Ultimate Game Changer *SAMPLE*

.Five.

Emerson

I felt like a jackass the entire night for missing Cade's first show so the only way I knew how to cope with it was by getting hammered. Luckily, I met a couple of cool cats at the bar around the corner who also let me take a few hits off their joint, so I'm feeling good. My cheeks are hot and numb, and my feet feel like I'm walking on clouds.

By the time I make it back to the venue, the show is over and only the last band is still loading out. I can see the silhouettes of the guys inside the van waiting for me. I'm sure Cade's beside himself. I beeline it for the van when I hear a whistle that catches my attention.

"You didn't even bother to catch us play, did you?" Aiden asks, walking up to me, smoking a cigarette. "I'm hurt."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know that was requested of me," I reply smiling. "Can I bum one?" I ask of his cigarettes. I'm feeling good, and I know the nicotine will take me to another level.

"Sure." He pulls out a pack of Marlboro Reds and then hands me one with a lighter. After it's lit, I hand him back the lighter. "So where did you go?" he asks, motioning with his head toward the city in the distance.

"Just went to this bar down the street. Got a couple of drinks, hit a joint a few times."

His eyes widen as he takes me in. "So you're that type of girl?"

"I don't know what that means, but I like to smoke...yes," I answer, laughing. I take a draw of my cigarette, the smoke filling my lungs and making me feel lightheaded.

"Emerson Jayne Tucker, what the fuck?" Cade bellows, and then I hear a door slam immediately after. He uses my full name, so I know he's not playing around. Angry footsteps are coming right at Aiden and me.

I take one last puff off the cigarette before dropping it to the ground, and smashing it out with my shoe.

"How long have you been standing there? We've all been waiting on you!" Cade huffs.

"Only a few minutes," I say simply.

"Get in the van," Cade says as if I'm a child.

"So that's how it's going to be?" I ask before storming off like the child he is making me out to be.

"Get in the van now, I'm not playing, Em, we're tired and hungry and need to get on the road."

I glance at Aiden who looks a little deer in the headlights. "I think I may find an alternate ride there."

"Shut the fuck up," Cade says thinking I'm joking.

"Aiden, do you think there's room for one more on your bus?" I ask, knowing just how angry it's going to make Cade.

Aiden looks between me and Cade, appearing torn. "Dude, this is my sister, I brought her on the tour, I say what goes," Cade says in a panicked tone.

I hear another door open and shortly after Braxton is standing near Cade. "Get in the van, Em, it's time to go."

"Oh, great, another one of my brother's minions. Seriously, I'm tired of you guys trying to call all the shots in my life." I am slurring my words slightly, but I don't care. I'm still feeling good.

"You're drunk, get in the van," Braxton says calmly.

"Aiden, what would you do if you had everyone else in the world making all your decisions for you? Would you just give in and conform to their wants and needs? Or would you fight back to find your happiness?" I'm feeling philosophical, but I'm also feeling sick. The sky is spinning. "Hold that thought," I say, falling to my knees and yacking on the concrete.