her body. His eyes were drawn to the seat of her jeans. The tight fabric accentuated the extra curves she'd gained as a woman. He remembered the feel of her and felt the longing to hold her in his arms as strongly as he had fifteen years ago. He walked slowly to stand behind her and placed his hands on the waistband of her jeans. She leaned back against him. He reveled in the feel of her back against his chest. "It's so beautiful here, Don. I could stare at the sky forever." "No star will ever shine as brightly as they do when you are here," he said earnestly. "Mmmm. It's been a long time since anyone used a line like that on me. I think about sixteen years and he was just trying to get in my pants." "As I recall, he succeeded," Donovan said, nuzzling her ear. "Yes he did," she replied. "Oh boy, did he ever succeed. I saw so many shooting stars that night. I was so sure it was going to be like that forever like we promised." Donovan held her tight, sensing that that was what she needed from him at that moment. He needed more, but forced those thoughts back to the back of his mind. Tonight and all of the nights until she was gone would be for her. Whatever she needed from him he would try to deliver. "I dreamed of standing in a place like this with you, Don. I think I knew that someday it would happen. I just wish..." She fell silent. "What? I may not be a genie, but I will do my best to grant your wish, Jess." She turned in his arms until she faced him, reaching up to put her hands on his shoulders. It felt right holding her like this, staring into her eyes. Jessica stared back. She saw more than she had ever hoped. She felt his need stirring against her belly. She had suppressed that need for fifteen years. Now she felt it boiling to the surface. Who better to slake that hunger than the man who had stoked the fire so well those many years ago? She closed her eyes and just felt. Her chest tightened. Her nipples pushed against his chest as they strained to feel more of him against her. Her need was great. All of the pent up hunger surged through her. She knew what she wanted, what she needed. "Make love to me again, Don, again and again, until we can't any more. That is the wish you can grant me. I want to feel your hunger for me. I want to feel you in me. I need to feel..." Donovan leaned down and silenced her with a kiss. It was not soft or gentle. It was the kiss of urgency. Her declaration was all he needed. With a growl, he hoisted her into his arms and quickly carried her to his bed. Four hands worked urgently, pulling and tugging at buttons and zippers, until finally they were flesh to flesh in the center of his bed. His lips burned a trail down from her earlobe to her now heaving breasts. Her hands clenched in his long hair, urging him to the places she needed his lips. Almost before his lips made the journey beyond her breasts, she tugged at him, pulling his face to hers. Her hand circled his staff, pulling it to where it was needed. When it was at the right spot, her hips surged upward, pulling it into her. Their need was so great that neither lasted more than a few treasured moments. Their coupling was fierce in its intensity as was the climax. Soon the only sounds in the room were their panting breath and racing hearts. Donovan fell to her side, clutching her close as he struggled to regain himself. Sleep claimed them both in moments as the exhausting events of the day sapped their remaining energy. The warm touch of the sunlight across her face woke Jessica. The bed she lay in was huge and she was alone. Was last night just a dream, she wondered. She pushed the covers back baring her body to the sun's warmth. It was a pretty vivid dream, if it was one. She smiled when she recognized the path of clothes that lead to the bedroom door. It had not been a dream. Dream lovers never leave their clothes behind. Pulling the large t-shirt over her head and opened the door. After a quick stop in the bathroom, she headed in the direction she thought the kitchen laid. She could hear someone strumming a guitar and some whispered words. She followed the sounds past the kitchen to an open door that lead down to the basement. "Forever, mmm hmm forever," the words called to her, drawing her down the stairs toward the soft picked notes of an acoustic guitar. She stopped in the doorway, watching as Donovan sat on a stool with a guitar balanced on his knee. He was picking a soft tune and humming into a microphone. Over and over he picked, adding a word or a phrase, oblivious to her presence. She smiled as she watched. His hair was still ruffled from bed. His feet were bare. His chest was bare. But the look on his face was enough. He was smiling as he played and sang with his eyes closed. The tune washed over her. She watched his fingers and her body remembered their touch from the previous night. A warmth began to grow in her, a warmth she hadn't felt in ages. The warmth became a hunger, a fireball of need that settled in her loins. "Mmm hmm, baby, forever," he whispered and then stopped picking. His eyes opened and he put the guitar down. He hadn't seen her at the door and he turned away from her and turned off his tape machine. He pushed some buttons and then he felt a pair of hands reach around him, hugging him from behind. "Good morning, Jessie," he said smiling as he turned in her arms. He leaned down and kissed her. "I woke up and you were gone," she said quietly. "Sorry. I woke up around four with that tune running through my head. It hasn't happened in a while and I had to come down here and record it before I forget." "I like it," she said, reveling in the comfort of his embrace. "It's still a little rough, but it has possibilities." "Kind of like your face, Don," she teased. "Oh really?" "Yeah. And I think we need to explore some of them, now." "We need?" "Okay, I need. I was hoping you did too." Donovan smiled and kissed her again, slowly backing her up until she felt something hit the back of her thighs. He reached down and grasped the hem of the t-shirt she wore and slowly pulled it up. They broke the kiss only long enough for the shirt to glide over her head. Jessie quickly unbuttoned his jeans and pushed them downward. She gasped when she felt his bare cheeks where his briefs had been last night. And then that wonderful hard shaft poked at her belly. Donovan was too tall, she thought to herself. It won't work standing up. And then she wasn't standing. She felt him lift her up onto the table or counter or whatever it was behind her. Suddenly they were the right height. She could feel the shaft probing softly as they kissed. It took only a second for her to capture it and guide it to where she needed it. And then it was there, pushing into her moistness, stretching her again. They could kiss no longer. Their breaths came in gasps. He pushed into her and she pushed back as they drove themselves upward, groaning, moaning, and then they were there. "Jessie," he growled. "Donnie," she shrieked. And then as quickly as they started, they were still. Donovan could feel their fluids seep down his thigh as they clung to one another, panting. "So, what now?" Jessie asked as their breathing settled back to normal. "Breakfast and then a shower?" "Maybe that should be the other way around," she replied, putting her arms on his shoulders and easing off the desk. "I can't believe it," Jenny gushed as they walked up to the front door of Donovan's house. "For years we've been dreaming about Axe Woodson and now he's your Dad." "I know," Kasey shrugged. "I think I'm still in shock. I mean, I knew I had a Dad, but I figured I'd never see him. And now, it's him and I..." "It's going to be okay, Kasey." Jenny paused and hugged her friend. She and Kasey sat down on the porch. "Yeah, but what if it isn't? I mean, I don't know, what if we don't get along. What if..." Kasey held onto her friend, sobbing. "He's a nice guy, Kasey. And he's rich and famous. Did you see this place? Besides, you still have me and Mom. You know if things go bad we'll be there for you." "Promise?" "Absolutely! You and me, friends forever." The girls sat there for a while, hugging, until finally Kasey settled down. ------- Chapter 5 For a couple of weeks, it was like Hollywood magic. Don couldn't believe his good fortune. His time with Jessie was just as special as it had been so many years before. Kasey was wary at first, but she quickly warmed to him. Now it was as if they had been together the whole time. Even his song writing had returned. His life had focus once again. Barrier Riff returned to the studio and even Keys was enthused by the new songs Don was writing. With the new songs, Don was moving the group in a different direction from their last CD. The sound was much closer to their first CD. Don watched through the glass as they played. Kasey, Jenny and Robin Matthews were bopping along with the newest song. Stix was hamming it up as he added percussion fills here and there. Keys sang a harmony as Don overdubbed a quick solo. Life was good. The Gibson sang to him as his fingers caressed her neck, much like Jessie's passion song the night before. The song ended and Stix whooped. "Perfect!" Don hauled the axe off his shoulder and set it down on the stand next to the studio amp. "One more take on the solo?" the engineer said into his mike. "We're done," Don replied. "Axe..." Keys started. "We're done." "But it needs polish," Keys said. The engineer nodded behind the glass. "No way," Stix butted in. Bass nodded and opened the door to the soundproof room. "Mix it and press me a copy," Don told the engineer. "I think we're ready to send it to Hatfield." "I don't know, Axe. I think we need to add 'Your Eyes' to it." "No." "Come on, Axe. It's as good as 'Forever' or 'A Heart Knows'." Don stared at Keys. Keys was serious. He turned and looked at Stix who shrugged. Don took a deep breath and turned to the engineer. "Add "Your Eyes' to the CD and press it." Don dropped Jenny off at Lisa's shop, but not before extracting a promise that Jenny would badger her mother into driving out to his house after the shop closed. He had something in mind and he wanted Lisa there. Kasey watched him as he drove silently down the streets. "'Forever' is about Mom, isn't it?" "Yes," Don admitted. "So were 'Lost Without You' and 'Love's Sweet Pain'." "Yes." "It's not fair." "What's not?" "You and Mom. I mean we just found you and soon Mom's going to leave." "Life isn't about fair, Kasey." "I know." Don turned into a Dairy Queen parking lot and stopped the truck. "We're going to get through this together, Kasey. You and I. I wish I could turn back the clock and be there for both of you, but that isn't going to happen either. But you need to believe me. I love you. I will be here for you as long as I can be. I wish I could promise forever, but you know that's just not possible." Don could see the tears in Kasey's eyes. His heart ached for the pain his daughter had borne so well. "Now," Don said, reaching over and brushing a tear off Kasey's cheek. "I have something to ask you, well two things, I guess." "Oh?" "I want to ask your mother to marry me, if that's all right with you?" "Okay." "And I want to adopt you, make you my daughter legally. Is that okay?" Kasey nodded. "Now, let's keep that to ourselves for a bit, okay?" Kasey smiled. "You want Lisa and Jenny there when you ask Mom." "And Stix and Robin. They are coming for dinner. Nobody else knows. Just you and me." "I could be bribed to keep it to myself." "That's my girl," Don chuckled. "Oreo Blizzard?" "Deal." Don ushered Kasey into the Dairy Queen and they sat like any other father and daughter sharing an afternoon together. Jessie was glad Don had taken the girls with him to the studio again. She was tired, even after sleeping past noon. She vaguely remembered Don kissing her cheek when he got out of bed. The pain was worse today. Tomorrow she needed to see the doctor again. The message light was blinking on the answering machine and Jessie idly pushed the button as she poured herself a glass of juice. "Jessie, call me when you get this. I love you." She dialed Don's cell phone. "Hi, Jessie," Don's voice purred into her ear. "How are you feeling today?" "Okay," Jessie lied. "Are you up to company for dinner?" "I guess that depends on who the company is." "Stix and Robin, Leslie and the girls." "That's fine. Do I need to get something started?" "No, relax. Kasey and I will be home soon." "Okay, Don. I'll grab a shower and see you when you get back." Don frowned as he closed the cell phone. "What's wrong, Dad?" Kasey asked concerned. "I'm not sure Jessie's feeling very well today. I wonder if I should cancel dinner." "No!" Kasey's eyes blazed. "You can't. You have to ask her. And the sooner the better! Or else it will be too late." Don looked at his daughter and realized she was probably right. Happy days were drawing to a close. Jessie had been getting more and more tired each day. He was sure she was in pain. She put up a brave front, but he could see it in her eyes. Don nodded and he and Kasey hurried back to the house. ------- Chapter 6 Jessie smiled as she listened to the chaos around her. Don's friend Stix was telling stories about life on the road. Kasey and Jenny were watching him intently. She watched as Stix's wife, Robin, tried to keep control of her three boys. It was just what she needed. She felt comfortable now. Kasey had a place to live, a place filled with love and affection. Her pain would be bearable knowing this. Leslie was watching her intently from across the table. Jessie smiled. "I'm okay, Les," she said. "Everything will be okay." Suddenly Don banged his fork on his nearly empty bottle of beer. Silence reigned as everyone turned to look at Don. He cleared his throat and stood. "I asked you all here for a special reason," he said as he walked around the table toward Jessie. He patted Kasey's shoulder as he passed and she smiled. He stopped when he reached Jessie's side. "Don..." He gently turned her chair and then knelt in front of her, taking her right hand in his left. "I am here tonight to right a great wrong that was done over fifteen years ago." He reached into his pocket and pulled something out. "Jessica Mayberry, I love you. I want to spend the rest of our lives together. Marry me?" Oh, my god, did he just ask me to marry him? The world dipped and spun. Not now, please, she thought as she tried to will the dizziness away... "I, I don't know what to say, Don." "Say yes." "But you know it would only be for a month or two." "It will be for the rest of our lives." Jessie paused and looked into his eyes. He really wanted this. With a deep breath, she stood and pulled gently on his hand. When he stood as well, she looked around the table. "We need to talk about this. We'll be right back." Still holding his hand, Jessie gently pulled him out onto the deck. "I don't know about this, Don. I haven't been feeling well. I don't know if I can be your wife much longer." "I don't want to go another day without you. It's what we would have done fifteen years ago had we not moved away from each other. It also makes it easier for me to adopt Kasey. I love you Jessica Mayberry. I want to marry you." "I love you too, Don. But I don't think getting married is fair to you. We both know I'm dying. Getting married won't change that. I'm perfectly happy with what we have now." "Well, I'm not. I want to show the world that I have a wife and a daughter, not just and old friend and a ward. I want to put things the way they should have been for the past fifteen years." Jessica looked into his eyes. Don still held her hand in his. With his right hand he moved the ring to her finger. He held her eyes to his as he slid the sparkling diamond farther and farther onto her finger. "You will make me the happiest man alive, Jessie." A tear rolled down her cheek as she looked down to her hand. It was as it should have been, as it always was in her dreams. She nodded, not trusting her voice and then pulled his head down to hers. They could both taste her tears of happiness as their lips joined. "She said yes!" Kasey shrieked behind them. Jenny and Kasey bounced together as they hurried to hug the newly engaged couple. Stix clapped Don on the back. Robin and Leslie hugged Jessie. "When are we going to do this?" Jessie asked. "As soon as we can arrange it," Don replied. Jessie nodded. Two days later, with Stix, Robin, Leslie and the girls as witnesses, Don and Jessie stood before a judge and became man and wife. The next day, Don was stretched out on the couch cuddling with a very tired and achy Jessie. Don was sort of watching the noon news. "In local entertainment news, Central City's most musical bachelor, Axe Woodson, got married yesterday in a civil service to Jessica Mayberry. There was no comment from Woodson's agent." The camera turned to Crystal Layne in time to see the sour look on her face. She recovered quickly and went on with the next story. "Boy, they learn things fast in this town, Don," Jessie commented. "Yeah. I guess I should have scheduled a press conference," Don replied a little too sarcastically. Jessie groaned. The phone rang and Don let the machine answer it. "You asshole," Crystal Layne's voice screamed through the phone. "I have never been so embarrassed in my life. I mean finding out my boyfriend was married on my own news program. This is a new low for you, Axehole. You better call me back today or the dirt will start sticking to you and your slut." There was an audible clunk as she slammed the phone down. "I thought she broke up with you before I got here," Jessie said, shaking her head. "I broke up with her. She spun things her way the next day. I walked out of a party after telling her to pack up and move out. You saw the photo of me saluting her with my beer bottle." "I really need to thank her. If she hadn't pissed you off, I might not have ever found you." Don sighed. "I guess I should call her back." Jessie nodded. "What do you want, Crystal?" Don said into the phone. "Donnie, you asshole. You embarrassed me big time." "Crystal, we haven't split up a month ago. I didn't invite any of my other ex-girlfriends to the wedding either. No media were invited. It was a quiet civil service." "Why the cover up, Donnie? Is she a dog? Oh, let me guess, you got her pregnant." "Well, yes, but that was fifteen years ago." Crystal was quiet for a moment. "I want an interview, this week, an exclusive with you and the bimbo." "I don't know, Crystal. You're not exactly an impartial interviewer. And Jessie's not a public person." "She is now. She married you and you're a local celebrity." "I don't like it." "I don't care. I want the interview to show on tomorrow's noon news." "We are not coming to the studio. You want the interview. You show up here, this afternoon, between four and five. You are gone by six." "Deal." "Oh, and Crystal, you and one camera man only, no one else." Don ushered Crystal, her cameraman and her makeup person out to the deck. "I don't know, Donnie. I think it would be better inside," Crystal whined. The cameraman looked at the set up and nodded. Three chairs were set up in a shaded area. A table separated one chair from the other two. He set up his camera and then said, "Looks good. We can get a good shot and the audio is good." The door slid open and Jessie walked gingerly through the door. She looked tired, but she smiled. "You must by Crystal Layne. I'm Jessica Woodson," she said as she held out her hand. Crystal nodded. "Why don't you sit here on the end? We'll put Donnie between us." Jessie shrugged and sat. "Drinks anyone?" Don asked. "Water, sweetie," Jessie said softly. "Diet coke," Crystal replied. The cameraman and makeup girl both shook their heads. "You don't look well, Jennifer," Crystal said putting on her newswoman smile. "Jessica. I'm tired." "Donnie been keeping you up late?" "Could be," Jessie replied, noting the venom in Crystal's voice. "You groupies talk a good game, but it takes a special woman to keep up with Donnie." "Jessie's not a groupie, Crystal. And she's a very special woman," Don replied setting their drinks down. Crystal smiled and the makeup girl stepped back behind the camera. The cameraman nodded. "I'm here with Axe Woodson and his new wife, Jessica." Crystal smiled to the camera and paused while the cameraman turned the camera toward Jessie and Don. "This marriage thing happened pretty fast, Axe. Have you known Jessica long?" "We met almost sixteen years ago, Crystal. We dated in high school. We both moved away from Grant City and lost track of one another." Jessie added, "I guess we have you to thank, Crystal. If you hadn't done something to make Don mad at that party a month ago, I would never have known that my Don was Axe Woodson." Crystal looked at Jessie for a moment. "You sure wasted no time in snaring him again." Don could see Jessie bristle. He knew that was what Crystal wanted. "We decided we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. So we got married the other day. It would have happened a long time ago if circumstances had been different." "Why the hurry?" Crystal probed, smelling some dirt. "It seemed like a good idea at the time. I didn't know there was a time requirement. But fifteen years does seem like long enough to wait," Don replied. "So will this interfere with Barrier Riff? I hear you guys are struggling to put together a new CD." "Actually, Crystal, we finished the CD the day before the wedding. It was a struggle, but with Jessie here to inspire me, the music just poured out." "So we can expect the CD out soon, then?" "We are planning an October release date." "And a tour?" "Probably. Nothing is set up yet. We are working on something here in Central City. I can't say any more about that, but stay tuned. There should be some news in a day or two." Jessie groaned. The cameraman shifted as she collapsed and slid out of the chair. "Jessie!" Don knelt beside her. With a frown, he called for an ambulance. And then he called her doctor. "This stays off the news, Crystal." "No way, Donnie." Crystal turned to her cameraman. "Keep filming. We'll add voice over in the studio." "Get off my property, Crystal, now." Don was angrier than Crystal had ever seen him. "I want that tape and I want it now or my lawyers will have you so tied up in red tape that you can't even take a piss." "I don't think so, Donnie. Come on, Dean. We'll film from the street." After Crystal left, Don called Leslie. Luckily, Kasey and Jenny were with Leslie that day. Leslie said they would meet him at the hospital after she closed the shop that evening. The ambulance came and rushed them off to the hospital. ------- Chapter 7 Don paced back and forth outside the ICU. The doctors said Jessie was stable. She was asleep. Emotions raced through Don. He was angry with Crystal. He was mad at himself for letting Crystal maneuver him into the interview. He was worried about Jessie. This was obviously the beginning of the end. More than anything, his heart was sad. His time with Jessie was drawing to a close. He felt bad for Kasey and hoped that he would be enough family for her. His cell phone chirped, interrupting his thoughts. "Axe, it's me, Charlie." "Hi Stix." "Is Jessica okay?" "How did you know about Jessie?" "It's all over the news. Crystal's been on every fifteen minutes with your interview and Jessica's collapse. She's been speculating all kinds of things. Pregnancy, drugs, you name it." "I'll kill her." "Easy, Axe. Focus on Jessica. How is she?" "Not good, Stix. The doctors have her sedated and stabilized. They think the stress of the interview was too much. It's my fault. She's been so tired and in so much pain lately." "We'll be there as soon as Robin's sister gets here." "Thanks, Stix. You and Robin are the best." "Mr. Woodson," a nurse said when Don closed his cell phone. "Your wife is awake now. She's asking for you." Don hurried into her room. Several nurses were fussing with things, but Don ignored them and sat down next to Jessie. "How are you, Jessie?" "I'm really tired, Don. I love you. I always loved you. I need you to know that in case I can't ever say it again." "I'll be with you, Jessie. I'm not leaving. I love you." Don kissed her. Jessie drifted off to sleep. For two days, Jessie drifted in and out of consciousness. Don never left her side except to go to the bathroom. Stix, Robin and Leslie made sure that Kasey was there as much as she wanted to be. The mood was somber. Everyone knew that Jessie's time drew near. Stix brought some fresh clothes for Don. "Go change. Splash some water on your face. You look like hell. I'll stay with Jessie. If anything comes up, I'll call you right away." Don nodded and headed to the locker room. He had been showering and changing in the doctor's locker room for two days now. The shower felt terrific. Don folded his clothes back up and hurried back up to Jessie's room. Don drifted off to sleep beside Jessie's bed that evening. It had been a long three days. Crystal and the local news media continued to keep them in the news and that infuriated Don. Morty, his agent, kept hounding him to set up a press conference. Keys and Morty were hounding him about the concert he was trying to set up in Central City. Don knew they were mostly interested in the money side of the concert and he wondered how they would take it when they found out it was going to be a charity event. Don didn't sleep well with those thoughts and the pain of losing Jessie weighing on him. His eyes burst open when he felt Jessie squeeze his hand. "Don?" Her hoarse whisper was barely audible. "Jessie? Are you okay? Do you want me to call the nurse?" "No, Don. It's too late for that. Tell Kasey I love her. Take care of her for me." "I will." "I know. Take care of yourself too. Don't pine for me. Find someone who will love you and help you care for Kasey." "I don't want to think about that right now." "Promise me, Don. Don't go into that shell. For us, please." "I'll try, Jessie." "I love you, Don. Please be happy. Now, kiss me." Don stood up and leaned down. He felt Jessie's other hand reach weakly behind his head. Their lips joined and he closed his eyes. He could feel the life drain out of her as she kissed him. Her hand went slack and fell to her side. He released her lips and looked down. Jessie was gone. He could hear the alarms around him. "Be at peace, Jessie. I love you. I always will," he whispered. The nurse rushed in, followed by the doctor. They started to try to revive her. "Let her rest in peace," Don said softly. The doctor nodded and stepped back, resting his hand on Don's shoulder. When morning came, Leslie and the girls found him sitting in a chair in the hall outside her room asleep. Kasey could see instantly that her mother was gone. She started crying and ran for him. Don woke as she collided into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her. Kasey sobbed into his shoulder. Leslie