Chapter Four
Bridgette
Indigonanza is this weekend. It’s basically like Coachella but in Salem. Technically, anyone can come, but it’s a Brethren funded event. The hottest artists and bands come every year to perform for our little town. The Lewis family has their fingers in several music labels, and bands don’t really have a choice but to perform or deal with their contracts being cancelled. Dane is an absolute asshole, and none of the acts can stand him or his father, but we love him for it.
I rode up here with Mercy and Angela while the guys came earlier in the day. Indigonanza is a three day festival that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Sure, we all still camp, but we don’t just pitch tents that you can get from Walmart. We are the children of some of the richest and most powerful men in the country, even some of the world.
Lavish silk canopies are set up all over the twenty acres of grassy meadow. Inside, they are decked out with plush furniture, wet bars and big screen TVs. As far as actual sleeping arrangements, some people bring motorhomes that are more like condos on wheels, while others go for an upscale tent. The one I have set up every year has real hardwood floors, a leather couch, a king-sized bed, and a ceiling fan because I have to have a breeze while I sleep.
When we pull up to the festival, everything is in full swing. Food trucks, glammed out portable restrooms with showers, and vendors are lining the perimeter. An indie band is currently on the thousand square foot stage, playing an instrumental tune as everyone arrives and gets settled.
Shutting the door to my car, I slip out, bending down to look in the mirror as I touch up my lipstick. It’s hot as fuck today, so I opted for a pair of jean shorts that show just the right amount of ass and a white crochet bra with long tassels dangling down. My hair is parted into twin braids over my shoulders, with glitter glue scattered down the part. I will no doubt regret putting it in when I take a shower later, but beauty always comes at a price.
“You look so pretty, Mercy,” Angela says, practically fawning over her.
“I know, right?” Mercy preens as she runs her hands over her black cut-out bodysuit.
It’s a thong back, so she really is leaving nothing to the imagination, but it’s not like there was much imagination left in Salem with the way she behaves. I really shouldn’t judge because I’m not much better, but I am a little better, and that’s enough for me.
Angela is the most conservative out of our group. She opted for a scoop neck sundress that stops just below her ass, so not overly conservative…just more. She’s had her eyes on Dane Lewis for years now, and it seems as though his eyes are finally on her.
We spot him, Jeremy, and a few others standing in a group near the stage, but when Dane spots Angela, he slips away from the group and throws his hands up in celebration. He and Jeremy are both wearing unbuttoned Hawaiian shirts showcasing bronzed abs.
Bypassing Mercy and I, Dane goes straight for Angela, picking her up and spinning her in the air. She giggles in excitement before wrapping her legs around him and kissing him. Good for her.
Mercy is speaking seductively to Tony Noyes. He’s in his early thirties now, but he still parties with all the college kids, sometimes even high school. Yep, that is all you need to know about Tony Noyes. Doesn’t stop Mercy from sticking her tongue down his throat, though.
A wide smile greets me as Jeremy closes the distance between us, wrapping me in a hug. I give him a tight smile but accept it.
“Missed you,” he says into my neck, pulling away with a grin.
I wish I could like Jeremy. It would be easy. He’s handsome, tall, in shape, and he’s even a Legacy. His father is in oil, and aside from the Putnam’s and Hutchinson’s, his family is probably the wealthiest of the Brethren. He would give me the world if I asked him to, but there is just something about him I can’t put my finger on. I mean, we all know he has a certain…reputation. One too many girls who have reportedly not remembered a thing after waking up in bed with him. It’s all speculation, and he’s basically untouchable, but still, it’s enough to make you question him, at least a bit. Or maybe I let myself believe the rumors because I’ve been hyperfocused on Asher since day one.
“You need a drink?” he asks.
“More than life,” I groan, and he laughs, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as we walk to the closest canopy. This one is decked out in burgundy and gold. It’s practically dripping money in an arrogant way that I would guess has to be his.
He orders a margarita while I get a vodka soda because no matter how much I like a good margarita, I love a good low calorie drink more.
We all get drinks and hang out for a few hours until the sun starts to set. That’s when the headliners come on, and the party really begins. Seth Bishop is opening tonight. He is hands down the one I’m most excited to see. He’s a rock artist, but some of his ballads are my absolute favorites. I will never get enough of his song “Aubrey.” His band is pretty incredible, too. He just brought on a new guitarist last year, and I swear to god, if I thought I wouldn’t be buried in the Gallows Hill cemetery for it, I’d run away with Theo Kane.
Our group definitely isn’t the first to get to the stage, but that doesn’t stop us from being able to push and shove our way to the front. Or should I say, the private security Dane hired for the weekend to push and shove. When we get to the front, the lights on the stage dim as the band begins walking on stage. As soon as the lights come on, everyone loses their shit.
