Page 62 of In the Shadows

Chapter

Thirteen

Joey’s rehab was going well, and I’d already completed mine. I was at one hundred percent by their standards and I found myself playing my guitar more and more. We’d pretty much rewritten all the songs we lost as best we could and added a couple more and planned to kick out another CD while we were on break.

I was waiting in the Rover for Joey to come out of the clinic, I’d not gone in with him today and instead chose to run a couple of errands. While I was sitting there, listening toAll That RemainssongMadnesson Octane, I got a text from Derek. When I opened it, I noticed it was a group text with all the guys from Maiden Voyage and Social Sinners on it.

Yo SS dudes! You up for some company?

Hell yeah! What’d you have in mind?I sent back.

The boys and I have something we wanted to ask you and thought the gathering warranted a jam session. You guys game?

Like we’d ever fucking say no. Joey and I were jonesing to play some shit. He’d been exercising his vocals more and more lately, hoping Sal would set some local shit up for us to play in the interim. Diamond had already worked himself through all the strange he wanted and was bitching about being bored.

I can’t speak for my bandmates, but I’m game. Guys???

Fuck yeah, I’m in!Diamond sent.

Been working on my vocals so I’m game!Joey sent.

When I looked up, he was grinning and heading straight for our vehicle. He hopped in and leaned over to kiss me before I put her into gear and headed out of the underground lot.

Looks like you guys only need one more vote, Derek sent.

Count all SS hands in cause I’m game!Mickey responded.

Cool, we’ll be in on Friday. Text you when we land!Derek told us.

Joey finished reading the responses to me while I drove. “Right on man, this will be a blast. I wonder what they want to talk to us about?” I glanced over at him and he shrugged.

“No clue, but Derek has a way of getting everyone riled up so I’m pretty stoked,” he said, smiling down at his phone screen.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you have a little crush on the man,” I teased him, knowing better but was looking to get a rise out of him.

“If you mean crush as in idolize, then you’re spot on. But if you mean DTF then you’rewayoff base, my love.” He reached over, squeezing my thigh.

His words warmed me more than he knew. Derek was a hot ass man and was cool as fuck to top it off. But I knew Joey and I were in love. Hell, we just bought a car and were getting ready to buy our first house together as well.

“Love you, babe,” I told him.

“Love you too.” He squeezed one more time before drawing his hand back. “Hey, the doc said he thinks I’ll be done in another couple weeks. Down to three visits each for these last two weeks.”

“Right on. Time to put this shit behind us.” I hadn’t had any more nightmares since the first night I crawled into Joey’s hospital bed and curled up beside him. Which was great, but the fear of having another lurked in a hidden corner in the back of my mind.

Before we knew it, Friday was here and Derek had asked us to secure a private dining room somewhere in town. They were booked at the Pan Pacific in Seattle. I called the hotel manager, explained the situation and he guaranteed us a private outside dining area. The weather was gorgeous so there was no way we were eating indoors on a day like today.

As soon as they checked in and dropped off their bags the hotel security escorted them out to meet us. Bro hugs were exchanged, and shortly thereafter the wait staff came around to take our drink orders. Derek stopped them mid order.

“Hey bring us a couple bottles of Dom and one, two,” he began counting, “Ten glasses.” The eight band members plus Easton and Sal who’d followed them in.

“Um, WTF is going on?” I asked through a fake ass smile, but hoped for the best.

“Sal, you want to ask or shall I?” Derek asked him.

Our heads were bobbing back and forth, taking in the exchange.

“I’ll let you do the honors, Derek. I’ll funnel all the questions Stoli will have afterwards.” Sal turned and winked at me.

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