Page 29 of Don't Fall For A Rockstar

Things are changing.

After finishing up my work for the day, I headed for my truck. It was cool and damp today in music city. There was fog rolling in and a light misting of rain. I lived downtown, not far from the studio and the warehouse, and loved it.

But sometimes, I liked to take a drive out to the country and just take in the quiet. I was so used to being on the road that driving an hour or two outside the city felt like nothing.

I stopped by a local market, picked up some fresh fruit, my favorite bbq, and headed back home.

Forty-five minutes later, I pulled into the parking garage of my building.

My condo was one bedroom, two baths, and nine hundred square feet. Not a huge space, but it was all mine. I couch surfed at Ace’s place for two years, saving up every bit of income to use as a down payment for my condo. Buying my own place was vital to me. I’d come a long way from the homeless nineteen-year-old boy I once was. With my mom long since passed, and my stepfather turning his back on me, Ace and the band, the crew, were the only family I had. And the life I’d built? Maybe to some it wasn’t much, but to me, it was everything.

I parked and grabbed my stuff, heading for the service elevator.

Once I hit the lobby, I got into the main elevator and punched the button for the tenth floor. The ride was fast, and I headed out into the brightly lit hallway. I had a corner condo, with a great west-facing view to catch the sunsets.

Opening the door, I set down my bags and yanked off my boots. I slipped off my socks, and padded barefoot to the kitchen. Once my food was put away, I walked over to the living room and opened the windows to let in some air. Then I made a list of all the supplies I’d need for Nate’s visit.

Condoms and lube first off. He said he didn’t want to use condoms, but I’d buy them just in case he changed his mind.

What else? Food. That was a given. We were gonna burn a lot of fucking calories.

After I’d made my list and made a reservation at one of Nashville’s best restaurants, I grabbed a beer from the fridge. Then I sat down in my living room, with my laptop, checking my work emails.

My phone pinged with a message notification.

Ace: You requested time off? I’m happy to approve, but does this mean you’re actually taking a vacation this year? WTF?

I laughed at his comments.

Tommy: I’m staying in town. I’ve got someone coming to visit. A guy I’m seeing.

Ace: Anyone I know?

Ace wasn’t just my boss, he was my closest friend.

Tommy: Nate Filier

Three dots appeared while Ace typed his response. When it finally came through, I bit back a smile.

Ace: I knew something was up the day after that concert! You were so distracted.

Tommy: Look who’s talking. You met Colm the same night.

And you’ve had a permanent grin lately. I can see you two together. So, is this love?

Tommy: Remember what you told me when I first started working for you?

Ace: Of course. There’s only one rule for a roadie: don’t fall for a rockstar

Tommy: Too late

CHAPTER 12

NATE

A WEEK LATER, NASHVILLE

I’d never taken a road trip that I was so glad to see the end of.

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