Chapter 29

29

JAXON

This week’s gone by in a blur. I’m sure it has everything to do with being in Boston during the Fourth of July celebrations. No wonder it was ranked one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the US. As far back as I can remember, it’s always been crazy busy like this. Add in the holiday festivities and good luck finding a hotel room. We love you Boston, but we’ll catch you later. Now we’re heading to Worcester for tonight’s concert.

“Don’t bother settling in, since we’re only an hour away from our next destination. Sound check is only a few hours away.”

“Bill, no offense, but just drive the damn bus. We have enough bosses as it is,” Ace quips. Bill laughs because he knows it’s in jest. He loves busting our chops every chance he gets.

We are so grateful to have the crew that we do. Everyone gets along and we’re all here for the greater good. Yes, it’s our job and we get paid well, but we also do it for all of our amazing fans. Without them, we would be nothing.

Music is a universal language and one of the reasons why everyone drops what they’re doing to come when we call. Don’t get me wrong, we give them ample notice, but they’re dedicated to us and our music. Which makes them worth their weight in gold. Not all bands are as fortunate as we are.

I hate the thought of sleeping on the bus tonight since there’s no privacy. Maybe the venue has a small alcove where we usually park our bus so I can go there to talk with Aria. If not, all of us will be in our bunks while we’re talking to the girls. It’s soundproofed but to a point. I hate texting and I’m desperate to hear her voice.

“You’ll be glad to know we’re here and there’s no mob in sight,” Bill announces. “I’m just waiting for them to open the gate and we’ll be good to go. Sound check is thirty minutes out. You can thank me later.”

Zander starts clapping, so we join in. A few of us whistle and Bill flips us off.

Good times. If you take things too seriously while you’re on the road, you’ll never find joy in the trip.

Remember, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”

“Since Bill got us here with time to spare, let’s head inside. Take advantage of all the perks they like to use to impress us.” Zander’s just busting ass, but he’s really a good guy.

We don’t make demands like other singers and rockstars do. It’s totally ludicrous since they have enough money to carry their own shit on their own bus. Some headliners think they’re so entitled and that’s the furthest thing from the truth. It doesn’t matter how many awards you win or albums you have or how many hit singles you’ve earned throughout your career. You want to know why? Fame is fleeting. In the blink of an eye, it could all disappear.

Sorry, I went off on a tangent. Just want you to know that all of us guys would give you the shirt off our backs. We just love busting on everyone and they give it right back. It’s how we pass the time. Other than music, that is.

Roman greets us at the back door so he can introduce us to the venue manager. “Carl, I’d like you to meet the guys from Rebel Riot. Zander, Jax, Micah, and Ace—this is Carl.”

“It’s great to finally meet the best heavy metal band in the industry. I’d like to thank all of you for choosing Worcester Arena. We’re glad you’re here.” Is it me, or did he just read that from a cue card? He should be thanking Caleb and Roman, not us.

“It’s great to be here. Thanks for having us.” Fucking Zander. He should be a politician.

“Of course. Of course. Follow me and I’ll show you the dressing room. Then we’ll head over to your sound check since it’s minutes away. It’s not huge, but I’m sure you’ll find it suitable for your needs.” Please, he’ll need some lip balm after this from all the ass kissing.

We all go inside and it’s big enough for all of us. It’s only one night, so no worries. Normally, we’re not in here any longer than a few hours, max. By the time we dress and get our makeup done, we’re ready to rock and roll.

“Thanks, Carl. This will work out fine. If you could show the way to sound check that would be great.” Roman knows we would like to get there a little sooner.

“Absolutely. Follow me.” Carl leads the way through the dark halls and we’re there before we know it. “All your equipment is set up. Feel free to practice until Drew gets here. I’ll see you all later, I have an appointment.”

I sit behind my kit, and Ace and Zander strap on their guitars. Micah hits the keys, and we all make sure our instruments are tuned. Sometimes all the jostling in the trucks can knock them out of whack.

We have time to play a few songs before Drew pops in. “Starting without me, I see. How’s it sounding, fellas?”

“Good, actually. This sound check might be a breeze.” I’m hoping. I’m sure Aria’s working, but maybe I can sneak in a call before tonight.

“Well, what are we waiting for? Start playing so we can get the hell out of here.”

Twenty-five minutes later, it’s a wrap. It might be our fastest sound check to date.

All of us head back to the bus since we have a food delivery coming. We don’t like eating too close to the concert but need something to get us through the show. Before going inside the bus, I try giving Aria a call.

Wouldn’t you know, it goes straight to her voicemail. That sucks but I can always try it after I eat. She might have shut her phone off if she was on a deadline for her article.

ARIA

Today, I’m driving over to Melody’s beautiful lake house. I called her earlier and she thought it was a great idea, so I’m meeting the girls over there now. I understand it’s just easier for her and Lyric since everything is already babyproofed. And I don’t mind where we meet as long as we get together. I’m so excited just to be together with them.

