Page 19 of Syncopation
Chapter Six
Man, if there were any day Ray could’ve used a beer, today was that day. It had been a little less than two months since they’d started practicing with Zavier, and tonight, they were performing. Ray hadn’t touched any alcohol since Kevin left, and he wasn’t about to go near a tall cool one with Carl milling around the band wherever they were in upstate New York.
Plus,it’d fuck up his voice. Instead, he sipped his lemon-honey tea and looked out over the venue. A band was playing on the stage and people were scattered all over the place. Some in the pavilion seating, others on blankets spread out over the lawn. Not too long from now, Twisted Wishes would play right before Five Asylum, the headlining act.
Quite an honor, Carl told them. He’d been all smilesand kindness, kind of like he had been after they’d signed, back when Ray trusted him. One of the bigwigs from the label had shown up, too, and Ray had to admit, it was gratifying to hear praise from the suit. “Carl says you’ve been working really well with the new drummer. That you’re sounding better than ever.”
Ray put on his charm and smiled. “Yes, sir. Zavier’s incredibly talented andwe’re lucky to have him.” Mr. Perfect was standing right there, of course, along with the rest of the band. Yeah, they’d come amazingly far.
Zavier shook the suit’s hand. “I’m the lucky one. This has been an incredible experience.”
Ray almost believed him. Zavier’s face was so sincere.
The suit did one of those clapping things bigwigs did when they’ve run out of things to say to peons.“Well, I should let you gentlemen—” he paused and glanced at Mish “—and lady get ready.”
“Of course,” Zavier murmured.
They were all smiles until Carl and the suit left. Mish snorted. “Women have been in the music industry how long? Played guitar how long?”
“Since the ’30s,” Dom said. “Or before.” He was dressed as Domino, all makeup, leather, tats, and boots, hair spiked to withinan inch of its life. How he got that shit out afterward, Ray never knew. Not enough hot water in the world.
“I should have stomped on his foot for you,” Ray said.
Mish rolled her eyes. “Honey, I can take care of myself when it comes to men.”
Zavier laughed. “Probably better than the rest of us.”
“Oh,” Mish said, “somehow I suspect you’re more than capable of handling guys.”
A flush crept up Zavier’s neck. Unusual. “Well, I do have my ways, yes.” His smile was devilish and full of light.
Mish nodded. “Had a feeling you weren’t straight.”
“Me?” Zavier laughed. “Nowhere near.”
Ray could’ve told Mish that.
She and Domino went off to talk to the techs about their guitars, which left Ray with Zavier alone, and he didn’t want to deal with Zavier at the moment.So more tea.
The change in climate and the flight across the country had given him a scratchy throat he didn’t like. He always brought his own tea and honey, and the green room had hot water—perfect. A moment later, he was sipping the hot brew down.
Mish subtly asking about Zavier’s sexuality rolled around in Ray’s brain. Zavier had been fearless in high school. First time Ray had seenhim in the halls was when one of the football players had shoved Zavier into a locker and called him a fag. Zavier had turned around and punched the dude in the face, hard enough to bloody his nose. “I’mqueer, you fucking asshole. Get it right.”
Second time he’d seen Zavier was about a week later behind the school, mostly hidden by some shrubs. Same football dude was with him, but this timeon his knees, sucking Zavier off.
Zavier did most certainly have a way with men. And with women. Pretty much everyone.
While working on his tea, Ray headed outside to a spot between the backstage proper and the concessions area, where the VIP guests were allowed to listen to whatever band was playing currently. They couldn’t see much of the stage, but that didn’t matter. It was privateenough, but gave him a glimpse of the amphitheater lawn.
There, staring out at the crowd through some fencing, he found Zavier. And fuck if he didn’t look a little pale. Nerves? Cold feet?
“Hey.” He spoke gently, because Zavier’s focus on the crowd was intense.
Zavier’s features smoothed over. “Hi, Ray.” He nodded at the cup. “Your throat okay?”
“Yeah. Little dry from the flight.This is mostly pre-gaming.”
“Lemon and honey.” Zavier crossed his arms. Behind his smile was something else. Yeah, maybe fear.