Dane and Jeremy jump up and down, pushing against each other as they do. They are the definition of frat boys, except they aren’t in a frat, just a secret society. They are also Bond Brothers, which basically means from a certain age, they were told to be inseparable, and they made it so. You can tell they genuinely like each other, though, much like Liam and Asher. This shitty world is a fucking terrible place, but it must be a little better when you have someone to be miserable with.
I can’t help but keep my head on a swivel for Asher. I haven’t seen him or Liam, which is unusual. They rarely miss any party, let alone Indigonanza. When the first chord comes through the speakers, my eyes are pulled on stage. Ryker is the lead guitarist, easily one of the most talented in the industry and he knows it. His blonde faux hawk is perfectly styled as his eyes move across the crowd, his tongue wiggling his lip piercing as he smirks.
The bassist, Jackson, joins in, his sole focus on his guitar before the drums pick up. I scream a little louder for Theo as the spotlight shines on him. His black t-shirt is practically painted onto his skin, revealing his sprawling tattoos all over his arms and neck. Normally, I don’t like guys with tattoos, but on him? Yeah, I’ll take two of everything.
Seth Bishop speaks into the microphone as he addresses the crowd.
“How y’all doing tonight?” he asks, his Alabama accent still thick despite him moving to LA years ago.
Song after song thumps through the otherwise quiet valley as glow sticks, strobe lights, and smoke machines transform the space around us. Instead of a rock band, you’d think we were at a rave. It doesn’t really matter, though, the amount of molly I’ve seen people dropping or coke being snorted, they might as well be at one. It’s never really been my thing; weed is about as far as I ever have or will go. Same can’t be said for my friends or the guys. Looking to the side, I watch as Tony puts a pill on Mercy’s tongue before he chases it down with his own. Dane and Angela both pop their own before Jeremy offers me a bump. I shake my head, and he shrugs, taking two for himself.
I dance and smile through their setlist when “Amber Eyes” comes on. It’s one of their best, and it happens to have an incredible drum solo. Turning to Jeremy, I pull him down so I can speak into his ear.
“Put me on your shoulders.”
He nods, bending down and wedging between my legs before standing up. I hear some people bitch from behind us about not being able to see, but ask me if I care. Seth smirks and nods when he sees me. My heart pounds wildly at the rockstar smiling at me before he steps aside and lets Theo have the spotlight.
His hands move like a blur across the drum set, and I put my hands up and scream as I cheer him on. I know the exact moment he notices me. His eyes stop on me, and he crooks a smile before continuing to play, not taking his eyes off me once. I stick my tits out a little bit further than before. Honestly, a nipple might pop at any moment.
At the end of the song, Theo smacks the drums three solid times before everyone cheers. He lifts up his shirt to wipe the sweat off his forehead as Seth speaks into the microphone.
“Thanks for having us, Salem!”
They all begin filing off stage except for Theo. He swaggers towards the crowd, his eyes locked on mine as he lifts up his shirt. The crowd goes crazy, myself included, as he pulls it off, tossing it at me. I snatch it up like it’s my most prized possession. He shoots me a wink and mouths “meet me” and points to the side of the stage.
I practically scramble out of Jeremy’s arms and land on my feet, clutching Theo’s shirt in my hands as I move through the crowd of people. Jeremy catches my arm and glares, his pupils blown as he stares at me.
“Where are you going?”
“Uh, a rockstar literally just asked me to meet him. I’m going to meet him,” I say as I pull out of his grasp and sneak my way through the crowd.
When I round a corner, I see a small trailer set up with security guarding it. A few guys are sitting around a campfire with beers in their hands as I approach them. The security steps in front of me to stop me when a tattooed hand claps down on his shoulder, and Theo steps out from behind him.
“She’s good, man.”
The guard steps to the side as this god of a man smiles down at me. His eyes are like jewels shining, his dark hair cut short, as he grins.
“Well, hi there, gorgeous.”
“Hi.” I smile. “I think this belongs to you,” I say, gesturing to the shirt in my hand.
“Keep it.”
“I was planning on it,” I say.
He lets out a laugh at that, sinking his teeth into his lip. I take the opportunity to let my eyes wander down his body before coming back to his eyes.
“I’m Theo,” he says, offering his hand to me.
“Bridgette,” I say as I take it.
He lifts my hand to his mouth, placing a long kiss against it that melts me in place.
“Want to show me where we can get a drink, Bridgette?”
“You don’t have any drinks in there?” I ask, gesturing towards their trailer.
“Oh we do, but two of the guys are already fucking in there. Don’t wanna crowd.” He laughs.
It takes everything in me not to suggest that we go fuck in there too because outsider or not, he’s a literal fucking rockstar. One night won’t have me killed…right?
“C’mon,” I say, as I tug on his hand, leading him towards the closest canopy.
Wide eyes meet us every step we take, and when we step inside, his arm slips over my shoulder.