stood watching holding onto her daughter's hand tightly. "Jessie passed away a couple hours ago," Don said quietly. He eased Kasey off his shoulder and put his finger under her chin, raising it so he could look into her eyes. "Her last thoughts were of you, Kasey. She said to tell you she loved you." Kasey buried herself in his shoulder again. This time, Leslie and Jenny both came forward and hugged their friends. After a bit, Don shifted Kasey so that she was in the seat next to him. Jenny pulled Kasey to her and the two friends cried on each other's shoulders. Don wiped his eyes and looked at Leslie. "Watch the girls for me, please. There are some things I need to take care of and then we can get out of here." Leslie nodded. Don walked down the hallway away from the girls. He called Stix first and then Morty; Stix to meet them at his house, Morty to set up a press conference. Then he walked back to the girls. After an hour, Don stood. "It's time to go home." Leslie nodded and Jenny and Kasey stood. When they reached the front entrance of the hospital, Don turned. "I have to talk to the media for a moment before we can go. I would like the three of you to stand behind me. Don't say anything to them. I have some carefully chosen words for them and then we'll get in Leslie's car and go back to the house. Okay?" They nodded and then Don reached out and grasped Kasey's hand and Leslie's hand. Jenny grabbed Kasey's other hand and they walked out the door toward a sea of cameras. Don paused at the curb and took a deep breath. "I have a brief statement. There will be no questions answered." He paused for a moment, took a deep breath and then spoke again. "At three o'clock this morning, my wife, Jessica Woodson died of complications from liver cancer. It was not unexpected and we treasured the time we shared together. Please respect my family and friends in our time of grief. Don't hound them, don't even approach them. When the time is right, Axe Woodson and Barrier Riff will return to the spotlight like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Until then, leave us in peace to morn for a beautiful life ended too soon." Don nodded and the foursome walked through the sea of cameras. People shouted questions, but parted to allow them through. Leslie reached into her purse and pushed the button to unlock the car. She turned and handed Don the keys. "I don't think I can drive right now," she said. Don nodded and drove them to his house. Stix was there when they arrived at his house. "I'm sorry, Don. She was a beautiful person." "Thanks." "I pulled the phone cords. Give me your cell phone. Either Robin or Morty or I will take all the calls. Is there anything else we can do?" "No, thanks, Charlie," Don said, handing him the phone and walking away from everyone toward the deck. Leslie watched as he stood with his hands on the rail and stared out at the world beyond. She turned and saw that Kasey and Jenny were huddled with Robin. Stix had his hand on Robin's shoulder as she comforted the two teens. Leslie quietly opened the door and walked out to stand beside Don. Don turned and saw the tears streaming down Leslie's face. He gathered her to him and held her as she sobbed. They stood there gently hugging each other, mourning. After a while, Leslie gently pushed back. "Thank you for the last six weeks, Don. Jessie was as happy as I've ever seen her. She dreamed of a time like this with you. I'm glad you were able to make that dream come true for her." Don reached up and wiped a tear off her soft cheek. "Thank you for being there for her when I couldn't, Leslie. You were a treasured friend. I hope you and Jenny will stay in our lives. Kasey needs a good friend like Jenny. I may need one too." Leslie smiled softly. "I will always be there if you and Kasey need me, Don. But a friend is all I can be. I couldn't take Jessie's place. It would be wrong. I know someday you will find a woman who will love you like Jessie. And someday I will find my Prince Charming. You and I are family now. Jessie was like a sister and you have become the brother I never had." Don nodded and Leslie laid her head back on his strong shoulder and cried for her friend. When the sun went down, Don retreated to the basement. For the next two days, the sad sounds of an acoustic guitar could be heard filtering up through the closed door. On the third day, Kasey looked sadly at the door. Robin saw her and reached out and held her hand. "Is he okay," Kasey sniffled. She was mostly cried out. "He needs his time to grieve, Kasey. He will be back up when he is ready." "Do you think it would be okay if I went down and gave him a hug?" Robin smiled. "You know, I think that might be just the right kind of thing. He's been down there long enough. It's time for him to rejoin the rest of us." Kasey nodded and walked slowly down the stairs. Don looked up when he heard someone on the stairs. He was idly picking at the strings on his acoustic guitar. His music was his solace whenever he was sad. Kasey noticed that he hadn't shaved in two days. She could see the tracks of his tears on his cheeks. She felt her eyes water at the sadness in his eyes. Not a word was spoken as she walked to him. He set his guitar aside and Kasey crawled into his lap and wrapped her arms around him. "Mom never forgot you. She loved you so much. Thank you for making her last days special, Dad." Kasey felt the tears roll down his cheeks as he hugged her. "I'm going to miss her so much, Dad. And I know you are too. Robin said it's time for you to rejoin the rest of us. Stix said the funeral is this afternoon." Don straightened and nodded. "I'm ready." He eased Kasey off his lap and holding her hand, he headed up to the main part of the house. Don wasn't surprised to see an ocean of media at the cemetery gates. He was glad the windows of the limousine were tinted. He wasn't ready to face the sharks just yet. The limousine pulled to a stop in a shady spot at the far end of the cemetery. The door opened and Don stepped out. Stix brushed his hand aside and hugged him before turning to Leslie and the girls. Robin hugged him tightly. "Sorry, man," Bass said softly as he shook Don's hand. Even Keys was subdued and genuine in his condolences. The service was quiet and short. Don dropped a single white rose onto her casket and silently wished his soul mate peace. He held Kasey as she cried again. He put his hand on Leslie's back and then guided her softly to his other shoulder as she began to cry. He felt Jenny hug his and her mother's sides. The foursome returned to the limousine and once again parted the sea of cameras on the way back to his house. ------- Chapter 8: (three weeks later) School began two weeks after the funeral and Don drove Kasey to school and then returned home to work out the details of his return to the spotlight. After the first day, Kasey asked to ride the bus like the other kids. She didn't want to be treated differently. Don reluctantly agreed. And so it was that after she left for school, the members of Barrier Riff and their agent, Morty Andrews were gathered on Don's deck. "Okay," Don said, breaking up the side conversations. "Here's how it's going down. You know I've been working on setting something up for Barrier Riff. And I've kept you all in the dark long enough. Monday, Labor Day, Barrier Riff is going to headline a show at the Festival Centre. Three local bands, Trueblood, Heyride, and Cmonster, will open the show. It will be a charity event. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. If I get my way it will be an annual event." "I don't do charity for anyone," Key said, instantly angry. "Besides its only two weeks away, we haven't rehearsed. The new stuff isn't ready for the road yet." Stix started to say something, but Don waved at him. "I had a feeling that might be the case. I will cover any expenses. If you need to be paid, I'll pay it. You let Morty know how much." Don turned to Bass and Stix. Stix shook his head. "No way. I'm in. I think it's a great idea. In fact, I'll pay half of whatever WE have to pay." Bass nodded. "I'm in. I'm not sure I want to contribute more, but I think it's a good idea too. It's about time we gave something back to the community." Morty shrugged. "I can live without my percentage. The publicity alone is worth that." "Okay then. We need to rehearse an hour show." Keys was unhappy. They argued for an hour before finally agreeing on an hour show that could be ready in less than two weeks. Don turned Morty, Stix and Bass loose on some of the details that still needed to be worked out. Wednesday morning found Axe Woodson on the steps of the Festival Center, surrounded by the media. He stepped up to the microphone. "Welcome. I told you Axe Woodson would be back and here I am. I'm pleased to announce that Barrier Riff, Trueblood, Heyride, and Cmonster will be performing here on Labor Day starting at 2pm; in a special charity event that I hope will become an annual event here in Central City. We are going to call it the Jessica Woodson Concert for Cancer. All proceeds from the show will go to the American Cancer Society in the hopes that someday a cure will be found and no one will have to go through the suffering that my wife and family did just a short time ago." "Axe, will Barrier Riff be doing any songs from the new CD?" a voice shouted from the back. "Anything is possible," Axe replied with a twinkle in his eye. "What will the admission charge be?" "We will be asking a dollar. Anything more will be graciously accepted." The crowd was a buzz. Axe couldn't hear anymore direct questions, so he held his hands up and smiled. "Thank you for coming. I hope to see you all here Monday afternoon." "I want to do something for the show, Monday, Dad," Kasey said, walking out to deck where Don sat with his acoustic guitar, picking and thinking. "Okay, any ideas?" Kasey shrugged. "Can you play any instruments?" "Sort of." Don looked at her. Kasey shifted nervously. Taking a deep breath, Kasey said, "I can play guitar a little." Don thought for a moment, watching as Kasey squirmed. "Okay. Sit." Don disappeared into the house for a moment and returned with another acoustic guitar and a pick. He handed them to a clearly nervous Kasey. "Relax, Kasey. I just want you to show me how well you can play. If you want to play with me there will be a lot more people watching you and listening to you." Kasey nodded and strummed the strings. She took a deep breath and began to play "Lost Without You". Don watched and listened for a moment and then picked up his guitar and played along. After a bit, Don began to sing the song he had written nearly twelve years before. He was surprised when a clear soprano voice joined him for the chorus. Kasey sang along, sadly harmonizing with his baritone. Don even picked a brief lead before ending the song. "Wow, when were you going to tell me?" "I'm not that good, Dad," Kasey replied, blushing. "Have you been playing long?" "Jenny and I have been taking lessons from a friend since I turned fourteen. Mom bought me a guitar for my fifteenth birthday, but we sold it before we came here." Don smiled. "Can you play that song with me in front of ten thousand people?" "I-I-I don't know," Kasey replied. She straightened her back and looked Don directly in the eyes. "But I want to try." "Okay. 'Lost Without You' is not on our set list. We need to practice this several times before the show." Kasey nodded. The Festival Centre was filled to capacity when Don stepped to the microphone. "Hello, Central City! Thank you for coming out and helping me. Are you ready to ROCK?" The audience screamed its approval. Cmonster's drummer began to tap his sticks together. Don raised his hands over his head and clapped along. The crowd joined him, filling the hall with the staccato beat. Don looked at the band behind for a moment before stepping back to the microphone. "Let's welcome Cmonster." Cmonster opened the show, rocking the auditorium with their keyboard laced brand of music. The audience clapped and danced in their seats. Don tapped his foot as he watched from the side of the stage. Cmonster proved to be the perfect opening act for the show. Their up-tempo style grabbed the audience from the beginning. He smiled as he watched Hailey Marshall spin on her chair behind his black grand piano. He made a mental note to have the thing tuned right after the show. The way the blonde banged on the keys, it was bound to be out of tune by the end of the show. When Cmonster finished their set, Heyride ran onto the stage. Don had arranged for all of the bands to use the same set up. Stix bought a new drum set just for the show and made sure that all of the drummers were comfortable with it. Don arranged for any and all of keyboards and amplifiers that the bands needed. Each band used its own guitars. This kept the breaks between bands down to just a few minutes. Heyride and Trueblood played well, keeping the audience with them until finally, David Morris, the lead singer for Trueblood stood quietly at the microphone waiting for his band mates to leave the stage. "Are you ready, Central City? Here's what we've been waiting for! Barrier Riff!" Stix began walking from the right side of the stage, clapping his sticks together. The audience joined him, clapping along. Bass strolled on stage and began setting a throbbing backbeat as Stix sat down. Keys bowed and sat at the piano, adding a left handed riff. The audience roared as Axe's guitar picked up the riff. The lights went down and a spot focused on each of the three members on stage. Keys began adding chords with his right hand. A spotlight flashed on in the middle of the arena. Axe began striding to the stage as he played. For the next hour, the band roared through a set that included three songs from their new CD and all of their hits from the previous ones. Don was breathing hard by the time they finished 'Your Eyes'. He watched silently as Stix moved out from behind his drum kit and was joined by Bass, who had set his bass on its stand, and Keys. The trio approached the microphone that Axe used for vocals. "Thank you," Stix said, grasping his two companions' hands and raising them in tribute to the audience. "Thank you. Keys, Bass and I are leaving you in the very capable hands of my friend, Axe Woodson." A stage hand brought two stools out and set them by the microphone. Axe put his Gibson down and accepted his acoustic from a roadie. He seated himself down on one stool. The audience grew quiet. "I want to thank you all once again for joining me here today. I'd like to thank Cmonster, Heyride, and Trueblood for a great show. I'd also like to thank my friends from Barrier Riff. I hope they weren't too rusty." The audience howled their approval. Axe strummed the guitar for a moment and then paused. "I want to introduce you to a beautiful young woman who came into my life just a short time ago and has changed it in so many ways. She reminds me of her mother every time I look at her. When she heard about this show, she wanted to be a part of it and since she has me wrapped around her little finger as every daughter should, you get to suffer." Don smiled and turned to the side of the stage. "Kasey Woodson." The audience clapped politely as Kasey walked toward her father. Don could see the nervousness in her hesitant steps. When she reached the center of the stage, she sat on the other stool and accepted an acoustic guitar from the roadie. "Ready," Don whispered. Kasey nodded. She took a deep breath and began to strum the chords to 'Lost Without You'. The audience clapped, recognizing the tune, and when Axe joined in, the audience settled, swaying to the beat. Don's clear baritone sang out the verses. Kasey joined him, harmonizing the choruses. The audience joined them for the second chorus. Don watched with pride as Kasey began to smile and he could see and feel her confidence grow. The song ended with a tumultuous applause. Stix ran out from the wings and swung Kasey up off the stool, hugging her. Cmonster, Heyride, Trueblood and the rest of Barrier Riff joined them on the stage. "Thank you and good night," Don said into the microphone. He grabbed Kasey's hand and led the performers off the stage. Don smiled as he looked around the huge dressing room. The four bands along with invited guests were milling around chatting and enjoying some post concert refreshments. Stix and Robin were off in a corner trying to occupy the same physical space while chatting with Kasey, Jenny and Leslie. The guys from Heyride were almost bouncing off the walls as they visited with Bass and Keys. Part of him wished Jessie could have been here. He was proud of Kasey. Everyone he ran into told him how special that final number was. He watched as Morty was holding court on the other side of the room, probably trying to add Cmonster to his stable of acts. Don had been impressed with them as well and silently hoped they would agree to let Morty get them some more publicity. Don slowly walked over and joined the circle around Stix and Robin. Leslie turned and smiled. "You two were amazing on stage together," she gushed, hugging Kasey. "Great finish, Axe," Bass boomed as he joined the group. He hugged Kasey. "And you, young lady. Wow! I've played that song a million times, but when you sang it with your Dad, I knew how it was supposed to sound." Kasey blushed and beamed. She and Jenny were vibrating with the excitement of being back stage with their idols and friends. Don shook Bass' hand and smiled. Bass had changed in the past few months, mostly for the good. Maybe there was hope for Barrier Riff after all. "Aren't you a little old to be a groupie, lady," Bass chuckled into Leslie's ear. Don couldn't help the smile as Leslie turned bright red. "She's no groupie," Jenny said, stepping up to Bass's chest. "She's my mother." "No way!" Bass boomed. "I'm afraid so," Leslie smiled, extending her hand. "I'm Leslie Noonan." "I'm Walt Brown. Mostly they call me Bass." Don was stunned when Bass pulled Leslie's hand to his lips and kissed it. "I'm pleased to meet you." A resounding slap echoed through the room, stilling all conversation. "Keep your paws to yourself, asshole," a woman's voice rang out clearly. Don turned to see Keys with his hand on his cheek. He could see the anger in Keys eyes. Hailey Marshall gave no ground as Keys stepped even closer to her. Don hustled over to try to diffuse the situation. He was almost there when Keys slapped the blonde back. Don groaned as the woman rocked to the side. His hand print was visible on her cheek. Don stepped between them, roughly pushing Keys back. "Back off, John," Don hissed. "Butt out, Axe," Keys hissed back. "The lady and I were negotiating our sleeping arrangements." "You..." Hailey fumed behind Don. A motion of Don's hand cut off the rest of her comment. "I think Miss Marshall made herself abundantly clear," Don said, keeping his voice calm, but showing his irritation with the antics of his band mate. Keys poked a finger in Don's chest. "This isn't over, Axe. I'm tired of you getting in my way." Don smiled. "We'll talk on Saturday before rehearsal." Keys nodded and stormed out. "I'm sorry, Miss Marshall. Are you all right?" "I'm fine," Hailey said, gritting her teeth. "I could have handled him." Don smiled. "I'm sure you could have. I apologize if I stepped on your toes. I'm just sorry I didn't get here in time to keep him from slapping you." "I'll live." "You put on a hell of a show tonight," Don said, trying to steer the conversation away from Keys' behavior. Everyone else turned back to their conversations. Don saw Keys shoot him a look as he left the room. ------- Chapter 9 Friday night found Stix and Don sat at the bar of a restaurant chatting and drinking beer while waiting for Robin, Leslie and the girls to show up. Stix turned to the bartender to order another when he noticed Keys on the television screen. He waved at the bartender. "Can you turn that up?" Don turned and looked where Stix was pointing. "Musically the show Monday was horrible, Crystal," Keys said. "Oh, I'm sure the audience didn't notice, but it was a technical mess. And don't get me started on that blatant display at the end. I mean, come on, Axe and his daughter screwed that song up. It won't be played like that on the road." "Easy, Don," Stix said, noticing his friend's fist clenching. The interview went on for another fifteen minutes. Don was flabbergasted. Keys was rewriting history. Barrier Riff had been Keys' idea, apparently. Even most of the early hits were influenced by his musical knowledge, after all, Keys was the only member of the band to have finished college. And his degree was in music. "I'll kill him," Don said softly as the news program turned to other things. "Not if I get to him first," Stix replied. Robin snaked her arms around Stix and kissed his neck. "Who are you two killing now?" "Keys," Stix said, pulling Robin close and patting his son on the head. "What now?" Stix explained what he and Don had just heard. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard," Robin exclaimed. Leslie and her charges arrived and the group sat down to a nice dinner. Don and Stix kept Keys and his interview out of the discussions. "So when does the tour start, Don?" Leslie asked. "We're opening up in Cleveland on October 12th." "Twenty cities in thirty-five days," Stix added. "We'll be back here for Thanksgiving. Then we're hitting the west coast for two weeks. We're taking a month at Christmas and then doing the east coast in January." "And then home again in time to welcome the next member of the Matthews brood," Don added. Kasey put her hand on Don's arm. "Can we go on some of the tour, Dad?" "We?" "Jenny and me." Don hesitated for a moment. Leslie jumped in. "School comes first, but if there are some shows during your breaks, I don't see why Jenny can't go along." "Please, Dad," Kasey begged. Don smiled. "We'll check the calendar and see what we can do. Otherwise, you're stuck here with Leslie and Robin. Okay?" "I guess." Don was the first to arrive at the band's rehearsal space. He opened the door and started warming up the equipment. He filled the refrigerator with some Bud Light as tradition dictated and then walked over to the white board. He began writing a tentative set list on the board. A two hour show meant that most of the new CD's songs would get played as well as all of their big hits and a few other songs from the earlier ones. He blocked out three songs to be encores and began fitting things into a tentative order. "No way will 'Lost Without You' be an encore number, Axe. We're not doing that on stage again. I want no chance of a repeat of that garbage from Monday," Keys said erasing the song from the board. "Hello to you, too, Keys." "'Lost Without You' stays," Bass said firmly as he nudged Keys aside and wrote it back on the board. "I don't know where you get off criticizing Monday's show. You did everything you could to sabotage it, both during and after." "Kiss my ass, Bass," Keys replied drawing a line through 'Lost Without You' on the board. "I'm not giving Axe a chance to do that crap with his daughter on my tour." "Your tour?" Stix was incredulous. "It's our tour, too. And I'm with Bass, 'Lost Without You' stays. With or without Kasey, it's still one of our best. The audience expects our best and we're going to give it to them." Don stepped away from the board and watched as the three argued about the music. He thought he'd be the one who had to argue with Keys about everything, but Stix and Bass were stepping up and having their say for the first time in a long time, especially for Bass. Don wondered what had changed in Bass. Usually he was siding with Keys and the band was split on things until Don worked out a compromise. Don turned and opened the fridge, gathering four bottles of beer in his hands. He turned in time to catch Keys next outburst. "'Lost Without You' goes or I go." The room was silent for a moment and then Bass turned and looked at his friend. "Well, there's the door. Don't let it hit you on the ass as you leave." Keys stared at Bass. "This band is nothing without me. When you get your shit together call me. I'll be home writing some music for a solo album." Keys headed for the door, pausing for a moment, expecting someone to tell him to stay. The trio called his bluff and he left. Don turned back to the fridge and put one bottle back into it. He handed a beer to his companions and took a long swig. "So, where do we go from here? Should I get Morty started canceling the tour?" "Hell no," Stix said. "We're touring." Bass nodded. "What about keyboards and vocals?" Don asked. "We won't play anything you can't sing, Axe," Bass replied. "We can hire a keyboard player for the tour," Stix added. "Okay," Don sighed. "What if Keys changes his mind?" "Screw him," Bass said adamantly. "After the shit he pulled last night, I don't think I want him around." Stix nodded when Don looked at him. Don pulled his cell phone out and called Morty. He had to know what the legal implications were. Morty agreed to look into things and get some agreements in place to end the four way partnership and re-form it as a trio. "Okay then, who do we know that we can get to play keyboards?" Don asked. Bass looked at him for a moment and then said, "How 'bout one of the ladies from Cmonster? They sounded pretty good Monday." "Are you looking to get in their pants, Bass?" Stix asked, seriously. "Well," Bass took a deep breath. "A week ago, I'd have said yes. But now, I'm not sure." Don looked at him for a moment. "What's going on, Walt?" "I kinda met someone." "Kinda?" Walt looked from Charlie to Don. He wasn't sure how much he wanted to tell them. Don smiled. "Relax, Walt. You don't need to tell us any more that you want to." Walt took another sip of his beer. "I, I've been meaning to talk to you about it anyway, Don. I don't want to step on anyone's toes, so I sort of wanted to ask you if... Oh, damnit. I'm interested in Jenny's mom, Leslie. I mean, I met her after the show on Monday. And we talked for a while and, I don't know, something clicked. I know you've been dissatisfied with life on the road for quite a while, Don. I discovered that I am too. I don't want a new chick in every town. Heck, they're really not even new any more. I know why you and Charlie were worried. If we bring one of those girls on board for the tour, she's safe. I'm not going to spend the days making her uncomfortable with my attention." "Say no more, Walt," Don said, reaching out and shaking Walt's hand. "Leslie's been through some tough times. I'm not going to be your competition. Her business, her past, and, frankly, your past are." Walt nodded. "Enough of this sappy crap," Stix said. "We've got some rockin' to do. You gonna talk to the Cmonster gals, Don?" Don nodded. "We're also going to have to think about how many of Keys songs we want to do." "None," Morty