Page 56 of Half Notes and Highlights
Harris grunted a laugh. “Not a chance.”
Room service quickly set up another beautiful table on the balcony, and the five of them sat down to dinner.
“I’m looking forward to Rocktoberfest next week,” Tyler said, happily cutting his steak. “It sounds like a lot of fun.”
“You’re coming to Rocktoberfest?” Wolf asked dryly, his gaze darting to Ethan.
Ethan placed his arm on the back of Tyler’s chair. “I invited him. We never get to spend four days together where I have so much free time. It’ll be like a mini vacation, and we’ll be able to enjoy the festival together.”
“Great,” Wolf muttered sarcastically.
“That’s cool,” Harris said. “Can you do my hair before the show?”
“Of course,” Tyler replied. “I had this great idea.” He hesitated, then looked over at Ethan. “How would you feel if I set up a trailer and did hair and makeup for the event? I think it would be great exposure for me, and I think a lot of rock stars would be interested in my services.”
Wolf’s eyes immediately shot to Ethan, and their conversation about Tyler using Ethan for his connections played in his head. Ethan slowly shook his head at Wolf, because that isnotwhat was going on.
“I know a few guys in the other bands who I think would be interested,” Harris offered.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Ethan told Tyler. “I’ll have Zoe expedite any permits or whatever you need and get the word out to others on the lineup.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
ROCKTOBERFEST
A big black Escalade pulled in front of Tyler’s apartment complex at exactly 7:00 in the morning. He was getting used to the VIP treatment and greeted the familiar driver, who was already out of the car and waiting by the open back door, with a lighthearted wave. “Good morning! I made you an espresso.” He handed the small paper cup to Lawrence, who looked genuinely surprised.
“Thank you, Mr. Kennedy. I don’t think anyone has ever brought me an espresso before.
“Well, they should. You’re driving and need to be alert.” Tyler slipped into the back seat and they were on their way.
Lawrence was stoic and quiet—definitely not a talker—hence the espresso. Despite the highly caffeinated drink, the man still didn’t say more than a few words.
Traffic was light, for once, and before he knew it, Tyler was at LAX. Less than two hours later, he landed at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, where car service picked him up and started the drive to Black Rock City.
It didn’t take long for the landscape to change dramatically. The terrain on either side of the freeway was serene and free from activity. Sand bathed the earth as far as the eye could see. It was so beautiful and peaceful, and it stayed that way for a long time, until activity in the distance populated the desolate desertscape.
His heart started to beat rapidly, and adrenaline had him bouncing on the edge of his seat. “This is so exciting! There areso many people!” He’d never been to anything like this before. The event was huge, and he opened the window to get a better look. Music and the sound of voices in the distance filled the car. As they got closer, he could see vendors, multiple stages, concession stands, tents, trailers, buses and RVs, and hundreds of people. Bands were already playing on some of the stages, but Wolf Pack’s set wasn’t for another two days.
Two bodyguards were waiting for Tyler when he exited the car, ready to escort him to Ethan’s RV. “Hello,” Tyler greeted them, his chin in the air and extending his hand as if he were royalty. Both bodyguards’ faces were unreadable behind their dark sunglasses, and it took a minute before one of them took hold of Tyler’s fingertips and shook his hand. He was really enjoying pretending to be someone important, but he carried his own bag since neither offered.
The bodyguards towered over him as they walked toward the area where the buses and RVs were located, blocking his view. “What’s going on today?” he asked them, trying to be friendly.
“It’s the first day of the festival,” the guard to his left answered flatly.
“Have you been to Roctoberfest before?” Tyler asked.
“Yes, sir.”
“Oh, goody. It’s my first time. Tell me everything.”
“We’re just here to make sure you get to Mr. Jones’ RV safely.”
They walked the rest of the way in silence, since the bodyguards weren’t very friendly, until they got to a small group of RVs, and Tyler saw a trailer with his name on it. “Oh my God!” he practically screamed.
The bodyguards jumped into a defensive stance, as if there were a threat nearby. They backed into him, so he was essentially the meat in their brawny sandwich, and their hands went to their holsters as they surveyed the area, ready for action.
“I don’t see anything,” one said to the other. “Do you?”
