Page 46 of Lucas

Something soft and feathery pulls me from a deep sleep. I try swatting it away so I can roll over and go back to sleep, but it’s heavy and won’t budge. Dammit. My eyes flutter open against my better judgement, but I sigh when I realize Lucas is kissing me awake. Mm, better than any dream I can think of.

“Sorry I’m late, baby. Lunch turned out better than I thought, and Arisha and I did some catching up. In fact, I apologized and she called Caleb to smooth things over. Looks like you were a busy bee while I was gone. Are you hungry? We can go grab a bite or call for takeout.” Of course, my tummy chooses that time to grumble, and he laughs. “Worked up an appetite, I see. Pizza with the works sounds like a plan. Maybe I’ll serve you in bed since you’re so tired.” He waggles his brows and I can’t help laughing. He’s too damn sexy for his own good.

“That sounds amazing, but if you serve me in bed, we won’t eat and I’m starving. Besides, tonight it’s my turn to pick out a movie, since you chose that stupid war thingy last time.” We always do a movie when we get pizza. It’s a Lucas thing, just go with it.

“How about we start with dessert and eat pizza later?” He’s smiling, and I must admit, it looks great on him. I haven’t seen him like this since I first met him. I’m desperate to ask how lunch went, but as much as it’s going to kill me I’ll wait until he brings it up. “I won’t watch one of those stupid chick flicks. Unless you watch the movie while I have dessert.” In a flash, he tackles me and his strong body pins me in place.

“Have I mentioned that you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Abby? If I didn’t, then I’m telling you now. Thanks for taking a chance on me, baby. Not only in your career, but in your personal life, too. You’re giving up so much for me and I just want you to know I love you for that.”

What? Did he just tell me he loved me? It didn’t happen like in the chick flick movies he hates watching, but I’ll take it. I can’t quiet down my heart as it beats out of my chest. He’s so serious that I can’t even right now. I try stopping the tears that threaten to fall, but I can’t hold them back. This man is my everything!

32

Lucas

I’m not naïvein assuming that being on the road for the next three months is going to be easy, but having Abby by my side will make things so much more bearable. This woman has me wrapped around her little finger. I never thought in a million years that I’d devote all of my time and attention to just one woman, but then again I’ve met no one of her caliber.

Loving.

Compassionate.

Honest to a fault.

Supportive.

I’m so grateful that she came into my life and saved me from myself. I never admitted it to anyone, but I was on a downward spiral of sex, booze, and rock ‘n roll. Just like so many artists before me. It would have been the death of me and my career. Like two trains on the same rail, heading in the same direction.

Tonight, we’re playing at Griffin Stadium to a sold-out crowd. The kicker isLaid Bareis our opening act and we’re the headliner! How fucking cool is that? I swear we stood outside the venue in the wee hours of the morning just to look at the flashing billboard in all its neon glory:The Sinful Seven, March 18, 2021. SOLD OUT. Surreal doesn’t even come close to how I’m feeling. All six of us, standing there while the sun rose brilliantly behind us. I wasn’t the only one who swiped away a tear or two before we all cracked up laughing, releasing the nervous tension that’s been festering for a few weeks. I consider everyone here my family, including Quinn. And from what I can see, she has the hots for Jet, but as always he’s guarded and keeps her at arm’s length. It’s just his persona since he’s had such a tough life.

I remember walking by this venue a thousand times when I was just a starry-eyed kid with tons of dreams. Hoping I’d be good enough to walk on that stage and share my love for music with everyone. Well, tonight’s the night and I’m proud of myself. I didn’t let anyone or anything stand in my way.

“Breakfast is on me,” Quinn says. “It might be the only meal we eat today, so let’s go.” Who am I to refuse a free meal? If Quinn’s buying, I’m hella there.

Nothing beats three rockers and three gorgeous women walking into a coffee shop at the butt crack of dawn. The look on the waitress’s face says it all. She looks a little peeved that she has a table of six so early in the morning, and that makes me smile.

“Grab a seat and I’ll be right over.” Okay, Little Miss Sunshine. Even though there’s just a handful of people this early in the morning, we choose a corner table. Out of earshot and enough privacy so we can’t be heard.

Once Sunshine takes all of our drink orders, all coffees of course, my little barista becomes antsy. Oh, I bet she’d love to go behind that counter and whip up a few lattes with her signature designs. I make a mental note so I can get her a machine once the tour’s over. She can make me one every damn day of the week for the rest of our lives.

“Okay, you guys listen up,” Quinn says. “I’m not sure if any of you have kept track of your record sales since you’ve been so busy, but I wanted to surprise you with this celebration breakfast.Distractionreleased at number ten on theBillboardcharts! It’s my way of congratulating all of you on a job well done. This is just the beginning forThe Sinful Sevenand the big celebration takes place at thePalladiumafter tonight’s concert!” A little squeal escapes us all and I’m not going to lie, I want to join in, but I’ll wait until Little Miss Sunshine leaves.

Once she sets down our drinks and takes our orders, we begin talking at once.

“I wish you would have told us while we were standing outside the venue this morning, because I want to scream at the top of my lungs,” Jet, my brother from another mother, grins from ear to ear. “Problem is, if I get arrested, I won’t make it to my first concert.” We all paid our dues to be here today, but Jet more so than any one of us. He’s had a rough life but yet he persevered.

Quinn smiles. “All of you were too busy soaking up your names in the marquee, I didn’t want to spoil the mood. I want you guys to have little snippets of euphoria at a time. It’s important that you do, instead of getting everything thrown at you all at once. You’ll understand more after tonight. You’re living in the moment, and when it’s done you’ll forget all those wonderful early moments. I want you to hang onto all of your firsts.” Abby’s gaze flicks to mine when Quinn mentions “firsts”. Yeah, my girl wants this just as much as I do. So selfless.

Once our breakfasts arrive, the conversation flows like the coffee that Mildred keeps pouring into our cups. Never ending.

For someone who is never lost for words, I am right here, right now. Listening to my friends discuss a future that we’ve only ever dreamed about. Knowing that in a small way, I was the catalyst that brought them all together. I know after today our lives will be forever changed.

***

Abby

Sometimes I wonderif Lucas knows how talented he is. He’s the real deal, a total package. Not only does he write his own music, he also creates beautiful lyrics and plays several instruments. A Rock God at its finest! The girls love him and have been following him since he started this business. This should be a piece of cake for him, but I can tell he’s tense. It’s understandable since this is the first time they’ll play in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,000 adoring fans. It’s surreal, and if I’m excited, I can only imagine how they’re feeling. They’ve been at this a lot longer than I have.

Everyone’s running around making last-minute changes, and they have a sound check in less than an hour. Once that’s over with, they get a few hours of downtime before they need to be back on stage for the main event. SinceLaid Bareis their opening act, Lucas mentioned that they’ll be backstage cheering them on just likeExistentialdid for them a few months ago. They’re filled with an abundance of nervous energy, and this is only the beginning. I’m glad their first concert starts in New York and then gradually works its way to the West Coast. Quinn has it all figured out, and how she keeps everything straight is beyond me. The girl has a fortitude of steel and a backbone to match. I want to be just like her when I grow up. Seriously, the girl has her shit together and I’ve learned so much just by watching her. It helps that she’s willing to teach me the business side of things as well. It’s so unlike anything I’ve ever experienced with a friend before that I’m still cautious. Deep down I know she’s genuine.

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