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Collin leaned back to back with Andy. Guitar chords and vocals vibrated the walls as they played off each other. My sister grooved on bass while Barry kept them on track with a driving beat. Each band member had their individual role, but they melded to become one, a perfect cohesive whole.
A whole that didn’t need me. Not really.
Working so much at Dick’s, I wasn’t involved in their practices or sound checks as I used to be. I’d missed the developments that had transformed this song and their performance into this, a moment in time and space where they ruled.
Chill bumps coated my exposed skin. My neck tingled. My heart raced.
One song led to another, yet the excitement remained high. Andy mesmerized. Collin tantalized. My sister seduced. Barry reigned.
I completely forgot about Martin sitting next to me. I forgot my pressures, my worry, my fears.
Music had that power. And performing like that, ABCR was power personified.
“What took you so long?” Collin stared daggers my way as he returned a notebook and pen to the starstruck fan standing in front of him.
“I wasn’t aware I was on a time clock.” I put one hand on my hip and lobbed an end-over-end dagger back at him, noting amid the chatter that though Collin and Andy were signing autographs by the band merch table as they were supposed to be doing after the show, my sister and Barry were noticeably absent.
“You know what I mean.” His harsh tone softening, Collin strode toward me.
“I’m not sure.” I lifted my chin to keep his gorgeous silver eyes in view. “Why don’t you tell me?” I put my hands on his solid forearms.
“I missed you.” He wrapped his arms around my waist. The slide of his warm skin against mine made me tingle. “I couldn’t find you after the show. I was worried.”
Collin’s concern was a pin that deflated my ire.
“I was talking to the A&R reps in one of the private meeting rooms.”
“What’d they think of the show?” he asked.
“They thought you were amazing because youareamazing. Best show yet. Sorry I was a little defensive just now.”
“My brother bothering you again?” Miranda asked, catching my eye from where she stood behind the merch table. Even while counting change, she’d picked up on my vibe and correctly intuited the reason for it.
“It’s nothing I can’t handle.” I gave her a tiny shake of my head.
I didn’t want Collin to worry. This was a triumphant moment for him and the band, and for the most part, he preferred to pretend Martin didn’t exist. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option for me.
Collin squeezed my waist. “Ready to get out of here?”
“The reps make an offer yet?” Andy asked. Stepping away from the two girls who’d been fawning all over him, his denim eyes locked on my greenish-blue ones.
“Yes, they actually did, but it’s too low,” I said, giving him a cautionary look.
“You don’t negotiate terms for us,” Andy snapped.
My head jerked back, my skin stinging as if he’d slapped me.
“Andy.” Collin’s tone was full of warning. “This isn’t the place to discuss private band business.” He glanced pointedly at the fans remaining in line.
“Right.” Andy moved closer. Lowering his voice, he asked, “What’s the offer?”
“Fifty thousand from RDA,” I said low, hurt dulling my tone. His using the wordusas if I were excluded continued to ring in my ears. “Black Cat and Zenith are only a little higher.”
“How much higher, babe?” Collin asked, tucking me into his side.
“Two thousand.”
Andy’s lips spread into a wide grin. “Fifty-two thousand is awesome.”
