Surrendering (Surrender 1)

“Are you fucking serious? When’s the last time you spoke to Jessica?”

“Last week.”

“I fired her yesterday for shit like this. She’s a dipshit and her message to you is exactly what I don’t want for my label. Desire and edge comes through in your talent and performance- not who you sleep with at night. What about Raven? How’d she feel about her engagement being referred to as a ‘situation’?”

Nate, Blake, and Cooper join us. They catch tail end of the conversation. Blake’s face has gone white. He looks sick.

Mike continues. “I think you guys have what it takes to go mainstream. MJ label isn’t after trouble. I’ve built my business on honesty and I have a solid reputation. We have several big names recording with us right now and none of them have any drama. I personally think the story of Sayge’s lead singer being engaged would draw more fans. Not everyone out there wants the story of drugs, rehabs, and womanizing musicians. If I signed you, I would capitalize on the relationship between you and Raven. As you can see, Jessica didn’t share my vision.”

I lunge at Jay, but someone grabs me from behind and holds me. Jay slinks back not saying a word. Everyone is watching me.

“I’m coming to a few of your shows in North Carolina; let’s talk then. Good luck.” Mike shakes my hand, gives me his card, and leaves.

“Hey, was that Mike Jacobs? I thought I saw him earlier with RJ, but I didn’t get to talk to him.” Jimi asks after missing all the drama.

I don’t say anything, but nod my head to confirm. No longer on my post show high, I push through them hoping to find Raven in our RV. She’s not there.

I search the entire area, but I can’t find her anywhere. I call her phone but it goes directly to voicemail. I leave several messages and send a few text messages, begging her to call me. I’m such an idiot. How many times can I screw up with this girl and expect her to forgive me? I can’t wait until Sunday night to see her. I know she starts her new job soon, but maybe we can get a schedule together for her to meet me on weekends; whatever it takes. I need her with me.

*****

I take a shower and dress quickly. I throw all my stuff in my duffel. I walk out of the bedroom and down the short hall to the kitchen area. Abbi and Ella are waiting for me there. Jimi is leaning against the wall and the rest of the band is sitting on the couch. Jay is nowhere to be found. At least he has sense enough to stay away.

“What’s up? I’m on my way out.”

“Declan man, we’re sorry. We thought Jay knew what he was talking about. We didn’t think it would come to this.” Cooper tells me.

“I really don’t have time to fuck with your bullshit right now. Going behind my back and pressuring me into something I hated was low, but using the band’s success as leverage against my relationship was out of line. Let’s just hope Raven will listen to me when I show up on her doorstep begging for forgiveness.”

The room goes silent and it’s evident that something’s wrong.

“Shit, she didn’t tell him.” Blake whispers to no one in particular.

“Tell who what?”

Silence.

More silence.

No one will look me in the eye. I step right in front of my sisters, knowing they’ll tell me.

“What’s going on?”

Ella answers, “Dec, how much do you know about Raven’s summer job?”

“Not too much. I know it starts this week and her dad set her up with a business associate. I know she only took the job because I told her I wasn’t bringing her on the tour with me. But don’t worry, I’m going to change that tonight.”

Ella and Abbi exchange glances and the room’s still eerily quiet.

“That’s probably not going to happen, Dec. I doubt you’ll get to talk to her tonight, or possibly anytime in the next few days.”

“What the fuck does that mean?”

“Raven’s left. She waited until the last possible minute for you to change your mind, but you never did.”

“Well, now I know a lot of bullshit was fed to me. Maybe she can meet up with us on the weekends. I’ll fly her in when she gets off work. Why are you being so cryptic?”

“Because you ass hat, Raven’s new job is in Paris, France!”