Talk: WTF Episode 1 (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Serial #1)

Chapter 1

When a Grammy Award-winning rockstar with three double Platinum albums and a place in the Rock it was this—sit downs with a bunch of A and because Star has her dad—the aforementioned rockstar, Lenny Bryant—wrapped around her finger, I’ve kind of been forced to just go along with it.

I’ve missed Star like crazy since she left New York about eighteen months ago so despite my lack of interest in the meetings I figured it’d be worth coming out here to see if the Los Angeles lifestyle appealed to me, even if it were only on a part time basis.

Unsurprisingly, it hasn’t, and after nearly three weeks I’m more than ready to pack it in and head home.

“So…Jazz. That’s short for Jasper, right?” Matt Barnard, one of the A I don’t want to risk triggering something far less pleasant. That’s the downside of a memory like mine—traumatic experiences are preserved just as well as happy ones.

I don’t mention the recollection to Dad, because I don’t want to see the unreserved joy currently lighting his face disappear. In the almost ten years since her death I don’t think I’ve seen him talk about Mom without a shadow of grief and heartbreak marring his features, so this is nice to see.

As is generally the case when I chat with Dad, the conversation soon moves onto my little sister, Izzy, who is easily the most amazing person I know.

She’s five years old and has Down Syndrome, and the past three weeks are the longest I’ve ever been away from her.

As much as I love hearing about her latest OT triumphs and kindergarten antics, I hate having to hear it second-hand and on delay.

This more than anything is the reason Star’s plan was doomed to fail from the start.

There’s just no possible way I could bear to live so far away from my little girl.

I draw in a deep sigh as I follow my friends through the packed club to the staircase that leads up to the VIP area. It’s so dark I can barely see, but fortunately Star’s white dress is glowing like a beacon leading the way.

A loud, heaving club is so not where I want to be right now, but it’s Star’s birthday, which means tonight’s festivities are all about her. And Star Bryant will never turn down an opportunity to be seen at one of LA’s hottest clubs.

Fuck, I’m so done with LA. I want to be back in New York. I want to spend time with my family, and get back to my nights of strumming out nineties classics in the bar I inherited from my mom…

We’re let into the VIP room, which is mercifully quieter than the main club downstairs, and my friend Cody leads the way to a pair of small sofas.

He takes a seat on one side, Star’s boyfriend, Marco, takes the other side, and Star settles onto his lap.

Marco immediately snakes his arms around her in a gesture that’s way more possessive than affectionate.

I roll my eyes. The guy’s a douche and way too insecure to be dating someone with the kind of profile of Star Bryant.

But whatever; not my life. I sit opposite them, my friend Jace moving in next to me.

We’ve barely sat down when a server comes over to take our drink orders. Star doesn’t hesitate in ordering a bottle of Gray Goose for the group. So, it’s going to be one of those nights…

I feel my phone buzz in my pocket and tug it out.

Piper Grimsay

When are you coming home?

I let out a little snort. I’m sure I’ve mentioned at least three times I’ll be staying out here for Thanksgiving seeing as how it’s only three weeks away. I swear she never listens to anything I tell her.

Me

Miss me that much?

Piper Grimsay

I need to talk to you! It’s important

A knot of worry churns in my gut as a long list of possible crises flashes through my mind.

Something could have happened with the bar, of course.

Or there could be some drama involving Dad’s work, but considering Dad’s the head of a billion-dollar media corporation I’m pretty sure anything major would have made the news.

Surely if Dad was sick or something that’d warrant a phone call, right?

My biggest concern, of course, is Izzy.

Me

Is it Izzy? Is she okay?

Piper Grimsay

She’s fine Jazz, calm down.

Me

Then what the hell’s going on?

Piper Grimsay

I just need to talk to you and I think it’d be better if it was face to face. Don’t worry, no one’s sick or in trouble or anything

Curiouser and curiouser.

A thought hits me then and I hastily tap back another reply.

Me

Is it RJ? Did you guys break up?

I’ve always liked my sister’s boyfriend, but if he’s hurt her I’ll have no issue rearranging his face.

Piper Grimsay

RJ and I are fine. And please stop trying to guess what it is. I can guarantee you’ll never get it

Well, there’s absolutely no way I can wait three weeks to find out whatever this news is and seeing as how I’m more than ready to come home anyway I’m not about to turn down the opportunity I’ve just been presented with.

Me:

I’ll book a flight ASAP

“Earth to Jazz!” Star drawls, and I glance up to see her waving a shot glass full of vodka in front of me.

I offer a sheepish smile and put my phone back in my jeans pocket. “Sorry.”

“Everything alright?” Cody asks.

“Fine. Just Piper checking in.”

I take the shot glass from Star and we all cheers before tossing the vodka back. The burn as it hits the back of my throat is incredibly satisfying and I immediately hold my glass out for a refill.

Yep, it’s going to be one of those nights…