His Distraction (Assured Distraction Book 2) (5 page)

After saying hello to Peri with an affectionate hug and peck on the cheek making her blush, Cash tipped his head to both men.

Ryan was glad Hayden had come with him, even if he didn’t know exactly how Hayden was going to fit in with the group. He hoped Cash would find something for Hayden to do.

“So, what’s going on, Cash?” Ryan addressed him.

“Let’s wait until the other two get here. I want to go over the information I have from Frission about the next leg of the tour with everyone at once. Of course,
Chuck and Larry
would be late.” Ryan heard Cash’s phone chime as he spoke. “Gunner says they are almost here.”

Ryan saw KeeMac and Chandler with their heads together on the screen having a private conversation. Even with her whispering in his ear, Ryan laughed when he heard, “Have I met Chuck and Larry? I don’t remember them.” Ryan watched KeeMac start laughing with him until he heard him hit the floor with an
oomph
. “Why are you laughing? I’ve met so many people in the last few months; you can’t expect me to remember them all.” All Ryan could think was poor Chandler, the girl never has a clue.

“I’m sorry, babe. I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing at your naivety.
Chuck and Larry
is a movie with Adam Sandler and Kevin James. They get married to each other save his insurance for his family. It’s a hilarious movie. We’ve seen it so many times that we can quote most of it. Cash was referring to Carter and Gunner as
Chuck and Larry.
” A smacking kiss sounded over the computer, but Ryan knew Chandler was still angry at KeeMac for laughing at her.

“While we are waiting,” Ryan interrupted. “I wanted to introduce my cousin, Hayden, to you. He sat in with us last night while we worked on some music at my apartment. You remember Peri from yesterday, right?” Hayden tipped his head to her. Ryan then introduced him to Cash and pointed to the screen to introduce Chandler and KeeMac. Cash shook Hayden’s hand. Ryan could tell Cash was a little confused by the look on his face.

“Hayden came by the studio yesterday looking for Ryan, and I met him then,” Peri chimed in. “He’s an aspiring musician and wanted to meet up with his cousin. How did all that go guys?”

“Well, Hayden here is quite the singer,” Ryan began.

“I play guitar, too, sir.” Ryan gave Hayden a knowing smirk after his comment that contained a boyish charm. He had no doubt Hayden could turn that charm off and on when it suited him. Probably worked well with the ladies, too.

“’Sir,’ I like it. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that from this bunch of pricks.” Cash looked at the other band members.

“Damn straight, and I doubt you ever will either, so don’t get used to it. If anything, you should be saying that to us.” Ryan had to laugh out loud at Gunner’s comment as he entered the room, knowing the drummer only caught the last of the tail-end of that exchange.

Chandler piped up. “Why would you say something like that? Cash is the best thing that has ever happened to this band!” It never ceased to amaze Ryan how easily Gunner could get Chandler riled up.

“Calm down, Cupcake. I was only joking with him. We joke all the time about him being the boss when he knows deep down, I’m the boss.” Gunner smirked.

“I call bullshit on that one. Y’all know I am the boss.” Carter jumped in on the fun.

“Hey, Peri, look out that window and see if pigs are flying,” Ryan fist bumped the two band mates as they sat down in the room.

“Now that these two clowns have decided to join us, I want to go over all this tour information with you.”

“You know, Peri could have emailed us this stuff. We’ll never remember all this shit anyway.” Ryan stood up to collect the paperwork Cash held out and passed it around the table.

“Yes, she could have, but knowing you dumb S.O.B.s, you wouldn’t even bother to open the email. Half the time y’all don’t even return our phone calls. Hell, Carter can’t even keep track of his phone. He needs a leash on it or something.”

“Carter needs a leash on his dick,” Gunner added with a snort. “Keeps putting it in strange places, and one day, he’s going to forget where.” Everyone in the room laughed except Carter.

