Page 52 of Don't Bang a Bandmate

“Then, you’re just…?” She gestures randomly with her hands, hoping I’ll pick up the sentence.

“Harvey’s right, Addy,” I say, tapping my drumstick against my leg. “It’s none of your business.”

“Hey, I’m not judging anybody here. Jordan finally getting some can only be a net positive for all of us. I’m just… a smidgen concerned.”

“Why? It’s just a casual thing.”

“A casual thing?”

“Yeah. Fuck buddies.”

“Fuck buddies?” She chuckles. “Just a little Bronson and chill?”

“Exactly. Now go away. I’m doing my ritual.”

Addison snorts. “Your ritual?”

“Yeah, my pre-show ritual.”

“Your pre-show ritual is brooding in the shadows, like some weirdo?”

“It’s a mental ritual.”

“So, what are youmentallydoing?”

“Keeping my mouth shut.” I sharpen my glare. “Which is exactly whatyoushould do right now.”

“Okay. Okay.” Addison moves to stand in front of me. “Just let me ask youone more thingand then I’ll drop it forever. Well, notforever.Until it inevitably blows up in your face.”

I wait.

She exhales hard; her face softening. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?” she asks.

I shrug. “Okay with what?”

She locks her knowing eyes with mine. “Because it’sJordan,Bronson,” she says. “I know how you feel about her.”

Oh. Right.

It’s hard to hide a schoolboy crush from somebody who lived in your house for a few years… especially once my gossipy sisters got involved.

“Felt,”I correct her. “I haven’t thought about Jordan like that in years.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes. I’m sure.”

She nods, but her eyes shine with doubt. “Well, I knowtalkingusually isn’t your thing, but if you need to talk to somebody, I’m here. You know that, right?”

“I know. Thank you,” I add, giving her a sincere nod.

Addison walks away, heading back to the wings to watch the rest of Harvey’s set.

I stay in my shadow with my sticks, watching Jordan as she smiles.

I had a good day.

Gonna have a good night, too.

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