“You wound me, brother.” Harvey placed a hand over his heart, and Parker had to laugh at his outraged scowl. “What about all the good times? Remember the first time you went out when you could legally drink—”
“Oh, Jesus. Don’t remind me! I thought we’d made a pact never to mention it again. You’re my big brother, you were meant to stop me drinking.”
“I promise to take better care of you this time.” Harvey laughed. “Plus, you’re a lightweight. You couldn’t have had more than a couple of drinks.”
Parker rolled his eyes. “A couple too many. I’ve never been able to face rum again.”
“But seriously.” Harvey placed a hand on his. “My place is always here for you, and it would be a blast having you live here.”
Harvey sounded genuinely excited, but there was no way Parker was going to cramp his new relationship with Ravi.
“Thanks, Harv, I appreciate it, but I think I’m going to make some other arrangements. But we’ll have heaps of time to see each other and hang out.”
“Abseiling?”
Parker snorted out a laugh. “That’d be a big no.”
Harvey shrugged. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”
“You’ve got therapy this afternoon?” The cast had only recently been removed, and Harvey was now under the care of a top physiotherapist to get his arm and hand back into top physical condition.
Harvey nodded. “Yeah, in a couple of hours.”
“I’ll meet you at the pub afterwards?”
“Sounds good. And maybe we’ll have something to celebrate with Ravi if he gets that job, and I’m definitely celebrating you sticking around.” Harvey grinned, and Parker warmed at the thought of being able to see his brother on a more regular basis and not just keep in contact over the internet.
A few hours later, Parker was pushing his way through the crowd at one of the local Balmain hotels. The pub was just up the road from Rafe’s apartment and was one of the first pubs that’d given the band a go. That made it a favourite hangout for the guys. Tonight, HyperOctane had taken to the stage again in an impromptu performance that brought the house down.
Parker, Harvey, and Ravi had screamed along with the rest of the crowd in the hot and cramped bar that smelled of stale beer mixed with a hint of sweat—no glitz or glamour, just four guys up on stage, playing to a bunch of die-hard fans in a dingy pub. Parker arrived back at the table and put the beers down on its damp surface before slipping back into his seat. He chanced a glance at Harvey, worried that he’d be upset over being unable to join the guys up on stage, but he only had eyes for Ravi, and given the looks being exchanged between the two of them, things were heating up hard and fast.
His phone beeped, so he dragged it from his pocket to see a text from Bo. He couldn’t help the smile as he read the message. It seemed that everything was going right in his world.
“Hey, Harv. I didn’t want to say anything until I’d firmed up plans, but I just got some good news. Bo’s going to come to Sydney, too.”
Harvey’s smile faltered. Strange, he thought it would be Ravi who’d have more of a reaction, given his past with Bo, but Ravi just stared at Harvey. “He’s coming to visit?” Harvey asked.
Parker shook his head. “He’s coming to live. He had to see if he could get a job over here, and an opportunity came up, so it’s all systems go.”
“Oh, right. That’s great then. I bet you’re excited to have your bestie here too.”
Parker couldn’t be happier. Well, one thing would make him happier and that one thing was crossing the room right now.
Rafe made a beeline straight for him, ignoring the fans who were attempting to stop him. One or two made a grab for his jacket, but Rafe shrugged them off, and the security guy in the rear closed in with a warning look to those fans who weren’t getting the hint. Ignoring the fans was something so unlike Rafe, who usually gave them a moment of his time for a quick chat or an autograph, that Parker couldn’t help but feel special. Rafe obviously didn’t want anything to come between them either.
Rafe swept him up in a hug, and Parker buried his face in Rafe’s neck. His knees nearly buckled at the familiar scent surrounding him and the strong arms holding him tight. He squeezed tight for a moment, then reluctantly pulled back. They drew apart, but Rafe grabbed Parker’s hand and didn’t let go.
“Parker, this is Ricky.” He introduced the guy who’d been filling in on guitar for Harvey and would do so until Harvey could pick up the guitar again. Thank God he’d gotten a positive report from the therapist today, so it shouldn’t be long now.
“Hey, good to meet you. Congrats on the baby.”
“Thanks. And thanks for giving me my old job back.” Ricky winked as he teased.
Giving Ricky his relief-guitarist position had never been in doubt now the band was back in Australia. Parker had no qualms in relinquishing the role. He’d had his time in the spotlight, and it was more than enough. He was perfectly content to be the number-one fan.
RG and Gibbo appeared through the crowd, and they all sat down, Rafe tugging Parker down beside him.
Gibbo held up a bottle and tipped it towards Parker. “I hear congratulations are in order. Rafe said you’re moving to Sydney. Welcome, man.”
