“Of course, they do,” a woman’s voice came from behind us. “How could they not?”
Leah was a tall woman with dark, bluish-black, shoulder-length hair that framed her angular face. Mischief sparkled in her brown eyes as she sauntered over and greeted us. She was a gorgeous woman, and Brian looked at her like he was in the middle of a dream. Not only was she naturally gorgeous, but she dressed in a powerful, confident, all-black jumpsuit paired with red pumps. If I’d been straight, I’d probably be drooling a bit like Brian and Sean were, too.
“Okay, be honest,” I said. “How often do you have to escape drunken attendees during these shows?” I raised a brow.
I was relieved when they both laughed. Jeff kissed Leah on the cheek and winked at me.
Leah served me a coy smile. “Often, if I’m being honest.”
The duo showed us around their pride and joy, and afterward, Leah waltzed behind the bar, leaned over on her elbows to prop herself up, and asked for our drink orders—if we wanted them. Leah and Jeff had something special. At the other shows we’d played, the managers and owners were down to business or barely present, but as Leah slid me a rum and Coke and proceeded to take the drink orders of the others while Jeff joked around and got to know us, I noticed they’d made their place of business homey.
After Leah made our drinks, Jeff motioned for us to follow him. The doorbell rang from upstairs, and Leah winked at Jeff before bounding up to the top level to retrieve whoever had arrived. My pulse quickened as I wondered if it was Green Day at the door.
Jeff explained that he had expanded and converted old storage closets behind the stage into quaint dressing rooms a few years back. The four of us were a little cramped in our room, which was basically a couple of vanities and a loveseat. Luckily, there was an area outside of the room with a couch and another loveseat where we could stretch out a bit more.
“I’d give you guys the biggest room, but I’m trying to impress Green Day.” Jeff grinned. “It’s their second time here, but they haven’t been back since we renovated.”
Sean smirked. “It’s all good, Jeff. Maybe next time we play, we’ll be successful enough to have the big room.” He winked to let Jeff know he was playing around, and then they clinked their beer glasses together.
“Alright, guys, I wanted to talk with you before the other bands get here.” Jeff perched on an arm of the loveseat next to Sean and Brian. Sean and Brian’s mutual looks of humor turned into something serious in an instant. “It’s not a bad thing, I promise,” Jeff went on. “Actually, it’s a great thing.” He paused. “There will be a couple of A&R scouts in the audience tonight. They should be arriving soon.”
Jeff paused and took in our mutual shocked faces with a bright grin. “So, I told them both about you. Sean is very convincing, and I’m glad that Leah and I took the time to hear him out because we really think you have something special.” My heart thrummed erratically as his words set in. Representatives from record labels were coming to listen tous?I desperately wanted to grab Ash’s hand and use it as an anchor. It felt like everything was happening at lightning speed. “They’re going to talk to you before the show—probably while the first band is on. Not that they aren’t great, too, but I asked them to come specifically for April Renegade tonight.”
I didn’t know whether it was appropriate to hug Jeff, and I didn’t have to ponder the thought for long, because Sean beat me to it, and Brian joined in right after.
When they let go, Ash rolled his eyes and said, “Sorry about them. They’re like lovable teddy bears with bad jokes.”
Jeff laughed and held up his hands. “I like it. Trust me. And we likeyouall. I can’t wait to hear you live.”