Page 65 of The Roadie
Ten Years Later
“Sit right here, Aunt Kira. It’s the best seat in the house.” Mason tapped the arm of the recliner in the recording studio located in the basement of the Blade-Garcia mansion.
Kira sighed with relief as she settled into the cushy chair, thankful to be off her feet and ready to watch the show. Jessi sat on a small loveseat to her left, while Audra and Alyssa sat on a couch to her right. They had a front-row view of the performance.
Mason tried to hand a pair of child-size ear protectors to his two-year-old little brother, who was sitting on the floor playing a video game on an iPad. “Here, Mikey. Put these on. It’s going to be loud.”
“Playing!” the boy shouted with excitement as he tapped away on the iPad. It emitted a series of bells and dings, and then Michael let out an adorable happy giggle. He flashed the famous Wilder smile, complete with dimples, and held up his game. “I won, Mase!”
“Again?” Mason looked down at the screen. “Good job.” He put the ear protectors on his little brother. “You need to wear these, OK? Unless you want to wait upstairs with Aunt Mary.”
“I want to stay here and listen to Mason and Lucas and Tessa.”
Audra scooped up her young son and nestled him in her lap. She adjusted the ear protectors to make sure they were still in place and kissed his cheek loudly. “Make sure you keep these on. Just like at home in the drum room when you listen to Mason and Daddy.”
Michael nodded his head really fast, almost knocking the ear protectors off.
Audra adjusted them again and then turned to Kira. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired.” Kira exhaled as she ran her hands around the circumference of her belly, barely touching the tips of her fingers together, and felt movement from the babies. The twins were active today. “I can’t wait until these two are born.” She looked over at Michael and smiled. He was so freaking cute with his little ear protectors and bouncing excitedly in Audra’s lap as he waited for his big brother to play the drums. “I love that Michael and the twins are going to grow up together, just like Mason, Lucas and Tessa.”
“Me too,” Audra agreed. “I can’t believe how quickly the years have gone by. It feels like just yesterday that you and Brett got married.”
“I know.” The five-year plan Kira and Brett had discussed a decade ago had slipped by before they knew it. “Luckily, we’re having two babies at once to make up for lost time.” She leaned forward, as much as her belly would allow, and looked at Alyssa. “There’s still time for you and Damien to add a fourth to the baby brigade.”
“None for us.” Alyssa reached over and tickled Michael. “I like to spoil all your babies and then give them back.”
Footsteps grew louder as heavy boots made their way down the stairs, and Brett entered the studio. His gaze never left Kira as he approached the recliner and sunk to his knees next to it. He slid one arm across the back of the chair and rested the other on her belly as he gave it two kisses, one for each baby. “Are you babies ready for your first concert?” he asked.
The twins moved sharply, as if answering their father. “I think they both just said yes,” Kira replied. “Did you talk to Jimmy?”
“Yeah. They’re still recording tracks for the new album.” Brett looked over at Audra. “They’re going to be a few more hours.”
“I figured as much,” Audra replied.
“What are you doing for your 21st birthday, Mason?” Brett asked, getting to his feet. “Any big plans now that you’re finally going to be legal?”
“I’ll be in Australia touring with Black Lightning.”
Brett’s eyebrows shot up. “Wow. That’s an incredible opportunity. When did that happen?”
“It’s been on my calendar for a while. Their drummer is going in for carpel tunnel surgery and can’t finish their world tour. I leave in ten days and will be gone for two months.” Mason looked down at Kira’s belly. “So, you two better come out real soon so I can meet you before I go.”
“You heard your cousin,” Kira told the babies, patting her belly. “It’s time to come out.” She was done being pregnant and wanted to hold these two little peanuts already.
Kira watched Mason as he discussed his upcoming tour schedule with Brett. Her nephew had grown into such a handsome young man, and his career had skyrocketed. At 20 years old, Mason was already known around the world as a renowned drummer and in high demand.
“Are you ever going to commit to one band?” Brett asked. “Or do you really prefer to fill in as a guest drummer all the time?”
“I am committed to one band.” Mason pointed his thumb over his shoulder at the set up behind him. “Prodigy. Until Lucas and Tessa are ready to embark on a full-time career in music, I’m freelancing. I’m learning a lot too. Touring with Immortal Angel when I was growing up, and watching my mom work, has really allowed me to see the dynamics of what goes into a tour, but there’s nothing like living it firsthand.”
Audra scrutinized her oldest son, concern creasing her brow. “There’s no harm in taking time off, Mason. You’ve been in front of the camera since you were 10 and touring for the last couple of years. I’m worried about fame taking a toll on you.”
A lopsided smile showcased one of Mason’s dimples. “I’m fine. There’s nothing I’d rather do than play the drums. It’s in my blood. I love playing with the biggest bands in the nation, and it makes me feel good that they want me.”
Lucas hopped down the stairs and strutted over to Mason, filled with assertive swagger. He rested his elbow on his best friend’s shoulder and smiled. “Bragging about your lustrous career again, Mase?”
“Nah. Just reinforcing my loyalties,” Mason answered, with rare modesty, especially from someone who claimed national stardom by the time he was 11. He slung his arm over Lucas’ shoulder and the two headed toward the amps to set up.
