Bittersweet Harmony: Rhapsody

By Destiny Marx

Jackson has been given a lost cause, Zachary Drake, as his new client when his father announces his questionable retirement. He's not ready for the effect that Zach has on his sanity or libido. Unbeknownst to him Zach has more than a few secrets. When Zach nearly dies from his excessive drinking Jackson decides enough is enough...it was time Zach faced his demons and learn to let go of the past. Zach and Jackson now have to tread a life in the spotlight, will the bond that has slowly grown be enough to keep them together in the face of even more tragedy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Destiny Marx
• Release date: Jun 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370136865

Book preview

Prologue

Zachary Drake, musical genius sat at his family’s crowded table for another torturous family dinner. He sighed as he listened to his father go on and on about Bertram’s recent promotion. He signaled one of the servants to refill his glass, he was going to need it at this rate. He’d just won an international music award but he wouldn’t hear any words of praise at this table. Leonard Drake, Zach’s father, was as old money as you could get. He believed in being a captain of industry and being an artist or performer was not acceptable by his standards. He raised his glass and when his older brother was toasted and then gulped down the contents of the glass. He swallowed the wine with a bored look on his face. Congrats Bertram, I’m happy for you. Saying the right words had become a talent when it came to dealing with his family. It was probably why he acted like the classless person they accused him of being when he wasn’t around them. Well at least he wouldn’t have to torture himself by visiting again for about six months. Thank goodness, he had Old Felix, handsome devil that he was, as his manager. He’d made the difference in a small way and been like a father for him for about 6 years now. The smirk on Bertram’s face irritated him and he was glad when his father finally pushed his chair away from the table.

I missed you brother dear, Mariam whispered softly as she leaned in to hug him quickly. You must come visit Antonio and I soon. The children would love to spend some time with you. She kissed his cheek just before she straightened up.

I’ll try sis, I’ve got another tour coming up, but maybe once things settle down again. Zach answered and smiled up at her. She’d been his supporter from the moment he’d decided to step away from classical music and concentrate on alternative rock music. It had been a decision he never regretted even if his parents didn’t approve of his choices. He heard his father cough at the mention of his upcoming tour. I’ll catch you and Tony before I leave sis. Go spend time with mom.

She gave him a worried look as she caught the look of censure from their father and squeezed his shoulder before following the other women out of the dining room. He slumped back in his chair and nodded at the butler who brought him a decanter of brandy and poured him two fingers without missing a beat.

I would appreciate you not discussing your shameful hobby in my presence Zachary. His voice full of stern reproach as his brother’s and Antonio watched silently.

You call it hobby, I call it a career. I’m doing something I love father. He laughed softly, could this evening not end fast enough? It was sheer torture but he couldn’t find a plausible excuse for not coming. It was Bertram’s big day, everyone had to be there to celebrate. If he’d refused to come he would have never heard the end of it.

Strutting around in skin tight pants and singing as a career is just foolishness. I hoped for so much more for you, son. He said his voice slightly raised as he picked up his glass and took a sip. You have so much talent and you waste it with that damned trashy music.

That damned trashy music as you call it pays the bills father…oh and I get to travel all over the world. It’s a fair trade off. Zach retorted as he slammed his glass on the pristine marble tabletop. He pulled at the collar of his shirt and yanked off his tie. I do what I love father, my happiness should amount to more than working for some corporate giant bored off my mind for the rest of my life.

Lionel groaned softly, he knew where this was going. Another fight, his father losing his temper and Zach disappearing again, he loved his brother but damned couldn’t he just let his father rant? Enough Zach, he growled softly. Watching his brother be so indolent annoyed the hell out of him. Shit he couldn’t even keep his damned shirt on at the table. I hope that’s the limit of your state of undressed at the table too.

Shove it Lion, I’m tired of every time I mention my successes he puts it down like I’m just playing some stupid game. Zach sat up as he spoke. I work hard for every dime I make and live pretty good doing what I do. He did, his bank accounts were padded so well he could retire already and live comfortably for the rest of his life. But he enjoyed it so much he wouldn’t stop until he couldn’t walk onto a stage anymore.

