“Yes… it is.”
“Then isn’t this the best option for all of us? We can have our holidays in Australia, but it makes sense to spend most of our time in the States,” I assert, and he lets out a long huff while Alana sinks into herself.
“He has kids back in Australia,” she murmurs, and we all glance at Luke. We can’t lose him, but the band has to keep moving forward, and honestly, we will be spending most of our time in the States for the foreseeable future anyway.
He shifts uncomfortably again. “Look, this is something I’ll need to discuss with you all in a more private setting. Now is not that time...” He rubs his fingers through his hair.
I glance at the other girls, who all look as worried as I feel, but I decide to lighten the mood with my excitement. So, I hold up my left hand and wiggle my fingers. Everyone looks at my hand,and they all race forward. Alana jumps on the spot and giggles to herself. “Oh my God, Mercs, it’s beautiful,” Alana calls out.
“I’m so freaking excited. I’d better be a bridesmaid,” Kristy demands.
“Can’t believe she said yes. She must really be crazy,” Tank teases, and I turn, shaking my head.
“Crazy in love,” I reply, and a resounding gagging sound echoes around the room, making us both laugh before he leans in, kissing my lips.
“I’m so happy for you both. I know Kiera will be ecstatic for you, too. This is all she wants… for you two to be together,” Alana says.
“I know, I wish she could have been here for this,” Mercs sighs while looking at her.
“This calls for drinks,” Luke announces.
As everyone disperses, laughter filling the stage, I lean into Mercs.
We may not all share blood.
But this crew?
This family?
We’re bonded.
And together, we’re unstoppable.
MERCS
Two Weeks Later
Things are running as smoothly as can be expected.
Getting back into the rhythm of the tour didn’t take long. Muscle memory is powerful, and even with cracked ribs and a nose that still aches when the weather shifts, I slipped back into the flow quicker than I anticipated. I’m not able to climb into the rafters like I used to, and that still irritates me more than I’d like to admit, but staying on the ground and managing the crew hasopened my eyes to parts of the show I never fully appreciated before. I can see the timing from a different angle. I can catch issues before they escalate. I can interact with the guys more directly instead of barking instructions from above.
It’s also given Tank room to step up.
He’s been handling more responsibility, calling cues, adjusting placements, and taking charge when needed. Watching him find his footing has been surprisingly satisfying. He’ll be great at running his own shows one day, he just needs a little more confidence in his instincts.
Effa is performing like a fucking force of nature. The crowds are eating it up every night, screaming her name, singing every lyric back at her like gospel. We’ve crossed into Canada now to continue the tour, and the reception hasn’t slowed down one bit.
On the surface, everything looks back on track.
Even I’m feeling better.
Not healed, not even close. My ribs still hurt like a bitch, and sometimes something as simple as drawing a deep breath reminds me that bone doesn’t mend overnight. But I can move around more fluidly now. I’m not wincing every second, and the sharpness has dulled into something manageable.
The tour goes on break in a week, and I’ll finally head home to spend some much-needed time with Gran and Kiera. I know Kiera’s been itching to see me as she keeps hinting at it in texts, trying to play it cool, but I know her. She wants me home.
I’ve been tied up here, though. Between making sure the show runs clean and keeping an eye on Effa, I haven’t been able to leave early. Plus, I’m already skating on thin ice with Luke. I don’t need to give him another reason to question my damn priorities.
More importantly… I don’t want to leave Effa.
