Page 59 of Higher Notes

But push me too far and you’ll find

A side of me you’d rather not see

Chorus:

Expect the unexpected

Is what my life’s become

Expect the unexpected

Now, wasn’t that fun

When all is said and done at the end of the day you’ve learned one important thing

Expect. The. Unexpected.

Drawing the last word into a long growl had the crowd on their feet. Well, the handful that wasn’t already.

“Now that you’re awake,” they laughed. “I’d like to sing you a song that’s very personal to me and the men who own my heart.” I winked at the two sets of eyes locked on mine. “This song is called ‘Flaws and All.’”

Each time I glanced over to the wing, Gabe’s eyes were glued to the stage, and he’d removed his headphones. Dare I thought maybe we impressed him? It would be nice to have something more than video games in common with him. Maybe he too was interested in music.

Another reason to consider taking him on the road this summer.

“Great show, guys!” Seltzer high-fived us as we stepped off stage.

“Got ‘em warmed up for ya,” Marley teased our Embrace brothers. “Good luck!”

Sikes and Snipe took us back to the dressing room. I was excited and nervous to hear what my family thought.

“So?” I was like a kid all over again bouncing on the balls of my feet. “What did you think?”

“Jase,” Mom cupped my face. “I’m so proud of you. That voice, you know I’ve always enjoyed your singing, and to watch you command that crowd with it blew me away.” Happy tears escaped. “I always believed in you but more importantly, you did, too. I loved watching you out there. All of you,” she turned to Marley, Nigel, and Josh as she said that. “I’m a proud Mom of four boys tonight.” I knew what those words meant to Josh and saw it reflected in his eyes when she hugged him. She hugged Marley and Nigel, too, but it was Josh her words struck right in the heart.

“But I have three very tired kids to put to bed tonight.” Shit, I hadn’t realized how quiet they were but Sikes and Snipe each cradled a sleeping twin. “Please keep in touch and let me know how it goes.”

“I will, Mom, and I’d like to take Gabe for a couple weeks this summer. I think it would be good for him.”

“Really, Jase?” Gabe smiled wide, wider than I’d seen in a long time.

“Really.” He launched himself at me and hugged me tight. “I love you, Gabe.”

His words were muffled, though I heard them clearly. “Love you, too, Jase.”

“Be good and help Mom. You’re the man now that we’re gone. Got it?”

“Got it.”

Sikes and Snipe walked them out to the waiting car. Josh, Marley, Nigel and I returned to the backstage area to catch the rest of Embrace’s set which was where they found us a few minutes later.

“Good call on Gabe,” Snipe said loud enough for me to hear.

“I think so, too. I could kick myself for not thinking of it sooner.” I was pretty sure at least one side of the couch in the lounge area of the bus folded into a sleeper. If not, we’d figure out a place for him to crash.

“We’re ready for you out front.”

We followed the guy I was hoping worked for the venue around to the front lobby where the merch tables were. Hell, we forgot to ask his name, but our guards weren’t concerned so we had no reason to be.

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