“Dude, I have real women who want a piece of me. Your junk’s so small women can’t find it with a magnifying glass, and that’s just too much ugly to see up-close.”

By now the whole group has erupted in riotous laughter at the two members that were a constant source of comic relief for the band.

“Okay, Okay, enough, children. We have work to do. You will see the actual tour schedule with the dates, cities, venues and times in the papers. Assured Distraction will be the opening act for Frission at each event as before. You’ve earned this honor, so be proud of yourselves.” After fist bumps all around, Cash continued. “There are going to be a few changes for the three months, though, that I want to discuss with you guys.”

The group collectively stopped talking and turned to look at Cash. “I will not be going with you. I’m sending Peri in my place, as your tour manager. She’s worked hard to get this promotion, and I think she is ready to take on this responsibility. Of course, if there is a problem, I will join you, but I don’t see that being necessary.”

Everyone spoke at once in agreement with the announcement, excited for their new tour manager. Peri was an organizer; she took care of things and always anticipated the band’s needs in advance, so nothing was a surprise.

Peri’s bottom lip seemed permanently lodged between her teeth from nerves until they made it apparent that they unanimously accepted her with congratulations and pats and hugs. She was part of this band family from the time Cash had come on board, and the group was thrilled with her taking over. “Thank fuck, she’s so much easier on the eyes! You mean if we behave ourselves, we won’t have to see your ugly mug for the next three months? Halle-fucking-lujah!” Gunner exclaimed as he pulled Peri into his lap for a big, adoring hug, and she laughed, hugging him back and then slapped at his playfully roaming hands.

“Gunner, there will be none of that on the road. She’ll be your boss while you’re gone, and I expect you to treat her with respect.” Cash’s tone was no-nonsense as Gunner gave her a sheepish grin and offered an apology.

“What are you going to do while we are gone, Cash?” KeeMac finally asked him on the screen.

“There are some new bands the label is looking at that our company represents, and we want to get the ball rolling on those projects. I’m damn sure not about to let you flounder out there, but I know Peri can handle it. She’ll have Frission’s tour manager there, too.”

“I’m going to let Peri take over the meeting now since this is her baby. Show her the respect she’s earned guys, please.” With that, he nodded at the group, gave Peri a reassuring hug and walked out wishing the group luck. The band knew it was a difficult decision for Cash to walk away from them since he had been with them from the beginning. His hard work had gotten them this far and pulled them through some rough times, and now that they were reaping the rewards. But Cash seemed ready to jump on to the new opportunities, leaving the band in Peri’s capable hands.

“Hey guys, I want to start by saying how excited I am to get to work with you all on a more personal level. I mean, I know you all pretty damn well, but now, it’s going to be great.” Peri spewed the words out faster than they could follow.

“I think you can calm down, Peri,” Chandler said through the speaker. “It’s just us, honey, and we are so proud of you for taking care of us like we know you will.”

“Hell, yeah, you’re right. You all know me. We are going to have a kick ass time on this tour with an awesome headliner. When it’s over, the US will never be the same! Everyone will know who Assured Distraction is!” She mimicked a coach giving a pep talk.

She relaxed some when the group laughed at her enthusiasm. “So, shall we go over the first week of the schedule? I want you all to know where we will be, and honestly, that’s probably enough info to take in all at once.”

Gunner chimed in, “You’ll be lucky if this bunch of dickheads can manage to make it to the plane on time. No offense, Cupcake.” She laughed over the speaker.

“You mean we don’t have to ride on the bus this round?” Carter asked.

“Uh, yes and no. We will be joining them in Seattle, so we are flying to meet them. The bus will be leaving a few days ahead of you.” Peri’s news caused the group to give a collective grown.

After reviewing the first week’s calendar, she told them she would check on anything they had questions about and made sure they all had her cell number. When the guys made their way out the door, Peri stopped Chandler from ending the call and moved directly in front of the laptop. “I’m so excited Chan,” Peri squealed into the screen.

