Page 76 of Higher Notes

“Should we move him over here?” I was ready to flag him over, but Diamond was talking to him and helped buckle him in.

“Nah, he’s with his idol. With us he may let the nerves get the best of him, but he’ll keep his cool with D.”

True, I hadn’t thought of it that way. With the kids my first reaction was to protect.

“This is a big step for Gabe, so we’ll let him set the pace.” Jason was wise beyond his age.

“Copy that.”

As soon as she announced we were airborne and could roam about, Diamond got up, so Gabe ran over to us.

“Hey, Diamond said they come around with food and drinks. Do we have to pay for it?”

Legitimate question.

“Nope, only on commercial flights. This is the plane that belongs to our management company so eat up, but remember if you have to pee while we’re landing, you’re screwed,” Jason teased him.

“Sweet. Diamond is so freaking cool.” Gabe was in heaven.

“D is cool as hell and fiercely protective of his friends and family. He and Easton are the ones who helped us get the new house.” Glad Jason left off the part about them helping bring Gabe home safely, too.

“Really? He’s been talking to me, too. That’s okay, right?”

“Of course it is. Jeremiah, our band manager you met,” Gabe nodded, “he’s Diamond’s brother.”

“Whoa.”

“Yup. Easton is the one who hired Mom, too. Masterson is big on family and hiring them, too.”

“Sometimes it feels like we’re living in a dream.”

“That it does, little brother. That. It. Does.”

Jason was all smiles, thoroughly enjoying brother time. It would be great if there were a couple of days off during this last leg where we could get Gabe out to see some sights. The ideas ran through me like a never-ending sea of wishes.

Damn, when did I strike poetic?

Love did funny things to you for sure.

Gabe and Diamond talked the entire flight. About what, I had no clue but it didn’t matter. Gabe enjoyed himself and that’s what this trip with him was all about. Diamond laughed along, contributing to the conversation just as much. Easton chimed in a time or two, though in typical Easton fashion, he was generally typing away on an electronic device—or two.

Gabe stared out the window as we landed at DFW. His feet excitedly waved around but his facial expression was a clear case of trying to keep his cool. I freaking loved this. Kids should be kids. They should enjoy life and experience all they could before they joined the ranks of adulthood. Jason was doing his best to ensure his siblings did just that, even though he hadn’t had much of one himself.

We exited the plane and loaded into the waiting limo. I swear, Gabe’s eyes were ready to pop out of their sockets with as wide as they were. Reminded me of a hamster we had as a classroom pet at my old grade school. Big day for the young man. First plane ride, first limo ride and now first concert tour.

The young roadie was in for the time of his life.

“Jason is back!” Marley cheered when we stepped inside the venue. Every guy from Embrace and Chaotic hugged him.

“You guys remember my brother, Gabe? He’s joining us for the rest of the tour.” They’d all been briefed on what caused us to leave, I only hoped they’d not say anything.

“Right on. Welcome, Gabe!”

“Whoa. You’re-you’re…” Gabe stuttered.

“Joey and this is my husband. Stoli.”

“Holy crap!” Everyone laughed. “First Diamond, now Joey and Stoli. I can’t believe this is my life.”

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