Page 18 of Rock Bottom

He tipped his head to one side. “Recruited?”

“Into a gang. It’s how a lot of people out there survive. We were lucky. Had a lot of good people watching out for us growing up.”

“Is that how you joined your band?”

I laughed. “You think After Atom would be auditioning some broke kid from the projects? Hell no. Man, you don’t want to hear half the shit I had to do just to get on their radar. Nah, I made my first dollars as a musician busking on the street. Some guy recorded me and the video went semi-viral. Someone else hooked me up with the audition and the next thing I know, I’m here.” I spread my arms wide. “In the space of a few years, I went from flat ass broke and near homeless to being one of the most recognizable figures in the industry. At least, that’s the story they want me to tell. It wasn’t quite that easy, you know?”

“No, I don’t,” he said quietly.

I shrugged and folded my hands on the tabletop. “All I’m saying is it wasn’t a joyride. Just getting into the band wasn’t enough. I had to front a lot of money at first to buy equipment, new clothes, get a ride…I racked up a shit ton of debt to get started. I paid it all off as soon as I made it, but I was privileged, man. People were willing to invest in me. Not every kid has that. That’s why I’ve got to keep being successful, keep making music. For the other Dante Delucas sitting at home. One day, I’ll get the chance to help them.”

“Not if you OD,” Church pointed out.

I rolled my eyes. “Why do you think I’m here?”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to imply anything.”

“Yes, you did.” I shrugged. “It’s okay. I get it. I’m a screw up. The news says I’m a drunk and a junkie, but I’m not a bad person. I just got carried away. I spent most of my childhood wondering if I was going to be able to eat over the weekends and then suddenly I’m eating filet and lobster with movie stars. I just did what they were doing, except I dialed it to eleven because I thought I had to. I just...”

I just didn’t know how to cope. I couldn’t say it, though. It felt weird airing all my dirty laundry to a guy I barely knew, especially someone who thought I was an addict rocker party boy.

I shook my head. “My turn. You got anyone special waiting for you back home?”

He sighed and stared down at his hands before shaking his head. “No.”

“And if you did, they’d be a…” I leaned forward to try to prompt him to answer. “Girlfriend? Boyfriend?”

“Not you,” he answered dryly.

I grinned. “Come on. What’s wrong with me?”

“Aside from your cocky attitude, your terrible music, and your complete disregard for your own safety?” He shrugged and stood up. “Nothing at all.”

I took a minute to compute what he’d said while he went back to check on the chicken. “So you’re saying my having a dick isn’t the problem here?”

“Are you cleverly trying to pry about my sexuality?”

“Aw, that’s sweet. You think I’m clever!” I flashed him a big smile while he blushed. “I think you’re great, too. A little stuffy, but whew, that accent. The girls must be lining up to get with you.”

He sighed and started plating the food. “Not so much.”

Something in my chest pinched. I leaned back in my chair. “Believe it or not, I know the feeling. A lot of people think they want to date a famous rockstar until the paparazzi’s taking pictures through your bedroom window.”

Church huffed and placed the steaming plate in front of me. “If your previous bodyguard was doing his job, that wouldn’t have happened.”

“No one can keep those animals away.”

“I can.”

He said it with such confidence I almost believed him. Maybe he could. He was big and intimidating, more so than any of my previous bodyguards, even if it was only for show. Church could be grumpy, but I didn’t get mean vibes from him. Lurking somewhere under that scary guard dog exterior was a golden retriever puppy just begging to be brought to heel.

The pink blush spread further down Church’s thick neck. He turned his head and cleared his throat before standing. “I should do another perimeter check. Is there anything else you’d like to know?”

“Yeah. Why don’t we ever eat dinner together?”

“I assumed you wanted your privacy,” he said.

I kicked his chair back out. “Sit down. Stay a while. I don’t bite. Much.”

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