Page 32 of Filthy Rock Stars

“I can’t imagine they give a shit about watching our blowjobs,” he says and pulls me into his arms. “Although I think our skills are intergalactically impressive.”

I roll my eyes because he’s being cheesy, but I love it. I’ve never had anyone sweet talk me before, and I like that he doesn’t shut down once we’re done hooking up.

“You can’t assume anything about aliens, though,” I explain. “We know literally nothing about them. They’re the total unknown, and the total unknown watching you from space? Terrifying!”

Solo scoffs. “Satellites were made by humans. We’re the total known, and I don’t know if you’ve paid attention to history or the news, but humans are terrifying, too. Robots in general, way scarier than aliens will ever be.”

“Maybe,” I say, not convinced but enjoying the geeky conversation. “It’s funny. It’s totally illogical, but I think alien robots actually scare me the most.”

Solo laughs. “Fuck. I might agree.” He gives me a squeeze. “You’ve got to get going, right? A meeting or something?”

“It’s Westminster,” I tell him. “My show poodle arrives today.”

“Oh yeah?” Solo releases me and stands. “Shit. Don’t let me make you late. I know how poodles are.”

“I thought meeting up with you would be a good boost,” I confess as I stand. “And don’t worry. Even if there’s traffic, I’ve still got a couple of minutes before I need to call a Lyft. I wouldn’t be late.”

“My bike’s right on the corner.” He bounces his eyebrows. “Let me give you another boost.”

I hesitate. I’m headed to a recording studio to meet the band, but there’s no reason I can’t have him drop me a couple of blocks away.

The logical part of my brain still understands that keeping this anonymous is the only way for it to work. But there’s a yearning growing inside me, a desire to stay in his arms all day, let him bring me home.

“A ride would be great,” I finally answer, giving myself at least that much. “Thanks.”

The band invited me to play on their equipment at the studio, so after saying goodbye to Solo, I walk into the little brick building without my keyboard. I’m nervous, jittery, but after a few deep breaths, I manage to keep some of the confidence I’m feeling after the rooftop.

I’m clearly never going to be a rock star, but that doesn’t preclude me from sharing a week or two with Mare, Case, and Star. I’ve stumbled my way into receiving an invitation to share time with them, and I deserve to enjoy a thrill like this.

Everyone is in the front of the recording studio, lounging on couches and eating sushi when I arrive. Mare has on a wig of straight silver hair that falls past her shoulders, and Case and Star are both wearing denim overalls with black sweaters.

I fuss with the top button on my collared white shirt. Damn it. I wish I had more adventurous style.

“Nico, you’re right on time,” Mare says.

I give them all a little wave. “Hi!”

“Oh good. Let’s see what Nico thinks,” Case says, sushi in his mouth.

Star turns to me. “Right, Nico. You work at the Natural History Museum.”

“Sure,” I say eagerly, excited that they want to ask me about my actual area of expertise.

“What instrument do you think a gray whale would play?” Case asks. “Drums, right?”

Star tucks her arms close to her body to make them small like fins and pretends to try to play the drums. “But how, Case? How?”

Mare laughs. “We’re playing a climate rally next month, and Case plans to dress up like a whale for the show,” she explains to me.

“Oh, cool. I’m glad you’re playing the climate rally,” I offer.

“There aren’t enough bands taking the lead and talking about this kind of thing,” Mare says. “We’re trying to step up.”

“And you’re worried the costume will make it impossible to play the drums?” I ask.

“He already has the costume picked out,” Star answers. “Honestly, I just don’t think a gray whale would play the drums! They’re clearly bassists. Don’t you think?”

I laugh. “Well, I don’t know what instrument they would pick, but they make a lot of sounds. Gray whales purr, and they sing, and they moan. Maybe they’d be multi-instrumentalists?”

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