Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 116031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 580(@200wpm)___ 464(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 580(@200wpm)___ 464(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
The doc replies, “I find musicians lean toward more stubborn when it comes to taking time off.”
Tommy is older than us but not so much to pretend to have control. Though I should be touched by the worry creasing his forehead. “They have another show tomorrow night.”
The doc heads for the door. “The level of intensity required from a drummer is too much for me to recommend performing again that soon. But I know you’re not going to listen to me anyway. Watch him over the next twenty-four hours, limit sleep to bedtime, and stock up on ibuprofen. Hydrating is always a good idea, no alcohol is ideal, and then check on him every few hours.” He hits me with a look that makes me think this is more serious than I thought. “If you feel dizzy or notice anything strange, you should go to the ER right away.” He opens the door, and as he backs out, he adds, “It was a great show.”
When it’s only the band and Tommy left, I say, “We’re not canceling the show tomorrow night.”
Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Tommy stops and crosses his arms over his chest. “We’ll see.” His stance widens as if he’s guarding the door so we can’t leave . . . or us from intruders. “We had a serious breakdown in protocol. The breach in security is going to cost the venue. The outside was theirs to secure. We were guaranteed it was, or I wouldn’t have had you go that way.”
Nikki sits in a chair in front of the Hollywood mirrors. “We know.”
He says, “We’re putting our guys on the bands to get you out of here safely. There’s a place where the SUV will pull in backstage to take you to the hotel.”
He looks at Nikki. “I want you out of here with these guys, no waiting for Tulsa. Knowing you’re secure makes it easier to focus on The Crow Brothers when they come off stage.”
Laird looks at his phone and plugs his ear when he holds it up to the other. “Hey, I’m okay . . .”
Nikki turns back to Tommy. “Laird was cut, and Shane has a concussion—”
“Mild,” I add.
It doesn’t deter her. “What if Tulsa or I would have had my daughter with us? This is not safe.”
“It’s not common either,” Tommy says, “so let’s figure out what went wrong, why those fans of the other band were able to bust through the barricades, and how we can prevent it from happening again. I can’t do that right now, though. I need to get you guys out of here and then do the same for the Crows.”
Laird paces with his head down, and whispering, “I didn’t feel it. At worst, a little mark . . . You don’t need to worry. I’m safe. We all are.” He glances over at me. “We’re leaving now. I love you.”
Nikki grabs her bag. “Let’s go then.”
Laird and Nikki take their job of babysitting me all night seriously, bugging the shit out of me on a rotation every two hours like clockwork. Nikki. Laird. Now I’m stuck awake at one a.m. on the East Coast, thinking about a woman three hours behind in a different time zone. Not that I wasn’t already.
She’s on my mind like a melody I’ve already memorized. Only she doesn’t know it’s my favorite song. Familiar. Comforting. Bringing me back to happier times. Is that what Cat does for me? Grounds me in some way that I haven’t had in years?
Though time with her makes me feel new, like discovering a passion and wanting to spend all your free time with it. I look at the window where the heavy blackout drapes were kept open “for my benefit.” There are too many lights to see the stars from bed, but I know they’re there for me and hanging over her head as well.
Still not tired, I grab my phone, willing . . . wanting to make the next move with her. It’s not like we said we couldn’t contact each other. Wasn’t exchanging numbers a given that we would?
“Fuck it.” I run my fingers through my hair and then text her:
I couldn’t wait until the reunion to talk to you again.
Why’d I send that? It’s not funny. Fuck—
Cat:
Who is this?
I stare at the screen a good minute, questioning everything from the details of our conversations to my existence in the universe. Does she really not know who it is or is she fucking with me?
Me:
. . . For real? My ego is wounded.
Cat:
I have no doubt that your ego will be just fine. Missing me already?
Do I tell her the truth or . . .
Me:
Is your ego feeling left out?
Cat:
My ego could use some stroking.
Holy fuck. Blood rushes from my swollen head, going south. Nurse Cate coming out to play was unexpected. I grin, rubbing my cock with images of her wearing nothing but that white coat coming to mind.