Page 40 of Punk Rock Reflection
“Isn’t it amazing?” Tommy asked. “I’ve been sitting out here for hours looking at everything. It’s interesting and relaxing. I want to get a telescope.”
Angel watched Tommy watch the sky, as if he hadn’t a care in the world. And he didn’t ask what happened at the meeting, obviously unconcerned. Angel had to admit that Tommy had zero stress these past few months. Normally, Tommy worried about everything, but since he announced he was done with the band, he appeared to be much happier. Maybe that was the solace Tommy needed. Realization washed over Angel as he took in Tommy and saw him in a new light. There was peace in Tommy’s eyes, and Angel was glad he found it. But peace is the last thing Angel felt.
Twenty minutes of swimming laps in the pool left the muscles in Tommy’s arms and legs pumped. The heated water cocooned him with warmth on this sunny fall day. It would probably be the last time he’d use the pool this year, and he didn’t want to leave the water, but his fingers were pruned.
The crisp air made him shudder for a moment but then it felt invigorating. He rubbed his hair with a thirsty towel, but water rivulets still dripped down his back and over his chest making goosebumps rise on his arms and legs, so he slipped on his terry robe and tied it at the waist. His phone lit up on the side table with an incoming call from Robert, and he answered it right away. “Hey. What’s up?”
“Hey, brother!” Robert answered. “Are you up for a night out?”
“Sure. But when? It’s the middle of football season.”
“Tonight. We got a few days off before our next game, so I’m taking advantage of it. Some of my college buddies want to get together in the City. I thought you’d like to join us, since you have free time on your hands now.”
Normally, Tommy wouldn’t have had the luxury of going out with only a few hours’ notice and without worrying about tomorrow’s commitments, but he had none. The spontaneity of his new life filled him with freedom, and he loved it. “Sounds like a plan. Text me the info.”
“Will do. Gotta run. I’m in the middle of a workout. See ya later.”
“Cool.” He picked up the rest of his things, headed into the house and found Angel with Jessi in her workroom. They were both staring at a bolt of leather fabric that was displayed across a table. “What are you doing?” he asked.
“I found this amazing textile at Mood, and an idea for an elaborate vest popped into my head. I could sew it into strips and make it like a cage with rhinestone embellishments and maybe some metal studs.” She picked up her Tablet and showed Tommy a sketch. “Doesn’t it look amazing?”
She was obviously making a piece of stage attire for Angel, which meant Immortal Angel had plans to perform. Without him. A twinge nagged at Tommy’s gut, and he felt like shit. But he shook it off because there wasn’t anything he could do about it. “It’s really edgy,” he told Jessi. “I can’t wait to see it when it’s done.” His eyes shot to Angel, who looked as if he was holding his breath. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Angel answered, deflated.
“Are you sure?”
Angel nodded, but he glanced at Jessi, and they shared an unspoken understanding.
“What?” Tommy repeated.
A long exhale left Angel’s lungs. “I just hoped that seeing this garment would make you want to perform again.”
Tommy opened his mouth to reply but Angel cut him off.
“I know it’s stupid, and I shouldn’t have said anything. I just . . .” Angel shook his head. “I don’t know.”
“I’m not changing my mind,” Tommy said. “Not any time soon. I was burnt out. Now look at me. I’m ready to go at a moment’s notice. I just got off the phone with Robert. He’s meeting some of his college buddies in the City tonight. I’m going to meet up with them for a bit. Do you want to come?”
Angel shook his head. “No, thanks. You go hang out with your brother.”
Tommy knew Angel declined because Robert’s college friends were notorious partiers, and Angel wasn’t into that scene. Tommy wasn’t either but made the exception whenever he had the chance to spend time with his brother. “You sure? We don’t have to stay out late.”
Angel displayed a sweet smile. “I’m sure. I’ll stay home and keep Jessi company.”
Tommy’s gaze shot to their wife, and he realized he never cleared it with her. Not that he needed permission, but it was just common courtesy. “Do you mind, hon? If I go out for a few hours? You’re welcome to come if you want.”
She smiled. “I’m sure a bunch of ex-jocks would love for someone’s wife to tag along. No, thank you. Have fun.”
He put his arms around her waist and snuggled his nose into the crook of her neck. She smelled like a mixture of sweet florals. “You’re always welcome wherever I go. If you want to come, come.”
“You’re so sweet, baby. But I’ll pass.”
Tommy’s gaze returned to Angel, and a pang of guilt hit him in the chest. Those intense eyes were clouded with distress and so many unspoken thoughts that it gutted Tommy. He put his arms around Angel’s waist and then cupped his husband’s smooth cheek. “Are you OK? You look sad.”
Angel nodded. “I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine. If something’s bothering you, talk to me.”