It’s going to be a casual get together with just coffee, tea, and lemonade. Too early to drink but she promised we’d do an evening get together with wine and the works. Most likely I’ll be sleeping there that night. You know how I get a bit tipsy when I drink.

As I pull into the driveway, I have a breathtaking view of the lake. It’s such a gorgeous place. Apparently it belonged to Zander’s mom and dad but he inherited it. Sad circumstances, but I’m sure there are tons of happy memories here, too.

“Hey, Aria. Come on in. Harmony’s going to be late since she had a shoot today.” She’s an amazing band photographer and sometimes goes on tour with them. Bet she’s bummed she didn’t go with Ace on this one.

“Hey, Melody. When I called today, I had no idea we’d be getting together the same day. Hey, Lyric, nice to see you.”

“Hi, Aria, come sit down. We want to hear all about the wedding plans.” Lyric’s holding little Gunnar and he’s the sweetest baby. He looks just like his daddy, but I never tell the mothers that. From what I’ve heard, they want the baby to look like the both of them.

“He’s so cute and getting so big. Where’s Hadley?” Melody lights up at the mention of her daughter’s name.

“She’s napping. Thank goodness. Hadley is starting to notice when Zander’s not here and she’s not liking it at all. Neither do I, but she’s a daddy’s girl and she’s so young, she doesn’t understand. Can I get you something to drink?”

“No thanks, I’m good. Maybe later.” Once the niceties are out of the way, I’m afraid it’s going to get awkward.

“Okay, Aria. Since it’s just us girls here today, tell us how you’re holding up now that Jax is gone. This is your first rodeo and the toughest one of the bunch.” It’s as if Lyric just read my mind.

“In truth, I’m a basket case. I had no idea it would be this hard. Especially since we’ve only been together for six months. I’m in awe of you girls and how well you’re handling it.” They get really quiet, and I’m scared I’ve said something to offend them.

“We don’t handle it, Aria. We never did. Being on the road myself is the hardest thing for both of us. But now that I have Hadley, I can’t even think about it. Zander and I have talked incessantly about it and we decided to go on tour with each other. I’ll be joining him on the next leg, and we’ll see how Hadley does. If it goes well, then I’ll go again.”

“Same here,” Lyric reveals. “Being that Gunnar is so small, we don’t want him catching anything. I might sit it out. In truth, I haven’t decided yet. One minute I’m going, the next I’m not.”

“Hey, everyone. Did I miss anything?” Harmony calls from the doorway.

“Not yet,” Melody says. “We just got started. We’re talking about touring and how much we miss our men.”

“It sucks big time. Having him home to help with all of my camera equipment for six months spoiled me rotten.” I know for a fact that shit’s heavy. I’ve helped Harmony before.

“We def need a girl’s night so we can have wine without all the guilt. I’ll check in with the mothers-in-law to find out what works for them,” Lyric beamed.

I’m still concerned about this whole touring thing, especially if I’m leaving soon. I need answers so no time like the present to ask away.

“I’m curious, if we decide to tour with the guys, what are the sleeping arrangements?” Should I be concerned when they burst into a fit of laughter?

Leaning forward, Melody spills the tea. “The tour bus has one bedroom and a bunch of bunks. You want the good news first?” Oh god, do I? I nod anyway. “If there’s only one wife or girlfriend on that bus, you get the bedroom. If there’s more than one, you flip a coin and the couples each take a week. The bad news is you need to bunk with the guys if it’s not your turn.”

“It’s not the ideal situation but we make it work. There are a few extra bunks but what’s the point of sleeping alone if you go see your man?” Harmony’s too funny. She’s so serious.

“The best news ever,” Lyric pipes in, “Is if it’s overseas then we get hotel rooms, and that’s a win. Reason why I want to wait to go because Mel and I have babies now. No idea how that would play out.” So true, it would be a complete disaster with eight adults and two babies.

“You didn’t hear it from me, but Zander told me in confidence that Caleb might be getting them another bus sometime soon. If that happens, then two couples could share a bus and that would be amazing. Even better if they got rid of the bunks and installed two bedrooms. Heaven.” Uh-oh. Melody just snitched on the hubby.

“Okay, enough about our men. Makes me miss Ace all the more. Give us all the deets about the wedding. And don’t hold anything back.” I chuckle when Harmony gets comfortable, and all the girls do the same.

I can only tell them so much, because for the most part it’s a surprise. Of the top-secret kind. It’s a nonconventional wedding and once we send out the invitations, they’ll figure it out.

Listening intently, I tell them about my dress, the flowers, food, and all the finer details. I skip the venue and the date, but of course they get suspicious. So I can only hold them off for so long.

“Okay so you gave us a cookie cutter version of what the wedding is supposed to be like. Aria, we girls need to stick together. You’re going to have to give us more details than that.” And that’s what I was afraid of. It’s so hard not to shout it from the rooftops, but Jax and I promised each other. I just hope Melody understands.

“Mel, I swear if I could tell you more, I would. But Jax would kill me. Even our parents don’t know all the details. I don’t know, maybe we’re superstitious, afraid if we say too much it will backfire in our faces. You’ll just need to trust me on this one.”