Page 44 of Flawless Lyric

“Maybe if we have time, we can all meet up for a drink sometime this weekend.” Fuck! Why the hell would Jaxon put all of us in an awkward situation like that? He knows better since he’s Zanders best friend.

Even though Zander and Quinn were finally able to come to terms with their divorce, Jet looks uncomfortable. So I’m shocked when he adds, “That’d be great.”

Eventually our bands part, but just before we all leave each other, Zander finally finds his voice. “Nice running into all of you. Have a great show. We’ll see you soon.”

As we climb into the limo, Zander has a few choice words for his BFF. “What the fuck was that back there, Jax? Seriously, bro, I thought you had my back. You just threw me under the bus.”

“The fuck I did. We’re all affiliated with Morris Music. I wanted them to know that even though there’s history between us, there’s no animosity.”

“Easy for you to say since it wasn’t your history,” Zander spits in his face.

“I’m a part of that history too, and I’m not pissed,” Ace replies. “He did it just to keep the peace so let it go.” Surprisingly he does. For now.

* * *

LYRIC

I know it’s Friday,but the traffic was horrendous on the way home from work. It was backed up for miles and I thought it was because of an accident. Until I drove by the festival for Music Weekly and realized that’s what the holdup was all about. Now I’m nervous for Micah and all the bands that are playing there this weekend. I’ve no doubt that security’s tight, but with this size of a crowd it still makes me nervous. Most of the bands are staying at the hotel but several of them live close enough to drive back and forth. Rebel Riot being one of them. What the hell will the traffic be like tonight after the concert’s over? I can’t imagine, but maybe it would be safer for him to stay at the hotel. I’ll send him a quick text when I get home.

Normally it takes me twenty minutes to get home after work. Tonight, it took me ninety minutes. Thank goodness I topped off my tank before going to work this morning. The magazine or the venue should have hired someone to direct traffic. Maybe it would have been a little easier to navigate.

After grabbing my phone, I sit on the sofa and try to compose a message in my head. I don’t want Micah to think I don’t want to see him tonight because I do. So very much. But his safety comes first. Just the thought of having to drive there tomorrow to watch him perform gives me anxiety. Ruth wanted to pick me up since Micah’s brothers and sisters are all going, but I didn’t want to inconvenience them. I’m not quite ready for her to see Micah and me together. And knowing Micah, he doesn’t care if his family’s there or not. He won’t shy away from whatever PDA he chooses to show me.

Me:Wow, I just drove by the festival and traffic is atrocious. I understand if you want to hunker down at the hotel tonight. It might be safer for all of you.

Not long after, I see the little dots bouncing on my screen.

Micah:Not happening, Beauty. I can’t guarantee what time I’ll be there, but I will be. And you’ll be driving to the venue with me tomorrow. I want you backstage watching me perform. It’s one of the perks of being my girlfriend.

Jeez. Is he a mind reader?

Me:I’ll be waiting up. Please be careful.

No response, but I didn’t expect it the first time around. As long as he reads my text before leaving tonight is all I can hope for. Knowing he had the option to come over or stay there. I should know by now that once his mind’s made up, nothing will change it. Not even me.

After taking a quick shower, I put on some comfy clothes. There’s no sense dressing all sexy for my man when clearly he’s going to be very late. I’ll grab something to eat and then I’ll read to pass the time. It wouldn’t hurt to dive into one of those steamy romance novels I recently downloaded. They’re all about sexy rockstars and that’s my jam at the moment. Do you think it has anything to do with the fact that I’m having filthy, dirty sex with a Rock God? Absolutely!

Ripping off the plastic to one of those fancy noodle cups, I pull back the lid and add water to the fill line. No complaints since it’s something quick and easy. I pop it into the microwave and then grab my phone. Just in case I have a message from Micah. I’m disappointed when I swipe and nothing’s there. No worries. I know he’s crazy busy. With any luck, I’ll see him later.

When the bell dings, I grab my bowl, stir, and let it sit so the noodles are nice and tender. As much as I’d love a glass of wine, I’m not feeling it, so I grab a sparkling water instead. If Micah needs something to unwind, I’m prepared to bring out the big guns tonight. Whiskey.

Sitting at the island, I rip off the lid and dig in. I blow before sliding the fork into my mouth. I devour it within minutes and then drink the yummy broth until the cup’s empty. Now I wish there was another one in the cupboard. I settle on a few stale cookies that I find hiding in the back of the cupboard. God knows how long they’ve been in there.

Curling up on the sofa, I grab my Kindle and settle in for a steamy night of reading. I usually get so engrossed in what I’m reading that I don’t realize hours have passed by. I’m hoping that’s what will happen tonight. I’m desperate to see my rockstar.

I’m three chapters in when the doorbell rings, making me jump. That’s weird because I’m not expecting anyone. I grab my phone to check if I have any messages. I don’t. Who the hell would be visiting at almost eight o’clock at night? Unannounced, no less.

Since I didn’t answer the door, now they’re knocking. Can’t they take a hint? Obviously not when they knock again.

“Ms. Montgomery. I’m sorry to bother you, but Mr. Monroe sent me to pick you up. You should have received a text from him. He’d like you to attend the concert tonight.”

If that were the case, why didn’t he mention anything to me earlier? Unless it was a last-minute decision. I’m not a suspicious woman by nature but this has me unsettled. If it was Novalee in this situation, I’d tell her to ignore the stranger at the door. Do I do the same? I don’t know.

Swiping my phone off the side table, I dial 911 but don’t hit send. I just want to be ready in case whoever is out there decides to break in. I jump again when my phone vibrates with an incoming text.

Micah:Sorry, Beauty. I thought I hit send but Bill’s on his way to pick you up. I decided I want you here with me tonight.

Me:On my way.

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