33
TERA
Yesterday the bands did their thing while I sketched anything and everything.
Xander whaling on the drums, grinning and singing along the entire time.
Jesse singing his heart out.
Ben fingering the strings of his guitar like it was an extension of his body.
Kennedy, eyes closed, feeling it all.
Ethan head bobbing to the beat.
Then came Blush. They had the same passion in their expressions as the guys of Falling Down did.
I get it. I do. Ifeelit when they’re up there. It’s just such an important part of Xander. What if things don’t work out? I’ve had massive anxiety all day and it’s only the crew and workers. Plus, I’ve had four security guards around me the entire time.
I sigh at myself.
Will I be able to weather the storm ahead? We’ll find out tomorrow.
The bands are already at the venue. When we pull up, people areeverywhere.I start snapping my wristband. I take a deep breath, then nod to the security guard—Mike—that I’m ready.
I’m surrounded by men, each a foot taller and wider than me. You’d think I’d feel safe. Not quite. Maybe seventy-five percent.
It doesn’t get any better when we enter the building. There are five bands playing today. Five played yesterday and five will play tomorrow, so there are people milling around everywhere.
I continue to snap my wristband.
Damian walks up. He is one tall, dark, and handsome son of a gun. And those startling green eyes. He is all kinds of hot.
“How’re you doing, Tera?” is the first thing he asks.
“Anxious,” I tell him honestly.
“I see that,” he replies, looking to where I’m pulling the elastic strip constantly. “What can I do?”
“You’re doing it. The rest is up to me, if I can handle things.”
“Do you want to see Blush perform?” he asks.
I nod. “I’d love to.”
We move forward to a spot off-stage that’s been cleared for me.
I breathe out a breath of relief. “This is so much better. Thank you, Damian.”
He nods. “I thought this would work best for you. There’s a chair and headset if it gets too loud. I’m going to go check on the guys, but there’s a team of six here for you if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” I shout over the music.
He winks and my heart flutters. Oh my, he’s so pretty it’s easy to forget he’s also lethal.
I watch Lucy and crew perform. She owns that stage—they all do. It’s not just a concert of watching a band stand there. Not for Blush. They take it to a whole other level. They sing and dance—speaking of dancing. Nicole’s out there dancing like a pro with little Kadi. Kadi’s got bright purple headphones on to protect her ears. They’re all glittered and sparkled up. Adorable.
I can’t help but smile. When Shea and Carter walk up, we start to dance—even Carter I-can’t-dance Winters. The beat is too strong to resist.