Zach just stop already. This was Bertrum, he agreed with his father where Lionel was more liberal about it.

Just because you enjoy working for a big business doesn’t mean I would. I have always been different no one can deny that. He spat out as he shoved his chair out. Antonio looked so uncomfortable watching yet another argument amongst his in-laws. It was something that was common when Zach came home that he should have gotten used to it. Even the huge blowup at his wedding was still fresh in his mind and that was years ago.

Where are you going? His father demanded as he stood up. I’ve not excused you yet.

I’m going to go pay my respects to mother and go home. At least there I don’t have to listen to ridicule about the choices in my life. He shot back before storming out. He didn’t have to take it if he didn’t want to and he was at his breaking point. Storming out of the dining room he hurried down the hall to the sitting room where he knew his mother and sisters would be enjoying tea and sharing gossip.

He could hear their soft voices and laughter as he knocked on the door to the sitting room and heard his mother’s voice bidding him to enter. He turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. A smile spread across his face as his mother’s face brightened. The other ladies were in the process of drinking coffee and tea. Leaning down he kissed her cheek.

Must you leave already Zach? She asked sadly. There was a haunted look in her eyes that always reminded him of the distance between them.

Unfortunately, I do mother you know how it can be with father. He replied as he moved to his sisters and kissed each of them on the cheek.

He’s set in his ways son, she said quietly. Mariam slipped a note in my hand as he whispered in her ear that he would call her soon.

I know he is mother but I don’t have to listen to it. He replied. I’ll call you soon mother I miss our chats. He nodded before heading out of the room and the butler was already waiting for him with his coat.

Stay safe master Zachary. He smiled softly at him as he helped him on with his coat and then opened the door. I hope we see you again soon, Mrs. Drake misses your visits terribly.

I will William, keep an eye on mother for me she’s looking a bit pale. Zach replied then stepped out into the night. He really needed a stronger drink than what he’d had after dinner. His driver was waiting and opened the door for him as he approached.

Home Mr. Drake? He asked as Zach slid into the back seat.

Please Anton, I need a good night’s sleep after a stiff drink. He nodded silently and closed the door. The car pulled smoothly away from the curb and he closed his eyes.

You are doing what? Jackson’s voice was louder than ever. His father as much as he loved the old man always had some scheme up his sleeve.

I’m retiring, I need some down time and I think it’s time you started taking over. He replied as he took in his son’s irate countenance. His son, damn no man could have a son he who was as wonderful as his. He couldn’t believe his son, now a man was as strong and intelligent as he was. But he was glad. What he had planned wasn’t going to be easy.

You know when you said I was thinking about retiring you should have said soon, given me some kind of warning. He raged. This wasn’t what he wanted. And mostly because taking over for his father included the notorious Zachary Drake in that package. Music God, lyrical genius and all-around wastrel, he’d gone through more than a dozen managers before his father took him on and they’d been together for six years. Through paternity tests, drunken scandals and all sorts of sordid escapades, his father had weathered some serious storms on the illustrious Zachary Drake’s behalf. Then he caught the smirk from his father. Oh! HELL NO! You can’t be serious?

He’s a lovely person once you get to know him. His father stated with a smug grin. That irritated Jackson to no end. Zach is troubled I won’t deny that but he’s got a lot of buried pain Jackson.

Father, he’s a glorified alcoholic and sex addict. He muttered. He knew he wouldn’t…no couldn’t refuse his pops request but maybe he could get him to change his mind.

You’ll understand him when you get to know him Jackson. He replied, Want a drink? Old Felix’s grin grew, he knew he’d touched a nerve but hell he liked driving his son up the walls.

What am I supposed to do with him? Jackson asked, I mean really dad, he doesn’t even stay sober for most of his concerts. How am I supposed to work with him? He was feeling a sinking sensation in his stomach; his father was far too amused by his reaction but he couldn’t understand why.

