Page 55 of Omega Rock

I close my eyes for a moment as rage bubbles up my throat. I swallow it down. “I do, and need I remind you that’s why I’m no longer with Lost Time? Or do you not remember promising a balance between the music and the band, and health and ‘other’ things?”

Regret shines in Aiden’s eyes but he doesn’t back down. I know he expects me to understand, and I do. But it doesn’t make his words any less harsh considering the random nerve flare I’m having right now.

I almost losteverythingeight years ago. There’s not a fucking chance in hell I’m going to let that happen again.

Mia stands. “I think talking any more right now is either pointless or going to make tonight worse. My vote is we removeDreaming Lateimmediately, play the five-song set tomorrow, and I don’t know… do a live stream or something after our first weekend with Knotty Tour is over. Aiden’s right—it was just one show. Now we need to do our best to do better tomorrow.”

Her words are strong, but her voice gives way to the worry coursing through her. I understand that worry well.

Noah shrugs with resignation. “Sure, let’s do it.”

Aiden and I agree, too, because what else can we do? This is our first argument as a bandandas a pack. It feels rotten, unnatural. And it’s mostly fueled by disappointment in ourselves. But sometimes the best course of action with arguments is to walk away until these extreme emotions have calmed down some.

“Perfect,” Mia says before moving toward the tour bus door. “I’m going to go enjoy the after party, then. Anyone want to join?”

Noah follows without hesitation. Aiden makes his way toward the door after them as I wave them on. Once Mia and Noah are off the bus, though, Aiden pauses at my side.

He looks down at my hand still held in a half-fist. “Are you okay?”

I nod slowly. “I’ll take something. I think it’s just strain, or stress. Or both.”

Remorse wrinkles Aiden’s eyes and he releases a sigh. “I’m sorry for what I said.”

A pause, then I relax, too. “You’re not wrong, though. But this does worry me. Won’t lie about that.”

Aiden places a hand on my left shoulder. “If you need anything, you let me know?”

I nod. “I will. I’m going to take something and rest for a bit. Maybe message my doctor. I’ll join eventually.”

“An after party might be a lot.”

“Might.” But if it’s outdoors, I’m less worried. I won’t be drinking much anyway. “I’ll see you in a bit. And Aiden—Exit Fate is doing well. We were pressured out the gate, but we’ll smash this opportunity. I can feel it.”

Aiden looks out the bus door to where the after party’s being held in the parking lot. Already, blaring music and partygoers are celebrating loudly. Finally, he nods. “Yeah. I can, too. Just have to let people give us a chance.”

“Fame doesn’t work like how it did when we started. Maybe Mia’s right about all these livestreams and watching what people say online.”

“Maybe.” Aiden sounds miles away. “I worry, too, that this is too much for her and Noah.”

“They’ll be okay.” I believe it, but I also kind of have to. Noah’s obviously not as young as Mia, but this level of performing is new to them both. Hell, I’m scared and I’ve played Knotty Tour countless times before with Lost Time. “We’ll keep an eye on them.”

Aiden reaches back up to smack me on the shoulder again. “We will. Take it easy.”

I wave him off and he disappears toward the after party.

Five minutes. That’s all I give myself for resting in place before I find my backpack and dig out my medicine bag. I have options for nerve flares although it’s been a long time since it’s happened. I take two pills and then open my doctor’s office app to shoot off a message. Then I make my way toward my bunk since resting in Mia’s nest feels like a violation when she’s not also in it.

I watch two episodes of some shows before the text comes through from Aiden:Meet us at the after party please. Mia needs help.

I sit upright so fast, I nearly knock my head on the bunk above me. My thumbs move fast as I reply:On my way.

I slide out of the bunk, throw on shoes, and race out of the tour bus and toward the party as fast as I can. How badly could she need help that Aiden and Noah can’t handle it? And what the hell happened that she needs help at all?

Other bands part as I make my way to my pack. A few wave hi and try to start a conversation, but I duck past them until Mia’s colorful hair comes into view. She’s bent over a trash can puking. Aiden’s beside her rubbing her back while Noah stands nearby, clearly also heavily intoxicated.

Well, that explains Aiden needingmyhelp.

Aiden waves me over. “I’ve got her if you want to herd Noah.”

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