said, walking into the room. "I talked to him a few minutes ago. He's going to challenge you for the name and the copyrights to everything. He doesn't have a leg to stand on, but I suggest we sit down with him and hammer out some kind of agreement before things get messy." "How messy?" Don asked. "He could hold up the tour and freeze any income from today until it's settled." "Can you get John, you, and I together in a room in the next week or so, Morty?" "I think so, Axe. He'll probably want his new agent as well." "Fair enough. Any reason that I shouldn't start looking for a temporary keyboard player for the tour?" "No, I think that's a reasonable course of action. Do you have anyone in mind?" "I'm thinking of one of the ladies from Cmonster." Morty nodded. "I was thinking of offering Cmonster a chance to open for us on at least part of the tour." Morty frowned. "We have an opening act for the west coast swing in December. Other than that, I think it could be arranged. I'm not sure the promoters will be all that interested, but if the band wanted to share some of their take?" Don looked at Stix and Bass. Both nodded. Morty smiled. "Good luck, Axe. Let me get back to you after I talk to John. Either of you want to be there?" Morty looked at Stix and Bass. Bass shook his head. "I trust you and Don to look after things," Charlie said. Morty nodded and left. "Let's call it a day," Don said. "I'll call you when I get some keyboards lined up." The trio shook hands and Don locked the room up. ------- Chapter 10 Don slipped into the bar quietly. It was early and there were only a few customers. He knew that Cmonster was playing that night and hoped to catch them before they went on. "Omigod!" he heard a woman's voice from the doorway as he sat down facing the stage. "Relax, Candy. He probably just stopped for a drink." "Do you think he'd mind if I sat with him, Hailey?" Don smirked and then wiped the smile off his face and turned toward the door. He could see Hailey Marshall and Candy Summers standing there. He stood and waved them over to the table. "Good to see you two lovely ladies again," Don offered his hand. "Can I get you a beer?" Candy Summers turned pink and nodded as she shook his hand. "I'll pass, Mr. Woodson," Hailey said, taking Don's hand. "Axe, or Don, please. Sit, sit." "We can't stay long," Hailey said, turning the chair around and putting her arms on the back of it. Don smiled. Hailey was definitely a beautiful woman. Her long blonde hair hung loosely about her shoulders. She wore a Cmonster t-shirt that fit very well. Don struggled to keep his eyes from looking lower. "Sit down, Candy. He won't bite. Not hard anyway," Hailey teased her suddenly self-conscious friend. Don smiled as she sat. He definitely had both girls' attention. He studied Candy for a moment. She and Hailey were almost complete opposites physically. Candy had short brown hair and a narrow face. She was thinner and shorter than her friend. "So what can we do for you, Axe?" Hailey said, smiling at the obvious hero worship of her band mate. "I'm in need of a keyboard player for Barrier Riff's upcoming tour." "I didn't think Key West needed any help. Or wanted any, for that matter," Hailey said, leaning back a little. Don took a breath. "He won't be going along on the tour. Key West and Barrier Riff parted ways this morning." "Does this have anything to do with the interview I saw last night?" Hailey probed. "Let's say that the interview brought things to a head and leave it at that." "Okay, why us? And do you want one or two keyboard players?" Hailey looked at her friend. Candy was in shock. "Cmonster captured my interest at the show on Labor Day. I liked your style, especially, Hailey. I don't know whether we need or want both of you. We hadn't gotten that far in our thinking. I wanted to make the offer, see if you and Candy are interested and then see what happens when we play together." "I think it's safe to say we're interested. And I'm certainly flattered, but we're not in the same class as Key West." Don shook his head. "I think you might have an inflated opinion of John's abilities." Hailey raised an eyebrow. Don looked at both of them. "Think about it." He handed both of them a business card with his cell phone number on it. He looked at his watch. "I have an important date with my daughter, so I need to run. If you have questions, call me. Talk it over with each other, and with the rest of your band. I need to have an answer in a few days so we can set up a time to play together. Good luck tonight." Don shook both girls' hands and headed out of the bar. "Can you believe it?" Candy gushed as they rest of Cmonster sat down with her and Hailey. "Wasn't that Axe Woodson," their bass player, Leigh Hanks asked. "Yup," Hailey replied. "What did he want?" Hailey looked at Candy who paled. "He wants either Candy or me or both to join Barrier Riff on their upcoming tour." "Oh, wow! That's great! You two really deserve it!" Sheila Banks, the drummer said, jumping up and hugging her two friends. "What happens to Cmonster if they go?" Jane Perkins, the guitar player asked quietly. There was silence around the table. "The tour can't last that long," Sheila said. "I won't stand in their way. This is their shot." Candy took a deep breath. "It's Hailey's shot. I'm not good enough, but she is. And if she goes, we can still play. And when the tour's over, she'll play with us again if she wants." "Don't sell yourself short, Candy. You are good enough. Axe wouldn't have asked if he wasn't interested." "She's right," Jane added. The other two nodded their heads. Candy smiled and took a deep breath. "Thanks, girls, but you know Hailey's the star. She could go places. She wants to go places. I don't. Bruce and I are going to tie the knot soon. You all know I want kids." She took another deep breath. "I don't know if my doctor will let me tour with Barrier Riff anyway." "Doctor?" Hailey turned and faced her friend, putting her hand on Candy's. "I'm pregnant. About eight weeks he thinks. I was going to wait until after I told Bruce tonight to tell you, but I think you needed to know now." "Congratulations!" the other four yelled almost together as they hurried to hug Candy. "Are you sure it's okay for Jenny to stay with you tonight, Don?" Leslie asked, nervously. "Of course it is. You go have a good time with Walt." He smiled as Leslie blushed. Jenny and Kasey were grabbing stuff from her room. Leslie was pacing nervously. "You're going to wear out the carpet, Les," Don teased. "It's been a long time since I've been on a date, Don." "Relax. Be yourself. Walt's a good guy, mostly. I'll take Jenny home after the movie and she and Kasey can have a sleepover." "That's not necessary, Don. I'm not going to be out that late. I have to open the store at 7 tomorrow." "It's not how late you are out that matters," Don said, raising his eyebrows. "I don't know how it is when you date, Don, but Walt will not be inside this apartment tonight." Don smiled. Leslie was visibly less nervous. His teasing seemed to work. "You make sure Mr. Brown shows you a good time and gets you home at a reasonable hour. He has early rehearsal tomorrow." Leslie smiled. "Yes, Dad." "That's my line," Kasey said, dragging Jenny with her toward the door. Don was up early. He was sure the girls would be sleeping in. After all it was Saturday and he had distinctly heard voices around 3 a.m. Oh to be young again, he sighed as he closed and locked the door. Don was noodling around on his Les Paul when Hailey wandered into their practice space. Don smiled and turned his amp off. "Glad you could make it, Hailey. How was the gig last night?" "We rocked the place, and we were out pretty late last night celebrating." "Celebrating?" "Candy's pregnant and her boyfriend asked her to marry him. She won't be joining us, by the way." Don nodded. He showed Hailey the keyboards he had purchased. "I just replaced the stuff John had with new stuff. If it's not what you want or need, let me know. We'll see about getting some other stuff." Stix showed up and they chatted a bit. "Where's Bass?" Stix asked after a bit. "He had a date last night, so who knows." Stix smiled. "I see you got the set list up." For the next twenty minutes, Stix, Don and Hailey talked about the music. Hailey knew several of Barrier Riff's songs and soon they were jamming and goofing off with several. Bass hustled in the room and joined them. Soon the practice space was filled with music. They ended with a loud clash of cymbals. "Glad you could join us, Bass," Don smiled. "Sorry, Axe. I was out kinda late last night and slept through the alarm." He smiled. "Welcome," he said to the good looking keyboard player. "I'm Walt Brown. They call me Bass." Hailey smiled. "I'm Hailey." "We sound pretty good together, Axe," Bass said. "I think we should keep her." Stix laughed. "Can you sing, Hailey?" "Depends on the song." "What do you have in mind, Stix?" Don asked. Stix slipped around his drum kit and waved for Hailey to join them. "Bass can play a bit of guitar, right?" Bass nodded. "Let's try 'Lost Without You' like you did Labor Day. You and Bass on acoustic, I'll fill with tambourine and you and Hailey sing." "I don't know, Stix," Hailey said, hesitantly. "I think it's a great idea," Bass added. "That's the way the song should have been done. Keys messed it up with all his overproduction and strings." Don shrugged and grabbed his two acoustic guitars. He and Bass spent a moment tuning. Bass nodded and began strumming just like Kasey had. Don jumped in and so did Stix. Hailey stepped up beside Don and joined her voice to his on the choruses. Stix shook the tambourine as the song ended and then sighed. "Damn. It was a little rough, but with some practice, I think it will work." Don looked over at the clock. It was nearly four. Time to head back to the house, he said to himself. "I can't believe you are even thinking about going out with that jerk, Kasey," Don heard as he walked in the door. "He's not so bad, Jenny. Besides, no one else has asked." "He's a senior, Kasey. And from what I hear he doesn't treat girls very nice," Jenny added, concerned. "It's only pizza and a movie, Jenny." Kasey was clearly miffed that her friend didn't like Bobby Jones, the senior quarterback. "Oh, hi, Dad." Don smiled. "Am I interrupting something?" he asked as he set his keys down on the table near the door. "Um, not really." "So, what's this about a date?" Don asked as he hugged Kasey. "Bobby Jones asked me to go to Trecaso's and then to a movie tonight." "Who is Bobby Jones?" Don asked, sitting down. "He's the starting quarterback on the varsity team. He's in my Algebra class." "How old is he?" "Eighteen, I think." "I'm not sure I'm all that comfortable with you dating someone that much older than you, especially your first date." "Come on, Dad. It's not like I'm going to sleep with the guy, it's just pizza and a movie." "Are you sure that's how he sees it?" Kasey thought for a moment. "Well, no, but he's a nice guy." Don looked at his daughter. She was nearly as old as her mother was their first time. He could see her excitement at being asked out. I will not judge the boy yet, he told himself. Everyone deserves a chance. "Please, Dad." Don sighed. Against his better judgment he nodded. "Okay. Make sure he has time to stop here and meet me before you go. You have your cell phone, right? "Yes, Dad." "What about you, Jenny?" Jenny frowned. "Kasey and Mom both have dates." "I guess it's you and me then, kid. Anything special you'd like to do?" Jenny shrugged. Kasey grabbed her friend. "You have to help me get ready. Don watched as the two girls, no young women, he reminded himself, hurried down the hall to Kasey's room. ------- Chapter 11 Don frowned as he watched Bobby Jones escort his daughter to his Mustang. Something about the boy didn't sit right with him. Bobby answered all the questions just right. He shook Don's hand, met his eyes, but something just felt wrong. He wondered if he weren't too protective of Kasey. He wanted her experiences to be good. Don sighed as he closed the door and turned back to the movie that Jenny put in. ------- Kasey was frowning when they finally sat down in the theater. The pizza had been good, but Kasey was tired of Bobby's football stories after the second one. And then he went over to the table that some of the cheerleaders were sitting at and talked with them for a while. He didn't take her over and introduce her. He sat there and talked with them for nearly twenty minutes while she sat fuming and picking at the pizza. The theater started to darken and she felt Bobby's arm slip around her shoulder and pull her toward him. Their shoulders were touching as the opening credits started to roll. She really wanted to see this movie. After a few minutes, she felt his left hand start to massage her shoulder. And then the fingers started to creep down brushing her blouse as they moved slowly over her bra strap and started down her chest. She remembered the conversation with her mother and calmly put her hand on his, trapping his hand against her shoulder. The movie was getting good and she let go of his hand to grip the arm of her seat as the heroine was moving cautiously through the dark house. And then his hand moved down and settled right on the top slope of her breast. Kasey jumped and whispered, "No, Bobby." He said nothing. He did not move the hand. Kasey bit her lip and then took his hand in hers and pulled it around her shoulders and onto her thigh, trapping it there with her hand. The heroine turned the corner and saw the murderer. Kasey jumped and her hands flew to her face, covering her eyes. And Bobby's hand moved up her thigh slowly, coming to a stop right at the spot where her thigh joined her torso and then tried to wedge itself between her legs. "Bobby," she hissed, grabbing his hand and tossing it toward his lap. She stared at him in the darkness. He didn't look away from the screen. When she looked back the heroine had escaped. She missed it. As they walked away from the theater toward Bobby's car, Kasey kept pushing his hands away from her shoulders. "I said no, Bobby." "Aw, come on, Kasey. Don't be such a tease." "What?" "I know you want it. You put my hand on your thigh and then you bitch when I try to hug you. What do you call it?" "Trying to help you keep your hands to yourself." Bobby opened the door for her and went around the car. He pulled out of the parking lot. "My house is the other way?" "Your dad said you didn't have to be home until twelve. It's only ten." "I don't care. Take me home, Bobby Jones." Bobby chuckled and sped down the dark road into the park. "I said I wanted to go home, Bobby." "My dates don't go home this early, Kasey." "Stop this car, now." Bobby slammed on the brakes. Kasey's head bumped the dash. "Ow. That hurt, Bobby." Kasey said, glaring at him. "Tough luck, tease. Here's the deal. You take that shirt off and climb in the back with me or you walk." Kasey stared at him for a moment. "I don't think so, Bobby." She calmly unbuckled her seat belt and opened the car door. Bobby watched, expecting her to take off her shirt and get back in the car. It was at least seven miles back to the mall. Kasey slammed the door and began walking back the way they came. He watched her for a moment and then spun the car around. Kasey looked up nervously as the Mustang screeched to a stop next to her. Bobby revved the engine and then rolled down the window. "One last chance." "Good night, Bobby," she said. Her hands were on her hips. "Have a nice walk home, Bitch," Bobby hissed as he stepped on the gas. Kasey frowned as she watched his tail lights disappear around the bend. She reached into her purse and pulled her cell phone out. "Dad, can you come get me," she said softly into the cell phone. "No, I'm fine. You were right about Bobby, though. I'm in Ashton Park, walking toward the entrance. I'm not sure how far in, though, Bobby was going pretty fast on the way in. We didn't turn off the main road, though." She closed the cell phone and hugged herself as she continued toward the entrance. ------- Kasey shrunk back along the side of the road when she saw a set of headlights approach slowly. She stopped walking and put her hand in her purse. Her mom had given her a small can of mace that she insisted Kasey keep in her purse at all times. She felt the can and grasped it as the vehicle continued on toward her. The vehicle began slowing even more after its lights captured Kasey. It pulled to a stop and she recognized that it was a pickup truck like Don drove. She stood still. The driver side door opened and she saw the shadow of a man step into the lights. It was Don. With a shriek, Kasey launched herself toward her Dad. Don grabbed her into a bear hug. For a moment, the two just stood there in front of the truck hugging. Don set her back on her feet and said softly, "Come on, Kasey. Let's get you back home." Kasey nodded and climbed into Don's truck. When Don turned the truck back toward home, Kasey began to sob. Don reached out and grabbed her hand with his. "Its okay, Kasey," he said, holding onto her hand. "If only I listened to you and Jenny," she sobbed. "God, he was such a jerk. I feel so stupid." Don just held her hand all the way home. When they were finally inside, he guided her to the sofa. Kasey's cheeks were still damp with her tears. She stared down at her lap. Don raised her chin with a finger and looked into her moist eyes. "I'm sorry you had to deal with someone like that on your first date," he said softly. "Don't get down on yourself, though. Tonight had nothing to do with you. It wasn't your fault. Guys like him treat all girls like that, but not all guys are like him. Whatever you do, don't let one jerk make you stop dating. There's a good guy out there for you." "Mom said that sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you can find your prince." "I hope you didn't kiss this one." "No way, Dad," Kasey frowned. "He had way too many warts." Don chuckled. "I think maybe it's time we went to bed. Jenny's already in your room." Kasey hugged Don and then hurried down the hall. ------- October opened with a bang. Barrier Riff's new CD was a big hit. Publicity fueled the CDs rise. The split with Key West filled the tabloids as the writers continued to speculate about the popular band. Rumors flew about who might replace Key West in the band after the tour. Hailey Marshall fit right in with the band. Don found her enthusiasm for the music refreshing. The last few practices were filled with laughter and fun as they prepared to start the tour. Cmonster declined to go with them on tour to open the show, even after Don told them Hailey could play with them as well. Apparently things weren't going all that well with Candy and her baby. They finally decided to skip the opening act. So at 7pm on October 12th, Don sat at the sound board in the middle of the Quicken Loans Arena watching as the crowd slowly filled the seats. Most of the 20,000 seats were filled when the lights dimmed. "Ready, Axe," the sound guy asked. "Hell, yes. Cue Michael." A single spotlight lit up the stage. Michael Stanley, one of Cleveland's music icons and currently a very popular disk jockey, stepped into the spotlight. "Are you ready to rock?" Michael asked. The crowd cheered. "Please welcome Razor and Tie recording artists, Barrier Riff!" The crowd erupted as the spotlight faded and another one opened on the right side of the stage. Stix strode into that spotlight holding his drumsticks over his head and setting a clapping beat with them. The audience joined almost immediately. When Stix reached his drum kit, another spotlight opened up on the right side and Bass stepped into it, adding a throbbing backbeat. He strode to his usual spot on the right side of the stage. The crowd roared when another spotlight lit up the center of the arena and Axe began his guitar riff. The spotlight followed him as he walked slowly toward the stage. The audience continued to clap as the sounds of a piano joined in. The left side of the stage was still dark. Axe stepped on the lift and let it carry him up to the level of the stage. When he reached the microphone sitting at center stage, Stix yelled out a four count and the stage lit up with lights as the band launched into 'Only One Way to Rock, ' from their first album. For the first time, the audience could see Key West's replacement. Don turned and smiled as her voice joined his on the chorus. He could feel the crowd's excitement as the music filled the arena. His guitar sang as his fingers flew across the fret board. He felt the magic as it had been so many years ago when Barrier Riff started. This was a high like no other. The band's two and a half hour show went like clockwork. The crowd enthusiastically cheered for them to return to the stage for an encore. The stage was dark for what must have seemed and eternity. Some of the crowd began to give up when four tightly grouped spotlights hit center stage. Two stools and three microphones sat alone in the light. The band appeared at the back of the lights and stepped forward. Axe and Bass took the stools, each balancing an acoustic guitar on his knee. Stix and Hailey stepped up between them at the center microphone with tambourines. "Thank you, Cleveland," Don said softly into the microphone. "I think you might recognize this one." Bass began strumming. The rendition of 'Lost Without You' was met with thunderous applause. Axe thanked the fans again and the group left the stage for the final time. ------- Don smiled and shook hands with the reporter from the Scene, Cleveland's music oriented newspaper. The woman smiled. "Nice show, Axe," Lacey Marks said. "Much better than the last one you did here." "Thanks, I think, Lacey." "Really. The band sounds tighter, more relaxed. Is that because Key West isn't touring with the band?" "Key West is no longer a member of Barrier Riff," Axe said firmly. "Is your girlfriend going to be a permanent member of the band?" "I don't have a girlfriend, Lacey. I'm still getting over the loss of my wife." "Oh, come on, Axe. Surely you don't expect your fans to believe that Ms. Marshall is just a member of the band? If she's not your girlfriend, she must be Bass'." "No. I know Bass' current girlfriend, and it's definitely not Hailey." "There's so much chemistry between you and Ms. Marshall on stage, especially during 'Lost Without You'." "That's a tribute to Ms. Marshall's musical talents." "I'm hearing rumors out of Central City that Key West is forming another band that he will be calling Barrier Riff for a tour later this year. Can you comment on that?" "John and the rest of us have some legal issues to clean up as part of the dissolution of our long standing partnership. Ownership of the name Barrier Riff is one of those issues." "The current issue of 'The Music Tattler' has a cover story about your love affair with a fifteen year old girl. Can you comment on that?" Don smiled. "Yes, I have a fifteen year old girl living in my house. And I do love her. She is also my daughter. Beyond that, I have no comment." "Time to go, Axe," Morty said, smoothly slipping between the reporter and his star. "If you have more questions, Ms. Marks, we'll have to find another way. We need to get the bus on the road to Cincinnati." ------- Chapter 12 "If this is Saturday night, this must be Cincinnati," Bass said, as he entered the room back stage. Hailey Marshall smiled. "Where's Axe?" "He's at the airport picking up Jenny and Kasey. They'll be here in twenty." "I didn't think they were coming to a show until next month." "Yeah, well, apparently Kasey's having some problems. Don agreed to try to talk to her tomorrow and then send her back to Central City." "What kind of problems?" Wes frowned. "It's not my place, Hailey. Sorry." Hailey frowned. Don breezed into the room, waving as he hurried toward the dressing room to change. "Five minutes," he called out. "Sorry that I'm late." Hailey turned to her mirror and checked her makeup once more. "I don't know why your mom insisted we come," Hailey heard Kasey tell Jenny. "There's nothing wrong." "Yes there is, Kasey. You haven't been out of your room in four days except to go to school. Brandon Weathers called yesterday and you wouldn't even talk to him. Besides, I think she wants me to spend time with Wes." "Kasey, Jenny, you two are with me," Morty said firmly, interrupting the girls' discussion. Kasey whispered something that Hailey missed and then they were gone. "So, what did you think?" Hailey asked as she sat down next to Kasey. "Oh my gosh, Hailey! You guys sound fantastic. Better than the Labor Day show. And Dad seems to be really happy right now." "Was 'Lost Without You' okay? I'm not trying to compete with what you too did." "I like it. I'm not jealous, really. Your voice sounds better than mine anyway." "Don't sell yourself short, Kasey. I've never heard the song done better than you two did. How are you doing? Are you adjusting to the new school okay?" "I guess," Kasey said somewhat sadly. "As cute as you are, I'll bet the boys are all trying to get a date." Hailey felt Kasey stiffen. "What's the matter, Kasey?" Kasey paled for a moment and looked away. Hailey put her hand on Kasey's arm. Kasey turned back. "I heard you and Jenny talking before the show. I'd like to help, if you'll let me. If not, I can butt out and we'll find something else to talk about." Kasey was silent for a moment. Then she sighed. "I miss my Mom. I could talk about stuff like this with her and not feel like an idiot." "I know I'm not your mom, Kasey, but you can talk to me about anything. I've been there, too. I'm sure Don's a good listener and so are Jenny and Leslie. If you don't want to talk to me, talk to one of them." "But I can't talk to Jenny and Dad about this. I, um, I feel like an idiot. My first date was a disaster. Jenny and Dad both sensed something about Bobby that told them he was trouble. I missed it completely." "Let me guess. He said all the things you needed to hear. How beautiful you are, how pretty your smile is, how smart you are, did I miss any?" "No." "And then he put you in a position where he thought he could get into your pants." "How did you know?" "Been there, done that. I don't know many girls that haven't. Luckily, most of us get over it with a minimum of problems." "But it was my fault. Dad didn't even get mad at Bobby. He came and got me and held me and told me there was someone nice out there for me." "Hmmm. When was your date, last Friday?"" Kasey nodded. "That explains a lot. When I got to the practice space Saturday morning, I heard Stix trying to settle Don down. I don't think I've ever seen Don as pissed off as he was that morning. The gist of what I got before we all settled down was that Don went and visited some kid before coming to rehearsal, the kid denied doing anything wrong, and Don