Too Young to Fall in Love.

...two years later, present time.


I’m sitting, Indian style, on the bar with my laptop in my lap as I edit my latest photoshoot before it’s time to open up the bar itself. It’s been a rocky two years but I managed to do two things I’ve always wanted to do, become a well known photographer and open my bar. Tonight marks one year since opening Sinister Sixx and I just finished a wedding shoot for a huge client. Life is looking up for me and honestly, I’ve never been happier.

“I don’t understand why you listen to this shit.” Derek, my head bartender, says as he walks into the bar area just as Knives and Pens by Black Veil Brides comes on. “You can’t understand a fucking thing he says when he screams. If you want to listening to screaming, listen to death metal.”

“And be mistaken as a devil worshipper more than usual?” I look up at him with a smirk on my lips. “Never. Besides, if you don’t like it; change it!” With that the song turns into Cradle of Filth’s cover of Hallowed Be Thy Name. I just roll my eyes and continue to work on my edits.

“Why do you still listen to Black Veil Brides anyway?” Derek asks. “Didn’t the bass player break your heart or some shit?”

“Try the other way around.” I reply, barely looking up at him.

“You’re telling me you broke the heart of the womanizer of Black Veil Brides; the Nikki Sixx of our generation.”

“Let’s not compare him to my dad okay?” I let out a humorless chuckle. “He’s not that good of a bass player and he’s not addicted to heroin.”

“It’s been two years, he could have possibly followed in your dad’s footsteps.” He counters.

“Ashley isn’t like that.” I assure him. “He may drink and party hard but he hasn’t touched heroin; I’m sure of it.”

“Whatever you say boss lady, whatever you say.” He says shaking his head. “Now get your ass off the bar; people drink and eat here.” He throws a dish towel at me, causing me to laugh. I do as I’m told and jump down, just as Meadow and Lola walk into the area. I instantly groan knowing they are here for a reason.

“Whatever they want, the answer is no.” I tell them as I close up my laptop. “I’m not doing anything for them, okay?”

“How do you know they want something?” Meadow asks. “We could be here because we miss you.”

“It’s been two years guys, you could have visited me sooner.” I reply. “So what do they want?”

“Their tour photographer quit last second; something about his girlfriend going into labor early.” Lola replies to my question. “They need a new photographer. One that knows them, knows how they are on tour and can capture their image perfectly.”

“Andy and CC also made us bring these.” Both Meadow and Lola pull out a huge bottle of Jack Daniels, both of them have a bow on them. “Consider this as your bribery. They really want you to be their photographer; they’ve seen your work and love it.” Meadow tells me.

“Do they really think I can be bought with two huge bottles of Jack?” I question, crossing my arms across my chest. “Besides, what will they be willing to pay me? I’m not gonna do this for free.”

“Double what they were paying the original guy.” Lola replies. “To know the price, you’ll have to say yes and talk to them.”

“And what about Ashley?” I ask. “Is he fine with this?”

“It was his idea.” Meadow gives me a weak smile. “He even says he’ll be on his best behavior if it means getting you. He wanted you for the original but you never returned management’s calls.”

“No offense, but I’ve been avoiding you guys.” I weakly smile. “There is no way I can say no, huh?”

“Do you want us to bring in Andy and CC?” Lola chuckles. “Because they’ll make you say yes.”

I bite my lip in thought before sighing. “Have them call my studio first thing in the morning; we’ll talk then. Tonight it’s my one year here, so no work talk. You guys are more than welcome to come and join the celebration.” The girls squealed before pulling me into a group hug. “Don’t make me regret this, please?”

Notes

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