“If you insist,” Tasha pouted, linking arms with Sandra. Paul stepped toward them and they allowed him to lead them away, and I turned my attention back to myfriends.
“You’re fucking crazy,” Gordon remarked, shaking his head ruefully. “You’ve got two gorgeous girls practically begging you to screw them and you’re hanging out with us? What thefuck?”
“I haven’t seen you guys in months,” I shrugged, taking a swig of the beer. I ignored Gordon’s imploring eyes and looked at Brock. “Why don’t you want a bachelor party? It’s a rite ofpassage.”
“It’s unnecessary,” he responded. “I’d much rather go ATVing orfishing.”
“We can do both,” I told him. “We could go ATVing this weekend, then still throw a wicked bachelor party that will rival all other bachelor parties beforeit.”
“I’m down for ATVing this weekend,” Grady grinned. “Feels like we haven’t been inforever.”
“That’s because we haven’t,” Gordon pointed out. “Jesus, when did we all get so goddamnboring?”
“Speak for yourselves, Travis is living the life still,” Braden smirked, glancing toward the door where my guests had justleft.
“Well he’s a fucking millionaire, so no shit. Some of us have to work real jobs with shit pay,” Gordon retorted, grinning at me to show he was justkidding.
His dig pissed me off a little. I worked damn hard for my money, sacrificed sleep and time with my loved ones to bring albums to life. I spent hours on the road travelling and had paparazzi all up in my business every time I turnedaround.
When you’re in the public eye all the time, it wasvery hardto make mistakes, and the rumors that float around arevicious.
Some days, I wish I had a normal job like myfriends.
“So Sunday, after the chili cook-off?” Gradysuggested.
“Sounds good,” Inodded.
“Let’s make it a group thing. Unless you’re all cool with Tessa kicking our asses for leaving her out,” Bradensuggested.
“Smooth, little Miller,” I called out, reaching over to give him a noogie. I was impressed with his nonchalant, smooth deliverance. It was obvious that he was looking for an excuse to spend more time with Elle. I admired histenacity.
“Shut the fuck up, Travis,” he scowled, hitting my armaway.
I loved the Parry Sound Stampede, I’d been going since I was a little kid. I used to participate in the talent shows, and when I got older they’d set up a small stage and I’d play by the beer tent. When my first album went platinum, I continued playing every summer out of nostalgia andtradition.
The little stage by the beer tent turned into a massive stage that drew in crowds by thehundreds.
The week before the stampede was full of radio interviews and other promotional gigs that would bring in waves of fans from all overOntario.
I was full of pent up energy. I could barely go anywhere without one of my bodyguards present, which kind of put a damper on enjoying my time back home. It was necessary, though, as a lot of the tourists were fans of mine here to watch me perform at the stampede. I couldn’t walk a foot into town without beingspotted.
A few weeks after the stampede, having both Paul and Rob in the Muskoka’s wouldn’t be necessary. But during the height of tourism season, with people coming from all over to attend the renowned Parry Sound Stampede, the label didn’t give me much of achoice.
All of the bridled energy was put to good use during my show; I owned the stage, the crowd, thenight.
I would never tire of performing music live. There was something about it—an energy in the air, a magic in the moment. I was in my element onstage.
After the show, I had little time to gather my wits before I headed to the Clayton’s barn for the after party. I didn’t know for certain that Becky would be there, but I hoped shewas.
My eyes immediately spotted her the moment I walked in. She was standing up in the loft, leaning against the railing beside Braden, watching the dance floor. It reminded me of the past three summers, how we’d escape this party separately the first chance we got, only to meet up in ahotel.
Our eyes locked, and she stiffened, squaring her shoulders. I made a move toward the stairs that would take me up to the loft, take me up to her, but a hand on my arm stopped me. I turned my head to look, seeing Elle Thompson and a tall guy with dark blond hair I’d never seenbefore.
“Hey Travis! Great show!” Elle said, giving me a huge hug that I knew was her way of apologizing for the harshness she displayed the other night. “This is my boyfriend, AlexHastings.”
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Alex grinned, shaking my hand. “I’m a big fan of yourmusic.”
“Thanks man,” I said, pumping my arm a little harder than necessary. I was tweaking out being so close to her yet unable to see her. We made small talk for a few minutes about the concert turn out and theweather.
