AUTHOR'S NOTE: I went back and forth on selecting a rating for this story. For the most part, it falls under T, but it will have it's fair share of M chapters as well. There will also be strong language sprinkled like confetti throughout. You've been warned.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own ZOMBIES or any of the characters associated with it. The same goes for any songs from various artists I use.


On The Edge

Chapter 1

IT'S BEEN A WHILE

"Oh, hell no!" Lacey screamed as she stalked towards Macey. "Hell. Fucking. NO!"

Tracey and Stacey backed slowly away from them. There was nothing they could say or do to save their bandmate at this point.

"You're out, Macey! Do you hear me! You'll never play with The Acey's ever again! I don't care what crappy no-name town we're in! I want you off this bus NOW!"

"Lacey..." Tracey whispered pleadingly. "We need a bass player!"

She spun around fast, her blonde ponytail hitting him in the face as she did. "Do. Not. Start with me, Tracey!"

He held his hands up in surrender, moving aside so she could storm past him to the front of the bus. A moment later, they were coming to a stop.

Bucky poked his head out of his bunk. "Why are we stopped?" he asked sleepily. "I said no stopping until we reached Seabrook."

"Lacey's lost it Bucky! You need to fix this!" Stacey warned in a hushed voice. "She's literally throwing Macey's stuff off the bus!"

"Jesus Mahalia Christ!" He jumped out of his bunk and ran towards the door. "Lacey! What are you doing?!"

"I want her gone, Bucky! Either she goes or I'm pulling the entire band off this tour! I am not fucking around!"

"We're only a month in!"

"I don't care! This is all your fault! You're the one that brought Zombies in on this!"

Bucky threw his hands up in frustration. "What does any of this have to do with them?!"

"Macey slept with Zed..." Tracey whispered from behind him.

Bucky sighed in defeat. "Macey...I'm sorry. You signed the agreement long before the tour started."

"But...but..." Macey sniffled. Her short red hair falling into her eyes.

"I'm sorry. I'll get you a ticket back to New York as soon as we get to New Hampshire."

"She is NOT getting back on this bus!" Lacey sneered.

Bucky turned and looked at her. "We can't leave her on the side of the road."

"Like hell, we can't!"

"Lacey! Enough!" he snapped. "Everyone back on the bus! We're back on the road in five!" he said as he pulled out a cigarette and started to walk off.

"Where are you going?!" Lacey demanded, crossing her arms definitely.

"I'm going to attempt to salvage this tour and find a new bass player..."

"Good luck..." Stacey mumbled under her breath as she bent down to help Macey pick up her clothes from the side of the road. She looked at her now-former band mate sadly. "You're going to be hard to replace."

Lacey rolled her eyes. "We only play with Acey's, Bucky..."

"Lacey!" He spun around on his heels and stormed back to where she stood. "I have had just about enough of your crap! This is your last chance! I don't care if you were my first client or not!" He took a deep calming breath. "Now...I have someone in mind, and coincidentally enough her name does end in "a-c-e-y", but I swear to God...if you mess this one up..."

Tracey stepped in between them. "She'll behave. Won't you Lacey..."

She threw her hands in the air. "Fine. Whatever….she better not be a blonde though."

Bucky rolled his eyes and took a deep drag from his cigarette before walking off. When he was a safe distance from the bus he pulled his phone out. "Come on sis...pick up the phone."


Clunk...buzz...buzz...buzz….

Addison felt around next to her searching for the source of the obnoxious buzzing. She grabbed her phone and hit the button hanging it up.

Clunk…buzz...buzz...buzz…

She groaned and picked it up. "Hello?" she answered groggily as she tentatively cracked open one eye.

"Where the fuck have you been? I've been trying to call you since last night!"

She silently smiled. "Good morning to you too, Bartholomew."

"Addison, I swear..."

"Relax...and could you not yell so loud?"

Bucky sighed on the other end of the line. "Two questions...Are you home and are you sober? 'Cause we need to talk."

