Page 22 of Under the Ink

“You should check it out.”

“Don’t listen to him, Naomi. You’ve seen one venue, you’ve seen ‘em all.”

“Not true.”

“This here’s where you find outMalcolmis actually a native Coloradan.” So was Naomi, but she wasn’t going to say it. It seemed like these guys were looking for any perceived weaknesses, so she’d give them none. “You don’t dare insult any venues here or else the natives get pissed.”

“Bullshit. I feel the same way about Madison Square Garden.”

“Ain’t nothin’ special about Madison.”

Sippi rolled his eyes. “You’re just unsophisticated.”

Andy laughed. “Maybe so—but watch how his eyes light up when we come back to Colorado and play the World Arena.”

“There’s nothing like it.” To Naomi, he added, “You ever been there?”

Her lack of worldliness was about to show—but before she could say another word, she heard a familiar voice. For the first time, it sounded as sweet as honey. “You guys harassing my new drum tech?”

“Harassing?Would you say we’ve been harassing you, darlin’?”

“That’s notexactlythe word I’d use.”

“Aw. I like her already. She’s got spunk.” Why did she get the feeling that Sippi meant that as a dig?

“Well, if you guys aren’t talking business, I need a few words with her.”

Great.So much for good vibes.

“Would you come with me please?”

From where he stood, Sage appeared even taller than he usually did—but damned if she was going to let that intimidate her. Sitting up quickly, she nodded. “See you guys later.”

Why the hell did she feel like she was about to get her ass chewed?

Once they were moving toward the front of the stage and out of earshot of the two roadies she’d just been conversing with, she asked, “Did I do something wrong?”

“No. Why would you think that?”

“Just the general vibe around here. I guess it’s got me on edge.”

“Those are just first night pre-show jitters. It’s like we’re all fuckin’ worried that we forgot how to do this shit. Even though we did a warm-up show last week in Winchester, it’s not the same as officially starting the tour—and I’d say that’s the general vibe. Not just all that shit, but we’re also nervous about the new songs and the new set. It doesn’t matter that fans have already heard a song or two off the album—until we perform the first night on the first leg of the tour…we’re all bundles of anxious energy.”

“That makes sense.”

“Not really. You’d think we’d have this shit nailed down by now. You know…knowthings might get fucked up here and there but also knowing we can deal with it. Instead, we’re all like a sixteen-year-old getting ready for prom, expecting to lose her virginity.”

“Is that the best metaphor you could think of?”

“Jesus. No offense intended. Just…the general feeling.”

Like this guy would have a clue what it was like to be a woman, teenaged or otherwise. But, technically, he was her boss, so this was one area where she was going to keep her mouth shut. Disrespecting her employer hadn’t helped her at her last job. “Did you need to tell me anything else?”

“Hey…” The way he said the word—softly and not unkindly—made her pause. Standing beside her, he said, “Sorry. I’m used to talking to vulgar guys all day long on the road, and it’s like we’re all trying to one up each other with the shit we say. I’ll try to be more mindful.”

Okay…so that was pretty mature—and unexpected. “I appreciate that, Sage. Really.”

“Anyway, I just wanted to see if you have questions. Otherwise, I can show you everything I want you to check every night.”

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