“I am, too! Oh, my, god! It’ll be so great to have another girl on the bus that isn’t a groupie. I have a bet with Keeton on how long it will take before we get the first one for an overnighter.”

“Yeah, at least, you know better what to expect. It won’t be a shocker like the first leg of your last tour was.” Chandler agreed.

“Have you met the little cutie that’s biting at Ryan’s pant legs like a little puppy?”

“Yes, I met him when he stopped in here yesterday looking for Ry. It was an interesting seeing them meet. He hadn’t met Hayden before yesterday. His mom and Ryan met a long time ago when Ryan was a kid.”

“Oh, yeah? Ryan seemed pretty convinced of his singing skills. He said they had played together last night.”

“What? Ryan was supposed to be taking Krissy out last night. I set up the date night myself at the Driskoll. Wonder what happened?”

“I don’t know, but it doesn’t sound like it’s going to have a good outcome if he canceled on her.” Chandler surmised.

“Well, hey, I’ll let you go. Maybe I can ask him about it later. We’ll have plenty of time to hang out soon!” Peri logged off.

When she got to the front of the building, Cash was talking to the four guys. “Let’s go back to a practice room and listen to some of your music.” Peri caught the look Cash shot at Ryan as though he didn’t expect too much from the kid, but he was willing to humor Ryan. “You all want to join?” With nods of acceptance, they followed Cash down the hall.

Peri knew Hayden’s nerves settled down after playing the first few bars of the song by the look on his face. He apparently started with one of his own, and his deep rich vocal tones were amazing to hear. Its unique quality easily caught everyone’s attention.

“Hayden, that might just be the sound we are looking for,” Cash told him with a smile. Peri was happy that Cash was going to have the opportunity to do this job. He loved discovering and promoting new talent. She knew he hated handing over his prized jewel for the tour but he knew AD was on their way to the top of the charts and she could handle them. His expertise shined in getting newer bands moving in that direction. Hayden was something he could start fresh from the beginning. “Have you ever laid any tracks of your music?”

“No, sir. I’ve never had a chance to go to a studio since I live so far from anything. I mostly play in the bars around home in East Texas.”

“Then I’m glad you’re here. How many songs do you have written?” Let’s go down to my office and talk some more kid.”

“Guess my work is done here. I think I’ll add talent scout to my résumé.” Ryan said to the group as they all walked back to the front of the building.

“What résumé, dickwad? You know you don’t have enough skills to write a fucking résumé.” Carter loved pushing Ryan’s buttons.

“At least our résumés would look alike then, shit-for-brains.” Ryan countered.

Peri, shook her head and said to herself, “Oh, yeah, just a sample of the vocabulary and banter I have to look forward to for the next few months.”

At the front door, Ryan stopped mid-stride. “Oh damn, I've got to get to Tiffany’s, and it’s all the way up north of the city. I better take off.”

“Sounds to me like someone’s buying a suck-up gift,” Gunner said with a laugh.

“Yeah, well, some of us have a woman we care enough about to try to make things right when they fuck up.” Ryan shot back as they rounded the corner almost running into Krissy. “Kitten! God, I’m so glad you came to see me.” Ryan advanced on her leaning in for a kiss.

“Back the hell up, Ryan. I’m not here to see you. I’m here for a job interview. Peri called a few days ago and wanted me to take a new position that she was doing part-time now that she got a promotion. It will pay me more money than I’m making now, and I’ll be able to move into my own apartment without a roommate.”

“Why would you want to move right now? You still have a few months on your lease, don’t you?” He wasn’t sure where this was all going.

“I did until your dumb ass came busting into my apartment last night. After the yelling and screaming, the landlord showed back up this morning, and when I let him in he saw the door to my bedroom. He was furious, Ryan. He’s meeting with the owner today to see if it’s grounds for eviction.”

“Kitten, I’m sorry, and I feel bad about it, but why didn’t you let me in?”

