Page 62 of Half Notes and Highlights
Tyler undid the bun and finger-combed his hair. He loved that Ethan always stuck up for him and their relationship, and never once suggested they lay low or pretend. A lot of celebrities might not have been so willing to expose themselves to backlash from the fans, but Ethan always put their relationship first. A warm feeling settled in the center of his chest, and he gave Ethan a soft, gentle kiss. “I love you.”
A heavy knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Tyler thought it was Ruby coming back, but he heard Harris and Marshall shouting to let them in.
When Ethan opened the door, the guys entered but stopped short when they saw Ethan still in his disguise.
“It’s me,” Ethan said, with a laugh. “Tyler did this so we could walk around the festival together.”
“You did a great job,” Harris told Tyler and gave him a friendly hug. “Glad you could make it.”
“Thanks. I’m so excited to be here.”
Marshall came over next and gave Tyler a one-shoulder bro-shake and a slap on the back. Tyler always found it amusing because it was so manly, especially with Marshall’s giant bear paws.
“Welcome to Rocktoberfest.” Marshall poked his thumb in Ethan’s direction. “I can’t believe you brought a disguise. I didn’t even recognize him. You guys got to walk around the festival?”
“Yes,” Tyler answered. “I had so much fun. We ate like regular people.”
“Regular people?”
“No one knew it was me!” Ethan answered. “It was so cool to walk around just like everyone else without getting swarmed by fans. But it sucked standing in line in the hot sun and waiting for food. And we had nowhere to sit. We had to eat standing up.” He said it like it were the most absurd thing in the world. “I’m going to tell Ruby to arrange for more tables and tents for shade. I’ll pay for it.”
“That’s very nice of you,” Tyler commented, genuinely touched at the kindness. His eyes drifted to Wolf who was standing so close to the door and so quiet that Tyler didn’t even know he was there until just now. Since Wolf made no move to make any kind of greeting, Tyler took the upper hand and offered a small smile. “Hello.”
“Hey.”
And that was the extent of their interaction.
“I saw your trailer,” Harris said, his voice rising. “It’s really cool.”
“How could you miss it? It’s huge, and it’s pink! I love it so much! I never expected something so fancy. I saw you made an appointment for Saturday afternoon. You’re confirmed. Marshall, I hope you just forgot to make an appointment. Are you up for some color? I’m visualizing a deep royal.”
Marshall made a skeptical face but didn’t answer.
“Trust me. It’ll be phenomenal. Everyone will be talking about it for days. I saved you a slot right after Harris. I’ll text you the deets.” He turned toward Wolf next and decided to extend an olive branch. “You didn’t book an appointment either, Wolf. I have a timeslot available before the show if you want it.”
“No thanks,” Wolf replied.
Tyler shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
Ethan pulled the wig and cap off his head and ruffled his hair. “I’m sweating. And this is itchy.” He rubbed at the goatee glued to his chin and upper lip. “How do I take this off?”
“I need to get the adhesive remover from my trailer.” Tyler started toward the door, but Ethan stopped him.
“No. It can wait.”
Tyler felt eyes on him and slowly turned toward Wolf, who was staring at Tyler’s lower half. At first, he thought Wolf was checking him out, then he realized it was the jeans. “I told you I’ve been wearing jeans.”
Caught staring, Wolf’s eyes shot up to meet Tyler’s. After a moment, he said, “They’re better than those leather pants.”
“I don’t know why you hate them so much.”
“Because it’s not 1975,” Wolf replied, dryly.
“I’m very retro. And that’s a style. And a trend. I’m trendy and stylish.”
“Whatever.”
My God. Having a conversation with that man was impossible. So, Tyler decided not to and turned his attention back to the guys. “What’s going on tonight? Will we be able to see some of the bands?”
