Rising (Blue Phoenix, #4)(14)

Not my problem. I can’t fix them. The mantra continues, but weakens.

Jax corners me as usual, his hero-worship flattered at first but is bordering on annoying now. He wants to show me a new song he’s written and asks for input. Jax is determined, the driving force behind the band and reminds me of myself. A less f*cked up version. Jax seems to have his head screwed on the right way, probably had a calmer start in life. I relent and give him the nod to show me. I guess I annoyed the crap out of people pushing Blue Phoenix onto everyone back in the day.

Jax drinks from a bottle of water. He’s learned I’ll pay more attention if he keeps alcohol away from me, then plays what he’s written and I’m impressed. He’s a talented guy.

“I’m going to sort you guys a tour then some studio time,” I tell him.

Jax’s face transforms from rock-star cool to open-mouthed astonishment. “f-ucking serious?”

“Yeah. We need a proper set of tracks to play Steve. The couple of songs you have on Bandcamp aren’t enough. We gotta get you out there.” I pause. “Needs a bit more commitment though.”

“f-uck, yeah! I’ll drop everything - time out for a few days.”

“Not just you. You’ve got to all be able to commit.”

Jax nods vigorously. “We’re committed.”

“Ruby?” I set down my guitar. “And her ‘health problems’.”

The sharp look he gives me is an exchange of understanding. “She’ll be cool. She wants this as much as the rest of us.”

“I don’t doubt that.” I pause. Shouldn’t get involved. “What’s going on with her?”

“What do you mean?”

“Ruby. Cool chick, ballsy but she doesn’t look well. Is she using? That’d be a deal-breaker for me.”

“No,” says Jax firmly. “We don’t. None of us.”

“She looks ill.”

“She’s had a tough time the last few years.”

Not going there. “Okay. Obviously not a healthy lifestyle though.”

Again, a look passes from Jax, the need to know but not want to hear. “She’s trying to change the things in her life doing damage, but it’s tough for her.”

“Yeah?”

Jax sets down his drink. “Listen, Jem, I keep out where I need to and help where I can. Don’t push this. It’s complicated and not our business. I’ve tried to help but she won’t let me.”

“She’s your friend.”

“Yeah and how f-ucking frustrating do you think it is? But what can I do? I’m there when she needs, if she needs. You? As soon as it interferes with your project, step in. Otherwise back off,” says Jax then stands. “I need to help set up before Will gets the shits with me.”

My project. Pull back, Jem. Keep out.

I follow Jax and sit at the back of the small theatre, feet on a chair in front and watch how the band interact setting their gear up on stage. How did Blue Phoenix get so lost? The Ruby Riot easy-going relationship is apparent. The synchronicity performing onstage is always matched by offstage, as the brothers laugh at Jax’s attempts to boss them around. There’s a couple of chicks hanging around today, grungy girls in flowery dresses and sloppy cardigans. No Sara, thankfully. Ruby doesn’t speak to them, and they stay clear of her.

Dan skulks at the edge of the stage; with his muscles he could join in and help set up but I suspect the band tries to keep him at arm’s-length. He’s been at each of the last couple of gigs, watching over Ruby’s every move. The guys rarely speak to him.

Ruby has trouble tuning her guitar and Jax goes over with his, the pair of them attempting to get the sounds in sync. Then they kneel on the stage together, looking over a set list and Ruby scrawls through with a pen, rearranging the order. I can’t hear their conversation but see Ruby getting agitated and Jax’s attempts to calm the situation by touching her hand isn’t helping. I straighten as her voice rises. This isn’t going well.

Dan sits forward, elbows on his knees as Ruby and Jax continue their head to head. Jax pushes Ruby’s hair away from where it splays across the paper taped to the floor in front of them, and she freezes, catching his hand. She remains holding it for a few seconds too long for my liking. Is there something going on here I’m not aware of? And if there is, why is my heart sinking?

Jax cheers as Ruby hands him the pen back and calls a triumphant ‘yes’ before he grabs her by both cheeks and kisses her mouth. Ruby shoves him hard in the chest and, as he’s squatting, Jax lands on his back. He lies for a moment laughing and Ruby gets up and storms from the stage area.

Dan follows.



****



RUBY



Shit.

I stride toward the Ladies, almost breaking into a run. I know Dan will follow. If I get their first and wait inside, will Dan be calmer by the time I come back out, or more wound up?

What the f-uck does Jax think he’s doing?

Dan catches up, his heavy footsteps on the tiled floor behind. Fingers dig my arm as he drags me to one side. Gauging his mood isn’t needed; his heavier breathing and reddening face tell me all I need to know.

“You said you weren’t screwing anyone else,” he growls. “What the f-uck was that?”