“Don’t turn this around on me, Ryan. Everything that happened is your fault. Who kicks someone’s door in?” He knew she was still angry because her tone left no doubt. The distance she put between them made him angry, but he knew he deserved it.

“I’ll pay to have it fixed. I can get someone out there today.” He wanted to make it right for her.

“Your damn right you will pay for it! I told him you would but he said the noise alone was enough, and then there were my neighbors complaining. Now with the door, who knows?” Ryan knew the others tried to ignore their exchange, but Krissy’s voice kept getting louder in the small reception area.

“Come on. Let’s go over there now and talk to him.” He tried taking her hand to lead her out but once again she pulled away.

“No, you’ve done enough. Hang out with your little boy band. I’m here for an interview, remember?”

Peri stepped up and wrapped her arm around Krissy’s shoulder. “We can do this later if you need to.”

“No, no. I’m dressed and here. Besides,” she looked at Ryan, “I’m not ready to talk to his dumb ass. He’s such a dick sometimes.”

“Slip into the restroom and straighten your face, and I’ll tell the boss you’re here.”

Ryan watched as the two disappeared down the hallway. “Great. She’s pissed at me, may be homeless, and I’m about to leave for a three-month tour. I’ll never have a fucking chance to make this right with her before we go.” Ryan wasn’t talking specifically to Gunner and Carter, but they were still with him.

“Surely, she’ll come around before we go but what was that shit about being a boy band?” Ryan didn’t address Carter’s comment hoping he would drop it. Even though the guys liked to harass each other constantly over everything, they were like brothers and never liked seeing each other having problems.

“Guess we’ll see.” Ryan finally commented as he headed out the door with his head hanging.

Looking at Gunner, Carter said, “I fucking hate leaving if they can’t get their shit together before we go. He’ll be devastated if she breaks up with him.”

“Maybe we can get Chan to talk to her if it comes down to it,” Gunner added. “She might respond to a female who’ll be with us.” He didn’t want to interfere in their problems.

“Yeah, maybe Peri and Chan both can take her out for a girl’s night or something and talk to her.” Carter offered.

“Fucking good idea. Sometimes you think just like a female.” Gunner cuffed him on the back of the head.

Carter spoke in his best female voice. “Yeah, honey. I think we should plan them a perfect day out, like at a spa.” He examined his nails. “That’s right. They need a spa day before hitting the road. It’ll make them all mushy about each other, and they can share all their feelings all day long.” The two men laughed at each other as they left the building.

Walking out of the office, Peri and Krissy were laughing.

“I know you’ll enjoy this job. I’m so glad you’re going to be making a little more money here.” Peri commented.

“Yeah, me too. Maybe I’ll get lucky, and the old bastard won’t kick me out after all.” Peri wondered if Krissy’s mind was already in overdrive wondering what she would do if he did. Surely Krissy had some money saved but maybe not enough to pay for an apartment alone, and she might have to find another roommate.

“Hey, is Sawyer going with y’all on the tour?”

Peri’s smile dropped instantly. “No, there wasn’t a paid position for him on the tour.” Peri wasn’t actually lying when she told this information to Krissy. He didn’t have a job on the tour.

“Have you made the decision to take the job here or stay with your old one?” Peri changed the subject.

“Yeah, I think I am. I’ll have benefits here, and I don’t have them where I work now, so I’m glad about that. With the benefits and more money, it’s going to be a better job.”

“Great! Oh, you are going to love working here! I’ll tell my boss, and you can start tomorrow if you want to so I can train you. I have so much to do before we leave.”

“I’ll have to give notice before I leave my other job, though. I don’t want to burn any bridges because I might need them later on. I can start maybe on Monday?”

“Oh, yeah, you’re right. Job references are important. I was getting ahead of myself. Everything will work out for the best, I’m sure.”

“I hope so; I need them to,” Krissy said her goodbyes, promising to call Peri soon.