warned the kid that if he got within six feet of you Don would string him up by a very sensitive part of his anatomy with a broken high E string." Hailey chuckled remembering the tantrum that Don had that morning. "High E string?" "Guitar string, Kasey. Real thin, likely to cut that part of his anatomy off." "Oh," Kasey said and then the image sunk in. "Oh!" The two giggled. Kasey looked serious again after they stopped giggling. "So how do I get past this? I'm afraid every boy that asks me out will do the same thing." "When the horse throws you, you gotta get back on and ride him, my daddy always said. Go out on a date with someone you can trust. Or go on a double date with Jenny. She's not having trouble with boys, is she?" "God no. Her boyfriend's great. They are almost as cute together as Mom and Dad were." Kasey frowned and then smiled. "Thanks, Hailey," she said, hugging the blonde. Don saw Kasey hug Hailey and wondered what was up. He finally finished with the reporters. It was time to talk to Kasey. "How're you doing, kid?" he said slipping up next to Kasey. "I'll leave you two alone. Good show, Axe. Keep your chin up, Kasey." Hailey smiled as she stepped away from them. "So," Don started. "I know, Dad. I'm sorry I was being a pain. I'll do better. And I'll apologize to Leslie and Jenny." "Wow, I'm good. I didn't even start talking and you're doing everything I wanted." Don chuckled and hugged his daughter. "Just for my piece of mind, what was the problem that you've managed to solve on your own?" "Hailey helped me realize that it wasn't my fault that Bobby Jones was an asshole and that there are some nice guys out there." "I thought we talked about that last week?" "We did. I, um, missed the part about it not being my fault. I thought you blamed me because you didn't yell or scream at Bobby." "Well, not that night, but I did later. I might've killed him that night." "Yeah, Hailey told me about it. I guess you didn't want me to see it, but, Dad, I needed to see it. I needed to see that you didn't blame me." "The words weren't enough?" "Are they ever, Dad?" "No, you are right there, kid." Don smiled and hugged her again. "I'm a rookie Dad, Kasey. I don't know all the right things to do. You have to trust me that I want to do it right and tell me when I'm not, okay?" "Sure, Dad. Can we find Jenny? I think I owe her an apology too." They walked out of the dressing room together. Later, in the main room of the huge suite that Barrier Riff was staying in, Morty brought good news. "It's the American Music Awards, Axe. You've got to go. Well, someone from the band has to go. I suppose John would go," Morty teased. "Don't even go there, Morty." "Come on, how bad can it be? Barrier Riff is the first true rock band to be nominated for best rock or pop group in years. You guys won't win, but someone should be there just in case. Besides, you need to start dating. Get your face in the papers. It's good for publicity." "I don't want to date. Jessie's only been gone for four months." Stix smiled as he walked into the conversation. "Axe, Axe, Axe. No one is asking you to go find a replacement for Jessie. You just need to spend some time with a nice girl whose company you enjoy. Surely there's one or two of them on the planet." "I could take Kasey." "No," both men said firmly. "Or Leslie." "No," now there were three firm voices. "Crystal?" "Don't go there, Dad," Kasey joined in. "What? Are all of you in on this get Don a date thing?" Don asked, staring at his friends and daughter. "Well, every one but Hailey," Kasey said. "What about Hailey?" the blonde said as she entered the suite drying her hair with a big towel. "Yeah," Kasey said smiling and turning to her Dad. "What about Hailey?" Don thought for a moment and turned away. "What is going on?" Hailey asked nervously. "Don needs a date for the American Music Awards in three weeks. We got nominated as best rock or pop group. Someone needs to be there in case we win. Stix and I are out. There's no way we let John do it. So it has to be Don. We were trying to help him think of a date." "And my name came up?" "Well, sort of," Wes replied suddenly not sure he wanted to talk about this. Don turned around and smiled. "Stix, why don't you, Wes and Kasey go find Jenny and get some ice cream?" Wes smiled. "You know, Axe, that sounds like a really good idea." Stix and Morty started to say something. Wes looked right at Kasey and motioned with his eyes toward Hailey. Kasey's eyes got huge as she understood. "Please, Uncle Charlie," she said in her best little girl voice. Stix looked at Don who was signaling to the door with his eyes. Hailey was staring at the whole lot of them in total confusion. Kasey grabbed Stix and Morty's arms and practically pulled them out of the room. Wes quietly closed the door behind them. "Axe?" Hailey was suddenly very nervous. "Hailey, would you please accompany me to the American Music Awards in three weeks?" "I don't date band mates, Don." "And I'm not ready to date at all, Hailey. I just need a companion to sit with me while we watch someone else win the award." "The press is not going to see it that way, and you know it." "I'm sure you are right. But I would much rather have you there than anyone else I can think of. Please?" Hailey turned her back on him, thinking. "Besides," Don said earnestly. "I think you deserve some publicity. You are an important member of this band. And I think it's safe to say that we're going to want you to continue to be part of Barrier Riff when the tour is over." Hailey turned and stared at him. "You're kidding, right?" "No." "Would that be true if I said no to the awards show?" "It has no bearing on the Awards show. We all see how well you fit with us musically and personally. It is something that John never truly did. When the tour is over and we get a few legal things ironed out, we'll all sit down and talk about it." Hailey sighed. "Okay." "Now, what can I do to convince you to be seen with me at the awards show?" "Well, hmmmm," Hailey pretended to ponder. "I'll go to the awards show with you if you will take me out on a real date when the tour is over." "What?" Hailey frowned for a moment. "I can't believe I'm going to tell you this. I've had a crush on you for ten years, Don. Playing on stage with you, especially doing 'Lost Without You' is a fantasy come true. If it weren't for the awards show deal, you'd probably never ask me out. I can't let a chance like this go to waste. I would always wonder if we could have been more than band mates." Don nodded. "You're probably right, Hailey. But I have this feeling that spending the next four months on the road with you will be really difficult if we're not careful." Hailey smiled. "I don't bite, hard, but I do get even." "And that, my dear, is precisely what I am afraid of." "That's why the date is after the tour. That way if there is a problem, we can go our separate ways." Don nodded. "Deal." He held his hand out. Hailey grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her. She smiled as she stood on her toes and brushed her lips on his. Don felt the soft kiss all the way to his toes. "This deal is too important for just a handshake." ------- Chapter 13 October flew past. Barrier Riff's shows were a huge success, selling out each town. November brought more of the same. Between two shows, Don and Hailey hustled to L.A. and sat in the audience watching the next new pop phenom and his band win the best rock group award. They were back in the hotel in St. Louis so fast it made Don's head spin. He wasn't sure his eyes would ever recover from the flash bulbs. Don sat on the couch waiting for the band to arrive for their usual pre-concert get-together. The tour was going well. The music was as good as it had ever been, maybe even better. Don was picking his guitar and thinking, mostly about the awards show and that dress! Damn, he thought to himself. There was no doubt that Hailey Marshall was a beautiful woman, not that there had been before. Did he really want to get involved with her? Their chemistry on stage was phenomenal. Would an offstage romance kill that? Charlie knocked and entered, smiling as he saw the contemplative look on Don's face. "Interesting riff, Axe." Don looked up. "Not mine, however." "Yeah, I recognized it. The Hollies, right?" "Uh-huh." "Hailey's dress wasn't black," Stix said, smiling as he sat down next to his friend. "Well, sue me." Wes arrived smiling and nodding to the beat. Don hadn't stopped playing. "You got the right song, Axe. I saw some of the show. They showed you arriving with Hailey. That dress was something. She's been holding out on us." Hailey knocked on the open door and walked in. "Long cool woman in the blue dress," Wes intoned as Hailey entered. Charlie started laughing as Hailey blushed. "Oh, come on guys, it wasn't all that." "No, I think this one's more appropriate," Don said, strumming some chords. Charlie laughed and began to sing, "Devil with the blue dress, blue dress on..." "Axe!" Hailey squealed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Okay, okay," Don said smiling. "Enough of that." Don looked serious for a moment and then stood up. "You looked fabulous last night, Hailey. I didn't tell you that often enough. Thank you for agreeing to go with me." Hailey smiled. "It was sort of fun, except for all those flashes. At least Morty should be happy about that." The door closed and Morty walked in. He wasn't smiling. He set his briefcase down as Don sat back down, pulling Hailey down beside him. "So, do you want the bad news or the worse news?" Morty asked Don. Don shrugged. Morty opened his briefcase and laid four tabloids on the coffee table in front of Don, Hailey and Stix. Wes was over by the window talking to Leslie on the phone. Stix whistled as he picked up one. "'Barrier Riff Tour One Giant Sex Orgy, '" Stix read. "You've been holding out on us, Axe." "You've got to be kidding," Hailey shrieked, after reading the headline on another of the magazines. Don looked down and shook his head. "Barrier Riff's newest member warms up Axe before the shows," the headline screamed. "Seems like I'm the one who's been missing out," Don said, winking at Stix. Hailey whirled and glared at him. "What the hell is wrong with you, Axe?" "Oh, come on, Hailey, surely you don't believe there's any substance to any of these?" "But..." "But nothing. If you read the stories, you'll find that an anonymous source that could never be found hinted at something that they've sensationalized." "I knew this would happen. It certainly explains the message I had from Momma this morning. Momma reads this one." "Uh-oh." Don looked serious for a moment. "Are we doing a show anywhere near her?" "Yeah, Tuesday, St. Paul," Hailey said, a little confused. "Call her, and your Dad. We'll be in town by noon. I'd like to take them to lunch and give them an opportunity to see you backstage. And show them that the tabloids are a little less than truthful." Hailey nodded. Maybe that would work. She already had tickets for them to see the show, but she wasn't sure they'd come. "Okay, Morty, lay the worse news on me." Morty frowned. He opened his briefcase and laid a folder in front of Don. "John filed his suit yesterday. He's asking to be given control of the Barrier Riff name and the copyrights for all songs written since the inception of the band. He has affidavits and depositions from over one hundred people who support his claims. Ted Hargrove has seen some of it and says it's well laid out. He sent the key stuff for you to look over. Christmas break is not going to be much of a break." "Damn." "I'm sorry, Axe. I thought we had things worked out before the tour started. Ted said he would go through everything and be ready to start working on our case when we get back." "Thanks for handling this, Morty. I appreciate you're letting me focus on the tour. I'll wade through this stuff and talk to Ted tomorrow on the bus. Now, I think it's time to forget our little problems and rock St. Louis." "I'm in," Stix said, tossing the tabloids into the trash. The St. Louis concert was sold out. Twenty-two thousand people jammed the Savvis Center to rock with Barrier Riff. The show was a huge success. After the show, the media folk were all over Don. Hailey suddenly found herself garnering a bunch of attention as well. Between the rumors of their affair and the lawsuit, there wasn't much talk about the music. That annoyed Don. Morty found him after the last reporter was ushered out. "The music's getting lost in the bullshit, Morty." "I was afraid of that, Axe. Any ideas?" "Maybe. Think you could talk Crystal Layne into riding with us from St. Paul to Chicago and doing an interview and maybe a feature on the Chicago shows?" "Are you sure you want Crystal? What about Lacey Marks? She's usually fair and she's wanted to do something on air for a while." "Give Crystal first shot. I owe her that much. If she balks even the least, you can go to Lacey." "You got it, Axe. Now, call Kasey. She's been calling every ten minutes. I think she's going to burst if she doesn't reach you." No sooner than he opened the phone, it rang. "St. Louis Summer Home, summer home and summer not," Don said. "Oh, Daddy," Kasey giggled. "So what has you calling me every ten minutes, Kasey?" "Oh, Daddy, I had the most wonderful date tonight!" Kasey gushed. "Date? What? Who? How come I'm always the last to know?" "Are you done?" Kasey giggled again. "I didn't tell you because I was afraid it would be as bad as the last one. Jenny and I went out with Tommy and Brandon to the movies last night." "And did this frog get a kiss," Don teased. "He's not a frog, Daddy. At least I don't think he is. He was nice. I think he was even more nervous than me." "So I shouldn't be sending Uncle Guido to break his kneecaps, then?" "Don't you dare, he has to play basketball tonight." "Okay, but his head does fit in doorways, right?" "Yes, Daddy. I had a good time and I kissed his cheek when we got to the door." "Is there a second date in the future?" "I sure hope so, Daddy." "Good. I'm glad you found one of the good guys this time, Kasey." "Me too. One more week and then you are home, right?" "We should be back in town next Monday. Hailey was visibly nervous as she waited in the lobby for her parents. Don watched from his seat on one of the many couches in the lobby. He was still reading through the papers on John West's lawsuit. Hailey was pacing back and forth between the front desk and the couch that Don was sitting in. "Save some of that energy for the show tonight, Hailey," Don said, shaking his head. "Oh, shut up, you," she said smiling before turning back to the door. Don watched as a distinguished looking balding man strode confidently into the hotel. A rather severe looking woman walked at his side. The woman almost smiled as she saw Hailey. Hailey smiled and walked toward the couple. "Momma, Daddy, it's good to see you!" Don watched as Hailey hugged her mother and father. He put the papers back into the folder closed the briefcase. He handed the briefcase to Morty who had just come down to the lobby. "Crystal jumped at the idea, Axe," Morty said accepting the briefcase. "She'll be here in time for the show tonight." "Good work, Morty. Take this up to the room for me, please. My lunch dates are here." Morty nodded and turned back to the elevator as Hailey stepped up to Don with her parents. "Momma, Daddy, this is Don Woodson, the leader of Barrier Riff. Don, my parents, Marie and Andrew Marshall." "Pleased to meet you both," Don said extending his hand. Both parents nodded and Don dropped his hand. "I made reservations for us at Kincaid's. Our car is waiting." Lunch was not a great success. The food was excellent, but Don wasn't comfortable. Mr. Marshall hadn't said more than a dozen words to him the entire meal. Hailey and her mother chatted amiably throughout the meal. Don was glad to see her mother smile. His first impression was wrong. She was not severe, but she was clearly very reserved around him. After lunch, they went to the Xcel Energy Center to do a sound check and practice a bit. Mr. Marshall didn't seem very interested in going, but Mrs. Marshall convinced him. Hailey talked with her parents while they watched Don and the crew finishing things up. Don watched as Stix shook Mr. Marshall's hand and hugged Mrs. Marshall before joining Axe on the stage. Don accepted his guitar from the roadie and stepped up to the microphone. "Okay, Hailey. Let's get this going." Hailey waved at him and began moving away from her parents toward the stage. Don turned and looked at Stix and Wes. When he had their attention, he began playing one of their favorite cover riffs, Roy Orbison's 'Pretty Woman'. Wes and Stix smiled as they joined in. "Cut that out, Axe," Hailey said into her microphone as she sat at the keyboards. "Ain't nothin' but the truth," Wes said into his microphone. "Okay, let warm up with 'Love's Sweet Pain'," Don said. Stix clapped his sticks together in a four count and the band began to play. The sound check lasted half an hour as they played through six songs. "One more," Don said. "Let's do 'Lost Without You'." The sound was perfect. The rehearsal went well. Even Mr. Marshall seemed impressed as they headed back to the hotel. Eighteen thousand fans rocked with Barrier Riff that night. And after the show, the Marshall's were more than polite in their praise for the band. "You guys really rocked," Crystal Layne said, walking up to Don. "You don't seem to miss Key West much." "How are you, Crystal?" Don asked as he guided her away from Hailey and the Marshalls. "Been better, been worse. Look, Donnie," Crystal said, putting her hand on his arm. "I'm really sorry about how things turned out with your wife. I was a bitch. I couldn't believe it when Morty called and asked me to do this interview thing. I didn't think you'd want anything to do with me after the way I treated Jessica and then the Key West interview." "Don't worry about it Crystal. I didn't handle things well before. I'm sorry that I let our relationship get so bad. Now, let's talk about what I want and see if we can make this work, okay?" "Sure thing, Donnie." ------- Chapter 14 The two weeks between the Midwest swing of the tour and Christmas blew past Don in a hurry. Even Christmas came and went in a flurry of activity. Wading through the over one hundred affidavits in support of John West's lawsuit, Don and Ted Hargrove poked more than a few holes in the case. The whole legal process mostly served to exhaust Don. Kasey, Jenny, and their boyfriends were constant visitors in Don's house. Don didn't find much time to spend with them, unfortunately. Between wrapping up the television special with Crystal Layne and the lawsuit, he didn't spend much time with anyone. Christmas day had been good. Presents were exchanged, family and friends visited, and by the end of the day, Don again felt himself exhausted. It wasn't until he woke up the following Saturday to a quiet house that Don realized he had nowhere he had to be that day. The morning air was crisp as he stepped out on to the deck with his cup of tea. The remnants of a Christmas snowfall still covered most of the ground behind Don's house. He smiled as he stared out into the distance. "Merry Christmas, Jessie," he said quietly. "I'm sorry I didn't take the time earlier. It's been so busy." He could almost feel the presence of his wife in the cool air around him. For twenty minutes, he stood with his arms on the railing, talking quietly to her, telling her everything. And then he sighed. With one last look, he walked back into the house. It was time to start getting on with life, starting with the New Year's Eve party. Don knew that everything was set. The guest list was complete. A dozen or more of Kasey's classmates and friends were coming, as were Wes and Leslie, Charlie and Robin and their brood, Hailey, the rest of Cmonster, Crystal Layne, Morty and several dozen other friends and acquaintances. The food, drinks, and party favors were all set. Don made a mental note to thank Leslie and Robin for helping him get everything together. Most of all, Don realized that he was looking forward to seeing Hailey again. She'd gone to St. Paul to spend Christmas with her family right after the tour ended. The party had been in full swing for a couple of hours when Don finally found a moment to breathe and get a much needed drink. He smiled as he downed a long swallow of the ice cold beer. It was good to see Crystal having fun outside of work. Her new boyfriend, Keith something, was a good man. Don liked him instantly. Every time Crystal tried to talk about business, Keith had gently steered the conversation back to something else. Crystal didn't even flinch. In fact, after the second time, she pulled Keith's face down to hers and kissed him. Don had always known that Crystal wasn't the bitch most people thought she was. He just never knew how to channel her ambition. Keith apparently did. He took one more swig of beer and looked around the room. The teenagers had made themselves scarce. It's time to be a Dad and make sure things aren't too out of control, he thought, setting the empty beer bottle in the bin. Don knew just where to look for the kids. Kasey told him they were going to the game room. So he wandered down the hall toward the room. "Brandon, not now," Don heard Kasey hiss before he turned the corner. Don stopped and took a deep breath. Everything in him wanted to rush around the corner, but he knew he could not until he was sure of what was going on. "Come on, Kasey. It's not like I haven't seen them before." "Someone will see, Brandon. Please. Let's go back to the Game Room." "Don't be a tease, Kasey." Don heard enough. He bumped his elbow on the wall. "See," Kasey hissed. Don turned the corner to see Kasey push past Brandon and go back into the Game Room. "Brandon," Don said smiling. "I just came down to check and see how you kids are doing." "Oh, hi, Mr. Woodson, um, Axe. We're doing fine, really. I, um, want to thank you for inviting me. It's really a great party." "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," Don said. "I've been kind of busy lately. I was hoping I'd get a chance to get to know you at least a little during this break." Brandon just nodded, nervously. "Walk with me a moment, Brandon." "Okay," Brandon squeaked. Don noticed Kasey peeking around the Game Room door and deliberately ignored her as he guided Brandon back down the hall and out the door onto the patio. Don walked to the rail and then turned back to Brandon. He took a moment and looked the kid over. He was a tall boy, a shade over six feet. He was muscular but not overly so. Brandon looked like a basketball player. "So, Brandon, tell me, what are your plans?" "Plans, sir?" "Yeah, you know. Are you going to college? What do you want to be when you grow up? Do you plan to dump Kasey after you get what you want from her? You know the usual stuff us Dads want to know about their little girl's boyfriends." "Dump her? What?" "Breathe, Brandon." Brandon took a deep breath. Don smiled. He'd been in the boy's shoes before. He borrowed the speech from Jessie's dad. He remembered how he felt with those eyes staring at him as he squirmed. Some how he passed the test, although to this day he wasn't sure if there were any right answers to the questions. "Okay, what do you say we start again?" Brandon nodded. "Are you planning to go to college?" "Yes, sir," Brandon said more confident now. "I want to study architecture." "Tough field. Any particular reason?" "I like figuring out how to put things into a building. My dad and his brother are architects. I work for them over the summers." "That's good. Now, how about handling the question of Kasey? How does she fit into your plans? A quick conquest? Good friend?" Brandon thought for a moment. "I'm not sure how to answer that, sir." "The truth would be best, son." "The truth is I don't know how Kasey fits in my plans, sir. I mean we've been dating for a month now and I like her and spending time with her, but I don't know what the future holds." 