Addison sat up and looked around. "To answer your questions, no and kind of."

"Where are you?"

Addison looked around again, picking up the arm that was wrapped around her bare waist and moved it off of her. "At a friends house."

"And do you know this friends name?"

She scoffed. "Not that it's any of your concern, but yes...of course I do...it's Tim...or is it Tom...no, that's not right either..." she whispered as she stood up and started to retrieve her clothes from around the room.

"Addie..." Bucky sighed.

"I don't need a lecture B."

"I know."

Addison slipped her dress over her head and grabbed her shoes, quietly heading for the door. "So what did you need to talk about?" She glanced at the table in the foyer and read the name on a piece of mail. "Tripp! That's it!"

"What?"

"His name is Tripp...sorry, now what do we need to talk about?" she said as she walked into the bright Los Angeles sun.

"How are your bass skills?"

"You called me at..." she pulled her phone away and glanced at the time. "8 am to ask me how my bass skills are? Really?"

"Well it's already 11 here and I've been trying to call you since 4, so just answer the question."

"You know I can play, Bucky. I can pretty much play any instrument you put in front of me. Why are we asking questions we already know the answers to?"

He let out a soft laugh. "What are you doing for the next few months?"

"Um...pretty much what I always do?"

"So drinking like a fish, hooking up with random guys, hiding away from everyone and everything?"

Addison nodded contemplatively. "Basically...I mean, I don't discriminate...doesn't have to be a guy..." The line was silent for a moment before she quietly giggled, "I can hear you rolling your eyes."

"Yup." He took a deep breath. "Addison, I'm just going to cut to the chase. I need your help."

"Okay, now you're getting all serious on me. What's going on."

"One of the bands I manage is in serious need of a new bass player like immediately and we're currently in the middle of a tour."

Addison stopped walking. "And you want me to fill in?"

"Yeah."

She sighed deeply and dropped to the concrete, resting her head against a lamp post. "B...You know I don't perform anymore."

"Addie, I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't desperate."

"Bucky, I can't."

"Adds...please. You're the most talented musician I know!"

"I want to help, I really do. But I can't. You know this!" she pleaded.

"I really didn't want to have to do this..."

"What?"

"You owe me."

Addison closed her eyes and took a shaky breath. "Fine," she whispered.

"What was that?"

"I said fine. When, where, how long."

"We're in New Hampshire right now, we've got a gig in this small town called Seabrook tomorrow night. How soon can you get here?"

"I don't know. Probably tomorrow afternoon if I can book something on such short notice."

"Can't you just take the jet?"

"Again with the questions you already know the answers to."

"Please…."

Addison sighed. "I hate you."

"No, you love me and you know it. Now answer the question."

"Yeah, I can be there today then."

"Thank you! You are a lifesaver!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah...still hating you right now."

"Oh! And one more teensy-tiny little thing."

"What now?"

"You can't be a blonde."

"WHAT?!"

"The lead singer is a little territorial over her hair color."

"Bucky...you're pushing it. I don't do dark hair."

"I don't care what color it is. Just not blonde."

She clenched her free hand and counted backward in her head to calm down. "Fine. But now I won't be there until late tonight. I apparently have to call Bree. Is there anything else you want to drop on me?"

"Oh, um...the tour still has five months."

Addison closed her eyes again and took a deep calming breath. "Great...Now I have to sublet my apartment as well."

"Why are you even renting an apartment? The house is yours and is literally just sitting there empty."

"Ask me one more stupid question, I swear…"

"Fine."

She took another deep breath. "Bucky..."

"Yeah?"

"We're even after this."

"If this tour goes well, I'll owe you."

"Damn right..."

"I'll send you their playlist for tomorrow's show. Do you need the chords or is the audio enough?"

"Audio is fine."

"Thanks again, Addison."

"You're welcome. I'll call you when I leave." She hung up the phone and opened her eyes. She exhaled loudly and stood up, straightening her dress before requesting an Uber back to where she had left her car the night before.

