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Zack
Something wasn’t right, I could just feel it. There was a tension between the three of us that hadn’t been there before. They were keeping something from me. Despite how good breakfast had been, I was too preoccupied in trying to figure out what was different to really enjoy the food.
Once the dishes were washed and put away, I couldn’t handle the weirdness between the three of us any longer. I had never been one to beat around the bush, not when I was a kid, and certainly not now, in the presence of the two people I considered my family. Narrowing my eyes at them, I asked, “Okay, what’s going on you two?”
Dylan and Violet exchanged a look. I’d noticed them exchange that exact look a couple of times throughout breakfast. There was certainly something going on.
“It’s a beautiful day, let’s go out to the pool area and relax so we can talk,” Dylan suggested.
It was as though they were working as one unit; while Dylan put an arm over my shoulder leading me toward the back doors, Violet grabbed a bottle of wine and three glasses. Boy, this ought to be good if there were getting out the wine directly after breakfast.
There was a set of white wicker patio furniture sitting out by the pool, which is where we sat down, across from each other at the glass table. Violet joined us with the wine, opening the bottle and pouring us a glass each before sitting between the two of us.
I didn’t touch the wine; I had more important matters to attend to. “Okay, so what’s going on? I can tell you two have something to say. If you’re just going to tell me you two have been fucking while I was away, that’s fine. None of us are exclusive, I’m not going to be upset over that, after the night at the resort I figured we’d left it on a decent, open note.”
The two of them shared another look.
Dylan was the one to speak. “There’s no way to say this other than just come out with it. I’m taking a break from the band.”
I felt as if I’d been slapped. “Is this some sort of joke?” It had to be a joke. We were in this together until we couldn’t play anymore; that was the plan. If it was a joke it sure as hell wasn’t a funny one.
“No, it’s not.”
Violet placed her hand on mine, but I barely noticed the touch, my eyes and attention were focused on Dylan—my brother—my best friend. “We’ve got a new album planned out. I’ve already got a couple songs written.”
“You still have Salvatore, Flinn, and Ethan. Flinn has a great voice, he can easily take over for me. He’s basically an extra guitarist anyhow, it’ll be a simple transition. And let’s be honest, you are the main front man.”
“Fuck that!” There was an array of emotions coursing through me; betrayal, shock, hurt.
Dylan frowned. “Please don’t be like this. You know Flinn can do the job.”
“It’s not a matter of whether or not he can do it. It’s a matter that this band started with us, the two of us. We are the band.”
“And now, you’re the band. And it’s not like I’ll be gone forever. I’m not saying that. Perhaps for the next album or two I would like to focus on other things. I’d like to get a feel for life outside of all the craziness of recording and touring. We’ve been doing this a very long time, brother.”
“Exactly. We’ve been together for twenty years—from the very beginning. I can’t believe you’d just bail ship when we’re on top of the world.”
“Zack. Please.”
I looked from Dylan to Violet. “What are your thoughts on this foolish idea? Did you at least try to talk some sense into him?”
She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.
Angered that she couldn’t so much as get a word out, I focused back onto Dylan. “If you won’t listen to me then what about her? Did she at least try to talk you out of it?”
“This isn’t anyone else’s decision but mine, Zack. Wouldn’t you like to get a taste of normalcy for a changeI know you like the party lifestyle, but you must be getting sick of it, at least a little bit.”
“Of course I do! But this is our dream.” Didn’t he remember what it was like to be living in shitholes, wondering if you’d have enough money to eat that day? Didn’t he remember how hungry we’d been for success?
“And we’ve achieved it.”
“And then what happens if the band can’t do it without you? It could be the death of Hypnotic.”
“It won’t be. Zack, I’m tired. I just need this break.”
“You can take a break when the band is dead.” I shook my head. This was pure bullshit and I was done with it. Snatching my hand out of Violet’s grip I grabbed the glass of wine, drank it down then placed the glass back on the table. “I’m going to go settle into a bedroom. I’m done with this.”
