“I haven’t played guitar live in years,” I admit.
He shrugs. “It’s fine. This way you have options.”
“You guys are too good to me.”
He smiles. “We’re family.”
I stand back and watch the controlled chaos going on around me.
This is home. Where I want and need to be. The only thing missing is Wynter, and she’ll be here in a couple of months. I’d prefer if she came now, but I understand fulfilling her obligations and not burning any professional bridges. That would be selfish of me.
But it’s okay.
Hell, everything is okay.
I have the job I love, an opportunity to perform my own songs this summer, and an incredible woman who loves me. I also have friends and a growing found family. People not related to me by blood but by heart. And that means the world to me.
No matter what happens next, I’m ready.
Since I have a couple of minutes, I pull out my phone and text Wynter. I promised her I’d let her know as soon as I finished talking to Tommy and the others.
ROSS: Hey, babe. Everything is good. Tommy and I made up. The band is on board with me opening for them this summer. And King wants me to sing for a few more nights so he can keep healing.
WYNTER: Thank goodness! I’m so happy for you.
ROSS: I miss you already.
WYNTER: Me too. But I need to finish my commitment to the clinic.
ROSS: I understand. Just want you to know I’m thinking about you.
WYNTER: Do you want me to talk to Harley and Tommy about you moving your stuff into their place or do you want to do it together?
ROSS: I’ll take care of it because you’ll still be in New Mexico when we get back to L.A. to prep for Europe and that’s the only chance I’ll have. Plus, I need to give thirty days’ notice so I’m going to bring it up later tonight.
WYNTER: Okay. Anything else going on?
ROSS: Nope. Just music and family and love.
WYNTER: LOL That sounds amazing. What more could anyone ask for?
What more indeed.
I’m a very lucky man.
And I realize how ironic it is that I’m able to say that at this point in my life.
ROSS: I love you. Gotta go.
WYNTER: Break a leg tonight. I’ll talk to you later. And I love you too.
I put my phone in my pocket and look around.
Pete and the rest of the crew making last-minute adjustments to the set.
The band gearing up for sound check.
And the strangest feeling of déjà vu.
