Page 64 of All Tied Down

They all do.

But when was the last time we did this?

Enjoyed this?

Writing music has always been predominately my thing, but my favorite times were when I’d get a couple of notes in my head and we’d work it out together—everyone adding their part in until it all fit seamlessly together.

“I think I want to take some time off from touring,” I tell them, relief allowing my shoulders to slump when I see them nod. “I’d love to get back into the studio—jam a little, write some new stuff. I just want to play. I’d even settle for doing some small pop-up shows around here.”

“Which we would have to talk about extensively and make sure we have all the necessary security to keep everyone safe,” Roan adds like the killjoy he is.

“Yes, Dad,” I grumble, earning chuckles from my bandmates and a scowl from my best friend.

“Are you gonna play lead?” Lach asks, his body visibly relaxing into the chair as his chocolate brown hair falls across his forehead. He’s the youngest of the three of us but not by much.

“Yeah, we can fill the spot when we’re ready. I don’t think we need to rush it.” My mind floats back to last night at Gin & Porter and the guy I’d seen playing on stage.

“What’s that look for?” Mav asks with narrowed eyes.

“What look?” I try even though I know it’s pointless.

“That’s definitely a look,” Lachlan agrees. “He’s plotting something.”

“No plotting,” I confess, holding my hands up in surrender. “We’re not rushing anything because Darren is exhausting, but Emerson and I saw a band play in town last night.”

“Emerson, huh?” Mav grins like the Cheshire cat, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.

“The band was really good—lead was really good. They’re just a few guys that get together and jam.” Lifting a shoulder, I let it fall. “Might be an option.”

“Let’s get through the fallout with Darren,” Maverick says, leaning back in the chair, his fingers interlocked behind his head as he stares up at the ceiling. “Let me get some sleep and then we can worry about adding people to our chaos.”

“You’re good with this, Lach?” I ask, still surprised he seems so on board.

“Yeah, dude. I like to party as much as anyone, but he’s fucking up the band. He’s changed and honestly I’m sick of trying to cover for his bullshit. We’re badass, but he’s acting like we invented rock music.”

“Shit.” Rubbing the back of my neck, I sigh. “I’m sorry I let you guys down. Why didn’t you come to me before?”

“You weren’t ready,” Mav says gently. “Descending North is a living, breathing part of you, and you wanted to give him every single opportunity to not take the band down with him.”

“Last night was what you needed to see to draw your line.”

I hate that they’re right—that I waited and tried to give Darren every opportunity to make it right.

I wanted him to love the band the way I do.

“So it’s settled then,” I say, my voice subdued. “Roan will handle the paperwork and then we’ll see if he’s in any state to meet civilly. If not then Roan and⁠—”

“Security,” he offers and I nod.

“Security will handle the termination.”

“Do you think it’ll come to that?” Mav asks, the heaviness and finality of this hitting home.

I open my mouth to answer but before I can, I get another message, reading it quickly before sliding it across the table toward them.

DARREN: Ignore me all you want but this isn’t fucking over

DARREN: You owe me and I won’t go down without a fight