Page 87 of Before Now

Aggressive.

Every now and then a fan gets ahold of my number, or someone sends a woman my way. Uninterested in entertaining either, I tap the thread open to block the person. But they text again before I can, my thumb hovering over the screen.

Unknown

Two minutes is all I need. I’ll even prove it’s me.

I scroll up to their first message from yesterday where they admonish me for not checking my DMs. I snort, but all humor and thoughts vanish when I read the next one. The name’s as much a shockwave as the first time it appeared on my screen. Before I have a chance to doubt, the proof auto-scrolls me to the newest message from her.

In the selfie, Sav Loveless holds a phone, today’s date on the lock screen, the time on it the same as mine when adjusted for a time zone difference.

Then the number calls again.

I answer, and any lingering disbelief disintegrates.

“Finally,” she sighs out. “You, Adams North, are nearly impossible to get ahold of.”

“By design,” I say. “But I’d think Sav Loveless would have an easier time than most.”

The lead singer of The Hometown Heartless laughs. “You’d think, but your team sucks. From your label to agent, they gave my coordinator the runaround. And when she finally got ahold of your manager, he shut her down.”

“Christian?” I ask.

“He told her you’re on tour and have no time for what I’m calling to ask. Which I understand, but I also know there’s a break in your schedule coming up.”

My desire to punch my manager in the face returns. “He never said anything.”

“I’m not surprised. I have a feeling your label doesn’t want me anywhere near you.” Then she doubles down on her text. “This would have been a lot easier if you answered DMs. I messaged you last week.”

“I haven’t checked anything lately.” Between shows and writing, I haven’t done more than random posts. “Trust me, I’d have replied to you, busy or not. What did Christian shut down?”

She hesitates. “Well, it was always shorter notice, but there’s a benefit concert for the families and people displaced by the hurricane that hit the Carolinas. Almost all the money is going toward rebuilding the communities. Bringing awareness can encourage people to volunteer on top of donating, and six of the hottest bands and artists on the same stage draws alotof attention. Six acts, so long as I convince Adams North to play.”

Holy shit. Sav Loveless called to ask me to perform. I thought hearing a stadium of people chant for me was surreal.

“You’re behind the benefit?” I ask, knowing I’ll say yes.

“I am. I have an in with the owner for one of the construction companies coordinating the rebuild project, and the area’s near where I grew up, so it’s close to home.” She adds, “Which is why the rest of the money is going to a program set up to match the families and people with hosts for the holidays. They already lost their houses. By being welcomed into someone else’s, they might at least have a chance to feel a sense of home.”

And she nails my soft spot—as if I hadn’t already decided.

“Sold,” I tell her. “Can the entire band perform, though? If Felix and Dev can’t make it, I’m down to perform solo. But I wouldn’t feel right not trying to include them.”

“Yes. Please. With the time constraint, I didn’t want to push my luck, but the spot was intended for Of Men and Wolves. Speaking of, you agreed before knowinghowshort notice this is.”

I chuckle. “I imagine very since it seems to line up with our break, which starts in three days.”

“It’s next Saturday,” she says, and I hear the wince.

Close call. Only one day would have me saying no, and it’s next Sunday. I need to be in Texas. Nonnegotiable.

“I’ll be there. I’ll ask Felix and Dev if they’re available as soon as we’re done here.”

She sighs. “Thank you. I owe you, Adams. There are donation goals and incentives for reaching them, and adding you or the band will let us aim higher.”

She owes me nothing. Even after this, I owe her for life. “No problem, Sav.”

“Okay, then. The marketing team has slow-dripped the artist reveals on social media, so they can announce whoever still. You and Heartless will be the last ones. There are more details, but I’ll send the number for the woman in charge,” she says. “And I’ll send it to you directly, so I know you receive it.”

---