Page 40 of Polly

Chapter 10

Flynn

Late Nyght Smoke positioned themselves on the marked places behind the curtain with their instruments.

“Two minutes and we’ll raise the curtain. You guys do your bit, the audience will applaud, and we’ll lower the curtain,” the TV show’s red haired male employee said then checked something on a clipboard.

The band waited on the set of the Late Night Show with Bixby Barnes to perform live. The record label thought the performance would be good marketing.

The employee gave them a get ready signal and disappeared from view. “And now a question from our mailbox,” they heard Bixby announce. “This reader says, ‘I love Late Nyght Smoke and I would love to hear them perform the Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers theme song. Thank you. Veronica N.’ You heard it, folks. In honor of this reader’s letter, tonight we have Late Nyght Smoke in the house performing the Rescue Rangers theme song!”

The curtain raised and lights shined onto the band. The audience screamed as they launched into the music.

Flynn enjoyed the whimsy of the song and his fingers flew over his guitar while Will belted the lyrics.

“Yeah!” Will shouted as they finished and they all bowed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, that was Late Nyght Smoke performing the Rescue Rangers theme song. Fantastic!” Bixby announced as the curtains closed. “Veronica, thanks for the request!”

Flynn removed his guitar strap from his shoulders and leaned his guitar against the drums. The show’s employees quickly moved the band offstage and into a dressing room. Stylists and makeup artists went to work to make them camera-ready for their upcoming interview.

Flynn sat back in the makeup chair and let them do their work in silence. He missed Polly. He wanted to see her soon but he wasn’t sure when because of both their jobs. What could he do in the meantime? Flowers? Presents? What would make her smile?

He thumbed through his phone browser as he thought about it, and finally decided to use a florist. With a grin, he ordered a dozen roses, a bottle of Polly’s favorite wine, and a box of chocolates for delivery to her at Lovely Oblivion’s next venue. The card was to read: Polly, Thinking of you. Talk soon. With love, Flynn

He hoped she liked the gifts.

Someone knocked at the dressing room door and poked their head in. The redheaded employee from earlier appeared. “Five minutes. Hurry it up.” The door closed as quickly as it had opened and the artists rushed to put the final touches on everyone.

They all dressed in business casual outfits complete with ties. Flynn felt stuffy and adjusted his tie. He rolled the sleeves of his green shirt up to his elbows, which revealed his tattoos. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled at the stylist that glared at him.

The band was ushered from the room to line up beside the Late Show’s set. Three small sofas sat mid-stage in a semicircle and the host’s desk sat on the far side of the sofas.

“And now please welcome Late Nyght Smoke,” Bixby said.

The guys grinned and waved at the audience as they walked onstage to the sofas. They all settled in and their host, a thin middle aged man with silver hair named Bixby, sat on the middle sofa beside Will.

“This is awesome. It’s great having you guys here,” Bixby said. “Thanks for agreeing to appear on the show.”

“Sure thing,” Will said with a smile. “We’re big fans. Thanks for asking us.”

“What have you guys been up to?”

“We’re working on new songs, finishing our tour, and we have studio time booked this spring,” Will said.

“Does this mean there’s a new album soon?”

Will grinned and tucked his blond hair behind his ear. “It does. We’ve been telling people ‘summer’ but we have some exciting news for you tonight.”

“What’s that?”

“Our next album will be released on June 27. You’re the first to hear it.”

Cheers went up from the crowd.

“How exciting! Congratulations!” Bixby said.

“Thanks,” Will said. “We’ll be recording next spring and fans can expect more music they’ll love. Once we’re done recording, we’re touring again. Tickets go on sale tomorrow.”

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