Page 22 of Animal Beats

“People can enjoy things just as much, only in their own ways.”

Her comment brings me up short. I watch her eat her sandwich by inches, claiming to be enjoying it as much as I love these flipping cheeseburgers. Around the food in my mouth, I ask, “You really like your sandwich?”

She nods, and wipes her lips. “It’s amazing.”

She tries her churros next and lets out a moan I’ve only ever heard before when I was naked. In my jeans, my cock twitches. “Guess you approve of the churros?”

“They’re better than I imagined. You have to try one.”

She dips one of the fried dough sticks into chocolate and walks over to me. I open my mouth and she pops it in. With care, I chew the fried goodness. “Damn. That is delicious.”

From her seat, she smiles. “Get your own. I’m not sharing anymore.”

“Sassy.” I like it. To douse this errant thought, I pick up my milkshake and slurp. “This is good too. Want to try?” I hold my cup toward her.

“No way. Not going to dilute these with ice cream.” She scrunches up her cute nose.

Breakfast completed, we decide to wait in the lobby for the rest of UC before soundcheck. Luke’s the only one sitting on the couches. “Hey, Río. Hayden.” UC’s manager nods to both of us. “How are you two holding up?”

“She’s still breathing,” I note.

“Guess I’ll take that as a win.” He motions for us to join him on the sofa. “Did you do anything today?”

“Nah. Went out last night to a lame club nearby. Came back here, watched some lousy television and crashed. On the bright side, though, we just had some amazing breakfast. Right, Hayden?”

“I will say Manchego cheese is my new favorite, and churros are the best.”

Luke chuckles. “Sounds good. And, Río, did you have anything to wash last night and this morning down with?”

“Sure did.” I stand straighter. “Coffee and a milkshake.”

Our manager glances at my babysitter for confirmation that no alcohol passed my lips. Unless you count the two or three sips at the club, I was a perfect angel.

“I have to admit, I did see Río drink from a couple others’ glasses last night at the club. But he didn’t order his own, nor did he have anything this morning.”

“NARC,” I mutter.

Luke smiles. “I’m impressed. You tried to get others to share, Río?”

“So?” Can’t blame a guy for trying.

He reaches over and in a move reserved for UC members, he fist-bumps Hayden. “Keep up the great work.”

Bennett and Jenna are the next to arrive. Jenna sits beside my babysitter and the two start chatting like old friends. Which, I guess, they sort of are considering all the work they did together when Jenna’s physical therapy clinics were under attack during the US part of our tour.

Bennett plunks down next to me and asks, “Stay sober?”

In a petulant tone, I reply, “Yes.”

He nods. “Impressive.”

Seriously? Have I become a lush? Nah.

The rest of the band comes down with the crew. Luke stands. “Ready for soundcheck?”

I’m definitely ready to discuss something other than my lack of drinks. “Hell to the yes!” We all move from the lobby into the waiting SUVs, and are whisked to the stadium. My babysitter is put in another vehicle. Good.

Soundcheck goes like usual, with the normal finagling with the mics. My drum kit needed some adjustments, but nothing out of the ordinary. We’re going to be good to go for the next two nights.