Fallen From Graceland

Chapter 10

David quickly tucked himself back into his pants, doing up his zipper as Lexi wiggled her panties back on.

"You're a little hellion, baby," he growled seductively.

"I show my love any way possible," Lexi cooed.

Their cars pulled up on the tarmac, a large and shiny jet waiting for them in the dewy morning air. The doors opened and a group of uniformed staff welcomed them aboard, taking their belongings and ushering them into the cabin.

The boys along with Lexi, Matt and Obie were greeted by the flight attendant for Jovi Air, Vicky. With a warm smile that matched her welcoming demeanor, she hugged each of them as they stepped onto the aircraft.

"My boys!"

"Vicky!" The guys said in unison.

"And Lexi...wonderful to see you again," she said to the tall blonde.

"You too, V," Lexi replied.

They all loaded their carry-ons into the overhead bins and settled in their favorite spots. The interior of Jovi Air was spacious with ample room to spread out, allowing for private conversations if desired.

"Jon, this is Captain Howard. We'll be taking off for Seattle in approximately five minutes. Once at cruising altitude, lunch service will commence and you'll be free to move around the cabin. Thank you and have a great flight, guys!"

As the engines roared to life, the plane taxied down the runway before quickly picking up speed. The familiar sensation of ascent filled the cabin, and soon they were airborne. David, seated near the window, gazed out as the cityscape transformed into miniature buildings below.

He unfolded the newspaper in front of him and tried to lose himself in the news. They climbed higher and higher into the clouds, the smooth ride lulling him into a comfortable state of relaxation.

Once reaching altitude, the plane leveled out and Vicky moved about the cabin for the drinks service. David accepted a Jack and Coke while Lexi opted for red wine. Here and there, the boys chatted about whatever until Tico brought up the sore and obvious subject.

"So where exactly is Richie? If you're getting a fill-in, there's something you're not telling us," he said accusingly.

"Okay...Okay...Richie's gone to be with his parents. Adam's in bad health and doesn't have long. So he'll be gone for a while. Thirteen shows," Jon replied.

"You couldn't have just said when I asked?" David snipped and Lexi bumped his leg under the table.

"Nothing personal, Lema," Jon said with a smile.

David snorted derisively. "Could've fooled me."

"So this Phil X...is he any good?" Hugh asked in an attempt to diffuse the tension.

"Yeah, he's pretty good. He's gonna fill in for Richie while he's away," Jon said with a shrug. "I think you'll be fine with him." He picked up his phone and held it out to show the guys.

A scruffy rocker stood in a home studio, guitar strapped around his shoulder and long brown hair framing his face. He wore a black t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing tattoos on his right arm. A grin spread across his face as he looked at the camera, his bright eyes sparkling with intensity.

"Hey man, it's Phil X...GOOD MORNIN'...it's not morning..." Followed by random nonsense and him plucking the strings of his Gibson.

"He's been playing since the 80s and has a local band in LA," Jon said, "Phil X and the Drills. They'll be opening for us in Seattle and Phil will then join us on stage. The ladies will love him. Thirteen shows...just thirteen. Then Richie will be back...."