There’s a spring in my step when I close the door and stroll to the bedroom. I fall on the bed, blowing out a puff of air, thinking about what an awesome day I’ve had with Lunar, and we didn’t even have sex.
But the old me no longer feels familiar, and putting my focus on Lunar is the exact opposite of what I should be doing. I don’t comprehend the magnetism, the allure, or the fascination she holds over me.
My focus must be on our band and not getting lost in another woman.
Because we all know how that ended last time.
Three Days Later
The arrivals area is buzzing with anticipation while people wait for their loved ones. I’m at Adelaide Airport waiting to pick up the guys from their long-haul flight from the States. They did a layover in Sydney before coming here, and I bet they’re wiped. I’m nervous but excited all at the same time.
People start moving down the terminal from the arrival area, and I tense, my nerves shot. A tall guy with short brown hairgathers my attention first—it’s Matt. I smile widely when he spots me and gives me a curt wave. Then, his twin brother, Nate, who is behind him, frowns like he’s annoyed at the world. Not long after, the blond-haired prankster I’ve missed so much appears—Ryan, my best friend. He looks up and nods as they all walk toward me.
Leaning forward, I take Matt into a back-slapping man hug first. It’s been over a year since I’ve seen him, and he pulls back, looking me up and down. “Good to see you, man,” he says.
“You too, brother.”
Then I reach out, grab Nate’s shoulders, and squeeze when he smiles at me. I turn to Ryan, and there’s a quiet silence between us. A thin smile lifts from the corner of his lips. The need to give him a manly hug and back tap takes over, so I grin, lean in, and pull him to me. He embraces me tightly, and it finally feels like the tension might be ebbing away from us.
“I’m sorry for how we left things,” Ryan admits.
“Don’t be. I deserved it. It all worked out, ’cause now the band’s back together, and we’re all here to start our new journey.”
Ryan nods and slaps my shoulder. “You better hope those assholes haven’t fucked up our guitars, or you’re in deep shit, pretty boy.”
“Yeah, my bass is worth a goddamn fortune,” Matt says.
“Well then, let’s go and pick up your shit.”
As a group, we stride toward baggage claim, gather our luggage and guitars, and arrange a minibus to transport us back to the hotel.They have separate rooms, but I’ve ensured they’re next to each other.
Once we’re back at the hotel and all settled, they flock to my room, where we’re now sitting, discussing what happens next.
“So, we’re here. What do we do now?” Ryan asks.
“I’ll message Steel to see what our next point of play is.”
While Matt plucks at his bass, I retrieve my cell phone and type a message to Steel, letting him know the band is with me and asking about our next steps. Steel responds with a phone number, directing me to Techie, who supposedly has more information for us.
“Okay, so Steel says to call this guy Techie. I’m gonna do that now,” I announce to the group before dialing the number.
They all nod as Ryan punches Nate in the arm, and Matt chuckles. I have no idea what that was about, so I shrug and stand while dialing the number, unable to sit still.
It rings twice before he answers with a casual, “Yellow?”
I furrow my brows and purse my lips at his weird greeting, but quickly get on with talking. “Hey, man. Name’s Danger. I’m with the band, Recoil, and I’ve been referred to you by Steel,” I say, hoping I have followed the correct protocol.
“Yeah, he told me about you guys. I’d like to help you out. I’m arealmusic fan, and I’ve heard some of your stuff. It’s good, real good, so I wanna help. Can I come meet you?”
“Yeah, sure. When were you thinking?”
“Now?”
“Sure thing. We’re staying in a hotel, so there’s not a shitload of room, but we can make it work.”
“Awesome! Text me the hotel’s name. I’ll leave now.”
“Okay, great! Thanks, Techie.”