When she finally got to her car, she pulled her phone out and dialed her best friends number. She cursed when it went straight to voice mail, she hated having to call the salon and deal with the sickeningly sweet receptionist. It just wasn't normal for someone to be that happy all the time. Begrudgingly she dialed the number to the salon.

"It's a great morning at Riche Salon & Spa! Anna speaking, how may I assist you today."

"Hi, Anna...Is Bree available?"

"May I ask who's calling?"

"Meg Jacobs."

"One moment Ms. Jacobs..."

Addison rolled her eyes. A moment later the line picked back up.

"Hey girl!"

"Hey, Bree… please tell me you can come over to do my hair like now!"

"Sorry, Adds. I can't leave the salon today. We're booked solid."

"Nooooo," she whined. She quickly made an illegal u-turn in the middle of the street. "I have to leave for a few months and I need to not be blonde and you know I'd never let anyone else touch my hair!"

"Wait...so many questions….Where are you going, why so long, and why can't you be a blonde?"

"Going on tour to help Bucky. Apparently, the lead singer has issues with hair color."

"You? On tour?"

"Yes."

"With your former step-brother?"

"Yes."

"Girl, just come in now, I'll do your hair in my office. I have so many more questions."

Addison laughed. "I figured you would."

"See you in a few Adds."

"I'm already parking," she said as she pulled into the lot on the side of the salon.

When she walked up to the door, Bree was holding it open. "Nice outfit," she said motioning to the short leather dress and black heels that Addison was

wearing. "Celebrating selling another song?"

Addison shrugged and shook her head. "No, just a typical late night, early morning."

Bree smiled and rolled her eyes. As they walked into the posh salon, Bree stopped by the receptionist. "Anna, please rearrange my first few appointments for the morning, I'll be with Ms. Jacobs for a few hours in my office."

"It would be a pleasure, ma'am."

"Thank you."

As they walked off Addison leaned over and whispered. "Please tell me she's like that because you pay her to be."

Bree laughed. "What?"

"Nobody is that perky...it's just not normal..."

"Says the former cheerleader."

"Cheerleader or not, the only thing about me that was ever that perky were my tits." She looked down her dress and smiled. "Thank God I still have that going for me."

Bree just smiled and continued to lead them through the salon and up the stairs. When they were finally behind the closed doors of her office, Bree turned to Addison. "So...How long are you planning on giving my staff a fake name for?"

Addison shrugged her shoulders. "Forever?"

"Girl, you can't keep hiding from everyone."

Addison nodded. "Pretty sure I can."

"Addie...it's been two years. The last time anyone else saw you other than me was the funeral. You changed your number, you've got no social media...You've managed to completely disappear while still staying in town...This can't be healthy."

Addison shrugged again. "We're all going to die at some point."

Bree threw her hands up in surrender. "Fine…I've given you my lecture for the day. So, if we're not doing blonde, what are we doing?"

"Nothing dark."

"Oh God no! I'll never let you make that mistake again."

"Other than that...whatever you want to do. You're the artist around here."

"Do you trust me?"

"What is with everyone asking obvious questions this morning?"

Bree gave her an odd look.

"Sorry...Bucky..." she offered in explanation, waving her own comment off. "But, yes...I trust you...obviously."

"Good...now sit your way too skinny butt in the chair and let me get to work."


"Ms. Donnelly...we're about to land."

Addison opened her eyes and sat up. "Thank you, Nancy," she said politely to the older flight attendant.

"Oh, no need to thank me, dear. It's been so good to see you again."

She smiled and nodded. "You too." Addison looked around the interior of the small plane, fighting off the tears that threatened to fall. She closed her eyes once more and took a deep breath. When the plane came to stop, the flight crew got to work opening the door and lowering the steps. Addison took one final sad look around before walking out the door. The moment she stepped out into the cold New Hampshire air, she shivered and pulled her black leather jacket on.

"Addie!"

She looked up to see Bucky walking towards her.

"Well if it isn't my favorite step-brother, once removed," she smiled as he pulled her in for a hug.

