I give him a back-slap man hug. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. We’re best friends for life, Ry. I’m not abandoning you or the band… not for anything or anyone. We’re together, and in this, this time. We’re gonna make it and have our break with Luke.”
“Fucking hope so! Because I mean it, Danger, if you break the band up again, there’s no second chance.”
“Understood. I’m not fucking this up. Not for a girl, no fucking way.”
Chapter Twelve
DANGER
A Few Days Later
It’s been days.
The obsession with checking my cell has become ridiculous. I keep hoping maybe I somehow missed a call or text, but nothing has come through from Lunar.
She hasn’t been at our shows, and I’ve resigned myself to the fact that maybe I royally screwed up. I didn’t want a relationship with her, but I liked Lunar, and I didn’t intend to hurt her, which I have obviously done.
I feel like a prick, and even though I don’t want to admit it, I miss her.
We’re at yet another gig, this time in a larger venue, and the crowd is much livelier. I’m reveling in the thrill of the music and the electric atmosphere in the room. But the absence of Lunar is like a part of us is missing—a sensation that strikes me as unfamiliar.
When the performance ends, I thank the crowd. They cheer, celebrating a great set, while I jog offstage with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm. I’m flat. And I hate it. It’s compounded by Techie’s presence standing at the bar. I know he’s seen Lunar, and it tempts me to approach him and ask how she’s doing and inquire if she’s okay, but I hesitate, not wanting to appear overly concerned.
Techie walks over, sensing something, and slaps my shoulder. “So, Lunar told me to spy on you and see how you’re doing.”
I raise a brow and give a one-word answer, “What?”
“Yeah, I was hoping you’d ask about her. She would’ve liked that. But I had to bring her up, so no points to you there, Danger.”
“Shit! Fuck! I didn’t bring her up because she told me she needed space, and I am fucking trying. But I do want to know. Is she okay?”
He tilts his head before speaking. “She’s… different. Wearing more modest clothing and shit. Something’s happening. Not sure what, though. And she certainly isn’t giving herself to any of the brothers, which technically she should be now that she isn’t Steel’s girl. Mad Dog could throw her out for denying them.”
“Mad Dog?” I ask.
“The president of our club. He’s… interesting, but he’s also Steel’s old man. Something has shifted in Lunar. She’s been quieter as if she’s reflecting on something. I know you guys fought, and I’m not entirely sure what about, but it was enough to shake her, to really knock her around.”
Looking down at the floor, my nostrils flare, and I take in a deep breath. “Can you tell Lunar I’m thinking about her? I want to message, but I’m giving her the time she needs. I’ve never been good with women. Actually, I am shit at it. So I’m unsure if leaving her be is the right call. I want her to be okay and in a good place. I don’t want to cause her problems.”
He half smiles. “Lunar’s a good chick. She deserves to be happy, and I think she’s finally seeing that now she’s free from Steel. He was never gonna make her an Old Lady.”
“Should I message her?”
“No! I’ll go back and tell her we talked. Let her come to you. She scares easily, so if she needs time, let her have it. But if she likes you, she’ll be back. And her insistence on wanting me to check on you tonight, I’m sure she will be.”
Nodding, I swallow hard and exhale. “This shit’s all new to me. I’m used to being chased and hounded, not the one having to wait.”
He smiles. “Well, Lunar is worth waiting for.” He slaps my shoulder and walks off, leaving me to dwell on those unsettling thoughts.
After packing up the gear and chatting with some fans, it’s time to head back to the hotel. I’m struggling not to message Lunar or reach out to her in some way, but I heed Techie’s advice even though the desire to see her is so strong. I don’t want to scare her off, so I leave it even though it’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, and I desperately want to see her.
Weary, I make my way to bed to catch up on some sleep, but I doubt it will come easily tonight, burdened by my restless thoughts.
Christmas Eve
I’m lost in a world where the music is somber.
The notes drift through the air in dull grays and blacks.
