"...That was 'Follow' by Bleeding Passion, the second most requested song of the week ... " the radio announcer's gravelly voice came. " ... I tell you, those guys are awesome. Every song they put out is a hit. Y'know, they're going to be playing in San Francisco on July 18th. That's gonna be a great show..."
Javan's eyes widened and he riveted his attention to the radio.
".... I have five tickets here that are just itching to be given away ... Tell ya what; I have five Bleeding Passion trivia questions also. We don't usually do it this way, but these are the last tickets available for the show. Let me say that again. These are the last tickets. The show is completely sold out. Whoever calls in and can answer all five questions first wins the tickets. All of them. I'm handing 'em right out in a block. Good luck finding another radio station that'll give you such a sweet deal..."
Javan gasped and looked around the room frantically. "Phone!" he shouted. "Phone! Phone! Phone! Phone!"
Alexi frowned and looked up to see Javan all but running in circles. He picked up the white cordless from the end table. "Here," he called, tossing it to him. Javan grabbed it like someone dying of hunger might grab at a steak. "Spaz," Alexi muttered, rolling his eyes.
Alyx giggled.
"So, did you tell him it was over?" he asked, looking back down at his sister in concern.
Alyx swallowed and nodded. "He hit me in the mouth after seeing that picture of Javan and me. He didn't go for my eye until I told him I was leaving and we were through."
Alexi frowned. "Do you think you should go back to your apartment?"
She shrugged. "I'm going to get the lock changed tomorrow, but I think it'll be all right. Rick's violent, but I don't think he's psychotic."
"I won!" Javan bellowed suddenly, jumping up and down. He flung the phone down like it was a football and he had just made a touchdown.
"Hey!" Alexi shouted. "That's my phone, you jerk!"
Javan ignored him. "I just won five tickets to see Bleeding Passion in Frisco!" he yelled triumphantly.
Alyx's eyes widened. "You are so taking me with you," she stated.
"Who's Bleeding Passion?" Alexi questioned.
"One of the best bands on the planet!" Javan went on.
"They are pretty good," Jeff put in.
"I can't believe I won!" Javan screamed, jumping again. He pointed to Alyx and grinned. "You and me, baby. We are so there."
Alyx grinned.
"Hey, you guys want to come?" Javan asked Jeff and Alexi.
"Yeah, come with us!" Alyx urged, grasping her brother's hand.
Jeff's eyes lit up, but Alexi stomped on the idea that he knew was blossoming. "We can't," he said. He noticed Jeff's disgruntled look and sighed. "We have that big meeting on the 18th, remember? You know, with that Roscoe guy from New York?"
Jeff groaned and let his head flop back against the chair. "Man," he whined, "sometimes being your business partner sucks."
Alexi smiled.
"We won't have a problem at the theatre, will we?" Alyx asked Javan.
He shook his head. "Nah. Neither one of us has taken vacation yet. Besides, that's what understudies are for."
"Who else can we get to go?" she asked.
"You should take my brother Maxim," Jeff yawned. "That dude could use a vacation."
Alyx and Javan exchanged glances, completely missing the surprised and concerned look on Alexi's face. Javan shrugged. "That's fine. Tell him we'll leave next week. We can go on a road trip. Sound good, Alyx?"
Alyx sighed deeply. "Sounds heavenly," she said. "I need to get out of here."
He nodded. "We can just scalp the extra tickets when we get there," he said. "They should fetch a good price."
"It'll be good for you to get away, Alyx," Alexi said, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Get a new perspective on things. Clear your head."
Alyx smiled up into her brother's slightly violet eyes. "You're the best, Alex. Are you sure you can't come?" She did her best to imitate the pout that used to get her everything when she was a little girl.
Alexi chuckled and shook his head. "I wish I could, but this guy's a major client."
"You really want to take Maxim?" Jeff asked suddenly.
"Sure," Javan replied with an indifferent shrug.
"Uh ... Is that such a good idea?" Alexi asked, frowning.
Jeff grinned. "It's perfect," he snarled. He then let out a very loud, evil overlord laugh that would have found its home in a Disney movie. "Maxim won't even know what hit him."
)