"Good to see you too," he laughed. "White?" he held the end of her hair up, examining it.

Addison shrugged. "You said anything but blonde."

Bucky smiled and shook his head. "It looks good on you."

"Bucky, everything looks good on me."

"A pizza would look good on you. Skinny enough? I can almost see your ribs."

"Note to self: No crop tops in this crappy cold weather or around bossy older brothers," she mumbled elbowing him in the stomach. "And I can't help it if I've lost more weight. You know songwriters aren't exactly rolling in dough."

"Addison...You have money. You don't have to live off of royalty fees."

"No, my family has money. I haven't done anything to deserve it."

He shook his head. "Still the same...Come on, we've got a lot to talk about on the drive over to Seabrook." He led her to the waiting rental car and popped the trunk for her luggage.

When they were finally on the highway, Bucky looked over at her. "So I know I owe you an explanation, and I know I'm asking a lot of you..."

"Understatement...You know the last time I was on stage was at the memorial service, right? You remember what happened, right?"

"I know...I'm sorry I'm making you do this. I know bringing everything up was a low blow."

"As long as you acknowledge it..."

"I'm sorry, but Addie...I really need this tour to work out. It's my one shot. If this doesn't work out...Well, my Dad's already planning on me joining the family business in an official capacity."

Addison cringed. "I so can not see you as the mobster type."

"My point exactly. He bought the bus and gave me his blessing, but he made it very clear...this was my one shot."

"I get it."

"Thank you."

"But I'm not singing...Like at all."

"That won't be a problem. Lacey, who's the lead singer, doesn't share the spotlight. Well, except occasionally with Tracey, and even he only gets one song per set."

"So what's the deal with this band anyway? Their songs aren't that great, honestly. I could write something better in my sleep...pretty sure I have, now that I think about it."

"That's because you're an amazing songwriter and musician."

"Don't butter me up."

He smiled and reached over to ruffle her hair. "You picked up the songs ok?"

Addison swatted his hand away and flipped down the mirror to fix her hair. "Yeah...they weren't exactly complex. So start explaining...Why are you wasting your one shot on them? Pouty wannabe rock bands like this are a dime a dozen, B."

Bucky sighed. "Lacey was the first person to give me a chance."

She rolled her eyes. "And you're nothing if not loyal."

"Exactly."

"So why do they suddenly find themselves in need of a bassist?"

"That gets a little complicated. So… The Acey's are, or better said, were, Lacey, Tracey, Macey, and Stacey. Lacey sings, Tracey plays guitar, Macey played bass, and Stacey is the drummer."

Addison stared at him. "Seriously? The Acey's? And they actually all have names that end the same?"

"They're quite proud of that fact."

"Great...Let me guess, I'm about to get a new name."

Bucky laughed. "You know it. How does Casey work for you?"

Addison shrugged. "Whatevs. It's not like I don't use a fake name all the time anyway. What's one more thrown in the mix… Do I have a last name?"

"Eh...I'll let you pick it."

"Fine. Just go with Jacobs. I already use that one."

"Why you just don't use your real name..."

She threw her head back and sighed. "I've told you a hundred times. Donnelly holds way too many expectations. Expectations that I'm never going to live up to. I had my shot, and I blew it. You of all people should understand that."

"You know I don't agree with you, but I get it," he whispered sadly. "Anyway...the other band on the tour is Zombies."

"Zombies?" she shook her head and chuckled. "You have two real winners B."

Bucky laughed. "Don't be such a brat."

"Don't know any other way to be," she smiled sweetly. "But, sorry...continue."

"As I was saying...Zombies is the other band on tour. They're really good. They're just missing one small thing to keep them from really hitting it big."

"And what would that be?"

He sighed. "Wish I knew...But yeah...Zed, Bonzo, and Eliza..."

Addison suddenly started to have a coughing fit. "I'm sorry, did you say Zed? Does he have a last name?" she subconsciously ran her tongue along the inside of her lip and bit it hard.

