Page 20 of Tangled Weeds

“You ready?” Mateo asked as we got closer to the door we’d enter through. I strapped my guitar on and so did Jeremy, Mateo thumped on his bass while Jayne tapped her sticks on every surface.

“I hope so,” I finally answered and tried to ignore the sound of the crowd.

“Everyone, please put your hands together for Anchor Grey,” a voice said through the speakers, and we rushed out to the stage. For a moment I focused on getting into position then I heard Jayne do a little rush of beats on the cymbals and Mateo plucked a few notes on his bass. I looked over and they were all looking at me.

“One two three go!” I screamed and we rolled into the first song. I was amazed how good we sounded since we’d only been playing together a few days. It worked, somehow itallworked and when I sang, the crowd reacted and danced with us. Jayne was amazing, spun her sticks, threw them high above her head, and didn’t miss a beat when she caught them.

Mateo danced with the crowd, Jeremy, and me, before running back and dancing in front of Jayne’s drums. Jeremy and I ripped it up as much as we could. He was amazing on guitar, and I kept the rhythm going while belting out the lyrics. We were doing it; we were playing, and we didn’t suck. Everyone seemed to like us and that made us play even harder.

It seemed we’d only started when I looked to the side and saw Blinding Light standing there watching us with Tanner and Vance, their manager. I knew our time was nearly up, but I didn’t want it to end, and kicked up my efforts only to have the rest of the band match my energy.

If I never play another live show, it’s okay because this is amazing,I thought to myself, and a feeling of peace washed over me but that changed instantly to the need to do this shit again. Because no way was once going to be enough.

Tanner gave me the signal that we were done, and I walked out to the edge of the stage. “Thank you, everyone, and good night,” I screamed and waited to take a quick bow with the others.

The Blinding Light guys all congratulated us as we walked off stage, so amped up and ready to play all night if we were asked. “That was amazing,” I said.

“Dude, we never sounded that good with Josh and Ray,” Mateo said, and I knew it was true.

“This has been great, guys, thanks so much for letting me play with you,” Jayne said.

“Are you sure you don’t want to join the band?” Jeremy asked.

“I can’t I have too many commitments. But be sure to ask me again if you’re desperate. I had a great time,” she said.

We put our instruments away and helped as the crew disassembled Jayne’s drum kit and repositioned Devon’s. We were so high on adrenaline we had the stage ready to go in less time than it had taken to set up. “You guys are sticking around, right?” Devon asked as they moved to their instruments. He’d taken his vest off so now his toned chest was on full display and his tight jeans did nothing but emphasize every freaking muscle and bulge.

“I’m not sure,” I said and looked at Tanner who nodded. “I guess we are.”

“Good, you guys sounded great,” he said, and his eyes grew intense for a moment. I knew right then I was staying even if Tanner didn’t want us to.

“Have fun, show them all you can do it,” I said, and he waved as he was pushed along onto the stage. We all hurried backstage to wipe off the sweat and get a drink and as soon as I was done, I was hurrying back out the door. “I’m going back out to watch.”

They were just announcing them when I made it to the side of the stage. Easy screamed and started them off with Stranded. Liam danced around and over to Easy and the two of them were sex on legs as they played back and forth on each other and included Rory and even Devon.

When my eyes fell on him I couldn’t look away. He played like his life depended on every beat of the drums. Sweat flew off his dark hair as he threw his head to the beat and stomped his feet on the bass drums. “He’s so fucking good,” I said.

“Yeah, he is,” Vance said from next to me. I hadn’t realized he was even there I was so focused on watching Devon. “He really needs to find a band that’s as good as he is.” He turned to look at me then and I would have sworn that message was directed at me. “So, how would you guys feel about opening up for us the three other shows we’re playing here?”

I was stunned for a moment and looked over at Tanner, who nodded at me before looking back at Blinding Light. “I’m not sure. Our drummer was only able to commit to the one show.”

“I’m in,” Jayne said and raised her hand while bouncing on her toes. Mateo and Jeremy both walked closer to me wearing quizzical expressions.

“What’s going on?” Jeremy asked.

“They want us to warm up for Blinding Light at their other gigs here in Vegas,” I said and nearly choked on the words.

“Really?” Mateo asked.

“Really,” Vance said and shook his head with a chuckle. “What do you think?”

“I think hell yes,” Mateo said, and fist pumped the air.

“Stick around after the show. The guys usually hang out and eat. We can work out the logistics then. We’ll pay for your rooms if you need them,” Vance said as Tanner stepped closer.

“Thanks, Vance,” Tanner said and the two of them stepped away from where the rest of us stood ready to burst with excitement. I turned one more time to look at Blinding Light and caught Devon’s eyes on me. His lip curled as he pounded on the drums, and I tried not to imagine what it would feel like sucking that lip into my mouth.

Nineteen

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