Page 12 of Higher Notes

“Something like that. They’re also my boyfriends.” Reagan’s eyes widened.

“All right then. Good luck with that. Hell, I can barely handle the one I’ve got.”

“Hey, I heard that.” Josh slung his arm around Reagan’s neck and pouted. “The love is gone. The honeymoon phase is over.”

“The love will never be gone,” Reagan leaned in and kissed him. “But two plus a full-time job? Yeah, not happening.”

Easton, Diamond, and their guards wound their way through the crowd toward us.

“Jason, Sikes, Snipe. Just the men we’ve been hoping to run into.” Easton’s words would’ve held more surprise had he not bee-lined it straight for us. “May we have a moment of your time?”

“Absolutely, lead the way.”

“Reagan said we could use an empty meeting room. It’s just down the hall.” Did Easton ever wing anything or was it always planned?

As soon as we were behind closed doors, Easton dove right in. “Gentlemen, have a seat.” Diamond pulled a chair out for him while we sat. “Why so grim? This isn’t a bad meeting but more a clarification of intent and duties.” Easton had a way with words for sure. “We understand a change in principals has been requested due to a budding new relationship?”

“Yes,” Sikes replied. “We wish to oversee Chaotic now and are willing to relocate on our own dime if approved.”

“No need for that but we do appreciate the offer. Dating or not,” Easton made eye contact with each of us. “Guarding Chaotic is just that, the entire band. While I understand your main interest lies with Jason, you must remember if Josh, Marley, or Nigel were in need you’d be required to attend events with them. Understood?”

“Yes,” the three of us said, though I wasn’t sure I was supposed to respond. Oh well, now they knew I was all in.

“Though Deuce is on vacation, we were able to speak with him and he’s agreed to make the change. Until all three guards can be relocated Fizzbo has agreed to add another to the Embrace team which we’d been discussing already. For now, Chaotic still flies under the radar fan wise but once the new CD drops that will change. Honestly, it may not be a bad idea to add a third guard to both bands.” Easton made a note in his phone. That man was on it and never missed a single thing. If he said he was doing something consider it done.

“Accommodations. I know you share an apartment in Las Vegas, will your search be for the same in Seattle?”

“We’d like to look at houses to rent if that’s okay.” Easton cocked a brow at Snipe’s request. “Is there an agent you could possibly hook us up with? We might be in the market to buy if the price and location are right.”

Wow, that was news to me. Not that we’d had much time to talk about anything.

“Agreed,” Sikes chimed in. “We’re hoping to put roots down here.”

Did they love the rain or was this because of me? What if this didn’t work out? Then they’d be stuck here. Shit, we should’ve discussed this beforehand.

“We do have an agent we work with, and we also have rental properties that may suit your needs.” Diamond’s words surprised me, though they shouldn’t have. Business was in their blood, and they likely had more ventures going on than anyone knew. It wasn’t often Diamond spoke but when he did everyone listened. For the most part he struck the same pose the guards did, right down to grunting out replies. Had he missed his calling in life? I cracked myself up. Diamond was a killer drummer. He obviously didn’t miss his calling but hey, if the need arose he’d make an awesome guard.

“Excellent point, love. Yes, I’ll get in touch with our portfolio manager, Pressley. Do I have your permission to give her your phone numbers?”

“Absolutely. Either or both,” Sikes said.

“Can I get in on that? I’d like to look for a better place for my family.”

“Absolutely, Jason.” Easton rose. “Thank you, gentlemen. Ensure our band’s safety and we’ll have no issues. Expect Pressley’s call tomorrow. Jason, do you have anything to add to the conversation? You’ve been fairly quiet. I hope we haven’t ignored your needs. I can assure you that wasn’t our intention.”

“Not at all. I’m good and go with the flow. I’m just glad this hasn’t caused a rift with Masterson.”

“Never. You see, or you will in time, that family comes first with us and working in close proximity, it’s hard to avoid internal relationships from forming. We want our bands to be happy and we’re very pleased with Chaotic’s performance thus far. You’re a great leader and frontman, and I look forward to watching your band’s growth.”

“Way to put the proverbial weight on a guy’s shoulders.” Easton smiled. “Seriously, Masterson has been a blessing, and I know I can speak for my bandmates when I say you’ll get nothing but our best from us.”

“I don’t doubt that. Now, let’s see what you and Josh threw together for tonight.”

As we walked out, Sikes and Snipe placed a hand on my back as we followed them out. I had to admit I was a bit down leaving the house tonight but this change in tides was the next step for my family and excitement replaced the downs.

I mic’d up, gotta love the wireless age and the simplicity of it. There wasn’t much to set up since it was an acoustic gig. Josh had his mic and both chairs in place and was ready to roll by the time I hopped on stage.

“For luck,” Sikes said then he and Snipe kissed me. My face heated to a dangerous level, but my grin said it all. I freaking loved their attention.

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