"Zed Necrodopolus, he's the singer and guitarist. Why?"

"Just not a very common name," she whispered as she let out a loud sigh of relief.

"Then there's James Bonzo, he plays bass, and Eliza Russel who is by far the most amazing drummer I have ever seen or heard. I swear she's like a female John Bonham…."

She smiled. "Sounds like someone has a crush."

"Actually, and this does not leave this car...We've been together for about a year."

"Really?!" she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him, making the car swerve. "I'm so happy for you, B!"

"Ah! Don't do that! I'm driving here!" He said as he straightened the car back out.

"Oops!"

Bucky shook his head and smiled over to her, "Thanks, Adds. But seriously...no one can know. I don't want anyone thinking I'm playing favorites. It's totally unprofessional to be dating a client, to begin with."

"Ease up, you're allowed to have a life and be happy. Your secret is safe."

"Thank you. Speaking of secrets. You and me...I don't want them knowing we're related."

"Technically we're not."

"You know what I mean."

Addison shook her head. "So, anyway...why the need for a new bassist?"

"Oh yeah, so Lacey and Zed had a thing at some point in the past that did not end well. She says he stole one of her songs, he says she's the one the swiped it. Needless to say, it's been the source for a lot of arguments."

"New bassist…."

"Well, as I said earlier, Lacey doesn't like to share the spotlight...or anything else for that matter. That includes Zed. She had me draft a contract for every member of The Acey's stating that they would not sleep with him."

"And Macey did."

"Yup," he said, popping the p at the end. Bucky took a deep breath and pulled over to the side of the road and put the car in park. He turned in his seat and looked at her. "Addison, I'm saying this with every ounce of brotherly love I have...Do not sleep with him. Please. Zed is your type through and through. He's crazy talented, tall, dark, handsome, and wears leather pants."

"Sounds about right," she said with a smile.

"But he's also trouble. He's got more issues than Vogue and will sleep with anyone with a pulse….Come to think of it he's like the male version of you."

"You say the sweetest things, brother dear."

"But seriously, I know you, and I know him. Do not sleep with him. Please."

"Bucky, despite what you may think, I can control myself. I may not always choose to, but it can be done. I'll keep my panties on."

"Promise?"

"I promise...unless I need to do laundry."

"Not funny, Adds."

She smiled and winked. "It was a little funny."

"Maybe a little," he cracked a smile and pulled her in for a hug. "I missed you."

"I missed you too. Now get back on the road so I can go meet the people I'm going to be stuck with for the next few months."

Bucky gave her a salute and pulled back onto the highway.


An hour later they pulled up to the venue that the bands would be performing at the next night. Bucky helped her grab her luggage and they started off towards the bus parked in the back.

"Remember, we're not related, I met you through a mutual acquaintance at an industry party in LA," he whispered as they approached.

"Because I'd actually show my face at one of those things," Addison sneered.

"Just go with it, please."

"Fine."

"And your name is..."

"Casey Jacobs. Bass player extraordinaire."

"That's my girl," Bucky teased, throwing her a wink. "You ready?"

"Bucky...wait..." Addison said, stopping and dropping her bags.

"What's wrong?"

"What if I can't do this? I haven't performed in front of anyone in years. The last time..."

He pulled her in for a hug. "I know. I'll make it as easy as possible for you. I promise."

"I swear if I have a panic attack..."

"I'll be on the side of the stage right by you."

"You better be, Bartholomew."

"I will...Now no more calling me that, got it," he teased, tickling her bare stomach. He sighed and glared at her. "At least with you on this tour I can make sure you eat."

"I eat."

Bucky narrowed his eyes making her roll hers.

"Whatever you say, B."

"Much better. Now let's go introduce you." He opened the door to the bus and climbed up the steps, turning to help her up. "Children, I'm home!" he called out.

"We're back here!"

They made their way down the narrow hall to the back room.

"Where are the other three?" Bucky asked looking around?

"Who gives a shit? Do I look like their keeper?" Lacey said not bothering to look up from the copy of Rolling Stone that she was reading.