'That's a good answer, Brandon. And I do appreciate that. Did Kasey tell you about her mother and I?" "She said you didn't know about her until a couple of months ago." "Kasey's mother and I went to high school together. We dated for about a year. We were pretty serious about one another. We made love once. Kasey was the result. Fate conspired to keep us apart for fifteen years." "That sucks." "That's life, Brandon. Did Kasey tell you about her date with Bobby Jones?" "Yes, sir." "Kasey told me you were pretty smart." Brandon stared at Don, totally confused. "That was my elbow hitting the wall outside the Game Room," Don said. Brandon started to panic. "Relax, Brandon. Nothing happened. I'm concerned by what I heard, but mostly because it sounded like you were trying to force Kasey to do something she wasn't interested in doing. I know you two are going to explore and I consider that to be healthy up to the point where you start to push her to do something she isn't ready to do." "I, um," Brandon started and then he stopped. "I'm sorry, Mr. Woodson." "I think you should be apologizing to someone else." "I guess you're right. Do you want me to leave?" "No. I think I can trust you to be the person that Kasey seems to think you are." "Yes sir. Um, I should probably..." "Why don't you wait here a moment, Brandon? I never did make it to the Game Room. I've found that this deck is a good place for private conversations. I'll send your girlfriend out here in a moment." "Okay." Brandon looked confused. Kasey was waiting at the door of the Game Room when Don turned down the hall. "Where's Brandon?" she asked nervously. "You didn't kick him out or anything did you?" "Was there a reason for me to kick him out?" Don asked. "Well, I thought you might have heard..." Don raised his eyebrow. Kasey blushed. "You're not going to make this easy for me, are you, Daddy?" Don shook his head and smiled. Kasey took a deep breath. "You won't hurt him if I tell you?" "Has he hurt you?" "No." "Then I have no reason to hurt him." Kasey sighed and then looked down at her shoes. "This probably isn't the best place for this conversation, Kasey. Let's go out onto the deck." Kasey followed Don quietly. Brandon looked up when the door opened. Don nodded his head toward the other side of the deck. Brandon pointed. Don nodded. Brandon walked to the far side of the deck and was in the shadows when Kasey stepped through the door. Don closed the door. "So?" "I, um, that is Brandon and I have, um,..." "Progressed a little beyond kissing?" Don prompted. "Relax, Kasey. I'm not the ogre. Exploring your bodies and your feelings with your boyfriend is perfectly normal. I'm not here to judge you and I'm not likely to be disappointed in you. I just want to make sure you are not being hurt. Okay?" "Okay, yeah," Kasey admitted breathing a little easier. "I, um, god this is embarrassing." "What? Telling me about your sexual explorations embarrasses you? Kasey, I'm your father. I'd like to think I'm your friend. You can tell me anything. It won't change the way I love you." Kasey took a deep breath. "I guess it's just that... Oh, to hell with it. You're right. I let Brandon feel my boobs the other night, okay?" "Okay. Did you enjoy it?" "Oh, god yes. It felt amazing. I felt it in my..." Kasey gushed, glancing down. "Good, it should feel good. So what are you afraid that I heard?" Brandon chose that moment to step out of the shadows. "She's worried that you heard her telling me to knock it off when I tried to get her to take her shirt off in the hall a few minutes ago." Kasey turned and saw Brandon. Her eyes widened and she moved to step between them. Don kept her from getting between them. Brandon looked Don in the eye for a moment. Kasey watched them both. Don nodded. "I'm sorry, Kasey. I shouldn't have pushed you like that. It wasn't fair or nice. If you want me to go, I will, but I'd rather stay and spend the evening with you." Kasey looked at Don. Don shook his head. "He's your boyfriend. Do you want him to go?" "No," Kasey said firmly. Don waved his hand at Brandon and then smiled when Kasey smiled and pulled Brandon's head to hers and kissed him. Don cleared his throat and the youngsters broke apart, blushing. "Now that this crisis is over, perhaps we should get back to our guests," Don said smiling. ------- Chapter 15 Midnight was fast approaching. Don walked back to the Game Room and coaxed the teenagers to join everyone in the living room. Hailey smiled as she stepped up next to Don. "Five." Hailey grabbed Don's arm, drawing his attention away from Kasey and Brandon. "Four." She smiled as his eyes turned and met hers. "Three." Hailey pushed herself up on her toes and put her hands on Don's shoulders. "Two." Hailey closed the space between their lips. "One." Their lips touched together as everyone began to cheer. Don saw Hailey's eyes close as the electric touch of her lips rocketed through him. His arms automatically landed on her hips, pulling her into him. He felt her fingers move across his shoulders and behind his neck. The kiss deepened as he leaned forward, allowing Hailey to drop off her toes. The kiss continued until Don felt a hand on his arm. He reluctantly pulled back from Hailey to find Kasey standing there. He reached out and pulled her to him, kissing her cheek and hugging her tightly. He reached behind her and shook Brandon's hand. "Happy New Year, Kasey," he said as he released her. When he looked around, Hailey was gone. Surely he hadn't imagined... Everyone was hugging and congratulating each other. Don waded through the crowd as people stopped him to thank him for inviting them to the party. People began to leave. Don was getting frantic. "Kasey? Have you seen Hailey?" "Not since she kissed you. Why?" "I need to talk to her. If you find her, will you keep her here until I can find you?" "Sure, Daddy." Finally the crowd thinned. Stix and Wes and their various charges were the last out the door. Brandon was kissing Kasey at the door before heading out himself. Don looked around. The house was empty. Where had she gone? "Good night, Daddy, Happy New Year," Kasey called as she headed back to her bedroom. Damn, Don cursed to himself. He hadn't found Hailey. He locked the front door and began picking up some of the empty plates and cups and headed for the kitchen. Don could hear water running as he approached the kitchen. "I thought you went to bed, Kasey," he said as he turned the corner into the kitchen. It wasn't Kasey. Hailey shut the water off and turned to face him. "Hailey?" "In the flesh." "I thought you'd left. I wanted to..." Don found himself at a loss for words. "Wanted to what?" she asked as she wiped her hands on a towel. She stepped toward him and stopped before they were touching. "I, um, wanted to talk to you about that kiss." "What about it?" "It was, um..." "Amazing," Hailey answered before he could. "I think incredible might be better. But it was also unexpected." Hailey turned away and put her hands on the counter. "Unwanted?" "No, no, Hailey, not unwanted." He said, settling his hands on her hips. "I'm not sure about a lot of things, but it wasn't unwanted." He gently turned her back to face him. She was so beautiful, he thought as he stared into her eyes. "Hailey, I'm not sure I can be what you want me to be." A lump the size of Texas suddenly appeared in his throat. "I don't know what you mean, Don. I mean, it was a Happy New Year kiss." Don watched her eyes drop. "Well, it sure felt like more than that to me, Hailey," Don admitted. Did he dare go further? Hailey frowned slightly, sighing. "Well, that's all it started out to be. And then..." "Fireworks?" Don suggested. "Something like that." "I guess now would be a good time to say that I missed you while you were in St. Paul." Hailey nodded. "I didn't really notice until Saturday. John's lawsuit kept me pretty busy until then. It hit me Saturday morning as I was standing on the deck staring into the snow." Don smiled and reached out to Hailey. "I'm not sure of much of anything right now, Hailey. That kiss opened up something and I think I'd like to see where that door leads." Hailey smiled and looked up into Don's eyes. "Me too," she whispered. "Now, kiss me again so I can get out of here before we get ahead of ourselves." Don leaned forward and captured her lips with his. All conscious thought flew away as the kiss deepened. Don felt the world narrow to just the two of them. His heart raced as the feelings behind the kiss surged through him. When their lips reluctantly separated, they were both panting. They clung to each other for a moment as they sought their balance. "See you Monday at rehearsal," Hailey said softly, gently disengaging from Don's arms. Don nodded as he walked behind her to the door. "Sweet dreams, Hailey," he said as she quickly kissed his lips and disappeared into the night. "So," Kasey said, setting her glass of orange juice down on the table and then sat next to Don. "So?" Don replied. "You and Hailey, huh?" "Hailey and I what?" "I don't know what?" "I'm not sure. I'm not sure what you are digging for, Kasey. And I'm not sure what is going on between Hailey and me either." "Okay." "Is there some point to this conversation, other than to completely confuse me," Don asked. Kasey took a drink from her orange juice. "Well, I didn't go straight to bed last night. I kinda saw you two in the kitchen and I wondered about it." "Are you worried about how things would change if Hailey and I did get involved?" "I guess." Don took a long drink of his orange juice and then turned to face Kasey. He put his hand over hers. "You will always be my daughter, Kasey. Nothing that anyone does will ever change that. No one can take your place in my heart. I will be there for you forever. I know nothing can ever make up for the fifteen years I missed out on. And I promise you no one will ever replace your mother either. Neither in my heart nor in your life. Now that said, I feel a spark of something with Hailey. It is always possible that we will both discover that it is more than a spark. If you follow that to its ultimate conclusion, we may get married some day. And if that were to happen, you would still be my daughter. You will still have a place in my heart, my life and my house. I will not let anyone take that place from you. Does that help?" Kasey hugged him tightly. "Yes, Daddy." "That being said, how do you feel about Hailey and me?" "I like Hailey." "And me?" "Aw, Daddy, you know I love you." "And the two of us together?" "I guess I could get use to it." "How about you and Brandon?" Don asked, turning the tables on Kasey. "What do you mean, Daddy?" "Are you two serious?" "Serious?" Don took a moment and thought about how to phrase his questions better. "Do you like Brandon?" "Of course." "Do you see yourself marrying Brandon someday?" "I don't know, Daddy. I dream about that sometimes, but we're only sixteen." "I understand that, sweetie, and I'm certainly not pushing you to get married, but you should probably think about where you want to be in five or six years and see if Brandon still fits into your plans. If he doesn't it probably isn't in you best interests to get too involved physically." Kasey blushed. "Someone will be your first love, your first lover and your first heartache, Kasey. I know this. I wish I could promise you that life was easy." "Mom and I had a long talk about this before she died. She said the same things." "Good." Don patted her hand. "I know I can't replace her, but I hope you always feel you can talk to me about anything." Kasey smiled. "I better get ready. Brandon's taking me ice skating today. I'll be back for dinner." "I'll be back then too. I'm going to hit the practice room and see if I can finish fleshing out some new tunes. If you two get bored, drop by." "Okay, Daddy." Kasey kissed his cheek and raced down the hall. Kasey was still back in her room when the doorbell rang, so Don wandered out and opened the door. "Good morning, Brandon." "Hello, Mr. Woodson. Is Kasey ready?" "Not yet, son. Come on in." Don ushered the young man in. "So what's the plan for today?" "Kasey and I are meeting some friends at the Ice Palace. I have practice at four, so I'll drop Kasey off here about 3." "Daddy, was that the door?" Kasey asked as she entered the front room. "Oh, hi, Brandon." "You kids have fun," Don said, smiling. "Call me before Brandon brings you home, Kasey. I may still be at the practice room. Maybe he can drop you off there." "Okay, Daddy. Bye!" Brandon put his arm around Kasey's waist as they headed out the door. ------- Chapter 16 Boston, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and the rest of the twenty cities on the east coast leg of the Barrier Riff tour all melted into one continuous concert for Don. They finished one show, packed up and slept as the headed for the next venue. During the afternoon, while the roadies set up the stage, Don was on the phone with Morty and Ted Hargrove. Morty and Ted were trying to get an out of court settlement negotiated. "John can have the rights to every song he wrote or sang," Don said. "But his claims to 'Lost Without You', 'Love's Sweet Pain', and the songs on the first album are bullshit." Hailey watched him from across the bus. Tonight's show in Atlanta was to be the last on the tour. Don had been distracted for most of the east coast swing. The music was beginning to suffer. She heard it last night in Miami. Don missed a whole verse in 'Love's Sweet Pain'. "Give him the income for producing the albums, Ted. He did do some of that. We all did. But if that will get him off the rights to MY songs, do it. Okay. I'll be back in Central City in two days. See if we can get John and his people into a conference room and let's get this settled." Don closed the phone and leaned back in the seat. This legal stuff was getting to him. He had no energy. He was tired again and before he knew it he was asleep. "He's doing too much, Stix," Hailey said as she watched Don stalking around the arena, talking on the cell phone again. Stix nodded. "The music is suffering." "Yeah, Axe missed a verse last night," Bass chimed in. "I'll see what I can do," Stix said. "But I don't think it will do any good." "Let me take a shot, Stix," Hailey said, nervously. "Are you sure?" Bass asked. "Don't mess things up between the two of you, Hailey," Stix said softly, putting his hand on her shoulder. "I saw that kiss at New Year's. I'll talk to him." "Thanks, Stix, but I want to do this. If it messes things up, then they were already messed up and I just wasn't seeing it. We need to have fun tonight. You two go grab some dinner." Both Stix and Bass looked hard at her, but Hailey held her ground. Finally, they wandered off in search of the perfect fried chicken dinner. "I'm telling you it has to be that way, Morty," Don said as Hailey walked up beside him. "Two more minutes, Hailey," Don said covering the mouthpiece. "Say good bye, Don." "What?" Hailey reached up and covered his hand with hers. "Say good bye to Morty, Don. Either you end the call or I will." Don ended the call and the turned on Hailey. "What the hell was that all about, Hailey? That call was important. You have no right..." "That call was not important. Not tonight. Tomorrow, maybe, but not tonight. The MUSIC is important tonight, Don. This is our LAST show. We need you there tonight. Not half there, not worrying about what John is doing. We need you on stage with us tonight. You weren't there last night, but you WILL be there tonight if I have to take that damn phone and smash it." "What the..." "Save the self-righteous act, Don. I may not be a permanent member of the band, but the show reflects on me too. And last night reflected badly on all of us. Last night we were the Barrier Riff that John predicted we would be. We were out of sync. We missed notes, hell, you missed an entire verse. It can't happen again. I won't stand for it." "Just who the..." "Shut up, Don. This is for your own good. Give me the cell phone, go get on the bus, put the seat back and take a nap. I'll wake you in time for the show." Don started to say something, but stopped when he saw the determination in her eyes. With an exaggerated sigh, he handed her the cell phone and walked off toward the bus. "Hey, Axe," Bass yelled as he saw his band mate head toward the bus. Don frowned but stopped. "Stix found the best place for fried chicken, want to join us?" Bass asked as Stix drove up in a cab. "Why not?" Don replied. The ride to the restaurant was quiet. Luckily, the restaurant wasn't far from the arena and they were quickly seated. Stix and Bass could both see that Don was annoyed. They waited patiently for the storm that was plainly on the horizon. "Just who the hell does she think she is telling me to get off the cell phone and go rest? Who is the leader of this chicken outfit any way? I am. The show last night was fine. I mean, sure it wasn't our best, but it was fine. Wasn't it?" "It was schlock, Axe," Bass said. Don stared at him surprised. Then he turned to Stix. "Well some of us were fine, but the guitar player pretty much sucked, Axe," Stix said. Don stared at his two friends. Stix and Bass smiled. They had boxed him into the middle of the booth. He couldn't get out without at least one of them moving. "Oh, come on, it wasn't that bad." "If my friend Axe Woodson had heard that guy, he'd have fired his ass," Stix said sternly. "Et tu, Brute?" Don frowned. "Seriously, Axe. You gotta stop. This lawsuit bullshit can wait one more day. We need you there tonight, not just the guitar. We need Axe Woodson, leader of Barrier Riff." Don looked back and forth between his friends. The waitress came and took their order. The meal even showed up before he said anything. Charlie and Wes chatted about life back in Central City while they waited and ate. Don finished his entrée and pushed the plate back to the middle of the table. "I'm going to walk back to the arena, Charlie. Take care of my tab please." Stix nodded and let his friend out of the booth. Bass looked worried, but Stix smiled. "He's fine, Bass. We just set some ugly truths before him. Give him time to think. Flip you for the check?" "You're on." The crew was in the middle of the sound check when Hailey returned to the arena. She didn't see Don on the bus and she was worried that she would find him talking on the phone with Morty and Ted. He wasn't in the arena. He was, but she couldn't see him as he sat in the stands in the back on the second level. "Ms. Marshall, can you help us get the level set?" the sound engineer asked when he saw her arrive. "I keep telling you to call me Hailey, Chris. The tour's almost over. What can I do?" "The keyboards aren't right. Can you play something? You know, kind of bang it out like you do in the middle of the show?" Hailey hopped up on to the stage and sat down on her stool. She spun around once and then reached out for the electric piano. She closed her eyes and then began to play. It was a ragtime riff that started slow and quiet and then gradually she began to pound on the keys, really rocking out. Stix and Bass wandered into the arena and heard the music. Stix looked at Bass. Bass nodded and they raced to the stage. With a quick leap, Bass was on stage and pulling his bass strap around himself. Hailey smiled as she heard the familiar backbeat filling in behind her. She looked up and nodded to Bass who smiled in return. Stix took a couple of bars to catch onto the rhythm and then he joined in as well, filling in with a driving percussion rhythm. The roadies all stopped what they were doing and watched as the trio smiled and played. No one noticed as Don got up out of his seat and walked slowly toward the stage. Stix ended the jam with a flourish and the roadies started clapping. The clapping died out except for one pair of hands. Don walked up to the stage still clapping. Don ignored Hailey and walked over to Bass. He held his hand out and when Wes grabbed it, Don pulled him to his chest and hugged him. "I'm sorry, Wes. Thanks for being a friend and putting up with me." "No sweat, Axe," Wes replied as Don released him. Don apologized to Stix as well and then he turned to the center of the stage and walked out to where his microphone was. "Is this one on, Chris?" "It is now, Axe." Don smiled. "Thanks, Chris," he said into the microphone. And then he turned to the right and the left. "And thanks to all of you guys and gals on the road crew. You've done a terrific job once again. We're gonna rock the house down tonight thanks to your hard work. But before we get on toward that, I have a few things I need to say to all of you." Don paused for a moment and motioned everyone to gather around him. "First off, I want to apologize to all of you. I haven't been the easiest guy to deal with on this leg of the tour. I've been distracted and I haven't been at my best. Well, not tonight. Tonight we end this tour with what I hope will be our best show to date." The crew clapped enthusiastically. Don motioned for quiet. "To my band mates, I'm sorry I haven't been at my best and I've made you look bad as well. Not tonight. Tonight we rock." There was more applause and a few rim shots from Stix. "Most of all, I want to thank our lovely keyboard player, Hailey Marshall. She's been at trouper throughout this tour, her first big national tour. She has never failed to show up and play her heart out. She's proven how good this band can be when we have a solid hand at the keyboards and a friend on the stage. John was never both. Hailey is. Hailey, I'm sorry for earlier. You were right. Thank you for having the balls to tell me that I was screwing up." Don walked through the crew to where Hailey sat stunned on her stool. He stopped in front of her. "I said some things I shouldn't have earlier. I hope you forgive me." Hailey smiled and stood. The crew clapped as they kissed. "Enough of that mushy stuff," Stix said into his mike. "We have another hour before we have to clear the hall. Let's rock this place!" Don nodded as one of the roadies handed him his Les Paul. Stix started clapping out a rhythm with his sticks and the band leapt in. Three quarters of the way through the show, Don surprised everyone. They had just finished one song and Don turned and walked back to Hailey. He pushed her microphone aside and yelled, "Start playing the riff you did this afternoon in the sound check." "What?" "Trust me," Don said as he walked away. Bass was standing next to the drum kit when Axe reached them. "We're just going to jam for a bit," Don said as Hailey began. He turned back toward the front of the stage. "Okay, Atlanta, this is our last show for the tour. We're going to try something a little different for a bit." He turned off the mike and began to jam with the rest of the band. For twenty minutes, the foursome played off the initial riff, improvising leads, solos and rhythms, until Don heard what he had hoped to hear. He looked at Hailey and ran his finger across his throat. Stix was pounding out the rhythm to a very popular song. Bass recognized it and began to add to it. Axe played the signature riff and he could see the recognition in Hailey's eyes as he stepped up to the microphone and began to sing 'Pretty Woman'. The crowd loved it. They roared with approval as the song ended and the band went on with the rest of the show. When the show was over, Don hurried back to the bus. Hailey looked around for him and when she didn't see him, she wandered over and chatted with Stix and Bass. Hailey started to turn away from Stix and he grabbed her arm, keeping her back to the door. He could see Don coming through the door. Don was carrying a dozen roses. When he was right behind Hailey, Don nodded to Stix who promptly let go of her arm. "I'm going to go see if I can find Axe," Hailey said. "You won't have to look far," Bass chuckled. Hailey turned around to find a bouquet of roses thrust into her face. "What do you say guys? Is Hailey the best keyboard player we've played with?" Don asked. "Without a doubt," Stix replied. Hailey took the roses and held them to her nose, inhaling their fragrance. "Hailey Marshall, we'd like you to join the band permanently," Don said. Stix and Bass agreed. "I accept," Hailey said. "And I'll stay as long as we have fun. I really enjoyed the show tonight, especially that jam session." Everyone agreed that the jam session needed to be a part of all of their future show. And then it was time to go back to life in Central City. ------- Chapter 17 For two weeks after the Atlanta show, Don struggled to get back to life at home. His days were filled with phone calls and negotiations. Kasey and Jenny kept him grounded with their chatter at the dinner table and their general enthusiasm. Leslie and Walt were busy kindling their romance which meant that Jenny was spending a lot of time at Don's house. February came to a close with negotiations between Barrier Riff and John West finally resulting in an agreement that both sides could accept. It was Friday night and Don watched as Jenny and Kasey went out. He opened the paper searching for something to occupy his time now that the band's legal problems were solved. He hadn't seen Hailey in the two weeks since they'd been back. He talked to her on the phone several times, but he had kept her at arm's length while dealing with John. An ad in the entertainment section caught his eye. Cmonster, featuring Hailey Marshall, was playing at one of the popular dance bars, McGarrity's. Don knew she was playing with Cmonster and he encouraged it.   Thirty minutes later, Don walked into McGarrity's. He sat down at the bar as he watched the members of Cmonster setting things up. The bartender brought him a draft and stood next to him. "The girls can really rock too," the bartender said, blatantly admiring the tight leather pants that both Jane Perkins and Leigh Hanks were wearing. Both were bent over connecting cords into power strips. Don had to agree that those were some first class backsides. Not nearly as nice as the one in the blue jeans bending over near the keyboards, however, Don realized. He stared for a bit, realizing that for the first time in a long time, there was no pang of regret when he thought of another woman. With the legal mess mostly straightened out, he finally had time to give to a woman. He decided it was time for him and Hailey to go out and see if that spark was more than a spark. He smiled at the bartender and told him to grab another beer. He was going to talk to the band. "Don't waste your time, mister," the bartender said. They're either married or lezzies." Don smiled to himself and headed for the stage. "Need a hand, ladies?" Don said to the backs of the five working women. "We can handle things just fine, cowboy," Jane Perkins said without turning around. "Well, if you're sure you aren't interested in having an experienced guitar player help out," Don replied. "I'll just go on back to the bar and drool like a good Neanderthal." "No need to be nasty, cowboy," Jane said finally looking up. "Oh, shit." The other four looked up. "Axe!" Hailey shrieked, launching herself at him. Don caught her and returned the hug. "Hello, Hailey. Damn you look good." He paused and then added, "Feel good, too." He grabbed a handful of her backside. "No fondling the keyboard players," Leigh Hanks said smiling and holding out her hand. "It's good to see you again, Axe." Candy and Sheila both hugged him after Hailey turned him loose. "How's the kid doing, Candy?" Axe asked. "He seems to like rock and roll," Candy replied. "Sorry about the attitude, Axe," Jane said, shaking Don's hand. "You wouldn't believe the number of guys who want to help us out." "I might, actually." "So what are you doing here, Axe," Jane asked. "I was bored and decided to come see my favorite keyboard player. And maybe steal her away for a little conversation, later." "You were just joking about helping out, then?" "Not necessarily." Jane looked at her band mates. Don watched as they all nodded. "Maybe you'd like to sit in for a couple of numbers?" Jane offered. "I don't want to horn in on your fun," Don said, in case the offer was only half hearted. "I think it would be great," Leigh said, grinning. "Me too," Sheila added. The other four looked at Hailey. Hailey looked back and forth between Don and her band mates. Don held his hands up. "I don't want to be a problem, ladies. I'll play, but only if it doesn't disrupt things." Jane looked at Hailey. "What do you think, Hailey?" "We'd have to rework some of the sets to do things that Axe might know, but it should be fun. I'm all for it." Jane looked serious again. "Did you bring an axe?" "I have my Les Paul in the pickup." Hailey hugged him again and then said, "Well, don't just stand there, cowboy. Go get your axe." Don smiled and headed back to the bar. "What ever the ladies want is on me," he said tossing a credit card at the surprised bartender before heading out the door. He stopped at the door and turned back. "Do you want me to bring my Marshall stack in, Jane?" Jane jumped up and hurried across the room. She linked arms with him and the two headed out the door. "Better watch her, Hailey. I think she might have a case of axe envy," Leigh hollered across the stage. "She's your girlfriend, not mine," Hailey retorted.   