“No sweat.As the bassist and drummer, you and I are the backbone of the band.We’ve got to take care of each other.”He nodded toward Michael, who was tuning his guitar up front.“Michael’s just window dressing, but don’t tell him that.”
Nick laughed.“You got it.”
They’d played this place dozens of times before.Before Kristy’s video had gone viral, Nick would have considered the Bamboo Gigolo a second home.He and his brothers had first come to the place as customers.After becoming friends with the owner, they’d started playing the odd gig.Now, people came to see the Zorn Brothers Band, in particular.
Well, they used to before Nick had put an end to their gigs.
Although it seemed most of them had returned tonight.
You’ve got this.He’d done plenty of practicing at home.He knew the tunes inside and out, and he understood the tempo anchor points that worked best with his brothers.They’d put together an easy set list of old favorites, ones the crowd would love.
Hell, Nick had been playing with his brothers since they were teenagers.This should be a piece of cake.
If only he didn’t feel sick to his stomach.
He closed his eyes for a minute or two and envisioned a smooth set.There was no reason for it to happen any other way.Nick had handpicked his drumsticks, had checked his drumheads for splits and dents, and had tightened all the pedals.
He was ready.
Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes.It was then that he saw Claire, Adele and Mia making their way over, each of them carrying a drink.Beaming, Claire made eye contact with Nick and maneuvered through the bodies to get closer to the stage.As Adele and Mia took spots near the front, Claire came around to the side of the stage to say hello.
Nick slid out from behind his drum kit and crouched at the edge of the stage.“You made it.”
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”She glanced around the stage.“Boy, you weren’t kidding.You guys are a real band.”
“We have our moments.I’m so glad you’re here.You look gorgeous.”
Claire was wearing a sexy pair of red jeans that hugged her figure, as well as a sleeveless white blouse.Her hair was up and dangly earrings hung from her ears.“Thanks.I’m just happy to see you doing something you love.”
The bar manager approached the microphone stand at center stage and tapped it.
Claire gave him an excited little wave.“Break a leg, Nick!We’ll talk later?”
“You know it.”
Nick leaned over and kissed her.A few hoots went up from some of his pals in the crowd, but he didn’t mind the catcalls.He was proud to be able to kiss Claire in front of everyone.
As he took his place behind the drum kit again, the manager began his introductions.“It’s been a while since we’ve been able to host these guys, but we’re excited to bring back the Zorn Brothers Band!Welcome, Michael, Eli and Nick!”
As Michael and Eli said a few words of thanks into their microphones, Nick lowered his head and concentrated on his drumsticks.The crowd was cheering, many of them chanting, “Zorn!Zorn!Zorn!”But Nick was listening for a chant of another kind.
HashtagNicksDick!
No matter how he strained, he didn’t hear it.
Eventually, he lifted his head, knowing he couldn’t keep it down all night long.
The first thing he saw was Claire’s smile.She lifted her pint of beer in a silent toast.
Somehow, all his jitters faded away.The light throb at the back of his head softened.The tension in his shoulders eased.All gone because of Claire’s smile.
Amazing.
Michael glanced over his shoulder at Nick.“Ready, little brother?”
Nick sat up straight, nodded and smiled.He was ready.
* * * *
