12. Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

Casey

Packing proved to be more of a challenge than I'd imagined. Take dress slacks or all shorts? Deciding to go with shorts and jeans but selecting a pair of slacks and a dress shirt in case we snuck in a date night were the final decision. Easton had a car coming to pick me up in an hour to take me to their private jet.

A private jet. Who would've thought I'd ever ride in one?

Oklahoma City bound I was then I'd hit the rest of the southwest with them, though I'd have to hop off in Vegas to prepare for fall classes that started a week later. I'd miss the Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Rocktoberfest shows. That would be our longest time apart, two very long months.

The car arrived a few minutes early, but I was ready and waiting. Chase hadn't asked what show I'd be at, and it was hard keeping it from him, but Easton assured me everything required to get to my boy had been taken care of. Given how well they took care of Chase, I had no doubt his words were true.

What I hadn't expected was for him and his husband, Diamond, to be on the plane waiting for me.

"Welcome, Casey," Easton greeted me. I'd briefly met them during the living room inquisition I worked my way through the first time I went to see Chase. Happy to report I didn't encounter any further obstacle courses of that nature.

"Hello, great to see you both. Thank you so much for arranging this." The flight attendant came by and offered me a glass of champagne which I readily accepted. My nerves were on edge, and this was exactly what I needed to calm them.

Diamond and Easton each took a glass and held theirs to mine. "Here's to a successful road trip," Easton said as we tapped our glasses.

"Yes." Gods, I missed my boy something awful.

Shortly after takeoff the stewardess came by with personal charcuterie trays for us.

"The tour has gone well," Easton picked the conversation back up as soon as she passed through. "For being newer bands, they've actually sold out a couple of venues."

"Wow, that's fantastic. I've known the members of Embrace since they were in grade school." Diamond raised his brows. "Not like that. David's father is my best friend and Chase practically lived with them after his mom died. Trust me, I'm as shocked as you are by Chase and I dating, but I couldn't be happier. He means the world to me." Why I felt the need to explain myself, I'd never know but these men played an important role in Chase's life. Their understanding that this was more than a passing fancy was important.

"Please, forgive my husband. He's very protective of our bands and given what Chase went through with the woman who gave birth to me…well, let's just say Chase holds a special place with us."

"Understood and appreciated. He's turned into a very well-rounded man, and I couldn't be prouder of him." With each passing day the love I had for Chase strengthened. While most teens were out wreaking havoc, he was inside studying or at David's hanging out. Honestly, all four boys did well for themselves with more than just their musical talents.

"We should arrive just as they do," Easton said as we prepared to land. "We'll meet them at the arena. I wish we could've booked you a hotel for the night, but we have a show in Dallas tomorrow night so the buses will leave Oklahoma shortly after the show."

"Not a problem. You've done more than enough. I'm just happy to see him." My arms ached to hold him, and my body craved to have him buried inside it again.

The limo driver dropped us behind the arena where the buses were parked. Easton and Diamond escorted me to Chase's bus where I dropped my bag on his bunk. My sweet boy had a picture of us thumb-tacked to the wall. I remembered the night that picture was taken as we lay in bed and he snapped it. Our hair mussed but our faces filled with love and affection as we kissed.

"We come bearing gifts," Easton said as he and Diamond entered the room ahead of me.

"Daddy!" Chase hollered as he ran across the room and right into my arms. "I missed you so much."

"Me, too, my love. I can't believe I'm finally here with you." It was like I could breathe again. Holding my boy, I came alive. Had I been sulking all this time? Quite possibly, but for now that was behind me.

"You know all the Embrace guys but come meet the members of Chaotic Abyss."

"Double Cs are in the house!" Seltzer teased as he shook my hand.

"You make us sound like a bra," Chase shook his head. "I can assure you that we are not."

"TMI, dude. But good to see you again," Rhone said as he waved.

David gave me a hug. "Glad you're back. You had a sad boy with no Daddy around."

"I'm sure you took great care of him?" It was meant as a statement but came out a question to ensure David had indeed kept an eye on my boy.

"You know I did. Jordan has really come alive with the caregiving, too." David puffed up. "Proud Daddy moment."

I threw my head back and laughed. "Amazing how those moments feel."

Chase had not let go of me since I walked in. What a heady feeling it was to be claimed by the one you loved heart, mind, body, and soul. This boy owned every inch of me.

"This is Jason, lead singer for Chaotic. Josh, their lead guitarist, Marley, their bassist, and Nigel, their drummer." As Chase introduced us, each waved in turn.

"Nice to meet you all." Keep it simple was my motto for the day, uncertain what the proper protocol was when meeting rockstars for the first time.

"Come on." Chase tugged my hand and led us over to a couch that had seen better days. "We just finished soundcheck so they're setting up dinner now. Usually, Ely and Jordan beat us here which is why everyone's in our room right now. You hungry?"

