Page 68 of Under the Ink

“That’s great.”

“Yeah. Sold-out shows everywhere we’ve been, receptive crowds. It couldn’t be better.” And then, of course, there was Naomi.

But she didn’t count…because she didn’twantto count.

“Anyway, we’re gonna be in Colorado next week—and I wanted to see if I could come visit for a day or two.”

“Of course.”

“I also wanted to doublecheck to see if I could bring a friend.”

“Who might that be?”

“Her name’s Naomi, and she’s my temporary drum tech.”

“I don’t see why not. You say she’s temporary?”

“Yeah. My old drum tech died right before the tour started, so our manager found Naomi in a pinch—but we’re working on getting someone for the rest of the tour.”

“By friends…what does that mean exactly?” He knew exactly why his mother was asking. There was nothing sinister about it. This woman watched every Hallmark movie she could get her hands on, and one of her favorite authors was Nicholas Sparks. And whenever she’d ask how his bandmates were doing, it usually led to a talk about finding someone special.

That didn’t mean she didn’t have old-fashioned ideas about dating.

“I’m not sure, mom. We’ve grown pretty close. She tries to look ugly but she’s beautiful—and she tries to seem cold and detached, but she’s warm and funny. And she’s a fighter.”

“Like—”

“Not like someone picking fights all the time…but she’s overcome some rough stuff in her life.” How exactly did he know that?

And why was he gushing about her?

“Sounds like you might be falling in love.”

Oh, shit. “Yeah, it kind of does.”

“Well…I won’t tell your secret. But tell me what kind of food Naomi enjoys…”

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO

JULY 17

Even having spent her entire life in Colorado, Naomi had never been to the World Arena. But, just like a lot of the venues the band had performed in over the summer, it seated thousands of people.

It was awe-inspiring, even if it wasn’t so unique.

And, thus far, the tour had been a resounding success, so the band was hosting a big party at the Broadmoor hotel, followed by two days off.

The place was impressive, their rooms even more so, but Naomi was trying to play it cool. And, for the first time since they were in Virginia, she planned to drink.

A lot.

Because being back in Colorado felt weird.

Different.

Even the party was unusual. It didn’t have the feel of backstage rowdiness where almost anything could go. Even though there were lots of people and the place was packed, the location itself made things a little more…dignified.

All of these strange emotions made Naomi feel a little down, so she was drowning in her sorrows. And, somehow, Sage had noticed she wasn’t quite right. He sat next to her at the table covered in fine linen, topped with a candle, and said, “Penny for your thoughts.”

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