“Good.”
Cheering erupts, and we all look toward the stage where the band steps into position.
I recognize every one of them.
Fort Affliction.
“Hey, hey… Ligonier!” Nix calls into the mic, voice deep and confident. “You ready to rock?”
Even back in school, his voice had girls melting in hallways. I always knew he’d end up fronting a band. We used to joke that I’d run their lighting rigs when they hit it big.
Looks like I left town before they did.
Tyler settles behind the drum kit. Blond hair falls in his eyes before he pushes it back. He kicks the bass, brings the snare in heavy. Jesse’s guitar slides in sharp and electric, and Brooks follows with a thick bass line that vibrates through the floor.
Music—this is where I breathe easiest.
Seeing Tyler stirs something I’ve been pushing aside. A loose thread I need to pull. I have to find a moment with him tonight to see if I can fix what I broke.
Nix steps to the mic, and the first line of the song hits the room.
Effa’s reaction is immediate.
Her eyes light up, and she leans into Alana, whispering something. Alana nods, grinning.
The pub transforms while locals flood the dance floor, and energy spikes. Even Luke looks up from his phone, watching with interest.
I bump Tank’s shoulder. “Well?”
“They’re fucking good. You know them?”
“Went to school with them. Good guys. Bit chaotic, but solid. I’ll introduce you after the set.”
“I think the girls will like that,” he mutters, watching them openly admire the band.
I hope this opens doors for them. If Luke sees potential, maybe I can nudge something into motion. Small towns don’t hand out opportunities.
The set tightens as they go. Their harmonies lock in, and lyrics hit harder than I remember. They’ve grown.
When the halftime break hits, drinks start flowing more heavily, and I make my way to Effa.
She looks up as I approach. “Mercs, do you know these guys?”
I sit on the stool in front of her. “Yeah, school friends. They’re killing it, right?”
Her smile is blinding. “Why didn’t you tell us about them?”
“Honestly? Haven’t heard them in a while. Didn’t know they’d gotten this tight.”
“You’vegotto introduce us,” she insists.
“After the set,” Kristy calls out. “Let them finish before we scare them.”
Effa nods. “Yes, I want to hear everything first.”
I study her face.
She looks happy.