"A bit. Had a snack on the plane."

"Not sure what's on tap for tonight but I can promise our chefs never disappoint. I can't believe you surprised me. I wanted to ask so bad when you were coming but was afraid of sounding needy." A pouting Chase was an adorable thing to witness.

"My pouty boy, it was hard keeping it from you, but I wanted to surprise you." I pressed my lips to his. With Chase each time was like the first and I could feel the pull we had all the way to my core. "Daddies, or at least this one, loves his boy. Needy or otherwise. Never hold back with me, Little Songbird."

"'Kay, Daddy." I swallowed his whispered words in another kiss.

"Dinner is served!" Ely announced. He sure knew how to command a crowd. One by one, the room of rowdy rockstars filed into line and not a toe moved otherwise. I had a feeling Ely had them very well trained. Hell, he may even send them to bed without dinner if they acted up.

"What's so funny?" Chase asked.

"I just got a vision of an angry Ely sending one of you guys to bed with no dinner for acting up in line."

"Trust me, he would do that," Rhone chimed in, having overheard our conversation. "I for one don't plan to piss him off."

The guys around us laughed, though I truly believed what Rhone said. It was always the ones that appeared timid that truly were not. Funny how I got the opposite side of my boy when we were alone. Witnessing Chase, the performer, firsthand would be a paradigm shift for sure.

"These chicken enchiladas are amazing." I had to pace myself for fear of overeating. The chicken was so tender it melted in my mouth and the sauce…wow. I wondered if he'd give me the recipe.

"Yes, we eat well for sure," Chase said as he shoveled in another bite.

"Make sure you're drinking enough water, Songbird." I slid another bottle in front of him.

Chase leaned over and kissed my cheek. "Thank you, Daddy."

"You two are sugary sweet. I think I feel a cavity coming on," Seltzer teased. I'd already gathered he was the class clown .

Jason, however, clocked our every move which was interesting, and I wondered what his story was. He wasn't angry, wasn't making growly faces but more ones of interest and, possibly, desire? I hoped he didn't have a crush on my little songbird. But when I glanced up, Sikes and Snipe shifted their gaze from him to me. Was I in trouble? The professor in me was in full analyzation mode. Was there a story here to be written?

Was there something here that I was missing?

Don't veer off course, Casey. Time with your boy is limited so keep the squirrels in check.

Telling that to a researcher's brain was the equivalent of denying a sugar freak their daily allowance.

Easton rose from his seat and the conversations came to a halt.

"Members of Chaotic and Embrace. I'd like to thank you for the successful launch on your biggest tour to date. I know it's long and grueling, but you've managed to blow up social media and in a positive way. Fans are posting from every show, which we love, and I'm happy to announce you're playing to a sold-out crowd tonight in Dallas!"

The guys all whooped and hollered.

"Many more shows to go before you hit Rocktoberfest, but I have the utmost faith in all of you that you'll keep your demons in check and continue to put your best foot forward." A warning for sure to whomever thought it wise to step out of line. "And with that being said, come Rocktoberfest you'll each receive a nice bonus for your hard work."

Now the masses came alive as the room erupted in shouts and cheers. Happy to have witnessed this, it only further assured me the boys had signed with the right management company.

"Now, it's time to get cleaned up. Embrace will take the stage first tonight. Thank you, to both bands, for your flexibility and willingness to rotate opening and headlining for this tour. The fans have enjoyed it as well and it's become a guessing game on social media as to which band will play first." Easton smiled. "Masterson is truly blessed," Diamond groaned, and Easton side-eyed him. "When you come up with a better word let me know. How about we are thankful to have you all on board."

I sat back and watched as the guys got their game faces on. Chase changed into a very revealing tank top and paced while doing his vocal exercises. David and Seltzer stretched as did Rhone then he slid into a harness of sorts and caught my inquisitive gaze.

"Back brace. Really wish they'd had these when my dad was alive. He may still be with us today if they had." Rhone kissed two fingers and tapped his heart. A silent shout out to his father, I guessed.

Four twenty-somethings who had been through so much during their short lives and yet they came out ahead. Made good choices and persevered and I was damn proud of them and felt lucky to have watched these boys grow into the fine men they'd become. Hopefully as their success skyrocketed, they'd remember their upbringings and where they came from and remain humbled as they were now. Talk about old souls, these guys truly were.

A knock came at the door and a man wearing a headset poked his head inside. "Embrace the Fear, please, follow me."

We walked out into the hall where Easton, Diamond, and Jeremiah were, and we followed them to the backstage area. Chase, David, Seltzer, and Rhone huddled together.

"Hands in," Chase directed, and they piled them on. "Let's kick some Oklahoma ass!" They cheered and headed out onto the stage but not before my boy ran over and snagged a kiss. "Love you, Daddy."

"Love you, too, Little Songbird. Break a leg!"

