The Troublemaking Intruder

Touring With My Bros

Jason's pov

The bad news bandits are going back on tour together. It's been a while. "Hey Jason," I turn around to my girl. I'm still kinda ticked at her about the ballet thing. "What's up?" I ask anyway. "I'm sorry about the ballet thing. I just... I was hoping they'd like it after a few times." I sigh. "It's alright darlin'. Just no more girly shit. They're tomboys like me." "Ok." She sits beside me. "What ya doin'?" "Picking tour dates and set lists." I reply. After we decide that, I go inside and throw some toast in the toaster. I look at myself in the mirror. All the scratches on my face are definitely gonna be asked about by fans. I sigh tiredly. "You okay?" My wife says snapping me out of my wallowing. "Yeah just tired." I lie. She hugs me. "I'm sorry you missed the appointment. I know you're upset." Brantley sighs across the room. "Was someone.... With you?" "Justin came with me." At least she wasn't alone. God I wish I could find Johnny and kill that motherfucker.

*several days later*

We get to the tour stop, the banner saying 'The bad news bandits.' I smile and pat Justin's shoulder. "Welcome to the big leagues boys." Brantley says hands on his hips. One of the stagehands walks over. "Any refreshments?" He asks. "I'm good." I say. The boys smile and agree. Then secretly B grabs a jar of moonshine from his coat pocket. Justin laughs. "You're wanted dead or alive in a dozen states." He says laughing. I roll my eyes, missing the taste of good ol moonshine. But I promised my girl. I lean against the stage, glancing through the curtains at the crowd. "Hey Jason," I look over. "Here." He tosses me a jar. "Guys ya know I don't drink anymore." He sighs. "I know ya want to though." B says. "Come on man. One drink ain't gonna kill ya." Justin says, downing about half of his. "Ok but don't get your asses drunk before we go onstage." I say unscrewing the top. I drink a quarter of it. B pats my back. "That's the spirit, brother." I smile. "And now the bad news bandits have come to put on a show!" The announcer shouts. "That's our cue." I say, setting down the jar and grabbing my guitar. We walk out onstage, the stage is super dark. Fog machines billowing all over. The music sounds for more middle fingers. One of my favorite songs ever. Justin pulls out his mic, a big smile on his face. I strike the chords. "How about instead of being politically correct on this one, let's just be correct." He says, smirking. B holds his mic. "I'm down with that one brother." "This one's for the IRS in bed with the damn politicians, and this one's for the boss, the hoss who wouldn't let ya off to go fishin' and to the bulls and the bears on wall street, takin' you and me to the cleaners, man it's stuff like that that makes me wish I had more middle fingers!"

*later*

I gesture for the guys to cool it. I set down my guitar and walk to the end of the stage. "One lucky gal in the crowd tonight will get the opportunity to sing the don't ya wanna stay duet with me tonight." The fans scream so loud I have to cover my ears. The boys were laughing back to back. I wanna pick someone not in the from row. Cause they've got the best seat in the house. I want someone who didn't get as lucky. I step offstage and take a walk, mic still in hand to the back row. I see a young girl maybe 14. I walk over and pull her from the crowd. "What's your name ma'am?" "Julie." She gasps, starstruck. I smile. "Ya wanna sing the song with me tonight?" "Definitely!" The crowd cheers loudly as we walk back to the stage. "A 1,2 A 1,2,3,4!" Rich says. They start the music up. Someone gets her a mic. "I really hate to let this moment go... Touchin' your skin and your hair fallin' slow....."

*a few seconds later*

"Let's take it slow I don't wanna move too fast! I don't wanna just make love I wanna make love last!" Wow she's really good. We sing the chorus together. I grab her hand and shoot it in the air. "Give it up for Julie everybody ain't she great!" They cheer. "Thanks for havin' us out! It was a blast!" B says, waving to the crowd. I toss my guitar pick in the crowd and walk down the aisle signing stuff for fans. Julie and B were talking onstage. I gave her a backstage pass. "Meet me after we wrap things up."

*later*

I find her backstage. She was talking to Mike, our manager. I call her name and she smiles. "You did great singing the duet with me tonight." "It was an honor, Mr. Aldean." She says, curtsying. I laugh. "Please darlin' just call me Jason." "You're so talented. You're my favorite out of the notorious three!" I smile. "Thanks. How old are you?" "Sixteen. I graduated early cause I'm really smart." Darn not eighteen yet. Mike smiles. He knows I want this girl on tour to sing the duets with me. She kicks ass. Our voices blend perfectly. "Julie, um I was wondering, if it's alright with your parents, do ya wanna join us for the tour. You can sing the duets with me and backup vocals on other songs." "Really? Ya want me to come?!" I smile and nod. "As long as your parents will let you." "I... I don't have parents." Huh? "Y-You don't?" I gape confused and surprised. "My parents died when I was a kid. I've been on my own!" Holy shit! "Where have you been stayin' sweetheart?" She turns bright red. "I.... I.... Don't wanna.... It's.... Embarassing..." "Are you... Homeless Julie?" Mike gasps, wide eyed. She nods. "Then it's settled. Julie you're comin' with me to Nashville." I say.