Page 36 of The First Time
Ethan is beaming the way he always is after a show. "That crowd was amazing." He turns to Mal with a megawatt smile. "Best show so far."
Mal half-smiles back. He nods in that Mal kind of way.
Poor Ethan lives and dies for his brother's approval. He'd never admit it, even to himself, but it's clear as day.
Mal's smile spreads to his cheeks. "It was."
Ethan is giddy enough he nearly jumps.
I take a conversation breather to head to our dressing room. My shirt is soaked with sweat. I find my change of clothes in the back corner and start unbuttoning.
"Oh my God. Are you really Kit Lockhart?" A brunette paws at my arm.
I only glance at her enough to check her expression. Somehow, she's not kidding. I'm not sure how she scored the backstage pass hanging between her tits if she really thinks that line will work.
I pull my arm back but say nothing. She knows she's backstage at our show. She knows I'm Kit Lockhart.
She moves closer. "I've always wanted to end up backstage with you." She shifts her hips against mine. "I've always thought about what we could do together."
Fuck, I hate the way fame makes strangers think they have permission to touch me.
This time last year, I'd have taken her up on her clumsy offer. I'd have done it right here.
Still could.
It would be an easy half hour of pleasure.
She's pretty enough. She's certainly eager enough. But I've got zero desire to fuck her.
The way she's looking at me is empty. It makes me think of Piper, of the way our conversations are full. Not sure what they're full of but it's the opposite of the way this chick is looking at me.
I pull on my new shirt. "Thanks, honey. I'll see you around."
She pouts.
I head back to the hallway.
Ethan, Mal, and Joel are hanging by the wall, shooting the shit. I nod and head over.
The tour manager Jim, cuts between us. He's wearing the same anxious expression he always is. "Where the fuck is Pete?" Jim looks at me like he's thinking about throwing me on stage to take the Sinful Serenade bassist's place. "We only have ten minutes."
Mal chuckles.
I move out of the way. Jim is always a mess. It's best to let him work himself into a frenzy. He relaxes as soon as the band steps on stage.
Joel bounces over to Jim and stage-whispers. "He's fucking his wife." He points to the dressing room down the hall.
Jim turns red.
Joel bursts into laughter as he makes his way back to us.
"You're cruel," Mal says.
"How? I helped him locate the musician who was missing." Joel shrugs. "Not like they'll mind getting caught in the act."
Mal cocks a brow.
"Don't pretend like you haven't noticed. They get 'caught' way too often for it to be accidental." Joel looks to me. "Back me up, Lockhart."
