Page 96 of Tortured Tones

“This is beyond my wildest dreams.” Lewis placed his hand over his heart. “We’re gonna kick some major ass.”

“Oh, we will for sure.” Flint slapped Lewis on the back. “It’s time to get ready for the meet and greet. It all starts now, boys. We’re on the ride. Enjoy it.”

“Woohoo!” I hollered as we headed to our huge dressing room. It was decked out in black drapes, with three leather sofas clustered around a coffee table and small glass tables with silver lamps and some fake plants. Racks of our clothing lined one side of the area, mirrors and makeup stations the other. It looked more like a bachelor pad than anything else. But it was our space to relax and rest in before the shows. Not that we’d get much time to do that.

We showered, changed, and had a huge group photo in front of the stage with our road and production crew. After that, we ate and had a drink with our support act before hitting the meet and greet. The nerves in my belly somersaulted with each passing minute.

None of us could sit still as the show drew near. Blake, April, and Falcon wished us luck and headed out to mingle with executives, sponsors, and special guests in the VIP section. Everhide had flown out to see us. After a few words of encouragement and a quick shot of vodka, they headed off to join Blake. Keeping an eye on the clock on the table, I sat on the sofa, tapping out the opening song on my thighs with my sticks. My head was clear. There were no signs of dizziness. I’d just needed food and water. Nothing was going to stop me from playing opening night.

The guys fussed and fidgeted in their chairs as Penny, our makeup artist, styled their hair, and Cassidy, our wardrobe assistant, fixed the transmitter holder on Slip’s belt. As we ran through warmup vocals, the girls arrived. Sutton and Maddy rushed into the room and hugged everyone. Every hair on my body tingled as the electric vibe jumped to the next level and time to kickoff ticked down.

The door swung open again. Blake peered into the room. “Five minutes everyone.” He pointed at me. “Cole? Someone is here to see you.”

“Who?” I wasn’t expecting anybody.

Charlotte ran through the doorway, and my heart swelled to the size of a beach ball. She rushed over to me with her headphones hooked around her arm. I bent down and she flung her arms around my neck.

Why had this become the highlight in my day?

“I’m gonna watch you from the front with Ma. Will you wave to me?”

“I sure will.” From my riser at the back of the stage and with stage lights flashing in my eyes, I wouldn’t be able to see the audience, but I’d make sure the guys told me where she was.

Hannah stuck her head into the room. “Charlotte, come on. We have to go find our seats.” She twinkled her fingers at us. “Good luck. Have a great show.”

“Bye.” Charlotte waved and skipped over to Hannah.

“She’s so fucking adorable.” Lewis put his boot up on the sofa and double-knotted the laces. “Makes my balls ache. I can’t wait to have kids.”

I grabbed my in-ear monitors out of the box on the accessories table, threaded the cords through my shirt, and hung the buds around my neck. “Please tell me you haven’t knocked up my sister.”

He slapped me on the shoulder. “Not yet. But if things go well, I will after the tour.”

I chuckled. He and Tia just clicked. They’d become inseparable. I’d never seen my sister so happy. I couldn’t ask for more than that. But children? Already? “I don’t know why people would willingly want kids.” They’re way too much work. Way too much stress.

“Usually it’s for love.” Lewis grabbed his transmitter and stuffed it into the holder on the back of his belt.

“Oh yeah...that.” That hadn’t been my case. But regardless of how Charlotte had come into my life and the changes I’d had to make, she was amazing. For the past couple of weeks, the guilt of being with Shelby didn’t haunt me as often as my other mistakes did. I’d take that as a win.

Ava walked through the door. “Time.”

I threw her a wink. She just glared at me, her expression neutral as always. My laugh rolled deep inside my chest. I saw her morning, noon, and night. But for some unexplainable reason, every time she walked in the room, my heart beat to a quicker tempo. I didn’t want it to. I had to focus on the tour. The guys. The show.

I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep breath.

This was it.

Opening night.

Here we go.

Flint jumped up and down in the middle of our dressing room and stretched his neck from side to side. Nervous energy, excitement and focus shimmered in his eyes. We each had our part to play, but he was our front man. The star. Our leader and my best friend. I loved him like a brother and would do anything for him. I’d do the same for any of these guys.

“This is going to be a fucking awesome night.” He drew us into a huddle, hugged us tight, then hollered, “I love you guys. Let’s rock.”

Twirling my drumsticks around my fingers, I followed the guys to the back of the stage to join our crew. In the dim lighting, we formed a circle and held hands. As I clutched onto Tia, Flint gave the group a quick pep talk, hoping everyone would have fun and enjoy the show. We wouldn’t be able to do this without them.

“Go The Flintlocks!” We cheered and high-fived the crew as they scurried off via torchlight to their positions. We made our way toward the stage. I was about to bound up the metal steps after the guys when Ava caught me on the arm.

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