Page 73 of Broken Bridges

Did he suspect there was something between Tia and me? Or was this his sense of humor shining through. I played along, grinned and told a version of the truth. “There was no tucking.” Only ripping off bedsheets and clothes, and a lot of fucking. But he didn’t need to know that. I quickly changed the topic. “She doesn’t like gossip reporters very much.”

“Who does?” Flint lowered his sunglasses over his eyes. The sun blazed too brightly through the large windows that gave views across LA. We’d all had a big night. “Tia can get fired up, rather than remaining cool and calm during interviews.”

“So I witnessed last night.” I waved down a waiter and ordered a cappuccino, before continuing. “Gloria from Entertainment On-Show had a go at her about the pictures of us at Club Destruction and whether I was really gay, and whether we were just creating hype for the launch. That pissed her off. I interrupted, just in time.”

“Geez, thank you.” April covered her mouth with her fingertips as she quickly finished a bite of her blueberry muffin. “I haven’t missed dealing with Tia’s outbursts. But that news should die now you’ve launched the single. Initial posts online about the track and last night’s show have been all positive.”

“The single is already sitting at number ten on the charts. It’s the best release we’ve ever had.” Blake scrolled through his cell phone.

Flint pumped his fist. “Yes!”

Slip slapped his thigh. “Fuck yeah.”

Me? The breath shot from my lungs. Weare on the charts! “That’s amazing.”

Five minutes later, after the waiter delivered my cappuccino, Cole strode out of the elevator and ambled toward us, still dressed in the same clothes as he’d been wearing last night. The only new additions were the leather jacket, hooked on his finger and draped over his shoulder, and the dark shades covering his eyes. He screamed hot, smoldering rock star. Just about every guest in the lobby turned their head and raked their gaze over him...then us. Cool!

Cole never altered his pace.

“About time you turned up.” Blake shook his head. “Hope she was worth it.”

He flopped onto the sofa beside me and rested his head back on the seat. “She delivered. That’s all that matters.”

Go, Cole. “I brought your gear with me and checked it in.” I sipped on my scorching-hot coffee. That was the only way to have it.

“Thanks, man.” Cole didn’t move. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“Now that we’re all here . . .” April grabbed her tablet and opened the screen. “We can start. We have a huge day.”

“First, here are your room keys.” Blake dug into his jacket and handed us swipe cards. “Slip and Lewis are in one room. Cole and Flint, the other. You know the rules. In bed by two a.m. Ready for the day by seven. Not too much drinking. No drugs.” He pointed to each one of us. “No going home to women’s or men’s houses; you fuck ’em in your room or the dressing room, or the restrooms...I don’t care and don’t want to know the finer details, but no leaving the designated venues and hotels. That’s for your security and safety. Let’s keep the shenanigans to a minimum. I don’t want to spend half my fucking day herding you lot together. Got it?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Cole groaned. “You know we don’t like rules.”

“I know.” Blake’s shoulders slumped as if tired before promo had even started. “But I have to try to keep you in line.”

“But you always fail.” Cole chuckled, then turned to me. “You ready for this shit?”

“Yep.” I nodded. I was more than ready.

By the time we hit our first promotional interview after lunch, our single had reached number six on the charts. Freaking insane! Based out of the hotel, we were ushered from radio stations to TV shows to venue appearances. The crowds we attracted were nothing like I’d ever witnessed before. At every stop, fans waved banners and photos, and screamed in excitement. I was treated like a celebrity even though I didn’t feel like one. Joining The Flintlocks and being thrust into the spotlight had happened so fast. My brush with success in my early twenties and the years of experience I had under my belt gave me some foundation on how to handle this lifestyle, but I was often in over my head.

In my last few years of playing with The Saylors in pubs and small venues, no one had cared about us. People had come to listen to live music, not us, per se. I’d been invisible. No one had judged me. Now, the world’s eyes watched my every move. On the outside, I could smile, wave, greet the fans, and answer any prying question in interviews, but deep down, unease lurked in the pit of my gut. I’d told the world I was gay but couldn’t wait to be with Tia. Was that wrong? I didn’t want to derail this ride I was on. Being careful of every step I made and every word I said took effort, but until I knew if Tia and I were something real, I had to be mindful. I couldn’t change my game until I was sure I could give my heart and soul to her. Easy, right?

But Tia was on hold for now. I had four weeks to prove myself to the band to make the next milestone. Every time I took to the stage, Tia’s focusing techniques helped me contain my nerves. My love of performing quickly took hold and had me playing up to the crowds. I’d gotten better at playing alongside the guys, learning their cues and silent stage talk. But as we waited in the green room to film Miller’s Late Show, one of the biggest talk shows in LA, one that was watched by millions of people each night, my nerves returned. This was a huge deal. I didn’t want to screw this up. Struggling to find focus, I texted Tia.

Hi. about to film miller’s show.

She replied:

You nervous?

Me:

Yep. Afraid of making a mistake.

Her response was just as quick.

focus on coming home.

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