Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

THE SECOND WEEK OF NOVEMBER

Nate: The show tonight in Atlanta was unreal. Not as fun as Halloween, but it was still one of our biggest crowds. We're only two weeks in and the label's pushing our PR hard. Sold out!

Tommy: I knew it! I told you, didn't I? Next stop for Killmine: sold-out stadiums.

Nate: Is that your objective opinion as a roadie?

Tommy: Well, I admit I have a thing for the lead singer??but I've worked in this business long enough to know talent when I hear it. You're it.

Nate: Thanks, cher. The only thing missing was a hot as hell roadie to distract me on stage.

Tommy: Next time our schedules align, it's on.

Nate: BTW, some guys in the crowd nearly ripped your leather jacket off my body when I leaned over to touch their hands. But don't worry, it's still in one piece.

Tommy: Never mind the jacket, are you okay? Where was your security?

Nate: They handled it. I'm fine. Just a bunch of rowdy fans who probably had too much to drink. Nothing we haven't dealt with before.

Tommy: That's not gonna help me sleep tonight. I hope they've upped your security.

Nate: It's all in hand. And unruly fans are part of the job.

Tommy: Speaking of which, my boss is texting me. What's your next stop?

Nate: Orlando

Tommy: Text me when you arrive?

Nate: Count on it.

Thanksgiving

Nate: Hitting the stage in an hour. Even after three years of playing clubs and dives, I still can't get used to performing on a holiday. Miami's cool, but I'm missing NOLA something fierce.

Tommy: I'm sorry. Did you and the guys have dinner together at least?

Nate: Yeah, the catering company did a whole turkey and everything for lunch. Otis ate half the bird, Xander drank too much whiskey and fell asleep, and Heath disappeared with the chef ten minutes into our meal…

Tommy: Sounds about right for a rock band.

Nate: What about you, cher? What are you doing for Thanksgiving?

Tommy: Me and ten of the crew are here at Ace's for dinner. First time he's cooking the full feast. Pretty concerned about the blackened turkey he's about to serve, though. But I've already been told to cover it with gravy and it'll be fine.

Nate: Is it Cajun style?

Tommy: Not at all. Just really, really burnt and dry.

Nate: Yikes. Maybe stick to the sides?

Tommy: They're not much better. Potatoes that are gray, with (formerly) green beans to match LOL.

Nate: Oh shit. Send me a pic, cher. I need a good laugh.

Tommy: Better yet, a video call? I want to see your face, beautiful.

Nate: Same

The second week of December

Tommy: Hey, beautiful. How's life on the road?

Nate: One more day in Tampa. I like it here. It's more laid-back than Miami. Great beaches.

Tommy: Glad you got a chance to explore the area. It's one of my favorite places in FL.

Nate: It's been storming here for the past two days, so the waves were awesome. We had a morning off, so I went surfing at St. Pete Beach.

Tommy: Surfing? Are you serious? I need pics now!

Nate: Hold on

…

Tommy: You in that wetsuit is??fuck, I need a moment

Nate: You say that about every pic I send you LOL

Tommy: What can I say? You're damn sexy and you need to know it.

Nate: Look who's talking. Now how about sending me a pic of you? It works both ways.

Tommy: I'm at the studio, working with Ace. Nothing sexy about me right now. And a selfie's the best I can do.

…

Nate: Growing your hair out? I'm a big fan. Of that and the scruff you've got going on. And cher, your smile is something else. You know it gets me every time??

Tommy: Nate Filier, are you flirting with me?

Nate: It's been six weeks of this back and forth. What do you think?

Tommy: I think I want more??BTW, who took the photo of you in the water? One of the guys?

Nate: Otis. Me and Xander are the surfers. Heath and Otis prefer to sit on the pier and fish.

Tommy: I've gone surfing a few times. Maybe my next vacation. Hawaii is on my bucket list.

Nate: Same! Never been, but I feel like the island vibe is calling me. And I always get inspired when I'm at the ocean.

Tommy: Have you been doing any songwriting?

Nate: Funny you should ask. Me and Xander just finished up a song. Not sure if the label will okay it, though. One thing I've had to get used to is our new manager and the fact that he has input on every single thing we do, say, write, sing. Before, we wrote, worked on it for a bit until we got the sound right, and performed it. Now, there's like, three levels of approvals before we can record it.

Tommy: Have you talked to Brodie since the concert?

Nate: I have. We hired Wayward's lawyer to review our contract. Brodie told me to dig my heels in and fight for what's right.

Tommy: Sounds like Dee.

Nate: Do you want to hear the song? I want to share it with you.

Tommy: I'd be honored.

Nate: Let me grab my guitar and I'll call you.

Tommy: I can't wait