Before long the stage was set up. Axe found a booth for them to sit down in. The conversation was upbeat and fun. Cmonster wasn't due to start playing until 8, but he could tell that the ladies were about to jump out of the booth with excitement. "How much music do you have ready to play," Don asked. Jane looked puzzled, but Hailey answered, "We've got enough to play for four or five hours, why?" "Think anyone would mind if we started early?' Don asked. Hailey smiled, recognizing that her band mates were chomping at the bit to play. "I doubt it. Are you sure you want to play with us all night?" Don smirked and raised his eyebrow, but before he could say anything, Jane broke out laughing. Leigh smiled and said, "He's a guy, Hailey. Playing with the five of us all night would be a fantasy come true." Don smiled and agreed. Hailey groaned and shook her head. "Be careful what you say, girlfriend," Leigh replied. "And how you say it," Sheila chimed in. "Let's just go play some music," Candy said, heading for the stage.   Cmonster plus one played for nearly five hours to an amazed but packed house at McGarrity's. By the time midnight rolled around, Don was really tired. He'd forgotten what it was like to tote his axe for that long. Everyone in the band was having fun. "One more?" Leigh asked. Everyone nodded. "Last song," she said into the microphone. "So you might want to grab your partner for this one." Leigh moved up beside Don. "Sing this one with Hailey, Axe. I put the words next to the monitor during the last break. Who knows, it might ignite something." Don stared down at the monitor. He didn't know the music to the song, but he recognized it. He smiled as he unfastened the strap and set the Les Paul down on its stand. Hailey started singing, "Is love so fragile..." Don waited through the first and second verse and joined in for the chorus. "Lovers forever... face to face. My city or mountains... Stay with me stay. I need you to love me... I need you today." Hailey soloed with, "Give to me your leather... Take from me... my lace" Don watched as the crowd swayed with the music. He could feel the connection the song was building between Hailey and his heart. The sparks flew as they sang the words that seem to come right from the heart. Finally, the song ended with Hailey softly singing, "Give to me your leather Take from me... my lace Take from me... my lace Take from me... my lace." The crowd erupted with applause. Don turned to salute Hailey and caught the blush that seemed to start at the open collar of her shirt. She was positively glowing, his eyes registered even as the lump in his throat grew to the size of a softball.   "Anyone for ice cream?" Don asked as they packed the last of the equipment into their trucks and the Cmonster trailer. Candy declined, her fiance Bruce was there and they were headed home. Leigh and Jane were too. Sheila looked at Hailey and decided to decline. "Are you sure, Sheila?" Hailey asked. "Go. I'll just be in the way." Hailey hugged her and headed for Don's truck. "Looks like it's just you and me, cowboy," she said as she stepped past him and into his truck. Don pulled into a Baskin Robbins parking lot not far away. Before he could park, Hailey put her hand on his arm. "I have some Ben & Jerry's at my place, Don." "I thought we would go on a few dates before I got to come up to your place, Hailey." "We've had five months to get to know each other, Don. I won't try to lure you into my bed. I just thought maybe we could get to know each other a little better someplace a little less public. I'm not ready to be on the cover of the tabloids just yet."   The ride to Hailey's apartment was quiet. Don found himself getting more and more nervous. Quietly, the couple slipped up the stairs and into Hailey's one bedroom apartment. It was, as Don expected, a nice place, neat and carefully decorated. Hailey led him to the kitchen and plopped two bowls of Cherry Garcia down on the counter. She pulled a bar stool up to one side of the counter. Don sat down at the other. "Cherry Garcia is my favorite," Hailey said, savoring the first bite. Don nodded. He was watching as Hailey carefully licked the spoon clean after each bite. He could feel his jeans tighten at the erotic site. He wasn't sure Hailey knew what she was doing to him. And then the next bite slipped a bit and dribbled down her chin. Without even thinking, Don reached over and wiped the ice cream off her chin. Before he could bring his finger back, Hailey latched onto the finger and sucked it clean. Don groaned and missed his mouth with his next bite. He felt the cold on his chin only for a moment. Hailey giggled as he cleaned his chin off with his spoon and then the napkin. "Oh, sure, I help you out when you make a mess, but all you do is giggle when I do." "What did you want me to do? Lick it off?" "Well, now there's an idea." Hailey licked her lips. He could see the wheel turning in her head. The air was suddenly charged with tension as they stared at each other, both pondering the next move. With deliberate slowness, Don reached across the counter with his next bite on his spoon and held it in front of Hailey's lips. Hailey leaned forward not taking her eyes off his and claimed the ice cream on his spoon with a sigh. Hailey had one more bite in her bowl and she quickly gathered it up and held it out for him. As Don opened his mouth to accept it, she purposely missed, pressing the nearly liquid treat off to the side and down his cheek. Don stared at her wide eyed with nearly melted ice cream running down his cheek and onto the counter. Hailey stood and was next to him in a flash, licking the dripping cream from his cheek. Don quickly turned his stool and pulled her into him. Their lips met and the passion that needed a mere spark to ignite burst into flame. His hands held her hips tight to him, his thighs on either side of hers. Her hands encircled his neck as she settled into him. Don felt his hands slide around her hips to cup her firm cheeks. From there they explored upward past her belt and across her back until they reached her shoulders. Hailey's hands were busy as well, caressing across his broad shoulders and down his back. They broke the kiss breathlessly and for an instant just stared into each other's eyes. "I think it's time we take this ride to the bedroom, cowboy," Hailey whispered. Don just nodded. Hailey spun and pulled him along, grasping his hand firmly as if he would either leave or get lost on the way to her bedroom. When they reached the bedroom door, Hailey turned to say something. Don's lips found hers before they could form whatever words she had in mind. She was instantly pinned against her bedroom door. Don could feel her breasts against his chest as he held her tight. Hailey's hand was behind her on the door handle. The door opened slowly and Don moved with the door, keeping Hailey pinned against it as their tongues dueled and danced. Don broke the kiss and pulled her hands into his. "Are you sure about this, Hailey?" "Yes." And then she pulled her hands loose and pushed gently on his chest. Still staring into his eyes, she dropped her hands to the hem of her blouse and pulled it up over her head. She reached between the cups of her bra and opened the snap, baring those soft mounds and their hard peaks to him. Don didn't resist. He dipped his head and captured one peak between his lips, drawing a soft hiss from her as she thrust her chest forward. Don felt the back of his knees hit the bed and he slowly fell backward. Hailey groaned when his lips released her nipple. Don propped himself up to watch as Hailey unzipped her tight pants and forced them down her legs. Her lacy panties were pulled along. With a quick kick, she bared herself to him and then crawled up onto his lap, reaching for the hem of his polo shirt. Don tried to distract her by latching onto the other nipple, but Hailey was having none of that. She pulled his shirt up over his head and pushed him back on to the bed. Her hands flew to his jeans and she had them unsnapped and unzipped in an instant. "Slow down, Hailey, we have all night," Don said softly. Hailey shook her head. "I want it now, Don. We can do slow later." With that she uncovered his hard shaft and guided it to the damp tunnel between her legs. With a loud groan, Hailey sank down on his shaft, impaling herself on it. She rested only for a moment and then began to ride him like a jockey in the Kentucky Derby. Their impassioned cries filled the bedroom as Hailey rode Don swiftly toward the finish line. Don was swept along with her. He reached up and grabbed on to her breasts, adding to the nearly explosive tension within them. And then like fireworks on the fourth of July, their climax exploded. Don groaned, Hailey shrieked, "Axe!" and then collapsed on his chest. ------- Chapter 18 Don woke with a start. His eyes popped open and he struggled momentarily to remember why he wasn't in his bed. He was in Hailey's bed. He turned his head. Yup, this was Hailey's bed. With a smile, his eyes caressed her bare body as she lay beside him. He was pinned to her bed by her arm. He smiled as her eyes fluttered open. "Good morning, beautiful," he whispered. "Oh my... It wasn't a dream, then," Hailey said, drawing her arm back across his chest and stretching. Don didn't reply. A quickly hardening nipple had his complete attention. He turned slowly and lowered his lips to capture the pink bud. Hailey gasped and put her hands behind his head, pulling his face into her chest. "Oh, yes," she hissed. "Oh, God. It wasn't a dream. Please!" Don smiled as he let the bud loose. "It wasn't a dream several times last night." Hailey blushed. "Several? Oh, God. I can't believe..." Hailey covered her mouth with her hand. "Shhh, Hailey. Breathe, baby." Hailey took a deep breath. Don looked straight into her eyes. "Are you okay with what happened last night?" "What do you mean, Don?" "Regrets?" "Oh, God, no. I mean it was fantastic. It's just that I never; I mean it was so fast. Did I really, oh my God, I did. I can't believe... What you must think of me?" "I think you are a very beautiful young woman who is very imaginative and expressive both in bed and out. I think I'd like to repeat last night every night for the rest of my life. And I think I'd like to start again right now." Hailey stared at him as he lowered his lips to hers. The kiss was soft, genuine, and loving. The passion was there, bubbling under the surface, a smoldering ember slowly increasing in its intensity. Don pulled back for a moment and stroked her cheek. "What do you want, Hailey?" "More." She replied, pulling his lips back to hers. Don could feel her lithe body pressing against his. His fingers traced her backbone all the way down to that firm backside. Hailey hurriedly pushed Don away. "Hold that thought, lover," she said springing from the bed and sprinting toward the bathroom. Don smiled as he watched her move away from him. Suddenly, his body was giving him the same cues and he slowly climbed out of the comfortable bed. "My turn," Don said as he passed her on the way to the bathroom. Hailey wasn't in the bedroom when he returned. Don grabbed his jeans and pulled them on. He looked for his shirt for a moment, but didn't find it until he found Hailey in the kitchen. She had her back to him as she started her coffeemaker. "I think it looks better on you anyway," Don said, sliding up behind Hailey and fondling her backside. "Breakfast?" Hailey asked. "I'm starving." "We could grab a shower and go out," Don suggested. "Mmmm, that sounds nice." "But?" Don could sense that she left the word off. Hailey walked away from him and sat down on one of the stools. The bowls from last night's dessert were still on the countertop. "Having second thoughts about last night?" Don asked as he sat down across from her. Hailey looked down at her cup. "Let me guess. You are worried that because of last night, I'm going to lose interest in you and move on?" Hailey nodded. "If anything, last night increased my interest in you. I saw a side to you I never expected." "I was a total slut and not only slept with you before our first date, but I dragged you into my room." "I'm not sure that was a bad thing." "But..." "Look, Hailey. You said it last night. We've had five months to get to know each other. I'm not sure where this leads, but I'm damn sure I want to find out. You are a fascinating woman. You are beautiful, talented, sexy, and passionate. I think I'm falling in love with you and I'd like the chance to find out for sure." "That's the problem, Don. I'm already in love with you. And I'm not sure I could handle it if you decide that you aren't in love with me. I don't think I could live with that broken heart." "I won't lie to you, Hailey. I don't want to ever hurt you, but I won't tell you I'm in love with you if I'm not sure. I did that with Crystal. I won't ever do that again. But I don't want you to push me away. I'll never find out if you do that." Hailey's eyes were moist as she looked at him. She nodded. Don sighed. "I guess I should head home. I think we need some time to think. I'll see you tomorrow for rehearsal, right?" Hailey nodded. "Why don't you run back to your room and put something else on so I can have my shirt back. Then I'll get out of your hair." Hailey shook her head. She reached down and pulled his t-shirt off and handed it to him. She stood there as he pulled it over his head. "You are so beautiful, Hailey. Last night was..." Hailey put a finger over his lips. She kissed him softly and then opened the door for him. "Last night was a fantasy come true," Hailey said. "I'll call you tonight." "You better." ------- "So tell me again why I'm taking you to McGarrity's to get your car?" "I never told you in the first place, Leigh," Hailey said, smiling at her friend's blatant attempt to pry. "Well?" "Okay, fine. I was a total slut last night and this morning I panicked and basically chased Don out of my place before the idea of picking up the car came up." "I doubt you were a total slut, girl. And even if you were, that's not necessarily a bad thing. You've got a rather satisfied glow going today. One you haven't had in a long, long while." "Maybe, but now what do I do? I slept with the man before we even went on a date." "So, you got the sex thing out in the open right away. It was good, right?" "Yeah, but..." "But nothing, girl. You got your itch scratched and learned that you two are compatible in bed. How is that a bad thing? Bad is finding out that you two are compatible everywhere but bed. That would just suck." "True, but he didn't say he loved me either. In fact he said he wasn't sure. He's going to pull away, just like Michael did after." "Don is not Michael, Hailey. Michael was an asshole and you know it." "You didn't like Michael because he was so, um, close-minded." "I didn't like Michael because he didn't know how to take no for an answer and he was always looking for the next lay while he was playing with you." "Oh, please." "Take those blinders off, Hailey. Michael dumped you. He did it because he found some other fish to reel in. It wasn't because there was anything wrong with you." "He said he couldn't go through life with a frigid wife." "Since when does a frigid woman become a total slut and have a satisfied glow on her face the next morning? If I were betting, I'd bet that you came hard at least once last night. That ought to show you that Michael was wrong about at least one thing." "Okay, okay, you're right. And for the record it was at least five times last night." "Go, girl. You have nothing to worry about, sister. If you came five times last night, Don is probably trying to figure out how to make it happen again tonight." "I did make him promise to call later." "Shit, girl. You got his attention. Go get the rest of him. He's just as smitten as you are. He just doesn't know it yet." ------- After she picked up her car, Hailey decided that Leigh was right. She needed to go spend time with Don, preferably out of bed. He didn't answer his cell phone, so she called his house. Kasey said he was off at the practice space. Hailey could hear voices as she entered the building. "You sold me out, Axe. I rolled over for you and you sold me out. Now you are going to pay," a voice she didn't recognize said. "What are you talking about, John," Don replied. It was John "Key" West that was with Don. This can't be good, Hailey thought as she reached for the door handle. "Oh, come on, Axe. You turned your pet news slut onto someone. Crystal was never smart enough to ferret that stuff out." "I think you seriously underestimate Crystal, John. She's not just another pretty face." "Yeah, I know, she can suck start a Harley, too. So what? She's still just another dumb blonde like that bimbo you got playing keyboards." "Don't start in on Hailey, John. She's better than you'll ever be." "Yeah, and I'm sure she gets you off too. She's still just another bimbo." "Get lost, John. I get that you aren't happy with whatever story Crystal's writing, but you cut the ties with us. You did it publicly and you held us hostage for six months until you got everything you could drain from us. Well, no more. Your life and your music are what you've made them. Go stew in the soup." Hailey took a deep breath and opened the door. "Well, here's the bimbo now, am I interrupting your afternoon delight, Axe?" John said sarcastically. Don stared at John. Hailey could see the anger boiling up in his face. "It's not worth it, Don," she said. "He's not worth it." Don nodded. "You're right, Hailey." He hugged her tight. "It's good to see you." "Please," John said from the doorway. "You two make me sick. I'm outa here, but remember this, Axe. If I go down, I'll take you down with me. Enjoy your bimbo." Hailey had heard enough. She walked up to the door and pushed it closed before John West could get through it. "You really are a piece of work, Mr. West. I can't believe I idolized you for years. Hell, I even bought into the crap you used to spread about you being the heart and soul of Barrier Riff. Now I know that you were Barrier Riff's asshole. All the crap came through you." John turned and stared at Hailey. Don could see his fist clenching. "Go ahead, big man. Show the bimbo just how much of a man you are. Hit me. Come on, you know you want to." Don couldn't believe what he was hearing. He started forward, but he was too late. John swung. Hailey caught John's fist in her hand. John stared at her. "Now are you gonna turn tail like a good little asshole or do I turn you into a eunuch?" Hailey asked, still holding his fist in her hand. "This ain't over, bitch," John hissed. "Oh, yes it is little man. You better think hard about whom you call bitch. The next person might just decide to show you who the bitch really is. Now get the fuck out of here, asshole." John opened the door and slipped out just as soon as she let go of his fist. "Wow. Remind me not to piss you off," Don said as he put his hand on Hailey's shoulder. "Don't you start, Mr. Woodson." Don looked confused and then Hailey smiled and wrapped herself around him, hugging him tightly. Don held her closely for quite a while. Hailey took a deep breath and pushed herself away from him. "We need to talk, Don," Hailey said softly. When Don nodded, she continued, "I'm sorry about this morning. I panicked. I, we..." "We had a terrific time last night," Don finished for her. "I hope that it will be repeated, Hailey. However, I don't have any expectations. Last night happened because everything was right. We both felt it. And if it doesn't happen again for a while, that's all right too. Just don't say it will never happen again. That's all I ask." Hailey nodded. She closed the door and pulled Don over to the chairs along the wall of the practice space. "I need to tell you about things, explain what happened this morning." "You don't..." "Yes, yes I do. Leigh helped me see some things that I hadn't realized when she took me to get my car this morning. So sit down, shut up and listen." "Yes, ma'am," Don said, sitting in one of the chairs. "That's better," Hailey smiled and sat on his lap, facing him. "So?" Don prompted. "Well, it's, um, that is..." Don smiled. "Spit it out, Hailey. You had this all worked out a few minutes ago, right?" "Yeah, I did, but that was when I was talking to Leigh. She knew Michael and how he was." "Michael?" "My former fiance. I dated him for a year or so. We were engaged. He dumped me this time last year." "Okay." "Anyway, Michael was an asshole to everyone in the band, especially Leigh and Jane." "Because they were more interested in each other than him?" "Exactly. He tried something with Leigh one day. I still don't know the details. She won't say and he always denied it. In the end, he decided he wasn't going to marry a 'frigid woman who played keyboards with a bunch of lezzies'. His words stung, bad." "Either Michael was wrong or there was someone else in bed with me, Hailey." "Leigh said something like that. I guess I bought into Michael's crap more than I should have. I panicked because he told me guys only want sluts once, but they marry proper ladies. Daddy drilled that into me too. Last night confused me. I mean I was such a total slut and yet I have never had a better night." "Don't ever change because of me, Hailey. I like you for who you are. I don't know about the rest of the guys, but I sure wouldn't mind last night being repeated over and over again. Besides, giving yourself so totally to one man is not my definition of a slut. A slut gives herself to anyone and everyone. Somehow I can't see you doing that." "Oh, God, no!" "So, if we have that settled?" Hailey nodded. "I was going to work on some songs, but..." "No buts, Don. I'll try not to change for you. And I don't want you to change for me, so show me what you've got, buster." Don wiggled his eyebrows. Hailey turned a little pink and threw her arms around his neck, laughing. "God, I have to learn to watch what I say." Don kissed her lips quickly and stood. "Keyboards, bimbo," he said, swatting her backside and pushing her gently toward her boards. "You'll pay for that, Axeman." "I look forward to that, Hailey. Now, follow this." Don started to play his latest composition. ------- Chapter 19 Two weeks later, Don and Wes were tuning up in the practice space, waiting for Charlie and Hailey. Don's cell phone rang and as he opened it, Stix opened the door and walked in. "Oh boy, when Keys messes up, he does it big time," Stix said, striding into the practice room with a newspaper under his arm. "No kidding, Stix," Bass replied, pointing at the paper on his amp. "Glad to see you could make it, Stix," Don said with a smile as he closed his cell phone and turned around. "Yeah, well, your day is coming, Axe," Stix replied. The trio laughed. "Speaking of which, where is our keyboard player?" Stix asked looking straight at Don. "She's a bit under the weather," Axe replied. "That's what three days in a row now?" "Something like that. She says she feels better by afternoon, but the next morning its bad again." "Sounds suspiciously like morning sickness," Stix remarked. "Maybe it's Axe's way of dragging these rehearsals out?" Bass insinuated. "Ha, ha," Axe sighed. "Not to change the subject or anything," Stix said. "What about John's threats to take us down with him?" "You've got nothing to worry about, Charlie. Everyone knows that Robin keeps you addicted to a legal drug," Don said smiling. "Yeah, her," Wes added. "What about you and Bass?" "He's all smoke and mirrors as usual, Charlie." "I have been clean for more than five years, Stix," Bass said. "I know I hit the booze a lot on the road, but that's mostly legal." "John was really the only one of us doing anything even remotely illegal since Wes stopped partying with him," Don said. "Okay. I guess I knew that," Stix sighed, relieved. ------- Barrier Riff decided to end rehearsal early again and Don headed back home. Kasey was waiting for him with Jenny when he arrived. "Daddy, we need to go shopping," Kasey said, hugging him. "What are we shopping for now?" Don asked. "Prom dresses." "Aren't you two sophomores? I thought you had to be juniors to go to prom." "Well, when you are dating juniors..." "Okay." Kasey let out an exasperated sigh. "Daddy, it's not like I have formal dresses in my closet." "You don't?" Don was smiling as he teased his daughter. "Daddy!" "Okay, okay. So who's driving you shopping?" Kasey sighed again. "We need you to drive, Daddy. We can't drive. Leslie's at the store until nine. There's no one else." "Okay, fine," Don said. "Let's go then." For the next four hours, Don chauffeured his daughter and her friend to half a dozen dress shops. He sat bored in each one as they tried on dozens of dresses before finally settling on a pair from the first dress shop. After arranging for the dresses to be altered to fit the girls, Don dropped Jenny off at Leslie's place and took Kasey home. "Daddy, did you really mean it when you said I could talk to you about anything," Kasey said when they reached the living room. Alarm bells rang in Don's ears as he nodded. "Well, we, I mean, I..." Kasey faltered. Don could see that she was really nervous about whatever it was on her mind. "Relax, take a deep breath, and sit down," Don said softly, patting the couch beside him. Kasey sat down and crossed her arms across her chest. Don frowned as he noticed her chest. He was not supposed to notice things like that about his daughter. "Does this have something to do with the prom?" Don prompted. "Well, sort of," Kasey started. "You know how my birthday is only a week before the prom and I'll be sixteen then, right?" Don nodded. "Well, damn this is hard," Kasey frowned and then turned her hips so her whole body was facing Don. "I want a special present for my birthday." "Let me guess, a car?" "Not even close, Daddy. I want Brandon to give me something." "Then maybe you should have this conversation with Brandon, not me." Kasey sighed and took a deep breath. "I want Brandon to make me a woman after the prom." Don's jaw dropped. Of all the things Kasey could have been talking about, this was one he would never have bet on. "I thought this was your birthday present, not his," Don said, covering his surprise with an attempt at levity. "I guess that depends on how you look at things." "Okay, Kasey. Are you sure? I mean you've only been dating Brandon for what five months?" "About that. And yes, I'm sure. There is only one other person I've ever even dreamed about being my first. And now that's not possible." "I know Jessie got you started on the pill before she died. Have you thought about other things, like diseases?" "Brandon would probably kill me for telling you this, but I will be his first too. Yes, we've already talked about having sex. In general terms, anyway." Don took a deep breath. He couldn't imagine even having this conversation with his parents, but he like the fact that he and Kasey were close enough that it wasn't a problem. He knew that eventually she would give herself to someone; he didn't think it would be this soon. "Have you given any thought to how and where?" "Not really. Daddy, Brandon doesn't know that I'm even thinking about it. I want it to be special for us. Mom always said her first time with you was a very special memory that she