My Melody (Downtown Book 3) (25 page)

Signing on that dotted line was a moment I’ll never forget. I am now a signed music artist, with one of the fastest growing music labels around. It’s a dream come true. The best part was that all my friends showed up at the studio when I came in to see June. She turned my signing into a party. I loved this lady!

We are all gathered in the front part of the studio; June hands everyone a glass of champagne and announces, “Melody, congratulations, my friend! Welcome to BT2090!”

I close my eyes when Wayne kisses the side of my head. He squeezes his arm around my waist and tells me he loves me. I listen to the claps and whistles from my peers and get teary eyed. I am surrounded by the best group of people I know.

I stand up from the couch, that is near the jukebox. It’s hard for me to form any words. I’m not used to getting emotional. “Thanks you guys,” I manage to say. “I really appreciate you all being here for me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

We drink our champagne and start to mingle; music is played in the background. I receive hugs from
JINKS,
then Phillip. He congratulates me and stays by June’s side, holding her hand. I still think they’re an odd couple, but they somehow make it work and look adorable together. “June, thank you so much for taking a chance on me.”

“No. I want to thank
you
for trusting me and my company.”

I sit back down next to Wayne and place my available hand on Wayne’s thigh. “Well, if it weren’t for you and Wayne, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“It was all you, Babe,” Wayne says.

“No, it wasn’t.” I turn my front toward his. “You’re the one who jumped started this whole thing. You are my savior, and I love you.” I place my knees on the couch, straddling him and crush my lips onto his. We moan into each others mouths, tasting the sweet bubbly we both just drank. My arms naturally go around his neck, feeling my nipples harden the second our chests squeeze together. His hands grab my ass, tightening my inner core, I can sense his crotch bulging out. It turns me the hell on, we’re practically dry humping one another.

We had forgotten we were in a room full of people when Slim pulls us apart. “Alright, no more sucking face, you fucking love birds,” he says irritably. He shoves a shot of tequila in our hands and shouts out, “Let’s get some shots down!” He guzzles his down and makes way for another one. He seems really strange right now. I settle my behind back on the couch and ask, “Is Slim, okay?”

“He hasn’t been able to get a hold of Lyric.”

“Seriously?” I gasp. “Her dad is still keeping her away from him?”

“Seems so,” Wayne shrugs. “He’s a fucking control freak.”

“Can’t believe he’s like that. He definitely hides it well when he’s on camera.”

“Got that right.” Wayne grabs our discarded champagne glasses - that somehow magically left our hands when we were making out - and hands one to me.

“He can’t keep her away, she’s your manager,” I complain.

“Bet he’s trying to get her to quit. Slim won’t let it happen, though.”

Wow, that man is a bastard, if that’s the case. I really hope, for Slim’s sake, Lyric gets in contact with him. He’s a hot mess, and I have feeling he’s got something deep for her, other than friendship. “Does he have a thing for her?”

“Not sure,” Wayne shrugs. “He says he doesn’t, but that’s just Slim being in denial.”

I bring the champagne up to my lips. “Boy, don’t I know
that
feeling,” I scoff.

He pulls me closer to his side. “Glad you got your shit straight, Baby,” he mutters in my ear.

I get chills from his husky voice. “Me too.” I turn my head and smile. We kiss.

No sooner do we get yanked away by Slim, again. “What is this, a makeout session or a fucking party! Drink up!”

“Dude, stop acting like an ass,” Wayne growls.

“What, now that you’re getting hitched, you’re already forgetting how to have fun? Where is my wingman when I need him!” Slim shouts, waving his arms around like a drunken lunatic. Oh man, he’s making a fool of himself.

I eye Wayne. He’s seriously pissed off. “Bro -”

“What!”

“Get a hold of yourself.”

Slim un-humorously laughs. “You are losing your groove brother.”

Jason, Danny and Lucky come to the rescue. Jason slaps a hand on Slim’s shoulder. “Let’s go take a walk. Cool off for bit, alright?”

Slim rolls his eyes and allows Jason to take the lead.

“Be right back.” Wayne kisses me, then is helped up from the couch by Lucky. It’s not easy for him being in that cast. He grunts every time he has to do something that usually comes easy for him. He’s not used to having anyone help him with anything, and I think that annoys him. My big strong, sexy man has too much pride in himself. Lucky hands over the crutches to Wayne and follow the others outside for a breather. I hope they can help Slim calm down.