Zach is special son, once you meet him…hopefully while he’s not knockered off his ass you’ll see it too. Old Felix couldn’t help but shudder at the thought of how Jackson and Zach would react to each other. But he knew there was something in his son that could bring the old Zach back. He needed someone his own age around him who wouldn’t take his shit. And strangely enough that was Jackson. He couldn’t trust anyone else with Zach.

Dad he’s a walking disaster. Jackson sighed. He really didn’t want this headache.

Promise me you’ll take him on Jackson. He needs someone like you to keep him stable. No one else would give a damn about him. He said quietly.

I’ll do it for you, pops but I swear I am going to regret this. Jackson replied.

Good, we have a meeting with his highness at 4 p.m. tomorrow. You can look over the contracts and revise them as you see fit. Felix laughed. He handed him the contracts and smiled.

You planned this didn’t you? Jackson groaned as he took the documents and looked them over briefly. There’s a lot of additions I’m making to this contract pops. He’s not taking over my life, especially with his shenanigans.

That’s the spirit son. Now I think I am going to retire for the night. Zach sleeps in that’s why we’re not going to see him late in the afternoon. He said but left out the hangovers and customary nakedness. His son would learn for himself that Zachary Drake was a law into himself.

Zach was on his third bottle and still he wasn’t completely numb from his fight with his father and brothers. Damned them, they had no clue how hard it was for him to make it through the day. And there was also old Felix and his impending retirement. He really didn’t want a new manager, but Felix wasn’t getting any younger. It was inevitable that he would but that he was handing the reigns over to his son, well that was a surprise. The old man kept his personal life private whereas he knew every intimate detail of Zach’s. He even knew the date of the last time he had sex. How the old man managed to keep up with him he still couldn’t figure out but he wasn’t going to complain. He groaned and dropped down on his sofa. He was too plastered to make it to his bed or a bathroom. His body broke out in a cold sweat as a wave of nausea hit and he rolled to his side to try to stop it. It worked and as he breathed deeply he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 1

Jackson was on edge all the next day, he really didn’t like being put on the spot and this was screaming set up. He’d looked up everything he could find on Zachary and he was impressed with his music but his lifestyle left a lot to be desired. He drank nearly every waking moment of the day and partied like he was going to die tomorrow. It was a shame really, so much talent going to waste and for nothing more than cheap thrills. He looked over the revised contracts and smiled. Zachary Drake was going to meet his match. There was no way in hell he was going to let him continue down this path if he had any say about it. There had been eight paternity suits in the last four years, but before that nothing it was as though someone had flipped a switch and turned the promising star into a jaded wastrel. It was curious, what could have changed so fundamentally in the young man’s life to send him into a downward spiral. He was killing himself slowly.

Seeking out his father Jackson found him in his study. Pops? He called out before opening the door. He knew it was a bad idea to walk in on his father. He was old but that didn’t mean he wasn’t still as virile as ever. The last time he’d accidentally walked in on his parents he was so embarrassed he couldn’t even be in the same room with his mother for days.

Come on in son, His father called out and he opened the door. Surrounded by papers Felix Davenport was in his element, contracts and proposals covered the desk and he was reading intently. What can I do for you?

I’ve been reading up on Zach. What’s his deal pops? Jackson asked without even hesitating. Until four years ago there’s nothing in the tabloids about him and then he’s everywhere. It’s like something just flipped.

Zach hasn’t had an easy life, son. I can tell you what he really needs is a friend. He trusts no one to get close so he spends most of his time alone except when he’s recording with his band. Felix said quietly as he pushed the papers away and took a look at his son. He hadn’t wanted to put Zach in his hands but he needed some focus and Zach needed someone who would eventually understand him. He comes from old money. He and his family are a bit estranged.

I read about his father and his brothers. Why is he so different from them it is just so strange for someone who came from such a prominent family to veer so far from his roots. Jackson just wanted to understand, how was he going to work with someone who’s life was so sordid and unusual.

He’s a savant son. He sees the world through his music, working a nice desk job would have just killed everything that makes Zach special. Felix replied. His family doesn’t approve of what he does. They consider it beneath them. They have never once even celebrated one of his successes.

