Page 52 of Tumbling Hearts

Eyeing around the lounge, he looks for the other Brooms. He spots Santiago sitting with Maurice on one of the couches, Nicky sitting across from them in an armchair, a coffee table in-between them.

Perfect.

They’re stationed only about a dozen feet away from the bar, and he walks up to them, coming up to Nicky’s side.

“Hey guys,” Gene says, setting his hand on the back of Nicky’s chair.

“Hey Gene,” Nicky says, and the other two say the same.

“Been drinking much?” Gene asks, adding a chuckle to keep the tone light.

“I’ve only had one drink,” Santiago says, shrugging. “But I wouldn’t mind another.”

“I might have another, too. Say cheese.” Maurice lifts his camera without a moment to spare, snapping a shot of Gene and Nicky.

“Wha—hey! I wasn’t ready,” Gene laughs.

“Candid shots are often the best ones,” Maurice counters.

“I guess so.” Gene huffs another chuckle. “You get some really good ones like that, where we’re not posed.”

“You see? You get it.”

“I think I’m done drinking for now. Was gonna head upstairs,” Nicky says, putting out his cigarette in the ashtray on the coffee table.

“That’s alright,” Santi says. “What about you, Gene? You have any plans?”

“No, just came over to see what you all were up to. Not sure what I’m doing.”

“Ain’t that you all the time?” Santi chuckles. “You don’t have to answer. I’m gonna head up to the bar, though. How ’bout it, Maurice?”

“Yeah, I’ll come with you.” Maurice stands up, stretching his arms over his head.

Santi stands as well and heads over to the bar with the photographer in tow. Which leaves Gene with Nicky. Usually when they find themselves together, Nicky will offer Gene something to share. Most of the time it’s a joint, sometimes it’s coke, and most recently it’s been acid. Gene never needs to ask; it’s just something Nicky does. He’s like the Santa Claus of illegal substances.

And Gene could really use a present after having his heart torn again.

“I got something new from my old buddies during our stop in Ohio,” Nicky says.

There it is.

“Oh, yeah. You met up with them again for a minute,” Gene says. “Was it nice, catching up?”

“Yeah, everyone’s doing good. They’re real proud of me for being able to go on tour with you guys.”

“That’s nice. You’re a wonderful keys player; we love having you.”

“Thanks, man. But anyway, as I was saying…”

“Oh yeah. Something new.”

“I’ve already tried it with them that day, but I bought quite a lot of it. You know me, I’m more of a social smoker with this kind of stuff. Don’t really like getting high alone. I can show you if you want, bring it to your room. I don’t know if Dennis would want me doing it in ours.” The main five of the Brooms have their own rooms, but the rest of the crew like Nicky still share. “But this stuff… it got me feeling better than anything I’ve ever had before.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll have some, if you’re offering. That sounds like exactly what I need.”

“Great. Can always count on you, Gene.”

They wait until Santi and Maurice come back with their drinks before they take their leave, letting them know they’ll be upstairs. After grabbing a backpack from the room Nicky shares with Dennis, they retire into Gene’s room, making sure the door is locked behind them. Nicky already has the joints rolled, pulling one out of an Altoids tin. Gene briefly remembers Nicky saying something about how what makes these so good is that they’re laced with something, but Gene can’t recall what exactly. But that doesn’t matter—all that’s important is how it makes him feel. He’s smoked lots of weed in his life. Tons of it, but this specific blend Nicky gives him hits so differently. His senses buzz, then soften; he feels energized, yet totally relaxed at the same time. It lifts him up. Up, up, up. So light, so carefree, like he’s walking amongst angels in the clouds.