treasured. She said the right place and time were as much a part of that as you were. Since you picked the place and time, sort of, I thought maybe you could help me." "Well, I wouldn't recommend the back seat of his car." Kasey laughed. "No way. We've already had that discussion. My first time is not going to be there." "Okay, do you have any ideas?" "I thought about my bed, but decided that might be a bad idea. I mean if we ever breakup then it would remind me." "So you were hoping that perhaps I could be persuaded to get you a hotel room or something?" Kasey smiled. "I'll tell you what, I will think on this for a while. I mean we do have another month, right?" Kasey nodded. "Is this plan going to include Jenny?" "Ewwww, no." Don laughed. "I didn't mean with you and Brandon, but with her boyfriend?" "No. Jenny's not ready. We already talked about that. Wes and Leslie are chaperoning the prom. Jenny and Tommy are riding with them. Brandon and I are going separately. He's going to try to get a better car." "I'm glad you feel comfortable enough with me to talk about this. I really do appreciate the trust you have in me, Kasey." "I love you, Daddy. I know you love me too." They hugged and then Kasey headed to her room to get some homework done. ------- "Wow, Don," Hailey said after he replayed his earlier conversation with Kasey. "I never could have had that conversation with Daddy about that. Momma either. Kasey is lucky to have a Dad like you." "More likely, I'm the lucky one. Still, I feel weird helping some punk take my daughter's cherry." Hailey laughed. "It's not really like that, Don. Now is it? I'm sure Kasey trusts you to help make her first time really special." "I want that for her, but it just feels odd." "Every girl wants her first time to be really special. Only a few women get to have it that way." "Was yours?" "Not really. Oh, it was a mutual decision, but it happened in the back seat of Jimmy Baxter's mom's Buick. It was nice, but it was not terribly special." "Kasey already said her first time wouldn't be in the back seat of a car." "I said that too. It just happened that way. So what are you going to do?" Don paused for a few moments. "Jessie and I chose a place in the woods near our houses. It was a place where we went to talk and make out. We thought of it as Our Place. She decided it was time. I brought a blanket. I wish I knew of someplace like that for Kasey. And yet, I don't know about Brandon. I think our first time was special because we were sure we'd be together forever. I'm not sure that Kasey and Brandon think that way." "Does that really matter? Brandon cares for her, right? She trusts him to make her feel good and I'll bet he won't advertise it either. That's mostly what is important." "Yeah, okay, but sex with someone you love is so much better." "So what are you going to do?" "Hell if I know. You're coming by for dinner tonight, right?" "Of course, six, right?" Don nodded. They talked about some inconsequential things and then they hung up. ------- The door bell rang and Don walked out of the kitchen to get it. It was Brandon. Kasey was still getting ready for their date. "Hi, Brandon. Kasey's still getting ready. Come on in." "Hi, Axe. Thanks." "Where are you going tonight?" "Pizza and a movie." Don nodded. "Step out onto the deck with me, Brandon." Brandon looked worried, but nodded. "Not all conversations out here are bad, Brandon," Don said, closing the door behind them. "This one doesn't have to be either." "Okay." "You know that Kasey's birthday is a week before the prom, right?" "Yes, sir." "Well, we, that is Kasey and I, were talking about what she wanted for her birthday. She wants something very special." "She's very special, Axe. She should get it if it isn't too expensive." "I understand some people put a value on what she wants. I wouldn't, but in my mind it's priceless." "I don't understand." "No, you probably don't. Sorry. Look, I'm not going to beat around the bush. Kasey and I had a long talk about this and she feels strongly about it." Don took a deep breath. "Kasey wants you to make her a woman. That is the sixteenth birthday present she wants. I can't give that to her. She wants you to be the one." Brandon's jaw dropped. His eyes darted toward the door. "Relax, Brandon. You are perfectly safe. I just couldn't think of any other way to say that." "Okay," Brandon squeaked. "It probably goes without saying, but are you at all interested in giving her that gift?" Brandon nodded. Then he swallowed and looked Don in the eye. "I would consider it an honor, Sir." "So this isn't just some conquest to brag about with your buddies, then?" "Never!" Brandon bristled at the suggestion. "Do you have any ideas on how to make this really special for Kasey? And I mean really special!" "Maybe." "Look, Brandon, I know this conversation is weird. It's been throwing me for days knowing about it. I believe I can trust you. Kasey obviously trusts you. This should show you that she trusts me. I'd like for you to be able to trust me as well. I want what is best for Kasey. I know she's not going to be a virgin forever." Don let that sink in for a bit. "I think this is your present to give her and hers to give you. Now if you have an idea and it is something you can't afford, I want you to come to me. That is the only kind of help I can give." Don stood and watched as Brandon turned away and stared out at the setting sun. Just when I think life is starting to have some semblance of normalcy, Don thought. It hands me something like this. Brandon turned back around and faced Don. "Kasey has this idea that her mother's first time was the ideal. She's built it up like anything less is unacceptable. I'm not sure anything we come up with will be good enough." "I'll do what I can to reduce those expectations, Brandon. You concentrate on making it the best night it can be, okay?" "Deal." Don shook Brandon's hand and the two walked back into the house. ------- Chapter 20 Don was chopping onions with his back to the doorway when Hailey slipped into his kitchen. "Guess who?" she said putting her hands over his eyes. "Miss America?" "No." "Miss July 1999?" "Get serious, Axeman." "The sexiest keyboard player in the world?" "Closer." Don spun quickly and smiled. "Hailey!" He kissed her long and hard, pinning her backside against the island in the middle of the kitchen. "How are you feeling?" he asked as they separated, slightly breathless. "Better and yet not so much better." "Oh?" "Let's just say that I'm as good as I get this time of the month and leave it at that." "Oh!" Don said, hoping he kept the disappointment out of his voice. He had really been looking forward to her spending the night. "At least I didn't barf up my breakfast this morning. All things considered, I'm happy." "Well, I hope you brought an appetite." "It smells good, what is it?" "Chicken Marsala." "Mmmmm. What can I do to help?" "Sit over there and look cute." Hailey sat down. "You need one of those 'Kiss the Cook' aprons." Don smiled. The pair talked about everything and nothing while dinner cooked and over dinner. Afterward, Don and Hailey sat down on the couch and began watching a movie. It wasn't long before sleep claimed both. ------- Kasey slowly opened the door. The house was quiet. She held onto Brandon's hand and pulled him into the house behind her. Brandon closed the door. "Shhh!" Kasey hissed when the door made an audible thump as it closed. "Sorry." Kasey tiptoed into the living room and then stopped. Brandon nearly knocked her over. Kasey pointed at the couch. Brandon smiled. Don and Hailey were slumped together. Hailey's head was on his shoulder and his head was against hers. The television was on, but only the end screen of the movie was showing. They were holding hands. "They look so cute," Kasey hissed. "If they wake up..." "Shhh!" Kasey led Brandon down the hallway and into the game room. She pushed him onto the sofa and climbed onto his lap. "Now where were we?" she whispered. Brandon pulled her to him and their lips met in a delightful kiss. ------- Don woke with a start. He thought he'd heard the door open. He looked over at the television. The movie was over. His arm tingled and he looked down on the sleeping form of his girlfriend. She looked so peaceful. He hated to wake her, but she said she wasn't going to spend the night. "Hailey," he whispered, gently raising her head off his shoulder. "Hmmm?" "Hailey, it's nearly midnight. If you're heading home, you should probably get moving." "Yeah. I guess." "I wonder if Kasey's home yet. I'd best check. Do you need anything?" "I need the ladies' room and then I'll be fine." Don wandered down the hall. Kasey wasn't in her room. He could hear a groan from the game room. Curious, he crept down that hall. A gasp sounded from the game room. Don turned the corner. He froze. Kasey was kissing Brandon. Her coat, shirt and bra were lying on the sofa beside her. The two were in their own world. Their lips were joined. Don could see that Brandon's hands were moving. Don smiled. Kasey was moaning into her boyfriend's mouth. Don backed off and down the hall a bit. "Kasey? Are you home?" A whispered "Shit!" came from the game room. "Um, yeah, Daddy. Brandon and I are in the game room," Kasey yelled. "It's almost midnight. I wouldn't want Brandon to miss his curfew." "Right, Daddy. Thanks. We'll be right up." Don smiled and headed back to the front of the house. Hailey was pulling her coat on. "See you in the morning?" he asked as he pulled her to him. "I'll be there." They were kissing when Kasey and Brandon emerged from the back of the house. "Good night, Brandon," Don said, pulling his lips from Hailey's. "Night, Axe," Brandon said, obviously nervous. "See you tomorrow, Brandon," Kasey said, still holding Brandon's hand. Brandon was staring at Don. "Well, kiss her already," Don said, turning back to Hailey and lowering his lips to hers. Kasey pulled on Brandon's arm and finally, he bent down and kissed her lips too. Brandon and Hailey left. "So, how long have you been home?" Don asked as he locked the front door. "Not very long." "You should have awakened me." "You two looked so cute sleeping there. I couldn't." "You were afraid I'd scare Brandon away, right?" Kasey's eyes grew wide. "A herd of elephants could have run through the game room and you wouldn't have noticed." "Oh my god, you didn't..." "Well, I did hear some strange noises. And since I wasn't sure you were home, I investigated." Kasey blushed. "So, next time, wake me up. Then perhaps neither of us will need to be embarrassed." "You don't mind?" "Better here where you are safe. Off to bed with you. You do have school tomorrow." "Good night, Daddy." Kasey hugged Don tightly and hurried off down the hall. ------- Don was still tuning up when Hailey arrived at the practice space. "Hey, good lookin'," he crooned as she walked in. "Hi, Don," Hailey walked over and kissed him. "I want to try something today." "Oh?" Hailey walked over to her keyboards and turned them on. "Turn that thing off for a moment and listen." Hailey began playing a catchy ragtime influenced tune. After a bit, she began to sing along. It was a catchy tune with a good hook for a chorus and Don couldn't resist singing the chorus the second time around. "Wow, Hailey, that's good stuff. You should record that." "No, Axe. We should record it." "You want it to be a Barrier Riff song?" "Is that a problem?" "Not for me. I like it. It fits our current style. But is that fair to you?" "I'm part of Barrier Riff. I want to be a bigger part. And I think I can be." "Okay. As far as I'm concerned it's a Barrier Riff song. Let's run through it and see if I can add some guitar to it. We'll add bass and drums when Bass and Stix get here." The two were jamming to the song when Stix and Bass arrived. "Catchy tune, Axe," Stix said as he headed for his drums. "It's Hailey's. She wants us to record it." Bass didn't even flinch. "I'm in. What key? Which chords?" "A, Bass," Hailey said. "D, A, E and C# chords." "Right," Bass said. "Four beat somewhat ragtime rhythm, Stix," Don suggested. Stix counted off four beats and Hailey and Axe started playing. Bass came in after a couple of bars. The foursome played variations of the song for the next two hours. Finally they seemed to be happy with it and Don pulled the Les Paul off his shoulder. "I think that's it," he said. "I like it, especially with Hailey singing and you doubling the chorus," Stix said. "It could be our next single. Wouldn't that set the music world on its ear!" Bass replied. "I can hear John now," Stix added. "John's opinion doesn't matter, Charlie," Don said. "Hailey's however..." "Yeah," Stix turned and looked at Hailey. "How do you like what we came up with. Be honest. We're all friends here." "It's better than I'd hoped. Do you really think it could be a single?" Hailey gushed. "Absolutely." "Okay, four more and we're ready for the studio," Bass reminded everyone. Stix and Bass said good-bye and headed off. "It's perfect, Hailey." "Are you sure you don't mind? I don't want..." Don smiled and pulled her into him and kissed her soundly. "Just one more thing to love about you, Hailey," he whispered. "Your place or mine, sailor," Hailey said, pulling on his hand. "I thought..." "We both have towels and warm soapy water." Don nodded. "Your place is closer." ------- Chapter 21 They decided to leave her car at the practice space and piled into his truck. Hailey scooted over to the middle of the big bench seat and kept her hand on the inside of his thigh the whole way to his place. Don's jeans felt tight. There was no doubt about his interest. Hailey checked frequently, stroking down his thigh and then back up to the prominent bulge between his legs. "Keep that up and we're gonna crash," Don hissed. "Just drive, Don," Hailey said in a husky whisper. The truck had barely stopped when Hailey pushed Don out of the truck and followed through the driver's side door. Don grabbed her and pressed her back against the door of the truck, crushing his lips into hers. Hailey groaned as he thrust his thigh between hers. "Inside," she hissed, gently pushing him away. Hailey dropped her keys twice. Don took advantage of the opportunity to fondle her ass each time she bent over to pick up the keys. The door slammed against the wall as Hailey pushed it open and pulled Don through. Don kicked the door closed after he saw that Hailey had her keys and then pushed her back against the wall. Their kiss was hard and left no doubt of their intent. Don pulled Hailey's shirt up over her head and almost ripped the bra off her. Panting, Hailey shoved him aside and headed to the bathroom. Don followed. Hailey blushed when he pushed his way into her bathroom. Her pants were already down her legs. With an self-conscious squeak, she sat on the toilet. Don reached down and grabbed her pants and pulled them off. Her tennis shoes went with the pants. Then he turned and reached into the shower and turned it on. "What?" Hailey started. "You've never done it in the shower?" "Well, no." Don smiled. He pulled his shirt over his head as he pushed his shoes off. His jeans, briefs and socks joined them on the floor. Hailey smiled as his hard shaft bobbed into view. She reached behind herself and flushed the toilet just as Don stepped into the shower. "Jeez!" Don shrieked as the water scalded down his back. Hailey smiled and kicked her panties off, hurrying to join him. Don wrapped his arms around her again and kissed her. Then he whirled her around and grabbed a boob in each hand, kissing the top of her shoulders. "Easy, big boy, they are sensitive," Hailey hissed as his fingers flexed sending sensations rocketing through her. Don's hand slid slowly down her body, pausing to tickle her belly button before delving between her swollen lips. "Not much need for that, Don. I was ready before we left the practice space. How?" "Spread your legs a bit and bend at the waist," he hissed. When she complied, Don rubbed his rigid tool up and down her slit and then nudged it into her warm, wet tunnel. "Oh, God, Yes!" Hailey hissed as his hips surged forward slapping into her bare ass. The water tumbled over his shoulders onto her back and down between them. She pushed back to meet him with each thrust. Their coupling was violent and animalistic but quickly satisfying. Hailey shrieked as her climax rocketed through her. Don groaned and joined her almost lifting her off the shower floor as he tried to bury himself completely in her. As quickly as it started, it was over. Don was panting as he reached around her to pull her back against his chest. Hailey turned her head and their lips met in the middle. When he caught his breath, Don gradually turned them so that Hailey was in the shower's spray. He reached around her for the shampoo and began to massage the fragrant liquid into her hair. Hailey sighed as his fingers massaged her scalp. While Hailey rinsed the shampoo from her hair, Don grabbed the soap and began to wash her shoulders, her arms and then her legs. His soapy hands caressed as they cleaned their way up her stomach until the slippery fingers began massaging her sore breasts. Hailey leaned back against him as he caressed and teased her nipples. "Keep that up, Don and you'd better be ready for another round." Don chuckled as he released her breasts and began washing her back. Hailey pressed her hands against the wall again as he kneaded her back and then the firm cheeks of her ass. He washed down first one leg and then back up the other before pausing to add some more soap to the washcloth. Hailey reached down and pulled the cloth from his hands. "I'll take care of the rest," she said firmly. "But after I clean you." Hailey lovingly washed every square inch of Don's body, paying special and prolonged attention to his shrunken manhood. She stopped when it began to respond. "Clean towel in the cabinet beside the toilet," Hailey said, directing him out of the shower. Don was nearly dry when Hailey emerged from the shower to dry herself off. She turned her back to him and then pulled her panties up her legs. Then she turned back to face him. "That was fun," she said smiling like the Cheshire Cat. "I can't tell you how much better I feel." "Me too. It was definitely my pleasure!" ------- "So..." Hailey looked up from her glass of water. She and Don were dressed again and sitting at her kitchen counter. "So?" "I, um..." "What is it, Hailey?" Don smiled and took her hand. Hailey frowned and took a deep breath. "Where is this going?" "Where is what going?" Don frowned. "Us." Hailey said, growing perturbed. "I'm not sure. I need to get home to have dinner with Kasey. You could join us if you'd like," Don said. "I didn't mean tonight," Hailey growled. "I mean where is THIS going? Am I just a convenient fuck buddy? Are we exclusive? Are you planning to dump me when the next sex goddess is free? What are WE?" Don sat back on the stool. He hadn't expected this. Things were fine as they were. He could go home when he wanted. Sure he liked being around Hailey. Who wouldn't? The sex was incredible. She was a beautiful woman who was fun to be with. She was his match in so many ways. Why do women have to complicate things? He sighed. "I don't know, Hailey. I like things the way they are. We spend time together, we have time apart. I like spending time with you. You are such a beautiful woman, fun to be with. You are a terrific keyboard player, every bit the partner in music I could ever hope to have. Does it have to be more than that?" Hailey frowned. Don could see that that wasn't the right answer as far as she was concerned. "I want more, Don." "More?" "I want it all. The whole Cinderella deal, you know, in love, married, and happily ever after. I thought it could be that way with you. But apparently you don't feel that way." Don didn't say a word. He wasn't sure how to answer that. "I think you'd best leave now, Don." "I don't know what to say, Hailey." "Don't say anything, then. Go home. Take care of Kasey. Take a few days. Think about what it is you want. Because I don't think I can go on like this much longer. I need more. I need to know that I mean more than just a quick roll in the hay. Or the shower." Don frowned. He could see the tears forming in Hailey's eyes. He felt his heart lurch. He hadn't meant to hurt her. "Okay," he said softly. "I'll be at practice in the morning," Hailey said as she followed him to the door. Don could see that she was hoping he wouldn't take that dream from her as well. "Good. I guess I'll see you then." She closed the door as soon as he was through it. Don walked away sadly. How did things get so messed up, he wondered. ------- "Hi, Daddy," Kasey said as she opened the patio door. "I wondered where you were hiding." Don turned around and smiled at his daughter. "Just out here thinking." "Well, don't hurt yourself," Kasey joked. "Um, are you still coming to Brandon's game tonight?" "I guess. Why?" "Well, um, I was kinda hoping I could go with Brandon after the game. Some of the team goes to Trecasso's after." "That's fine. You do remember that its only Wednesday and you have school tomorrow, right?" "Yes, Daddy. We'll be out late, but not so late that I can't get out of bed and go to school." "Okay, then. I'll get dinner started. You get homework started." "Deal." ------- Don only half watched the game. For some reason it felt strange sitting there watching his daughter's boyfriend play basketball. Something was missing. He looked over at Kasey. She could barely stay in her seat. Brandon started and played well. Kasey yelled encouragement most of the first half. No, it wasn't Kasey that was out of place. Why didn't it feel right? He knew Jessie could no longer be with them at times like this. Maybe that was what he was missing? Sharing this with her? And what about Hailey? He wondered how she fit in this. He knew he was being selfish hoping to have her as a, what did she call it, fuck buddy forever. She deserved more than that. She was a partner in his music. He was pretty sure she wanted to be a partner in more than that. Is that what he wanted? He had one wife, his one true love. That's all you get, right? Was he lucky enough to find two women who could be that for him? If he was honest with himself, he wasn't sure. He liked spending time with Hailey. She fit in with him so well. Their passion for each other was amazing. And the sex that followed along with that passion was incredible. He took a deep breath. Was it as good as it was with Jessie? Was it better? Halftime came with no answers. Don looked at the scoreboard. Brandon's team was ahead. The second half was just like the first. Don barely paid any attention to the game. Why did life have to be so complicated? Kasey kissed his cheek and bounced away happily. Brandon's team had won. She was off to wait outside the locker room for her boyfriend. Don drove home alone. His thoughts were still jumbled when he arrived. There was another car in the driveway when he got home. Hailey's car. He stared at it for a moment. Where was she? She wasn't waiting on the patio or in her car. She did have a key. The side door was unlocked and Don wandered in. Hailey wasn't in the house. The outdoor light was on, so he opened the door to the deck. Hailey was standing against the rail. She turned and smiled softly. "I hope you don't mind that I let myself in." "No, of course not." "We need to talk, Don." He nodded, stepped onto the deck and closed the door. ------- Chapter 22 Don turned back toward Hailey after he closed the door. "I'm sorry, Don," Hailey said softly. "I didn't mean to come on so strong this morning, especially not after the shower. I, um, just need to know where we are going. I mean what we have is nice, but it's not enough. Not enough for me, anyway. I need more. I'm not sure I said that very well this morning." "Okay," Don said. "So, I was hoping we could talk about what you want. I mean what you want us to be?" Don turned and walked to the side of the deck and took a deep breath. "I don't know what I want, Hailey. Well, that's not quite true. I want to make music with Barrier Riff and that includes you. I want you. I want to spend time with you. And it's not just the sex. The sex is great all by itself, but I like being around you. You're my friend, my partner in music." Don looked at Hailey who nodded her head. She took the few steps between them and put her hand on his arm as he stared out into the darkness. Don turned and really looked at Hailey. "I know what I don't want, too. I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to not see you except when we are making music." Hailey nodded again. "I've thought about nothing since you dropped this on me this morning, Hailey. If I'm really honest, I'm not sure I've ever truly had a relationship with a woman. What Jessie and I had was a fairy tale, both the original high school romance and our short marriage. I'm sure I was in love with her and I will always have a place in my heart for her, but we were together for two years, with fifteen years off in the middle. I'm not sure that counts as a relationship. Susan Turner can't be called much more than a one night stand, even if we were together for two months. Even when I was with Crystal, it was mostly convenience. She got what she wanted and she slept with me to get it. It was easy and comfortable, at least until the end. So you see, Hailey, I, I'm not sure I know how to have more than we have now." Hailey smiled sadly. "I'm not that much better than you at relationships, Don. I mean, I lost my virginity to the boy my parents wanted me to marry. He was brutal and vicious and I stayed with him for nearly three years. Then I come here and Michael spends six months trying to get in my pants and breaks up with me when it becomes obvious that he's not going to get there. And I top it off by jumping into bed with one of my band mates before we even go on a date." "Don't sell yourself so short, Hailey," Don said as he grasped her hands between his. "You were right about Michael. If you doubt it, just talk to Jane again. You're smart, you're sexy, you are fun to be with and talented as all get out in and out of bed. You are everything I've ever wanted in a woman. And mostly, I'm afraid you are going to wake up one morning and realize that I'm just Axe Woodson, a two bit guitar player, because that's really all I've ever been. And you deserve so much more than that." "Now who's selling himself short?" Hailey asked as she held on to his hands, keeping him from pulling away from her. "You are a terrific father. Your relationship with Kasey is amazing. Especially when you consider how short a time you've actually spent with her. I know you didn't go to college, but you're a smart guy. You understand the music business. You are good with people. Even one's you don't particularly like." "Now that the mutual admiration society has had it's say," Don