Page 90 of Hold Still

Ozzy

I PULL UPoutside McKenna’s house, excited to hear how her meeting with the Project went. I bet she kicked ass.

After today’s recording session, I did something I swore I’d never do again. I walked into a jewelry store and checked out some of their pieces. I decided on a bracelet that I know she’ll love. It has interchangeable gems she can match with her dyed hair—and panties.

Shutting Shirley off behind her little Honda, I put the kickstand into place. I flip open the visor of my helmet and direct my eyes into the little house. McKenna crosses the living room in front of the bay window. I sit like an idiot in her driveway and breathe in all that is my girlfriend. The woman who has taken my heart and given it new meaning.

As my hand comes under my chin to release the strap, McKenna stops moving. A guy appears in front of her, his hands on her shoulders. Who the fuck—my thought is cut off as he takes her into his arms and kisses her.

They’rekissing.

What the fuck is going on?

They turn and he puts his arm around her shoulders. She’s looking up at him but I can’t make out her expression.

Like I need to.

I know what her expression says. It says “I got that schmuck Ozzy to fall for me” and “We’re going to milk him for all he’s got.”

Too bad she doesn’t know I’m not worth much anymore.

I flip down my visor, release the kickstand and roll out of her driveway. How could I have been taken for a foolagain? Gotta give it to her, though. She’s a superb actress. My lip curls upward. Maybe the dickwad she’s really with can’t get her off like I do.

Somehow on the freeway, I gun Shirley. Eat up the miles. After driving aimlessly for at least an hour, I pull into my driveway. My empty driveway. What did you expect? A little Honda waiting for you?

Walking through the front door, Bans races to me. I drop a couple of pats on her head on my way to my target—the bar. There, I pour a double shot of whiskey and tip my head back, savoring the burn on its way down my throat. I slam the shot glass back onto the counter, picking up the whiskey bottle to pour another, when the doorbell rings.

She seriously decided to come here now? Right after sending her other boyfriend on his way? I join Bans at the front door and swing it wide.

“Hi, Ozzy. You left some paperwork at the studio, so I thought I’d—”

Aiden’s voice trails off when I leave him at the door and head back to the bar. “Want anything to drink?”

“I take it tea’s not on the menu?” Aiden asks when I don’t turn into the kitchen.

“No.”

Since he doesn’t reply, I pour my second shot and down it.

“Woah there, boss. Where’s McKenna?”

“Not here.” She’s with herotherboyfriend.

“Oh.” He shuffles some papers. “Well, ah, I brought your notes from the studio. And, I have some other things we need to go over to prepare for the end of your residency.”

A sound somewhere between a snort and a laugh escapes my lips. Of course my residency is ending. I have a quarter of a new album recorded, with other songs in various stages of draft. Luis’s words haunt me about never being able to finish up the album without him. His words are followed by McKenna’s saying she loves the songs and urging me on. I wonder if that was an act, too.

Aiden takes my silence as acceptance and spreads the paperwork over the coffee table. As if I care. I can sell my house in LA and rent a one-bedroom. Or I can fuck my way through LA and never need a home base—or an income. He talks about turning in the Penthouse at the Jade and this house, but I’m beyond caring.

Bans, as if sensing my unease, rubs her head on my leg. I pet her silky coat and she lays down on her back, wanting a belly rub. As I’m obliging my dog, I realize she’s like every other bitch in my life. Only, once I make her feel good, she still wants to be with me.

“I should stick with dogs, right Bans?”

She barks as Aiden drops his pen on the documents. “You haven’t been listening to a word I’ve said.”

“Nope.”

He sighs. “Did something happen between you and McKenna?”

---