"Nice, Lacey..." Bucky said rolling his eyes. "I was hoping to introduce everyone all at once."

"Well, we're all here!" Tracey smiled as he hopped off the small back counter. "I'm Tracey, I play guitar and on occasion, keyboard."

"Nice to meet you, Tracey. I'm Casey." She held her hand out and shook his.

"You are too cute! By the way...LOVE the boots...are those the new Ferragamos?"

Addison looked down to her knee-high leather boots and smiled. "As a matter of fact, they are."

Tracey dropped to his knees to admire them. "They're even better in person..."

"You'll have to excuse our very forward, very gay, very fashion-obsessed friend here," Stacey laughed as she walked over. "Tracey, get up before you scare her off." She looked back up and held out her hand and shook Addison's. "Stacey, drums."

"Casey, bass."

Lacey was the last to stand and walk over. She eyed Addison from head to toe. "How can you even afford those as a musician?"

Addison shrugged. "My priorities may be a bit messed up. I'd starve if it meant I could buy more shoes."

"Seriously?! Is that why you're so skinny?" Bucky said in shock. He suddenly remembered himself and backed up a step. "I mean, you just look a lot slimmer since the last time I saw you."

Addison rolled her eyes. "Glad I made such an impression at that party."

"So, Casey," Stacey said as she pulled Tracey to his feet. "What's your story, why the life of a struggling musician, why bass?"

Addison smiled. "For me, music is life. That amazing ride you catch when the notes and rhythms snap into place and connect, shaping audio beauty….It's about freeing the lyrics in my heart and watching them take root and blossom into something bigger..." she stopped and looked at Bucky before laughing, "And if you've ever sat on a monitor and hit a low C...you'll know why I chose bass. Best. Orgasm. Ever!"

Tracey and Stacey laughed while Bucky and Lacey rolled their eyes.

"Welcome to The Acey's, Casey!" Tracey threw his arms around her and hugged her tight. He turned his face towards Bucky and whispered. "I like this one!"

"I knew you would," he said with a large smile.

"She's not an Acey until I say so," Lacey sneered. "Can you even play? I'm not letting anyone into this band who can't handle my songs."

"Oh, you write the songs too?" Addison asked overly sweetly.

"Yeah."

Addison shook her head and smiled. "Is there anywhere I can plug in?"

"Amps over there," Lacey said jerking her head to the far corner.

"I'm going to grab my bass...I'll be right back." She turned and walked back towards the front of the bus. Bucky was on her heels and grabbed her arm.

"Do not turn this into a pissing contest," he whispered in warning.

Addison smiled sweetly up to him. "Whatever are you talking about?" she asked innocently.

"I know you… She doesn't know that you can play, and she doesn't know you write."

"She's being a grade A bitch."

"That's just Lacey."

She huffed. "Fine."

"Thank you."

Addison pulled away and flipped him off before walking back down the hallway. She walked over to the amp and plugged in. Her fingers flew across the strings as she played a series of complex chords and rhythms. When she stopped the whole room was silent for a moment before Tracey started to slow clap.

"Dammmmmmmn girl!"

Stacey smiled and clapped as well. "I didn't think anyone could replace Macey, but I'm putting my money on you."

They all looked at Lacey.

"Welcome to The Acey's," she said walking up to Addison and shaking her hand.

"Wow! From what I heard outside it sounds like you guys finally acquired some talent!" A male voice said as he walked into the room.

Addison froze. She'd recognize that voice anywhere. She ran her tongue along the inside of her lip and closed her eyes. Thankful that her back was towards the door.

"Play nice, Zed," Bucky warned.

"I always do," he said in a cocky tone.

"Right….Anyway, Zed, Eliza, Bonzo...this is Casey Jacobs. She'll be joining the tour as the Acey's new bassist."

