Page 56 of Punk Rock Reflection
She sighed with desperation. “Angel, do something. Please.”
“Of course. As long as the paramedics say it’s all right for him to leave, I’ll arrange for a private doctor and nurse to stay in an adjacent suite at the hotel so they can check on him periodically.”
She nodded, satisfied and reassured by the offer. “Thank you.”
Angel reached out and touched her shoulder. “Anytime. If you ever need anything, just ask.”
“Tommy!” It was Jimmy, with Audra, approaching the ambulance with relieved smiles on their faces. “We were going nuts looking for you. You OK, man?”
“Yeah. I’m OK.”
Jimmy gave him a side hug. “You had us worried. Jeez. What a disaster.”
“I know,” Tommy agreed. “As long as everyone’s OK, that’s all that matters.”
After Damien got cleared to go home, they all took a limo back to the hotel. Even though they were only staying a few blocks away, the streets were jammed with security, medical personnel, the media, and people just being nosey, and the short ride took far too long.
The second Tommy opened the door to their suite, his heart started to race again. He needed to see the kids and walked briskly to their room without distraction, not even bothering to acknowledge Sofia who was sitting on the couch reading.
They were asleep and looked like angels, especially Lucas with his platinum blond hair and innocent rosy cheeks. Tessa had more of a devilish air about her, and it made Tommy smile. Even with her eyes closed, lost in slumber, the little girl looked as if she were stirring up trouble in her dreams. He kissed her forehead and then kissed Lucas’. The need to hold them overrode his better judgment to let them sleep, and he gently rubbed Lucas’ arm. “Wake up, little man.”
Lucas stirred and rubbed one eye with his fist. “Is it breakfast?”
Tommy chuckled. “No. It’s still nighttime. But it’s a special night, and I want you and Tessa to share it with me.”
Tessa was already awake and ran over to sit on the edge of Lucas’ bed. “We can stay up late with the grownups?”
He smiled at the enthusiasm in his daughter’s voice and the way her eyes widened with delight. She had so much energy and never wanted to miss out on any fun. “Yes, princess.”
“Yay!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms up in the air and running out of the bedroom.
“Did you win the award?” Lucas asked. “Is that why it’s a special night?”
“Yeah. We won. And I won another award. For playing the guitar.”
Lucas smiled, his little heart filled with pride. “You’re the best guitar player in the world, Daddy.”
Tommy’s heart almost exploded with love for his son. “Thanks, buddy. One day, you’re going to be better than me. But the reason that tonight is special has nothing to do with the awards.”
“Then why are we allowed to stay up late?”
Tommy wasn’t about to tell his son about the accident but told the truth. “I missed you and Tessa tonight and wanted to come back to the suite so we could spend time together.”
Lucas pushed the covers off him, got to his knees and wrapped his arms around Tommy’s neck. The kid smelled like baby powder and soap and gave the best hugs.
“Are we going to play guitar?” Lucas asked.
Tommy’s chest inflated with even more love for this kid who shared his passion for playing the guitar and Metallica. “Maybe later. Let’s go in the living room and see what everyone wants to do.”
“OK.” Lucas jumped out of bed. “Maybe we can put on a show later. Is Mason up, too, so he can play the drums?”
“Jimmy is waking him up and then coming to the suite. I’m sure he’s bringing his drum pad.” That kid never went anywhere without his electronic drum pad or a pair of drumsticks. On tour, he even brought a full-size drum kit.
Lucas tugged on Tommy’s hand and impatiently led him out of the bedroom.
“Lucas, my boy! I’m so happy you could join us,” Angel called, from the dining room table. “Your sister has already coerced your mom into preparing late-night snacks.”
“Jessi’s cooking?” Tommy asked, surprise clear in his voice.
