[discontinued] I'm Listening... (Book 4 of the Can't Say series.)

The crew were backstage enjoying the show when Esther got the call. The girl jumped and picked up her phone.

"Hello? ”

"Esther? It's Kia. "

She froze and her smile disappeared.

"What do you need? I thought we were done here? "

"Yes well... Listen -don't cut me off- I had a word with Daniel today after he got beat up again for what he's done. He was in the hospital with fucked up ribs and he... He asked to speak to Avi. He doesn't think he will but if you ask--"

"No. "

"I did say not to cut me off but--"

"No. "

"See you've done it again! And I'm pretty sure Avi is the one he wants so it's his decision. "

"He's not going to see that lowlife scum in his hell hole. "

By now she had gained the attention of some of the crew.

"It is Avi's choice who are you to say what he can and can't do? "

"His older sister. And let me tell you something Kiara. Avi spent everyday worrying about that man when he first went to jail when he was fifteen and he is finally happy. This is the happiest I have seen him in the past... Twelve or so years. And I won't let him take what he's got. Not again. So you can tell Daniel that he can continue to get beat up and sent to the hospital. But he will not be seeing or hearing from my little brother ever again. "

She cut the call before anything could happen. The crew were watching her but she was just trying to enjoy the show. Shame it was over and they were all making their way backstage.

" THANK YOU SO MUCH PHILADELPHIA WE LOVE Y'ALL GOODNIGHT!!! "

Scott screamed into his microphone getting screams in response as they all rushed off stage. Esther plastering a fake smile as they rushed pass, Avi handing over his ear-ins and mic as he went by.

"You guys did great. "

"Thanks, es. "

Avi was about to rush off but turned back.

"Are you ok? Believe it or not I heard your tempered yelling from the stage. "

"Nothing. Don't worry about it. "

"Are you sure? "

"Mhm... Go off with the others. "

He bounced off and she felt her phone vibrate.

Kia:
It's his choice, Esther. Not yours.

Her blood boiled as she practically marched to the band dressing room and barged straight in where all talking and laughing hauled as they watched their tour manager snatching a bottle of Bourbon from the alcohol cabinet and taking the largest swig you've ever seen. Shocking all of them.

"Essie what's wrong? I've never seen you in such a state. "

She ripped the bottle from her lips, looking her brother dead in the eyes.

"Stress. "

"Stress drinking, Esther? Damn. What drove you to that? "

Scott was more surprised at her reasoning.

"You know what? Fine. "

She slammed the bottle on the cabinet top and looked at the band.

"I got a call from Kia during the show. Just before it ended. "