After watching Wayne walk out the door, my sister, June, and Faith surround me. They’re a good distraction.

“I am so proud of you!” Harmony says, giving me a hug.

“Thanks, Sister.” She plops herself down next to me on the couch.

“So, how does it feel to be a signed artist?” Faith asks.

“Friggin’ insane!” I laugh. “But so awesome. I couldn’t be more happy.”

“Good,” Harmony smiles. “Happy looks beautiful on you.” I totally agree with her. I intend to stay happy.

June sits across from me on the coffee table. “Now that we have you signed, Missy, we need to throw you a bachelorette party!”

My eyes light up. “Yes!” I shout. “That sounds amazing! Like what?”

“Well, since I know you love dancing, how about we go club hopping?”

“Hell yes, bring it on, June!” We high five one another. I am so excited. I knew there was something good about getting married - dancing and partying are my fortey.

“I am so ready for a night out on the town. What about you Harmony?” Faith asks.

It takes a moment for my sister to chime in. She’s not huge on going out anymore, not since her and Danny have been together. Plus being a stripper in her past, dancing has taken a back seat. “Yeah. Okay, I’m in!”

“Great!” June exclaims. “I’ll invite Peta too, if that’s okay?”

“Sure. The more the merrier.”

“Oh, thanks.” June is handed a tray of shots, from one of her staff members. We each take a shot glass. June has us hold up our glasses and makes a toast. “So…here is to good friends, family, a new beginning and lots of future sex!”

“Hell to the yes!” I hollar. Sex with Rocker Boy is a no brainer. I’ll take him any day or night and rock his world.

Once the celebration of my signing was over, Wayne and I took Slim back home and stayed in for the rest of the night. Slim apologized to me for being an ass earlier. I didn’t blame him for any of it. He was acting out because of Lyric. I didn’t tell him that, but I knew it had something to do with her.

The next week,
Good Morning America
did a follow up with the guys. They did the show live, from BT2090 studios. June was over the moon, excited about having it be done in her own studio. Harmony, myself and Faith watched our hot rockers being interviewed. They talked about the tour, their album and of course the accident. That was the main reason for the interview. It was pretty awesome to see them talking to
Robin Roberts
. She was a very respectful reporter and was so nice to the band. She even mentioned wanting them on the program for a mini-concert. Totally surreal moment for
JINKS
, I’m sure. June was on top of this and had GMA on the phone, planning this concert. Gotta love how determined she is. I admire her so much and can’t wait to get started on my album.

*8 weeks later

I had my dress on, hair done, nails painted, makeup on, and was literally a fucking nervous wreck! It took me two whole days to find the right dress. Thank God for Faith. She had every wedding department store, around the city, come to the hotel to bring me loads of dresses. I tried on almost every white, cream, purple (hell no), light pink, yellow - every wedding dress that was handed to me - until I was blue in the face. If this was how every wedding was like, I hope to God I was never going to do it again. No more weddings for me. This marriage better fucking work.

After…oh, let’s say over one hundred dresses, I had finally chosen the one that fit my style just perfectly. It was a long, backless, sleeveless white gown, with Chantilly lace embroidered around the bodice, back and V-neckline. It was simple, yet elegant and had that rocker vibe to it. I couldn’t go for the traditional gown, so when I stepped into the silky, soft and very sexy gown, I knew it would rock my body. I fell in love with it.

And here we were, a week later getting married! We decided on having a small ceremony at Wayne and Slim’s house - now it would become my house, holy crappola. I didn’t want a ton of people at the wedding. Only those I considered my family. The backyard was big enough and secluded enough where we wouldn’t have any media or neighbors getting a view of our day. Faith and Harmony took care of everything for me. A mixture of red and white decorations filled the backyard; silk covered chairs, a gorgeous white canopy, flourished with red and white roses and a red carpet leading from the beginning of the backdoor, ending at the alter. It was more than I could ever have imagined.

I’m pacing around Wayne’s bedroom, going stir crazy and on the verge of having a panic attack. I can’t believe I got myself into saying yes to marrying Wayne. What the hell did I do! “Oh, my God. I can’t do this. I can’t!”

Harmony takes me by the shoulders. “Calm down, Mel. Breathe, long and slow.” She’s blowing in and out, trying to get me to follow her.

