Mike shrugs. “His family owns half this waterfront. Guy finds out everything. Like the mob down here.”
“…Shit.”
I call Tony.
“You back yet?” I ask.
“Just got in. Why?”
“Come down to the marina bar.”
“…Why?”
“Just get down here.”
Second set starts.
I’m halfway through another song when I see him.
Back by the bar.
Clapping like an idiot.
Big grin.
Bastard.
After the set he walks up and punches my arm.
“You bastard,” he laughs. “Sage’s gonna kill you if she finds out.”
I wipe sweat off my neck. “This is mine, Tony. One thing she doesn’t get to touch. Not yet. Not until we’re… stable.”
He snorts. “Stable? With her?”
“Shut up.”
“You know she’d flip seeing all these girls staring at you.”
“Exactly why she can’t come.”
He grins. “Maybe you should invite her. Give her a taste of her own medicine.”
“No,” I say immediately. “No games. Not me.”
He studies me.
Then nods.
“Yeah,” he says. “That’s why you’re you.”
I sling the guitar back over my shoulder.
Stage lights warm my face again.
And for the first time all weekend?—
I breathe easy.
