We talk every day on the phone and FaceTime several times a day, but it’s not the same. “I know, but there has to be more. How many songs are you guys playing? Are you playing anything new? Have you heard any more from that agent?”
He sighs, likely knowing I’m not going to stop asking questions, and leans back in the chair.
“Four songs. One new one. No.”
I frown. A week ago, a representative from a record label reached out directly to Penn about one of his songs. He claimed a well-known artist wanted to know if he would be interested increating something specific for them. Penn said he’d have to think about it, and the guy said he’d get back to him in a week or so. I think it’s a huge opportunity for him, and I told him as much, but I think he feels guilty, like he’s somehow betraying the guys. Of course, he immediately told them about it, and they were very supportive, just like I knew they would be.
“Did you decide what you were going to say when he calls back?”
“Nope. I need more details before I can commit. Who is this person? What kind of story are they wanting to tell? Why me?”
“Why not you? You’re amazing.”
He rolls his eyes but grins. “What about you? How are things?”
“Good. I paused new orders while I’m away because I don’t want to get behind. I have three things I’ll need to finish and ship as soon as I get back, but it’s fine.”
“I’m proud of you.”
“And I’m proud of you.” I boop his nose, and Ellie appears from the hall.
“Just getting my food!” she says, wearing her white headphones. She grabs her food quickly before scurrying away.
“Do you want to order something?”
He ignores me and lifts me from his lap so he can stand without putting me down. He carries me through the house. “Which room is yours?”
I point to the door.
He steps inside, using his foot again to shut it. “First, I’m eatingyou,then I’m going to fuck you so hard you’ll feel it when you go back home. Then we can get food.” He tosses me on the bed, and it squeaks, causing me to wince. “Good thing she brought those headphones,” he says, smirking. Then he’s on me.
51
PENN
I takeone last look at the crowd, but only search for one person. I know where she is; I bought her ticket. She and Ellie wanted to be right in front of the stage, but there was no way I was putting her in that shit. This isn’t like the bars she’s used to watching us play in. The crowd here gets crazy. Six people left in an ambulance last weekend after being dropped while crowd surfing.
She’s standing up on her seat, and even from here, I see the huge smile plastered on her face as she screams for us. For me. I couldn’t keep my eyes from wandering to her during our set. When I first met Olivia, she looked uncomfortable in the crowd, like she was afraid to move. She probably didn’t know a single song of ours. Now she’s mouthing every lyric and head banging.
Fuck, I love her.
It’s been a long two months. This is our first real taste of what touring would be like, except every night isn’t just about us. There are ten other acts, and trying to keep everyone in line and on time when we have zero control over them has givenTanner fucking hives. Literally, he’s broken out right now because one of the drummers from another band got so wasted he couldn’t hold his drumsticks up. That pushed our set back thirty minutes while they moved people around and tried to sober him up.
Chaos doesn’t even begin to describe this shit. I rarely sleep and when I do, it’s restless in some shitty motel. I’ve missed Olivia. Having her here now has made me so fucking happy I can’t wipe the dopey smile off my face.
“Fuckballs, that was good.” Travis pants, snagging a bottle of water and dumping it over his face.
I shake my head, packing my guitar in its case in a hurry. I’m ready to get to my girl.
“We still going out?”
I glance up as he makes no move to help us get this shit done so we can bounce.
“Yes. Now do something so we can go,” I bite out.
His brows rise, and he gives me a shit-eating smirk. “Someone’s testy. Wouldn’t have anything to do with the little Barbie doll in the crowd tonight, would it?”
I snap my locks closed and help Liam with his drum kit, ignoring Travis. Travis laughs but finally gets to work helping us clear off the stage. Once all of our stuff is safely locked in the van, we head to the girls.
