“As yet somewhat unnamed kind of Angel,” Dez replied, reaching to entwine his fingers with the pale redhead trailing behind him, yanking him close. “This is Riley, our keyboardist and bassist. He’s the reason I have the gig in the first place.”
“Great meeting all of you,” Riley said. “I’m a big fan, you have an amazing sound, I look forward to hearing you guys live.”
“Thanks, likewise,” I replied, shaking his hand before turning my attention back to Dez. “I’ve been tracking your career. That shit was fucked up, but you look happy, man. You got time for a drink or two? We have a lot to catch up on,” I asked him.
“Hell yeah, let’s see if we can find a spot to park our asses in,” Dez said, spotting one. “I’ll hold the space, why don’t you grab us a couple beers.”
“I’ll meet you back at the bus,” Riley said. “Don’t forget what James said though. Last thing you want is him hunting you down for being late. He’ll give you an earful and then some once he catches up to you.”
“No worries, I’ll be there.”
“On time.”
“Got it!” Dez declared before Riley hurried away.
The guys wandered off while Dez and I caught up. I couldn’t think of a better way to do so then while listening to the other bands playing. This was like an epic déjà vu, knowing that both our bands were in the lineup for Rocktoberfest meant we’d finally made it and were living the dream we shared when we were younger. I had so much to tell my mom the next time we spoke which would probably be Sunday on our way to Seattle. I snapped a pic of Dez and I, promptly sent it off to her and tucked my phone away. Giving my old friend my undivided attention. I’m sure when she woke tomorrow, she’d be rapid fire texting me. I’m a momma’s boy and damn proud of it, but I know she likes hearing from the blasts from hers and dad’s pasts. I’d always idolized Dez so to have both of us here was like winning the rock ‘n roll lottery to me.
When the last band for the night finished their final encore, I was drenched in sweat having joined in with the group headbanging off to the side of the lounge area. They rocked the shit. It was the band Chaos that Dagger had mentioned to us earlier. I see why he chose to take them under his wing, they kicked ass. They’re a talented group I’ll definitely be stalking.
It wasn’t long after that a sweet pair of arms slid around my waist from behind. “Hello handsome, how was your night?” I asked.
“Busy, I’m worn out. When I get home Sunday night, I’ll probably need at least a week to recuperate and feel normal again. But then it’s back to school on Tuesday,” Ely said.
“Would it be really bad if I flipped you around and planted my lips on yours?” Ely stiffened, then relaxed.
“Although I’ve never been much of a rule breaker, I’m gonna say go for it.” Ely’s response was a pleasant surprise. So I did just that. Once he was in front of me, I cupped his face, staring into the deep blue depths and let myself go. Momentarily forgetting where we were. Who we were surrounded by as what was meant to be simple, quickly escalated to the danger zone.
“Ahem,” a voice cleared nearby, but I chose to ignore it until it happened again. “Ahem.” This time with an irritated twinge.
“Oh, um hey, Jordan,” Ely said, blushing so deeply I feared his cheeks would spark.
I turned to introduce myself, but found the man glaring back at me. WTF? “Hey.” I wiped my sweaty palm on my pants before extending my hand to him. “I’m Rhone.”
Jordan stood there for a few minutes, his glare shifted to my hand. A flittering of emotions crossed his features before he accepted the pro-offered limb. “Jordan.” He turned to Ely. “Ready to walk back to the trailers?”
“Oh, okay. Give me a minute,” Ely said. Once Jordan was out of earshot, he immediately began apologizing.
“No need to apologize. We took a chance and got busted. Will you be in trouble now?” I asked him.
“I don’t think so. I’ve never been reprimanded once so I’m really not sure why he’s acting this way,” Ely replied.
“Protective maybe? I could understand that, this isn’t the group that is usually looking for more than a one and done. But I hope you know that I am, Ely,” I reiterated.
He nodded. “Yes, but I do hope you understand my reluctance to, you know.” Again, he blushed.
“I do which is one of many reasons why sex is off the table for us right now.” I gave him a quick peck. “You better go before he comes back. I’ll text you when I’m on the bus.”
Ely smiled, nibbling the corner of his mouth. “I can’t wait.” He spun that cute little ass around and the little imp winked at me over his shoulder as he sauntered away. I shook my head realizing he was more of a tease than he thought he was. Or maybe he does know?
Sikes and I got back to the bus at the same time David, Seltzer and Chase walked up with Snipe. Having a guard around made me feel like I was being babysat, it was really unnerving at times. Like my time wasn’t mine and any free minutes I got with Ely were always supervised. Hopefully when we got back to Vegas it won’t have to be that way. I understand calling in security for events such as this, but for our everyday lives there should be no need.
“You get Blondilocks all tucked in?” Seltzer asked.
“Nah man, his boss retrieved him before I could. Guy seems to have some sort of beef with me even though I literally just met him,” I said, racking my brain for anything I may’ve done to piss the guy off.
“He’s probably worried you’re gonna break his boy’s heart. Either that or he wants him for himself,” David added.
“I’m definitely not planning to break Ely’s heart. He’s from Vegas and we’ve already talked about seeing each other once we get back from Seattle,” I told them.
“Sweet, then the dude needs to chill. Ely’s a big boy, he can take care of himself,” Seltzer said. “If his boss gave you a chance, he’d see you’re not the asshole type.”
“Gee, thanks man.” I wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or not, coming from Chase that is.
“So, you guys stoked for tomorrow night?” Chase asked us.
“Nervous as fuck but excited just the same,” I said.
“Easton wants to meet with us during breakfast tomorrow morning. Make sure we’re good to go and shit.” Chase informed us. “He said to be in the main dining tent at eight.
“Eight? It’s two am,” I pointed out.
“Time to get your beauty sleep then,” David said, heading toward the bunk area. “Dibs on the shower!”
“Bastard!” Seltzer yelled at him.
Rather than fight for what I was certain would be an empty water heater tank, I opted to shower in the morning. After setting my alarm for seven I hopped in my bunk, stripped down to my boxers and texted Ely.
Me: Goodnight sweet chef
Ely: Goodnight Rockstar, see you in the morning
I’ll be the one with the rapidly pounding heart beating out of my chest. I kept that thought to myself. I needed to slow my roll and keep the cards to myself. For now.
As much as I wish I could say that calmed me enough so I could sleep, it didn’t. This reminded me of how I was the night before school started each year. Excited to show off my new clothes and see old friends. Only this time I was excitedly anxious to take the stage, looking to make several thousand new fans. I hoped like hell they didn’t boo us, but if their reaction was anything like how it was when Jose played one of our songs for them then yesterday, then we at least had a fighting chance to prove ourselves worthy of being here. Still, my stomach was in knots and I knew there was no way in hell I was getting a minute’s worth of sleep.