“It’s easy to think all fans are nutjobs,” Wilder says, closing the front door. “Because you only hear about the crazy ones, but the majority are cool. We wouldn’t be here without them.”
“Fact,” I agree, lifting the cake box in one hand and the wine in the other.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Sydney,” Wilder adds as we walk toward the kitchen. “This guy has talked about you for years.”
“Cheers, mate.” I flip him the bird.
“You’re his muse,” Linc supplies because the assholes are determined to ensure I have no game.
“Sydney already knows.” I’m glad I told her now.
“I do, and it’s great to meet you both.”
We turn into the kitchen where Ryder is still sitting at the island unit, now drinking a bottle of water.
“Oh my fucking god!” Sydney’s high-pitched tone and the way she grips my arm almost has me dropping the box and bottle in my hands.
“What’s wrong?” I turn to face her, confused when I spot her dilated eyes and both hands clamped over her mouth.
Linc laughs as he dumps the bags with our food on the island unit. “It’s the Ryder Effect.”
I watch the blush creep up Sydney’s neck and onto her cheeks when she lowers her hands and stares at Torment’s front man. “I can’t believe you’re here. I’m such a big fan, and this is surreal,” she gushes.
“Seriously?” Wilder pouts. He loves his brother to death, but a little jealousy rears its head from time to time. “You didn’t bat an eyelash when you met us, and you’re gaga for my brother?”
“Blame this guy.” She jerks her head to the side while keeping her gaze locked on Ryder. “Jared was a massive Torment fan as a kid. I was a massive Jared fan, so anything he loved I tried to get behind. It wasn’t a chore with Torment. I loved you guys, and I might’ve had a few Ryder Stone posters on my walls.”
If he wasn’t happily married, and I didn’t know Sydney still loves me, I might be sporting a case of the green-eyed monster myself in this moment. But a starstruck Sydney is priceless. Especially after what just went down at the door. She’s almost as awestruck as the delivery guy, which is funny as fuck.
“I’m flattered.” Ryder climbs off his stool and comes toward us.
“I don’t usually fangirl, but I wasn’t aware you were here.” She narrows her eyes at me. “J failed to mention it.”
“It was a last-minute thing.”
“Some warning might’ve been nice.”
“Then I would’ve missed the show.” I smack a kiss to her cheek. “You’re adorable.”
Realizing she’s clutching my arm in a death grip, she lets go and walks over to Ryder with her shoulders back, exuding quiet confidence. She extends her hand. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
“The honor is all mine.” He shakes her hand and smiles.
Wilder is huffing and muttering under his breath as he walks past to the kitchen table.
“Aw, Wilder, I love your music, and you’re an incredible musician and singer too. Them’s some talented genes in your family.”
“For sure,” I agree, putting the dessert and the wine in the fridge. “Do you want a glass of wine now?” I ask her as I remove plates from the cupboard and silverware from the drawer.
“I’ll wait until after we’ve eaten,” she says, coming over and taking the plates.
Conversation flows freely at the table as we enjoy the sumptuous takeout. Sydney finishes her meal and helps herself to bits of mine, and it’s so comfortable having her here. It’s like she’s always been part of my crew. The banter is flying as she teases the guys, and they tease her back. She got over her shyness with Ryder pretty quickly too.
After tidying up, we move into the living room, and I put music on in the background as we relax on my large leather couches with our drinks. Sydney squeals when she spots the Amadeo painting I bought in Florence hanging on the wall at the back of the opposite couch. “When did that arrive?” she asks, getting up to walk around to it.
“Yesterday. I hung it immediately because I couldn’t wait to see it on my wall.”
“It looks amazing. I need to send him a pic. He’ll love this.” She spends ten minutes explaining the intricacies of the painting and the thought behind it to the guys, gushing about the artist who she says is going to set the art world on fire. I hope she’s right. It means my investment will be worth a lot more in the future. Only Ryder seems remotely interested, but my bandmates are polite as they feign enthusiasm.
