I sighed impatiently as the cab I was seated in once again came to a stop. Damn Texas traffic. I dug through one of my many bags, searching for my phone.
Mike had just put a picture of us from a few weeks ago on instagram. @ptvmike: missing my babe @charleycarlile
"How much longer?" I demanded, pounding on the glass.
"Ten minutes, lady! Geez!" The cabbie exclaimed.
"What the fucking fuck." Pulling out a compact mirror, I examined my reflection. My new bubblegum-coloured hair was straight as it had been. My blue eyes looked tired, lined with black. I rolled my eyes and then shut them. After an excruciatingly long flight from Australia, I wanted nothing more to be with Mike.
"Okay, miss. We're here." The cabbie said. I'd been lost in thought. I hadn't even realized that we were at the House of Blues. I paid him and stepped out into the fresh air. Finafuckingly.
"Charley?" A group of girls said hello to me as they were walking in. "Wow, I love your hair!"
"It was rather bold but I'm quite fond of it." I smiled. "Are you here to see the show?"
"Yeah. Are you?" One asked.
"I literally just got off a flight from Brisbane, Australia. Mike has no idea. Have fun, ladies." I smiled as I made my way to the tour bus. I rubbed my eyes. If I was going to see everyone tonight, I would have to look somewhat presentable. I threw on my favourite Drop Dead tank top and black tights, put on black eyeliner and mascara, and made my way to the show just after it started.
Luckily, Mike didn't see me. The show ended and I made my way backstage.
"What's wrong with you dude?" Alan's voice said to Mike. I paused outside the door.
"I just miss Charley is all." Mike said. "What? You have something to say?"
"I told you to stay away from her." Austin said. I froze.
"And I told you that's not happening." Mike said coldly.
"Do I need to teach you a thing or two about messing with her?" Austin asked.
"Do you not realize how much stress you're putting on her by being such a dick about our relationship? I'm not the one who's messing with her. She was right about you; you are a hypocrite." Mike said. I came through the door just in time to see Austin swing at Mike.
He didn't miss.
Blood spurted from Mike's nose and his lip looked like it would be swollen before long. I bit my lip in an effort not to cry, but failed as I rushed to Mike's side.
"Charley?" Austin gaped at me.
"Fuck you, Austin." I said without taking my eyes off of Mike. "Come on, baby. I'll get you cleaned up."
"Am I dreaming?" Mike slurred as I led him out the door.
I laughed. "No, Mikey."
"You're really here!"
"Yeah, I am." I giggled. "God, I missed you."
"Charley! You're here! Your hair is so pink! You're so hot!" He exclaimed in a rush. I opened the door to his band's bus and set him down at the table, walking into the bathroom. "I've been dreaming about you. That's how much I missed you."
"Really now? Are you coherent at all?" I asked, getting some antiseptic.
"Of course. I was just blown away by your beauty." He said smartly.
"Mikey, we're going to have to take this lip ring out." I said, dabbing at the blood on his face.
He frowned. "But you like it when I wear the lip ring when I'm down on-" He was silenced by me gently taking it out.
"Now you won't want to have sex with me." He pouted.
"I still want to have sex with you." I assured him.
He laughed. "I swear you are so perfect. How was Down Under? I know what I want to be down under."
"You're an idiot, but that's why you're my favourite. It was alright. I was just ready to come see you." I smiled, examining his lip. "Your nose is fine, but this is going to hurt like hell when you kiss me."
"Let's find out." He said, pulling my head down towards him. Slowly he snaked his tongue in as our lips moved and then pulled away. "Nope, not that bad."
"What's everyone doing tonight?" I asked.
"We were going to go eat, but I know something else I'd eat. But you'd have to let me put my lip ring back in." Mike said.
I laughed. "You're not the only one I missed. Let's go."
**
"You look really tan." Vic said once we were at dinner.
"Melbourne was so sunny. You wouldn't believe how sunny it was." I shook my head. "I think it's the hair as well."
"It's like cotton candy." Mike said, examining one of my curly locks. "You're really cute, you know."
"Did you guys miss me?" I asked. "It's been really quiet. Just me and a whole lot of makeup artists and assistans and annoying photographers."
"'I'm horny! I wish Charley was here! I'm hungry! I wish Charley was here! I'm tired! I wish Charley was here! I'm sick! I wish Charley was here!'" Tony said, quoting Mike.
I looked at Mike. "Did you really miss me that much?"
"Yeah."
"You're so cute." I laughed, kissing him.
"Can it with the PDA. How long were you in Australia?" Jaime asked.
"About a week. I had an interview and shoot with their, like, number one magazine. And I filmed for my documentary." I beamed. "They were really nice. It was lovely. I was just lonely is all."
"Did you miss us?" Tony fluttered his eyelashes at me.
"No. Just Mike." I laughed. "I'm joking, don't look at me like that."
"No she's not." Mike said with his mouth full. I smacked him.
"It's always weird without Charley taking care of us." Vic sighed. "How long are you staying?"
I looked at Mike. "How long do you want me to stay, Mikey?"
He bit his lip. "When she calls me Mikey it makes me want to fuck."
I laughed. "Why do you think I do it?"
"Once again, we really don't want to know the details of your sex life, okay?" Jaime said.
"Can it. I think a week or so." I answered.
"That's it?" Mike whined.
"Maybe a little longer. I'm just so tired of posing for pretty pictures. It gets old after a while." I sighed. "I'm definitely taking a little break."
"So you can spend more time with me." Mike said.
"Sure, sure." I agreed.
"I missed you." He said, leaning head on my shoulder. After weeks without him, it felt great to have Mike by my side again.