Addison slowly turned around. Her breath caught when she saw him. He was taller and more muscular than she remembered, and the green hair was definitely new, but those eyes...those damn eyes...they were definitely the ones that she fell hard and fast for back in high school. She watched as sudden recognition flashed across his face. He licked his bottom lip and pulled it between his perfect teeth as his eyes moved down her body.

"Casey? Really? You guys managed to find another Acey?" Eliza said from next to him. "I can't keep you guys straight as it is. I'm just going to call you Princess."

Addison snapped out of her Zed induced stupor. "Princess?" she asked skeptically.

Zed let out a low scoff. "Boy is that fitting," he mumbled under his breath.

"Yeah, Princess...as in Snow White...white hair...it's easier to remember than another Acey name….I'm Eliza, by the way." She walked across the room and shook Addison's hand. "I'm sure you've already been told, but I play drums for Zombies."

"It's nice to meet you, Eliza, I heard a lot about you on the drive over," Addison smiled, stealing a quick glance at her brother.

"The two idiots standing by the door are Zed and Bonzo," she said motioning behind her.

Addison smiled and waved, trying her best to ignore Zed's penetrating stare.

"Why are we even wasting time with introductions?" Lacey said rolling her eyes. She turned and looked at Addison. "We may have to be on the same bus as them, but that does not mean we have to be friends with them. And I'm sure you've read the band contract?"

Zed started to laugh.

"That last part is non-negotiable!" Lacey said through gritted teeth, glaring in his direction.

"I've read it, I've signed it," Addison said calmly. Her eyes drifted over, meeting Zed's gaze. "It won't be an issue."

Lacey closed her eyes and smiled. "Good! Well...with that out the way, let's go get some practice in. We've got to get you up to speed!"

"Lacey, no amount of practice is going to make up for lack of talent," Zed said as he walked across the small room and sat down on the counter next to Tracey.

She rolled her eyes and flipped her ponytail. "Let's go!" she said as she stormed out the room. Tracey and Stacey followed quickly behind her.

"Good luck with that, Princess..." Zed whispered throwing her a wink.

Addison narrowed her eyes and unplugged her bass. "Bucky, just throw my bags onto my bunk. I'll deal with them later," she said as she walked out to join the rest of the band.


Two hours later, after going over every single song in The Acey's limited songbook several times, Lacey finally called practice to an end for the night. Addison was exhausted and in desperate need of a cigarette. As she started to dig through her bags piled up on her bunk she could hear a guitar being played from the front of the bus. A moment later a voice began to sing along.

"It's been a while...since I could...hold my head up high…. And it's been a while since I first saw you..."

Addison closed her eyes. Why did it have to be him of all people? She let herself listen to his voice. Her memories and constant dreams hardly did it justice.

"And everything I can remember...As fucked up as it all may seem. The consequences that I've rendered...I've stretched myself beyond my means..."

She sighed and shook her head, she needed to find her purse. She started to dig through her bags once more.

"Why must I feel this way?… Just make this go away…. Just one more peaceful day!..."

Addison smiled victoriously as she pulled her purse out of her last bag. She grabbed her cigarettes and phone out and took off towards the exit. As she walked out of the hallway, she froze. Her memories of him holding a guitar were nothing compared to the real thing. He looked up and locked eyes with her.

"And it's been a while...since I've seen the way the candles light your face...and it's been a while...but I can still remember just the way you taste..."

Addison shook her head and cracked a smile. "Your an octave too low. Stick to your range," she called out as she walked past him and out the door.

When the cold night air hit her face she let out a ragged breath. She took off through the parking lot and around to the front of the building, finding a bench a safe distance away from the bus. She lit her cigarette and inhaled deeply. She pulled up her phone and dialed.

"Fucking voicemail!" She waited for the beep "Bree...you're never going to believe the mess I just got myself into..."


AUTHOR'S NOTE: And welcome to the craziness that this story will be! I'm sure the first chapter comes across a bit confusing, but all will be explained in the upcoming chapters. I know this story is TOTALLY different from my previous, but please stick with me! It's going to be a wild ride!

SONGS USED:

Staind- It's Been A While