Page 78 of Reverb
Then she drew David into her arms and let him take her weight and rock her. “Baby.” His voice was full of the grit he got when emotions were in play. “You’re gonna knock ’em dead tonight.”
Right words. Right time. Tears welled, and though she hated them, she let a few fall, then pulled back to wipe her eyes. “Yeah. I want to.”
The bus shuddered to life, rolling forward, and they all found seats. “I want us to walk out there and play like it’s the first concert and the last concert. The only one we get.”
Ray nodded and Zavier was rubbing his chin, eyes bright. Dom—Domino—had his grin on. “All right. Let’s do that,” he said.
Ray dug out his Moleskine. “Let’s get to work.”
Mish took David’s hand in hers, and they all leaned in to make this the best Twisted Wishes concert ever.
Chapter Fifteen
David prowled around the concert venue, passing each entrance, each pathway that led anywhere, and inspected them all. He had time—a couple of hours. Sure, there’d be the VIP event, but he’d already checked outthatarea thoroughly.
He’d also inspected backstage and grilled the head of venue security. Marcella had been there, and between the two of them, they’d imparted how tight security needed to be tonight.
And it was, too. Thank god. Venue security had shooed away the groupies. There’d been a few people who’d tried to sneak in, but they’d all been caught quickly. He should have been able to relax.
He couldn’t. Not after watching Mish run through her emotions that morning, not after the fans and then the way the band came together. They would shake this venue down tonight. Give their fans one to remember. All of them were pumped and raring to go.
It was an infinitely better use for their energy than anger. That emotion had run through them all. It still flowed through David, which in turn made him both sloppy and sharp. Stomping around the venue was also about clearing his mind, letting go of the worry and fear for Mish. He doubted the stalker would strike again today—he’d want to see Mish’s response first—but they couldn’t let down their guard.
David wanted this concert to be a success. While he could be strength and support for Mish, right now Twisted Wishes needed each other. Even Adrian was letting the band hole up in their greenroom.
Soof courseDavid ran into that reporter again. No idea how she’d gotten early access to the venue, but it didn’t matter, since she was wearing the paper wristband that marked her as someone allowed in before the official gate opening time.
Fuck.
He veered away, but she caught up with him easily. “Mr. Altet!”
He kept the sigh inside, slowed and turned. “Ms.... It is Ms., yes?”
That question brought her up short. “Well, yes. What else would it be?” She paused. “I suppose Mrs.”
He shrugged, glad to have the upper hand. “Could be Mx. if you’re non-binary. Or Mr.”
Her mouth hung open for a moment. “That’s true.” Her gaze turned inward for a moment. “Thank you for asking, but it is Ms.”
“All right. Then what can I do for you, Ms. Heydel?
The whole exchange about honorifics seemed to have taken the wind from her sails. She studied him. “Still security for Twisted Wishes? After those photos of you and Mish?”
“Still security, yes.” He paused. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Maybe the key to throwing reporters off was asking his own questions.
“I mean, you and Mish seem to be much closer.”
He gave another shrug. “I’m not going to comment, you know that.”
“Fine,” she said. “Then tell me this, does Mish Sullivan have a stalker? Was that why you were hired?”
Oh, the effort to keep his face schooled and his hands still. At least he had his sunglasses on this time. “I’m not commenting on that, either.”
Marcella wanted to put out some kind of statement. Mish had vetoed that. They still hadn’t come to a consensus on how to handle the situation from a PR perspective, and probably wouldn’t until after this concert. There’d be time on the drive to Boston, but not before.
“I don’t think you have to,” Heydel said. “It’s obvious you’re here for her, and not the rest of the band. I’m just wondering how professional it is for a security guard to be sleeping with his charge.”
David tensed, then cursed inwardly. This time he didn’t hide his exasperation. “I really don’t have time for this nonsense, Ms. Heydel. I hope you enjoy the show.” He turned on his heels and strode down the pavilion, toward the stage where the techs for Two Times Strong were setting up for their sound check.