But he’s amazing pops it makes no sense why they can’t be proud of him. Jackson was taken aback by this bit of information. How could a family ignore one of their greatest gifts? No wonder Zach drank like a fish.

It would be condoning behavior that is considered less than appropriate considering their social status. Hell, I think they are cousins to one of the royal houses in Europe. It’s just not something they would ever sink so low to do especially as a career. Felix shrugged and looked at his son’s face. I know you don’t want to like him but he’s actually not what anyone believes. He’s quite intelligent and great company when he’s not drinking. Albeit, he’s totally shitfaced more often than not. He wasn’t going to elaborate on the nights of nursing the boy after a bad streak. No matter how fucked up he got he wasn’t going to walk away from him.

Why have you put up with him for so long? Dad seriously, he’s a lost cause. Jackson spat out, he didn’t care how messed up his life was Zach should care more about himself in his opinion.

There are things about Zach that no one knows, if he trusts you he will show you the truth about him in time. One word of advice for you, son…Don’t believe what you read or have heard about him. Felix informed him. Now I really need to finish up this paperwork before we go see him.

Okay pops, I’ll try to stay objective about him. Jackson said quietly. He left the study with more questions than he had had before he’d entered. There was always that question of why his father kept the guy on as a client. It baffled him, because his pops had never been one to play games or tolerate self-destruction.

Felix sat back in his chair and grinned broadly. His plan was working he knew Jackson better than the boy knew himself. Putting those two together would be explosive but it would make both of them happy in the end.

Across town Zach rolled over on the couch as another wave of nausea rolled through him. He cracked his eyes open and winced through the pain. Fuck, he’d hadn’t even bothered counting the bottles of liquor he’d consumed last night. His stomach flipped again as though his stomach was a gymnast and he knew he wouldn’t be able to avoid kneeling before the porcelain throne once again. He rolled onto his knees on the floor next to the couch and tried in vain to get to his feet. His head spun and he gasped as he tried to hold back the tide that was threatening to destroy his one of a kind fur rug. He tried again and made it to a kneeling position. He glanced at the clock and grimaced. Old Felix and Felix Jr. would be here in a few hours. It was a damned perfect way to meet his new handler. If he wasn’t on the brink of hurling like a broken fire hydrant, he would have laughed at his own thoughts. He stumbled to the bathroom and barely made it, his stomach heaved as it rid itself of its noxious contents. He broke out in a cold sweat, it seemed to last forever, when he was done he flushed the toilet and crawled to the rug collapsing on it weakly before passing back out.

Hours later he woke and groaned, his stomach was somewhat less angry but his head hurt like hell. How the fuck did I end up on the floor, he thought as he groaned miserably…Shower, coffee, clothes…meeting at four, checklist in his head he got up off the floor and headed to his bedroom. He knew he couldn’t smell of sweat, vomit and alcohol for his meeting with Old Felix and the old codger’s son. Hell, not that he cared about the younger male’s opinion but he promised that he would give him a chance. And truthfully, he hated disappointing the old man.

Turning on his shower he let the water get as hot as he could stand before stepping under it. Shit he’d passed out naked on the couch, his poor maids…He sighed, they deserved another raise for putting up with him. The water poured over him and he closed his eyes as he let the water relax his tense muscles. He wasn’t looking forward to this meeting, in fact he was terrified. Old Felix had never introduced him to his family and he knew Zach had a few social ticks. He could perform on stage but meeting people was a different story. That’s why drinking became his crutch, well that and so many other reasons. He finally grabbed his body wash and washcloth, his hands slightly shaking as he poured a generous amount of soap on the little towel. He washed his body quickly soaping his body up was an understatement; he scrubbed at his skin with almost an obsessive frenzy. It was as though he was trying to rid himself of his sins and couldn’t. He rinsed off and turned off the water then wrapped a towel around his waist as he went to the wash basin and brushed his teeth. He avoided looking into the mirror, he didn’t like seeing the dark circles under his eyes or the pale wane look that seemed to