Page 24 of Forever and Ever

I was worried that by accepting a job behind the scenes for Enemy Muse, I had pigeonholed myself, and no one would take me seriously as a singer. It’s easy to fall into the role and never look back. I’ve seen it happen to several roadies who once had dreams of their own.

I worried that Adrian would see me as nothing more than an assistant and never give me a chance.

Clearly, I was wrong.

Adrian grins at me with the kind of smile that’s rarely ever spotted on him, and I appreciate the genuine gesture. He’s been a mentor to me, giving me insight into the industry, teaching me all the tricks in his spare time. He’s like a big brother, protective, always looking out for the people around him. Myself included.

“Oh shit.” I let out a breath that takes the weight of my chest with it.

“You’ve earned it,” Adrian says.

Eloise wraps a willowy arm around my shoulders and pulls me in for a half hug. For her, it’s unusually warm, and I’m a little taken aback by it.

“You have,” she says, letting me go.

“Yes.” Cassie throws herself at me, and I almost stumble backward. If it weren’t for Sebastian catching her at the waist, we probably would have.

“You’re going to be a rock star,” Cassie squeals in my ear, pulling away to squeeze my shoulders before letting me go.

A rock star.

My head feels suddenly fuzzy. Breaking out in this industry is a one-in-a-million kind of thing. You can work the hardest, be the best, and still never make it. It takes a mix of talent and luck, and all of a sudden, I’m worried I might not have it.

“We’re gonna take off,” Sebastian says to the group.

His eyes land on Cassie and it’s no secret what he’s planning for their dirty little reunion, so I roll my eyes at them.

Sebastian holds his palm out and Adrian slaps his own palm against it as they clasp hands and pull in for one-armed hugs.

The two of them are physical opposites. While Sebastian is lean, Adrian is a solid hunk of muscle. Even their hair plays like a yin and yang with Sebastian’s dirty blond locks and Adrian’s almost black stubble. And even though Sebastian’s rocking a golden tan from the summer touring schedule, it pales to Adrian’s dark skin. But when they pull apart from the hug and smile at each other, the friendship you feel from both of them is the same. And that’s why I love working for Enemy Muse, even if they cause me massive migraines.

It’s a family.

“Call me tomorrow,” Cassie says, as Sebastian pulls her away.

I’m nodding, but words are no longer coming out as I stand there in shock.

“So, I take it you’re onboard?” Adrian says as I turn back to him and Eloise.

“Yes, of course.” I croak like a frog I’m so excited.

“Good,” Adrian nods, “because it’s going to be long hours and hard work. Plus, you have to be willing to work around whatever time the band needs the studio, so it might mean late nights or early mornings.”

“Done.”

There’s no way I’m passing up my chance at my big break just because the hours are a little inconvenient. I’ve been touring with a rock band on and off for almost a year. I’ve learned how to not need sleep to survive.

“And you’ll be able to be in Denver?”

Shit, I told my mom and sister I’d head to Seattle for a few months, but I’m sure they’ll understand. After all, my dad is still barely speaking to me, so what will it hurt to put off his disappointment for another couple of months?

“I’ll make it work,” I say, knowing there’s no other option.

The band members all have homes right outside of Denver, Adrian included. And since his house has a studio built in, that’s where they do most of their recording.

“I’d offer for you to stay with me,” Eloise says with a frown. “But my home renovations got moved up, so I’m crashing at Adrian’s.”

She looks over at him and I notice him swallow hard.

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