Oh, wait. I wracked my brain. Pauletta took credit for allowing the crew to film Grindstone at their inaugural concert here twoyears ago. She hadn’t known Thornton’s connection to the young woman who had died ten years earlier. Or how hellbent he’d been on destroying Ed and Axel.
Now he was married to one of them.
Go figure.
I took a breath.
Spencer, however, put his hand on my chest. “I’ll talk about Pike. Just…not here. Not now.”
Thornton nodded. “Sure. When you think the moment’s right.”
I wanted to saynever, but the decision was Spencer’s. If he wanted to talk about his friend—and why he’d chosen activism after that friend died—then that was his choice.
“You need to move along.” One of the stagehands gestured for us to leave.
Spencer clung to me as we headed out to the back.
Cool air hit my heated skin. Days were hot in Nevada, even in October, but the nights could cool quickly.
The first notes from the next band reverberated, and the crowd roared.
“They were loud.” Freddie grinned. “Seriously. I’ve never seen a crowd that enthusiastic.”
“Possibly because that’s the best we’ve ever played?” Creed held his mother’s hand. “All for you, Mama.”
She pressed her hand to his cheek. “One day, you’ll tell me the truth.”
He blinked.
Completely discomposed.
I’d warned him. I’d said that the audience would know. If not the audience, then at least Mama.
Being right brought little vindication as I watched my best friend grin with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “All good, Mama. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She scowled.
“Are we getting food? I’m starving.” Freddie pressed a hand to his gut. He could never eat before a gig and so was always ravenous afterward.
“Grindstone has invited you back to their bus. It’ll be a tight squeeze, but they want to celebrate your debut.” Thornton grinned. “They make the best lasagna—one meat and one vegetarian.”
I moaned. “No meat?”
Spencer clasped my hand. “Don’t go vegetarian on my account.” He pressed a kiss to my cheek. “I love you just the way you are.”
“Please tell them we accept their offer.” Belatedly I realized I was speaking for a large group of people. I met each of their gazes and all I got back was grins.
“I’ll text them.” Thornton grabbed his phone out of his back pocket and headed away.
“We’re going to be crammed in that bus.” Reese shrugged. “Life of a rock star, right?”
“I don’t have to go.” Mama met my gaze.
“I’m pretty certain we can fit you in.” I was sonotgoing to point out how tiny she was.
Creed offered me a smile. He mouthedthank you.
I smiled my response.