"Come with me," Diamond said as he turned and walked to an opening beside the stage, and I followed. He'd found the perfect spot out of the fans' line of sight for us to watch the show from.

As soon as the boys took their places the announcer's voice boomed over the PA system. "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Embrace the Fear!" The curtain flew open, Rhone kicked it off and my boy dove in on cue, belting out the opening lyrics. The crowd went wild, and I smiled like a loon from backstage as I watched them come together as one cohesive team. Beautiful , was the word that came to mind. As one, they were gloriously beautiful.

I glanced over at Diamond who gave me a thumbs up which I took as he was pleased with their performance. I knew his opinion mattered to them, especially with Rhone who Diamond had personally mentored.

"Oklahoma, how are you doing tonight?" Chase bellowed into the mic and the crowd roared. He turned and caught my eye and winked before he proceeded to tear the shirt from his body and throw it out into the crowd. You would have thought it just rained down money on them.

"We've got two more songs for you before Chaotic Abyss hits the stage." More screams. "Are you ready for," he paused then animatedly announced, "The Shroud!"

His words were met with more screams as the band broke into the song. Chase was the ideal frontman. He kept the crowd engaged but even from where I stood I could see the sweat pouring off him. I couldn't imagine what the temperature underneath the massive amount of stage lighting was. How did they do it? I'd have melted into a puddle.

At the end of their show, they took a bow and tossed out various trinkets to the crowd before they left the stage .

"Great show." Diamond high-fived them while this proud Daddy stood off to the side smiling. I didn't want to get in the way plus I thoroughly enjoyed watching Chase interact with everyone.

When it was my turn to congratulate them, Chase walked up to me, and I handed him a bottle of water.

"What did you think?"

"You guys were fucking fantastic!" The energy was palpable, and I'd been sucked into the show. Adrenaline coursed through my veins like it never had before.

"Ooohhh, Chase's Daddy said a bad word," Seltzer teased as he passed us by, and Chase flipped him off. "Did you see that?" Seltzer tattled.

"I did but you deserved it." My arms wound around my sweaty boy. "Is this okay?"

"More than okay." He pressed his lips to mine. "I am yours to do with as you please. I'm not ashamed of you or what we have."

"Good answer. Damn, it's hot as hell to watch you onstage and I don't just mean the heat from the lights."

"Oh yeah, we might have to work off some of that heat you're feeling later, Daddy."

Jesus Christ. My dick never got so hard so fast before.

"Do you want to watch Chaotic perform?" Chase was still so full of energy that he'd need a bit of time to come down off that high.

"Sounds great. Shall we?"

We watched with Diamond and the others from where we'd stood before. Chaotic put on a great show but nothing compared to my boy. I was a ridiculously proud Daddy. Once Chaotic's show finished the guys were ushered to tables for a meet and greet. I stood to the side and watched as the boys signed so many things that my hands cramped. Reminded me of grading papers and the camera flashes had me seeing spots.

Security stood nearby, as did Diamond. Occasionally he'd sign something and pose for a picture but never once did the man smile and I wondered if he even knew how.

"It's called resting Diamond face," Easton whispered to me.

"Got it. This is kinda crazy in a really cool way, though. I mean, imagine having a gift that brought happiness to this many people." Sure, I enriched lives and helped pave the way for students to what I hoped was a bright future for them. But this was beyond that. Music not only paved ways but for some it was an outlet. A way to release anger and get through tough times.

"That's a great way of viewing it. For me it's a scheduled, move it along kind of job whereas for them they have to constantly be on and ready for the next fan. I can see how it would grow tiresome but they're still so young and new that it's a rush for them." I saw both sides of the coin as Easton had but this being the first time I'd witnessed not only their show but the interaction with the fans afterward, I was in awe. "Social and Maiden have done their time, so to speak, but they'll occasionally pop up and surprise fans as Diamond is tonight. You'll get to meet Joey and Stoli in Albuquerque and the guys from Maiden in Tucson and Phoenix. They're Arizona boys, well, all but Shadow, but he'll come and hang out."

"How do you keep track of everyone?" My mind was a mess trying to place the right guys with the right band and he managed all four of them. Well, he and Jeremiah did.

"I guess that's my gift," Easton smiled. "We're looking to sign more bands. Jeremiah is doing a great job with Chaotic and Embrace. Maiden and Social are my babies but they don't do much touring anymore. We'll hire and train another manager when we sign new talent. We've purchased a recording studio in Seattle and Maiden uses the one Derek has on his property. I can eventually see us buying one in all the major markets. Growth is upon us!"

"It sounds like it. "

"We could always use a chief writer and editor on staff. We love to keep it in the family. Just a bit of food for thought."

Could I see myself doing that? I was a tenured professor and I'd hate to lose that but the thought of being with my boy full-time was quite appealing.

"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind."