By the time the show was over, Ravi was a hot and sweaty mess. Parker tossed an arm around his shoulders and they fought their way through the crowd to the side where a security guard waved them through. They made their way backstage to the room where refreshments had been laid out and everyone was gathering. Trepidation set in as he entered the room.
“Oh, there you are,” Bo said rushing over and taking Rav’s hand. “Did you guys enjoy the show? I watched from the wings and oh my God, it was fucking fantastic. It’s totally unreal experiencing it from a different perspective and being so close.”
Rav automatically pulled his hand away, and shoved both hands into his pockets, although he wanted nothing more than to keep holding his hand and enjoy the moment with Bo. His excitement was contagious. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Harvey owned the stage,” Rav said and meant every word.
“The show was amazing, but I’m going to have to correct you and say it was Rafe who owned the stage, but Harvey was pretty damn phenomenal too,” Parker said with a laugh. “But just wait till you see HyperOctane at Rocktoberfest. It’s probably the biggest stage they’ve been on so far. The crowd is massive. Oh my God, it made me nearly puke being up there in front of all those screaming fans. You guys don’t know what a treat you’re in for. Oh, here’s Rafe now. I want to go congratulate him. I’ll catch up with you later.”
Parker left, making a beeline to where Rav could see the band entering through a rear door.
“Did you want a drink?” Bo asked.
“A water would be good. It was hot out there.”
“Cool. I’ll be back in a tick.” Bo headed towards the bar area.
Rav’s phone rang so he pulled the iPhone from his pocket. He squeezed his eyes shut when he saw it was his mother. He’d ignored a couple of her calls so far. He took a deep breath and focused back on the phone.Now or never.He pressed answer as he headed to the side of the room that appeared quieter.
“Hi, Mum.”
“Rav! Thank goodness. I was starting to worry.”
Great, another reason to feel guilty.“Sorry, Mum. It’s been hectic with the travel and the shows. I’ve hardly had any time to myself.”
“Surely you could have squeezed in a phone call and not just a text.” He could hear her huff through the phone. “Where are you? It’s very noisy.”
“We’ve been in Reno the last few days, and the band has just finished playing. We’re at the after party.”
“All that rock music and partying, it’s not good, Ravi. And the drugs. I hope you’re not getting involved in that type of thing.”
Rav could smell the distinctive fragrance of weed in the room and had been known to smoke a joint every now and then, but that was it. The guys weren’t into the hard drug scene either, although alcohol made a regular appearance. “I can take care of myself. Anyway, how’s everything at home.”
“Fine. Fine. Your dad’s had a cold but he’s on the mend now. I won’t keep you as I know you’re out but I just wanted to check in as we haven’t heard much from you lately. Are you still planning to visit in a few weeks?”
“Yes. Me and Harvey.”
“I assume he’ll stay with his parents. They’ll no doubt want to spend some time with him. Lorna will be thrilled to have him home.”
Ravi clenched his jaw. He could see what she was doing—still trying to deny Ravi was in a relationship. He didn’t know if there’d ever come a time he could sleep with his lover under his parents’ roof.
“We haven’t got any further with the planning other than setting the date between Harvey’s gigs. We’ll probably stay in a hotel.”
“Yes, that’s probably for the best. I know how you young people are with your comings and goings at all hours.” His comings and goings had never worried her before, but he bit his tongue. “It will be good to talk to you while you’re here. We want to make sure you know what you’re doing. We think you’re caught up in all this glamorous rock star lifestyle. What sort of life is that, Ravi?”
He assumed it was a rhetorical question, but fuck it pissed him off. Not only were they so old-fashioned in their ideas, they treated him like a kid who couldn’t make his own decisions, and he knew they were worried about their own reputation more than their own son. He looked up to see Bo approach with the water. Ravi took the bottle gratefully. “Thanks.”
“What was that?” his mother asked.
“Sorry. I was thanking Bo for getting me a bottle of water.”
“Oh, Bo’s there? Say hello from us.”
“Sure. Anyway, I’d better get back to the party. Tell Dad I hope he feels better soon, and I’ll see you in a few weeks.” He hung up.
“How are things with your parents?” Bo asked.
Ravi shrugged. “They’re fine. Dad’s got a cold and Mum thinks I’m making poor life decisions. So, nothing new.”
Bo squeezed his shoulder. “Remember when you went to Singapore? They weren’t happy then, worrying you were too young and didn’t have any friends or family over there, but they came around.”
