Everyone grins.
“Well, that’s nice to hear,” Devyn says.
“She doesn’t know,” I say quickly. “So please don’t spill the beans. She likes romance and surprises.”
“We don’t know anything,” Kellan says, grinning.
“So, am I singing tonight?” I ask finally.
“I’d like you to,” Kingston says. “The band has been trying to give me breaks but I feel like I’m overdoing it, like I came back too soon.”
“Dammit, I’m sorry,” I say, shaking my head.
“Nah, all good. I’m close. But another week playing half the show should get me where I need to be.”
“Of course.” I look around. “And I want you guys to know how much I appreciate you. For everything you’ve done for me over the years. I knew I might not get my job back, and that bummed me out. It also solidified my decision not to go back in the studio and do another album. I like my job, I like being on tour with you guys. I don’t want to go back to playing clubs or whatever. Maybe I’m spoiled.”
We all laugh.
“And we appreciate you,” Tommy says. “We were wild in the early days, and you were the only one who could truly handle us. Especially Carter.”
We’re all quiet for a minute, and I feel a sense of loss. Carter was larger than life, so enigmatic and talented and fun to be around. But when he was on a bender, he was wilder than anyone I’ve ever known. Losing him felt unbearable, but in my case, I’d been through loss before so I was a little immune.
Devyn is incredible, though, and that Kingston fell in love with her is a testament to who she is, both as a woman and as a musician.
“Okay, no more talking about sad things,” Kellan says. “Let’s think about soundcheck.”
“And dinner,” Z adds.
“Where are the ladies?” I ask as we head for the door.
“They took the kids to a park and they’re going to have dinner with them before coming to the show,” Kingston says.
I nod and we start discussing the show.
“We can go back to the same set list we had before you left,” Kingston tells me.
“Works for me.”
“Also.” Kingston stops walking and takes my arm. “I’m still interested in taking a look at songs you’ve written. Even if you don’t want to record them, I can tell you if I think someone else might, and who might be interested.”
Gratitude washes over me.
“Thanks, man.” I nod. “I appreciate it. And yeah, I have a few I want to show you that I think you might like.”
“Let’s do it tomorrow since we’re off.”
“Sounds good.”
I head toward the stage and watch as Pete oversees set-up. They’re almost done and Z starts fiddling with one of his guitars.
“Hey, you planning to play guitar tonight?” Pete calls to me.
I hesitate.
That hasn’t been part of the act except for the one night where I tried it out. Otherwise, I’ve just been singing. I’m a decent guitar player but nowhere near as good as Z or Kellan.
I must have hesitated too long because Kingston answers for me. “Why don’t you set it up and then if he decides to use it, it’s there.”