I do my best, but I am not doing a very good job at it. “What am I doing? I’m not marriage material. It’s all so wrong. I was never supposed to get married,” shaking my head.

“Yes you were. You just didn’t know it.” I love how confident and positive Harmony is. Wish I was more like her right now. “You look unbelievable. Wayne is going to explode when he sees you.”

“God, he better, cuz I love this dress. Cost a fucking fortune,” I mutter out.

“Damn straight,” June jumps in.

I keep breathing, trying to relax, but the thought of me walking down that aisle, professing the rest of my life to Wayne is -”

“Melody.” I turn around from my mini-attack and find Helene standing before me. “You are breathtaking.”

I gasp from her beautiful presence, and rush into her loving arms. “Helene, you came back.”

“I couldn’t stay away from seeing this moment.”

She came all the way from Australia for me - my wedding day. I want to break down and cry. Having her here means everything to me.

My insecurities are getting the best of me, so I tell her, “I don’t think I can do this, Helene.”

She pulls me in for another hug, rubbing my back. “Oh, yes you can. The man of your dreams is outside those doors, waiting for you. You deserve to marry him. You deserve a happy life. Allow yourself to believe you’re worth it. Because you are. Be happy.”

“I agree,” Sheri says. She gathers my right hand, while Helene grips onto the left. “I have never seen my son so happy. He lights up the second you enter a room. The same goes for you. It’s a wonderful thing to witness. Reminds me of myself and Michael.”

I never thought this could happen. I lost one mother from a devastating car accident, all those years ago, to gaining two mothers in a year. This is truly overwhelming and emotional for me. What would I do without these women in my life? My mother must be looking down upon me, giving me her blessing to go forth, to accept Helene and Sheri as my mothers’. She wants me to live without the fear of losing another person I love. I’ll do my best. Getting married is a huge bridge I am crossing, and I hope to God I make my mom proud.

“Are you ready?” Faith asks.

I look at all the women, who are now in a circle with me. I’m shaking with nerves. “I don’t know, I am so scared.”

“Once you look at Wayne, all your fears will vanish. Trust me.” Faith sounds so confident. I sure hope she’s right.

June moves over to the door to get a peek outside. “He looks totally hot, by the way. O.M.G.!”

I giggle with nerves and definitely believe June. Wayne is going to make me pass out when I see him, I just know it. He’s too hot for his own damn good.

We hear the music start up, from outside, warning us that it’s time. Harmony knows I’m not breathing, that I am about to lose it. She takes me by the shoulders again and says, “Remember to breathe. You’ve got this.”

“Why couldn’t you have gotten married first, huh? Why does it have to be me?”

She laughs, “Because this is the way it was supposed to happen.” She sees the panic in my eyes. “Breathe,” she repeats.

I begin breathing in, out, in, out. “Yeah, okay. You’re right. I’ve got this. The panic attacks will not ruin my day.”

As soon as I get myself under control, the door opens. It’s Michael. “I am ready to walk this gorgeous woman down the aisle,” he winks, then offers his arm for me to grab on to.

I graciously accept. “Thank you for doing this.”

“I wouldn’t say no to a stunning creature like you,” he winks again.

“Michael,” Sheri says, with a warning tone. I gather this is the norm for them both. Wayne definitely takes after his father.

“Let’s do this,” I say, with more confidence.

Marty Cooper, the photographer who took
JINKS’
album cover, takes a few pictures of me and Michael before we head out of the room. I had forgotten she was in the room the whole time, snapping away as I was getting ready. I have been is such a state of panic I didn’t notice her presence. Hope she doesn’t think I’m a lunatic or anything. Anyways, once Marty takes her final shot, Michael and I walk out of the room.

Faith is right. The second I see Wayne at the end of the aisle, my worries disappear, my panic attack vanishes and I no longer have any fear. I am meant to be where I am today. The love of my life is waiting for me, with a sexy smirk upon his gorgeous face, making my knees weak. He’s wearing a tailored black tuxedo, with a gray buttoned up shirt - slightly unbuttoned at the top, revealing part of his neckline. He’s not wearing a tie. He doesn’t need one. He looks amazing just the way he is. He does have a bit more gel in his hair. It’s standing up a little higher than it usually does, I guess so it doesn’t lay in his eyes. I love it.
My favorite Rocker Boy
.