joked. "Where does that leave us?" Hailey smiled. "Is there an US?" "I'd like there to be an US," Don said, nodding. Hailey could see the unspoken question in his eyes. She let him off the hook. "Me too." Don visibly relaxed. "But that doesn't mean I stop wanting more. No way. You are not off the hook, yet, buster. You are on notice. I want more and YOU need to decide if you can provide that or not. I'm willing to wait a while for you to find out, but I am not waiting forever." Don nodded. He pulled on Hailey's arms and she came willingly into his arms. The passion in her kiss was unmistakable. Don could feel it in his toes. He was out of breath when their lips slowly parted. "I should go," Hailey said softly. "I'll see you tomorrow." "Sweet dreams, Hailey," Don said as he watched her slip from his arms and through the door. ------- Don was standing out on the deck staring into the darkness when he heard the door open again. "Daddy?" Don turned. Kasey stood in the doorway. "Hi Kasey, how was the date?" "Not over yet," she said softly. "Brandon and I are going to the game room." "Is his curfew still midnight?" "Yes." "I'll holler down about fifteen minutes before that, then." Kasey walked over to him and stretched up on her toes. "Thanks, Daddy. You're the best." "Be careful and be safe." "We will, Daddy." Don watched her slip into the house. Brandon was waiting nervously. Kasey took his hand and they headed down to the game room. ------- Don couldn't sleep and finally gave up around 4. He left Kasey a note and headed to the practice space. He loved the peace that came when he just played. All of the swirling thoughts that kept him awake were gone as his fingers wandered up and down the fret board. Notes and rhythms didn't matter, only the soothing calmness within him mattered. Eventually his fingers began to tire. He was surprised to see that it was after 7 when he stopped. He carefully set the acoustic on its stand and gathered his keys. He stopped at his usual pancake house and sat down. He was hungry. He was tired and he was alone. He knew that two of those were easily handled. He would have the #3, two scrambled eggs and a short stack. That would kill off the hunger. He'd go home and sleep would claim him as soon as he hit the bed. The lonely part he knew he could solve too. He was tired of the lonely part. He was always waking up alone. Even when he was with Crystal, he woke up feeling alone. The only time he hadn't felt alone was when Jessie was with him. No, that wasn't right. He didn't feel alone when Barrier Riff was on the road this last time. Sure, he slept alone, but as soon as he got up, he was with Stix and Bass and Hailey and the crew. And these last few weeks, he was not quite so alone. But was it love? Was it permanent? How could he know? How does anyone know? He and Jessie thought they were permanent and in love. The cancer cancelled out the first and his heartache let him know that the second was still true. Breakfast came and Don ate it quickly. He paid the bill and headed back toward home. He pulled out his cell phone. "Charlie. I'm not going to make practice today. Can we meet for lunch? No, no, I'm fine, just tired. I'm headed for bed. Yeah, Garret's at noon? Okay, see you then." Twenty minutes later, he was in dreamland. ------- "Where's Axe?" Walt asked. He had been waiting at the door to the practice space when Stix showed up. "In bed," Charlie replied. "Hailey too?" Stix shrugged. "Didn't say. He called about an hour ago. I decided not to stop practice. If nothing else, you and I can work on some of things." "Hi, Stix, Bass," Hailey said, breezing into the practice space. She looked around and then back at Stix. "Where's Axe?" "In bed." "Oh?" "He called Stix a while ago. He was just turning in. Looks like he was here earlier, though." Bass said pointing at the white board. Don had left some cryptic notes on the board. "Is that some kind of short hand you guys use?" Hailey asked. "Looks mostly like gibberish," Charlie replied. "As long as we're here, we might as well play," Bass suggested. The other two nodded and started playing. Stix looked at the wall clock and set his sticks down. "It's time for me to get." "Where's he off to so quick?" Hailey asked Bass. "I have no clue. I'm gonna go see my lady. Lock up when you leave, Hailey." Hailey nodded and sat down staring at the board. ------- Don sat in a booth at Garret's staring at the menu, even though he knew it by heart. "You look beat, Axe," Charlie said, sliding into the booth. "I am. I can't sleep." Charlie quirked his eyebrow but didn't say anything. He knew Don had something on his mind and that he would tell Charlie when it was time. "How did you know Robin was the one?" Charlie stared at Don for a moment. "She told me." Don chuckled. "No really. Hailey sort of gave me an ultimatum yesterday. She wants more than what we have going right now. I don't know what to do. I mean, when she's not around I feel lonely. When we're together things are just so good, but I don't know if it will be like this forever." "Do you love her?" "I don't know? I think so, but it doesn't feel like it did with Jessie. And it's only been seven months since Jessie died." "Only you and Hailey can decide if it's right, Don. I've seen you two together. You look like a couple in love, but I don't see the private times. I can't see into your heart or hers. All I can tell you is that you are worthy of her and she is worthy of you. You are good together. You need to decide if that is enough." Their sandwiches came and they ate silently. Don paid the bill and they walked out together. "Thanks for coming, Charlie. I really appreciate it." "Glad I could help, Don." The two hugged and left to go their separate ways. Don parked in the driveway and pulled his phone out. "Hailey, it's me Don. Can you come over, please? I need to talk to you some more." ------- Chapter 23 Hailey pulled up to Axe's place. His truck wasn't in the driveway. She sat and waited for a while. He'd called and asked her to meet him here. She dialed his cell phone. No answer. With a sigh, she got out and headed into the house. "Axe?" There was no response. He wasn't in the kitchen, his bedroom, on the deck or even in the game room. Hailey felt strange. She tried the cell phone again. No answer. She looked around the game room again. She saw the shiny black baby grand in the corner. Well, she shrugged. I guess I'll wait a bit. In no time at all, Hailey was lost in the music as her slender fingers brought forth melody after melody as they caressed the keys. Music soothes many things, including Hailey's nerves. Her racing thoughts were gone almost instantly as she lost herself in the music. ------- "Who's car is that, Kasey? It's not your dad's." "Not unless he bought one today." The two kids entered quietly. The strains of a piano melody drifted up from the game room. Kasey smiled. "It's probably Hailey," she said. "Why don't you fix us something to drink. I'll be back up in a bit." Brandon nodded as his girlfriend headed down the hallway. Kasey looked around the door and saw Hailey. She'd seen that look before. Hailey was lost in her music. Kasey smiled. Just like dad, she thought, walking into the room. Kasey leaned against the piano and listened for a bit. Hailey finally looked up and stopped playing. "Hi, Kasey. I didn't hear you come in." "You wouldn't have heard a herd of elephants," Kasey said smiling. "Yeah, you're probably right. I do get lost in the music sometimes." "What were you playing? It sounded nice." "I was just doodling with something that Don left on the board this morning. Have you seen him?" "Not today. He left around 4. There was a note on the fridge when I got up." "He called me an hour or so and asked me to meet him here. He wasn't here when I got here." Kasey nodded. "So what are you up to this afternoon, Kasey?" Hailey asked. "Brandon and I were going to study." Kasey blushed. "Yeah, right. Anatomy, right?" Hailey winked. Kasey blushed again. "And I blew the privacy thing, right?" Kasey frowned and nodded. "Sorry." "That's okay." The pair were silent for a moment. Kasey broke the silence nervously. "So what's up with you and Dad?" "What do you mean, Kasey?" "I mean Dad's been acting odd the last couple of days. Not sleeping, not really there even when he is. You know, really distracted. I know the thing with Key West is basically over and you guys are rocking like nobody's business, so it can't be the band. Doesn't really leave much, you know?" "I guess." "I mean, I know it's none of my business what goes on between you two, but I'm a little worried." Hailey sat back and thought for a moment. "Well, Kasey, I'm not sure what is up with us, to be honest. I think that's the problem. I kinda lowered the boom on Don the other day." Kasey smiled. "I wondered about that." Hailey looked at Kasey. "How do you feel about us? Don and me, I mean?" "I think its cool." "And if we were to get married or something?" "Or something? Oh, you mean like move in with us?" "I don't think that will happen." "Oh." "I don't think Don will want a live-in with you here, Kasey." "Why not? It's not like I don't know you two are doing it." Hailey quirked her eyebrow. "Well, you are, right?" Hailey smiled. "Maybe." Kasey giggled. "Right." "Well, at least not while you are around," Hailey replied, giggling too. "It's okay. I don't mind, really. I think it would be great if you two got married or something." "I'm not going to replace your mother, Kasey. I know I could never do that." "Probably not, but you could be my cool older sister." Hailey smiled. "I think I'd like that." Kasey hugged Hailey. ------- Brandon was sitting at the kitchen counter with two glasses of coke. He waited nervously. The piano music had stopped and he could hear voices coming up from the game room. He couldn't tell what they were saying and he was getting more worried by the minute. The front door opened and Don walked in. Brandon stood up. "Hello, Brandon. What's up?" "Hi, Axe. Kasey went down stairs. Someone was playing the piano when we got here. They've been talking for a few minutes." "I take it that Hailey kind of spoiled your plans for the afternoon?" Brandon looked at his shoes, nervously. "Relax, Brandon. You don't need to be embarrassed about exploring things with Kasey. I know what is going on and I approve." Don put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Now, have you given any more thought to Kasey's birthday present?" Brandon nodded. "I think it's all set." "Do you need anything from me? Money?" "No. No, the plan is real simple. I hope Kasey will be happy with it." "Okay. I don't need to know the details. I just need to know when she's going to be home. I'm trusting you to treat her well. I can do that, right?" "Yes, sir. I, um, was hoping you wouldn't mind if she spent the whole night after the prom with me. I mean, um, I, that is we will be back after lunch the next day. If that's all right with you?" "Okay. But one of you needs to call me and let me know where you are sometime that night, okay?" "Um, sure thing." "It's getting awfully quiet down there. Perhaps we should go claim our girlfriends?" "I think that's a good idea, Axe. And thanks." Don slapped Brandon's shoulder and they headed down to the game room. Hailey and Kasey were hugging when the men turned the corner. "This can't be good, Brandon," Don said just loud enough for Hailey and Kasey to hear him. "And what would you know about that, Don?" Hailey smirked back, releasing Kasey and moving to Don's side. Don pulled her into a bear hug. "Damn you feel good, Hailey," he whispered. Don looked over at Brandon who was staring at them. Don nodded his head toward Kasey. Brandon nodded and soon he and Kasey were hugging and kissing. Don loosened his grip on Hailey and pulled her gently out of the game room. Brandon nervously pulled back from the passionate kiss and looked around for Don and Hailey. "I keep telling you Daddy doesn't mind, Brandon." Kasey pulled him to the sofa and put his hand on her breast. Brandon got the message and all thoughts of Don and Hailey were lost in the rush of passion and lust. ------- Don pulled Hailey out to the deck. "You know those two are going to be making out like mad down there," Hailey said after Don closed the door. "I sure hope so," Don replied. Hailey looked at him. "Brandon will treat he right and I'd rather they did that here in the privacy of my house than in his car in the park or something." Hailey nodded. "Does it bother you that I feel that way?" Don asked. "No, not really. It's just so different from my dad and me." "I'd like to think it's better. I trust Kasey. And she trusts me. I'll bet I know more about what goes on in her life than your father knew about yours." "Of that I have no doubt." Hailey leaned against the rail and looked at Don. "So?" "Oh, right." Don took a deep breath and looked at Hailey nervously. "What?" "I hope this doesn't blow your dreams, but there are some things that I don't want to do in public." Hailey looked at him nervously. Don took another deep breath and pulled Hailey's left hand toward him. She looked into his eyes as he cleared his throat. "I tried to think of something romantic and sincere and such to say, but nothing came. So I guess I'll just say this straight out." He paused again and took a deep breath. He could see Hailey holding her breath. "Hailey Marshall, will you be my partner, my love, my friend, and my wife?" Don swallowed as he managed to get the words out. Hailey looked down at her hand. Don held a beautiful ring between his fingers. His hand shook as he held the ring just off of her finger. A tear crept out of the side of Hailey's eye. She looked back up into his eyes and pushed herself up, capturing his lips with hers. The kiss was soft and warm and then it was gone and she smiled. "Yes." Don let out the breath he had been holding. He smiled as he pushed the ring onto her finger. "It's beautiful," she said, wiping the tear from her cheek. "So are you, Hailey," Don smiled. "You are sure about this," Hailey asked. "I mean, I really wasn't expecting this when I told you I wanted more." "I'm more and more sure every minute." Hailey hugged him. "You were wrong about one thing. It was both romantic and sincere." Then she kissed him again. ------- Chapter 24 The next two weeks went by in a blur of activity for Don and Hailey. There were dates to choose and people to see and when the two weeks ended, Don sat back and sighed. His first marriage hadn't been such a hassle. But the smile on Hailey's face when some part of her dream could be accomplished was worth every minute. And so it was that Don found himself on the couch idly sipping at a bottle of beer. Hailey was in the bedroom with Leslie, Jenny and Kasey. It was time for the prom. Don was pushed aside at lunch time. Hailey and Leslie ushered Kasey and Jenny to the beauty salon and then rushed them past Don. Hailey kissed him briefly as she headed to the bedroom. Don nursed his beer and listened to some music as he waited to do his one job, photographing the final product. Before that could happen, their dates had to make an appearance. It wasn't long before the door bell chimed and Don opened it. Walt smiled as he entered. "You remember Jenny's date, Tommy Patterson, Axe?" "Sure," Don replied offering the boy his hand. "Welcome. You might as well come in and sit. The ladies are still back in Kasey's room." Before Don closed the door, Brandon pulled up in his mother's Buick. He joined the others waiting in the living room. Don hollered back up the hallway that everyone's dates had arrived. Hailey was the first to appear. Don smiled. She was still in her blue jeans. Her eyes twinkled as she joined the men. Hailey hugged Wes and Brandon and smiled as Walt introduced her to Tommy. Leslie made her appearance next. She entered the room to a whistle and some catcalls. Her off the shoulder blue dress matched Walt's tux perfectly. Wes presented her with a corsage and they posed for a couple of pictures. Don was about to say something when Tommy gasped. Jenny blushed as she stood in the doorway. Her lavender dress bared one shoulder and flared beautifully at the hips. Don was sure he'd never seen Jenny look this good. He could barely hold the camera still as he snapped her picture. "Damn, girl. It's a good thing I brought my shotgun," Walt said. Tommy stepped forward and after telling Jenny how beautiful she looked, he nervously pinned a corsage of white orchids on her dress. Don took another few pictures with Tommy and Jenny, and then Tommy, Jenny, Leslie and Walt. He took the last one and turned toward the hallway to yell for Kasey. "Jess," He whispered. Kasey looked just like her mother. Her shoulders were the same barely tanned color above her jade green dress. Don snapped a quick picture of just Kasey. The he stepped close and kissed her cheek. "You look beautiful, princess." "Thanks, Daddy." Brandon pinned her corsage on her and kissed her cheek as well. After another round of pictures in various combinations, Hailey pushed Don next to his daughter and took the camera from him. After the flash, Don hugged Kasey. "Are you ready for tonight, princess?" he whispered. Kasey nodded. "If you don't want to go through with anything, call, okay?" Kasey nodded again. "Don't be nervous, Kasey. Just go have a good time." "Thanks, Daddy," Kasey said, smiling. She kissed his cheek and moved off to join Brandon. Everyone said their farewells and left Don standing next to Hailey. He sighed and closed the door. "My little girl sure has grown up to be a beautiful woman," Don said softly. "Yes, she has, Don. You've done a terrific job." Don kissed her. "Are you ready to go?" she asked. "Yeah, I guess we'd better. I'm sure Jane will give us no end of crap if we're late." "You better believe it." ------- "Where are we playing tonight, anyway, Hailey? You and Jane have been playing this one close to the vest." "We didn't want you to have a chance to back out, Axe," Hailey said softly. "It's a surprise." Hailey parked the truck in the spot next to the Cmonster truck. They were behind a huge auditorium. "You can take the blindfold off when we get inside. Jane said everything would be set. We go on in about five minutes." Don nodded and waited for Hailey to come guide him into the building. He was tempted to peek, but the consequences of doing so were spelled out quite plainly. He had grown attached to that part of his anatomy and decided not to risk its future. Jane appeared and grabbed Don's other arm. They stepped onto the stage and Don took off the bandana and looked around. They were behind a thick curtain. Don could hear the buzz of conversation beyond the curtain. The lights dimmed as he fastened his Les Paul's strap. He looked down at the set list and smiled. There were more slow songs than fast, not the usual Cmonster fare. There were even a couple of Barrier Riff tunes, including the unreleased song that Hailey had written. It was going to be an interesting night. Someone tapped on a microphone beyond the curtain. "Welcome to Jefferson High's Junior/Senior Prom. I'm sure you are all wondering why the music hasn't started yet." Jefferson High, Don heard. Kasey's school, Kasey's prom. He looked at Hailey. She shook her head and mouthed, "Focus." The voice continued. "We have a special treat. I was approached by a couple of former students. They have a band that plays about town. They wanted to play for the prom this year. And they were very persuasive. I remembered how good my proms were with live music and I agreed. I hope you all enjoy this one." The curtain opened as he said, "Let's welcome Cmonster plus one!" The students clapped. Sheila clapped out a four count and the music started. Axe joined in as the lights went up. The crowd gasped as the band started to play Barrier Riff's latest single and Axe stepped up to the microphone. Don sang as he looked out into the room for his daughter. He found her and Brandon. They were dancing close to the stage. He could see the smile on her face when Brandon turned her to the stage. Don smiled back and his music pulled him into that magical zone where everything is just perfect. The band played for a while. Leigh stepped up to Axe as he stared down at the set list. The next five or six songs were slow ones. "You're out for this batch, Axe." Don looked at her. He could see Hailey waving at him over Leigh's shoulder. "We'll take this set, Don. Why don't you see if you can dance with a few ladies? Maybe ones in green dresses?" "You don't think she'll mind?" Hailey shook her head and pointed off the stage. Don nodded and put his Les Paul down. He walked down the stairs as Jane stepped up to the microphone to sing. He could hear her starting to play the notes to 'Stairway to Heaven'. Kasey and Brandon appeared in front of him. "How's it going?" Don asked them nervously. "Oh, Daddy. How did you know I wanted you to play tonight?" Don smiled. "May I borrow your partner for a bit, Brandon?" Brandon nodded and put Kasey's hand in Don's. Don guided Kasey to the dance floor and began to waltz with her. "I didn't know anything about this, Kasey. Hailey dragged me here blindfolded." Kasey nodded and put her head on Don's shoulder. They swayed together until Don heard the words to the last slow verse. He gently guided her back to Brandon. Don kissed her cheek and put her hand in Brandon's and stepped away. Kasey was the center of attention. A dozen girls buzzed around her and Brandon. Don smiled. Kasey had been keeping their relationship quiet. So much for that he thought as he searched for Jenny. Cmonster ended "Stairway to Heaven" with a flourish as Don stepped up beside Tommy Patterson. "May I borrow your date for the next dance," Don said, tapping Tommy on the shoulder. "I don't think..." Tommy started before he could see that it was Don. "Of course, Mister Woodson," he said when he recognized Don. Don held his hand out to Jenny and she blushed as she let him pull her onto the dance floor. "Having a good time, Jenny?" he asked as they waltzed. "Yes," she said softly. "It's like a dream come true. How did you know that this was what Kasey wanted?" "I didn't. Hailey or Brandon set this up." Jenny smiled and put her head on Don's chest, dancing close. Don took her back to Tommy and went looking for Leslie. He tapped Wes on the shoulder. "Go away, kid." Walt said without looking. "Hey, mister, can I dance with your date?" Don said softly. Walt spun Leslie around and started to look angry until he recognized Don. "Bring her back in one piece, Axe," he said, bowing and backing away. Don held Leslie carefully as they waltzed, but Leslie was having none of that, she snuggled right in just like her daughter had. "You made their year, Don," she said softly. "Thank you." "Not my doing," he said. "Hailey or Brandon did this." "Maybe, but dancing with you was at least as important as you playing at their prom." Don smiled. "I hope I told you how beautiful you looked earlier." "You did. Thank you. I feel beautiful for the first time in a long time." "You and Walt look good together. Are you going to make an honest man out of him?" "I hope so. He said we have something to do later." "He's a good man." Leslie smiled and put her head back against his chest. "Oh, man, you wrinkled the dress," Walt teased when Don brought Leslie back. "I'll pay for the dry cleaning," Don teased back. "Can I borrow Bass for a number or two, Les?" Walt looked at him. "As long as it's not the last song," she replied. Don nodded. Don returned to the stage and the band finished out the set. When the last set started, Don stepped up to the microphone. "I need to borrow a couple of you from the audience. Walt Brown and Kasey Woodson, if you could join me on stage please?" There was a hushed whisper as Walt kissed Leslie and approached the stage with Kasey. "What are you doing, Axe?" Jane asked. "Lost Without You is next, right?" Jane nodded and then smiled. "You and the girls can rest a bit." Hailey appeared by his side with two acoustic guitars. She handed one to Walt and one to Kasey. "We're going to do 'Lost Without You'." Don said. Kasey blushed, but nodded. Jane pulled a microphone between Walt and Kasey. Hailey stepped up beside Don. Before they started, Walt leaned over and whispered in Don's ear. "Can I borrow a mic when the song's over?" Don nodded. Kasey started strumming. Walt joined in. Don played a soft lead. Don started singing with the other three joining in for the choruses. Don was amazed. The entire crowd stopped and watched, clapping along with Hailey, Jane, Sheila, Candy and Leigh. Don ended the song with a flourish. The auditorium erupted with shouts and applause. After Don acknowledged the applause, he turned to Walt. "It's all yours, Bass." Walt handed him the acoustic. Kasey kissed Don's cheek and headed off stage after handing Jane the guitar. "For anyone who doesn't know me, my name is Walt Brown. Axe said that I could borrow the mike for a moment. I'd like to ask your indulgence for a moment. I have a very important question for a certain lovely lady." Walt took a breath and continued. "Leslie Noonan, I love you. Will you marry me?" There was a shriek from the floor. Walt stepped down off the stage and walked toward Leslie who was being hugged by Kasey and Jenny. Don could see there were tears streaming down Leslie's face. Walt knelt before Leslie and held out a small box. Leslie nodded and Walt put the ring on her finger. Don turned to the band. "You guys still remember the anniversary waltz?" "It hasn't been that long since we played a wedding, Axe," Jane said nodding to Cindy. Walt pulled Leslie to the center of the floor when the music started. "Congratulations, Bass," Don said into the microphone. ------- Don sighed as they played the final song. He leaped off the stage at the end and hugged Leslie and congratulated Walt. He gave Jenny a hug and shook Tommy's hand before heading off to find Kasey. Kasey leapt into her Dad's arms and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for tonight, Daddy." "The night's not over yet, princess. Are you sure you want to go with Brandon?" "More than ever." Don watched as his daughter grabbed Brandon's hand, waved and hurried out of the hall. Hailey stepped up beside him. "Are you okay?" "Yeah. I think I am. Tonight was a special night. Thank you." Hailey smiled and then kissed him, hard. "We're gonna finish loading things and then I'll be back to take you home, cowboy." Don watched her walk away. Life was good. In another couple of weeks, he would be marrying her. Kasey would be a woman. Walt and Leslie wouldn't be far behind them on the parade to the altar. And then Barrier Riff would be back in the studio. Yep, he thought, a far cry from that flight back to Central City all those months ago. ------- The End ------- Posted: 2006-04-20 Last Modified: 2006-10-16 / 11:21:37 pm ------- http://storiesonline.net/ -------