“Goddamn, you guys really go all out.”
I nod and smile up at him as we step up to the bar, ordering a couple of drinks before he drops a hundred onto the bar top and turns away, still wrapping his arm around me. Dozens of eyes rake over us, most with jealousy or judgment when I see a familiar pair staring.
Maggie has a girl in her lap who is currently sucking on her neck. Her eyes look dazed as she looks at me like she is high or buzzed, but I don’t miss the recognition in her eyes. She really is no better than a man. I don’t recognize the girl she’s with either, which means she’s openly hooking up with an outsider. I’d judge her harder if I didn’t have Theo fucking Kane’s arm wrapped around me.
He tugs me down to a couch just across from Maggie, and I stumble into his lap. He holds me tight and grins like it was his plan the entire time. Our eyes bounce back and forth between each other before he drags my lips to his. Pleasure sparks through me as I turn more so I can straddle him. The hand not holding his drink cups my ass, grinding me into him more when I feel a body shove me off him.
I fall for a moment before landing on the floor with a hard thud.
“What the fuc?—”
Theo’s words are cut off by Jeremy’s fist driving into his jaw. He gets one more hit in before Theo swings back, then it’s an all out war. The guys struggle and roll, and when Jeremy winds back to hit Theo, he ends up nicking me in the temple. I see stars for a moment as I fall dazedly on my back.
“Are you okay?” Maggie asks, crouching down beside me.
I nod, my world spinning as she quickly pulls me out of the way just in time. Theo drops Jeremy on his back exactly where I was.
“C’mon, let’s get out of here,” she says.
I want to argue, but I’m still having a hard time seeing straight at the moment. Helping me stand, she hooks my arm around her shoulders and basically walks for me as we slip out of the quickly filling canopy. Ryker and Seth rush in, both yanking people off each other before getting into fights of their own. Shit.
“Where are we going?” I ask Maggie.
“Away from the chaos your hoe ass clearly cause.” She laughs.
“Hey! I didn’t cause anything.”
“Stringing Stroughton along and then abandoning him for a rockstar?” she asks.
“Like you wouldn’t do the same if roles were reversed?” I challenge. “With girls.”
She laughs at my add on and nods. “Fair point. Was the makeout epic at least?”
“It lasted for barely five seconds. Not sure it could be considered so.”
“Well, that blows.” She laughs. “Where’s your tent?”
I blink, looking around in a daze before I shrug
“I wouldn’t have remembered even if I didn’t get punched in the head.”
Maggie nods. “Fair point. C’mon.”
She turns to the right, and we walk for a little before stopping at a tent.
“Whose is this?” I ask.
“Mine,” Maggie says as she walks us inside.
I’m actually surprised how nice it is. It might be nicer than mine. The layout is similar, but everything feels more…luxurious. Which is a surprise because I pegged Bartlett for the traditional pitching a tent kind. She’s all artsy and alternative and just…weird, I guess.
“Wow, it’s nice in here,” I say as she helps me to the couch.
“You say that like you’re surprised.,” She laughs as she moves to a full-sized fridge. Even I think that’s overkill for just a weekend.
“You just don’t seem like the type.” I shrug.
“Is that bitchinese for ‘you don’t dress in designer labels, so I don’t expect you to have nice things?’”
“It’s not just the clothes,” I defend.
Maggie lets out a humorless laugh as she shakes her head. Grabbing a frozen bottle of water from the freezer and bringing it to me, she presses it against my head a little harder than necessary.
“Ow.” I wince as I take it from her.
“Sorry,” she says in a tone that isn’t all that sorry.
“You don’t know me, baby B. Not like you think you do, at least.”
“Don’t call me that,” I say with a wrinkle of my nose.
“Aw why? My dear sister doesn’t like it?” she teases.
“Don’t call me that .” I amend. “We’re stepsisters, due to my father’s horrible decision making.”
“And my mother’s whorish ways.” Maggie adds on.
I let out a short laugh in agreement as I nod.
“Do you know the judgment I’m getting by having the town’s lesbian as a sister?” I scoff, regretting my words as soon as they slip past my lips.
To be honest, she’s not terrible, at least not as terrible as I thought she would be. She did just help me when she didn’t need to and made me breakfast the other morning after I slapped her. She’s kinda nice and I’m being a cunt, per usual, I guess.
Surprisingly, she doesn’t react. She just shrugs and takes a step back.
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have?—”
She holds up a hand for me, shaking her head with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes.
“No biggie. I’m used to it. For clarification, though, I’m definitely not the only queer member of Salem. Just because I’m comfortable in my sexuality doesn’t mean there aren’t others, but they stay in the closet or hide who they are because of shit like that,” she says, pointing to me with a sad shrug.
I go to apologize again when she slips out of the tent, her combat boots stomping back in the direction we came from.