Bonnie stepped forward, extending her hand.“It’s really nice to meet you.Vic’s told me a lot about you.”
Sheri took her hand and felt the familiar roughness of musician’s calluses—guitar strings, long hours, real work.She liked her immediately.She used that grip to pull Bonnie into a tight embrace.
“Oh, girl, it’s nice to meet you too,” Sheri said warmly.“I’ve heard nothing but good things.And congratulations.You two look really happy together.”
Bonnie’s smile deepened, and she leaned slightly into Vic’s side.“We are.”
Sheri watched the way Vic looked at her, steady, adoring, completely at peace, and felt something settle in her chest.
This was it.
This was what she’d been hoping to see for years.Vic wasn’t chasing anymore.He wasn’t drifting.
He was home.
She gave them both a genuine smile, the kind that came from deep relief and real joy.
“You did it, Vic,” she said softly.“You finally found your place.”
Vic’s eyes shone as he looked at Bonnie, then back at Sheri.“Yeah.I think I did.”
Sheri turned back to the merch table with a lighter heart, rearranging a stack of tees that didn’t need rearranging.Mitty was all the way across the room, but she pushed that small disappointment aside.
Tonight wasn’t about her.
Tonight was about watching someone she cared about finally get it right.
And that was more than enough.
***
Mitty
Mitty stood by the stage, pretty far from the merch booth, as he pretended to check inventory on his clipboard while his eyes kept drifting back to the interaction unfolding in front of him.
Vic had just walked up, and the moment Sheri saw him, her whole face lit up.She pulled him into a tight, familiar hug, the kind that spoke of years of history.Mitty felt an odd little twist in his gut, but then Vic turned and gently drew Bonnie forward.
Sheri didn’t hesitate.She wrapped Bonnie in a hug that was nearly as warm and enthusiastic as the one she’d given Vic.Bonnie laughed, surprised but clearly pleased, and the two women fell into easy conversation like they’d known each other for years.
Mitty’s chest did something complicated.
He waited until Vic started walking toward the stage area, then stepped forwards and caught the drummer’s arm.
“Hey, man,” Mitty said, trying to sound casual.“Merch lady...Sheri.Does she seem comfortable?Everything all right?”
Vic glanced back at Sheri, who was already organizing a new stack of hoodies with practiced efficiency.A fond smile crossed his face.
“That’s just Sheri,” he said.“I’ve known her most of a decade.She’ll do a good job, promise.”
“Oh, I’m not worried about that,” Mitty replied quickly.“It looks like she knows her way around a merch table better than I do.”He could feel heat rising in his cheeks.Damn it.He was blushing like a teenager.“Does she...uh...have a better half running around here somewhere?”
Vic turned fully toward him, eyebrows lifting.Then a wide, knowing grin spread across his face.He actually bowed a little, like some old-fashioned gentleman.
“No, kind sir,” Vic said, voice dripping with amusement.“She has no champion at this time.”
Mitty’s face burned hotter.He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly very interested in the floor.
“Okay.Good,” he managed.“Good.”
