Page 98 of Animal Beats

Who said I was a gentleman? Even though I am wearing a shirt, at the moment.

Ichuckle, which gets Coop’s attention. “What’s so funny?”

“Not this traffic, for sure.”

“You were texting with Hayden, weren’t you?”

“You bet your tuxedoed ass. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met before.”

“Be careful,” the guitarist warns. “Have fun with her and everything. Just don’t let her have your whole heart. Hold back a piece for yourself.”

I’m not so much in love not to hear the pain in my best friend’s voice. I give him a nod. “I promise.” I offer this for his sake, not mine. Hayden never will do me dirty like he endured.

After being mired in traffic for what seems to be forever, our limo finally reaches the drop-off point. Nina’s advice about the red carpet keeps us all in line. This is nothing like the Grammy’s, or even the grand opening for Untamed Coaster Unleashed. It’s exponentially more intense.

The door opens. “Alright boys, I’m ready to tear this carpet up. Let’s go!” Without a backward glance, I leap out of the limo and onto the pavement where lightbulbs flash in all directions. It’s blinding.

Tris, 007, and Coop are out next. “Eyes on the ground if you ever want to see again,” I warn. They follow my instructions.

Bennett joins us and the audience noise raises in decibels, which he shrugs off. That’s why UC works so well—no one lords their popularity over the others in the band. We’re all in this together. We begin the trek to the doorway, and my waiting girlfriend.

Along the way, we’re stopped every few feet to discuss who we’re wearing, how we feel, and our excitement at playing ‘Refocused Destiny’ at the Oscars. We take turns responding, with each of us mentioning Darren’s scholarship. I try to chime in with the website whenever I can. Not for the bet, but for the cause. Although, getting “last to arrive” status on the jet holds its appeal. Visions of a naked Hayden dance in my mind.

We round a corner, and even more people are lined up. We’re called to speak with Eddie Tapp, the ultra popular evening show host of Evening With Eddie. When Tris finishes answering a question, Eddie points down the line. “Quinn Walker! Quinn Walker! Come join us!”

We turn, and Quinn and Callum approach. Giving our friends warm hugs despite being on TV, the host tries to regain control over the situation. “How do you like being reunited with the subject of your film?”

Quinn, wearing a full-length, form-fitting black dress, smiles at us. Behind her, Callum is in his formal tuxedo—a kilt. Gotta love the Scottish.

“Untamed Coaster is the best group of men I’ve ever met,” she replies. “They’re super talented and have been through hell but are back on top. I was lucky to do their rockumentary.”

Bennett speaks for all of us. “Feeling’s more than mutual.”

While Quinn and Bennett talk for the cameras, I saunter over to Callum. “Can you believe this?”

“Nah. This is beyond my ken.” His brogue comes out more pronounced when he’s nervous or excited. I bet he’s both right now. I certainly am.

“It’s going to be a wonderful night, I can feel it.” I offer him my fist to bump. “I’m thinking we both come out of the evening holding statues.”

“Ach, I’m hoping so.”

I’m called back to the band for some photos of us with Quinn and some only with UC. The only thing missing is a beautiful woman at my side. Who’s waiting for me beyond those doors. Before I bolt, I need to put in one last plug.

“We’re so excited to be here. I’m sure our appearance will raise money for the Darren Hilliard Scholarship fund, as the movie is dedicated to him. It’s been a long road, but it finally feels right.” I pull our new keyboardist in for a side hug.

We leave Eddie and continue the path toward the doors. I can’t wait to get inside—but the guys razz me for my plug. “Hey, I have to win the bet somehow!”

“We’re going to have to watch the replay. I know I got in several mentions of the scholarship,” Bennett grouses.

Tris pulls us away from the crowd. “Guys, before we go in there, I want to say thank you for taking me on this ride with you.”

“You’re an integral part of UC now.” 007’s pronouncement conveys our feelings exactly. Coming from Darren’s best friend, they carry immense weight.

I can’t let this moment pass. “No matter what happens tonight, I think we’ve already won! Group hug!” The guys huddle around me and testosterone flows in excited energy.

Luke interrupts. “Alright, let’s get you inside. We have an awards ceremony to light.” We follow him into a cavernous room.

As my eyes adjust to the dim lighting, I scan the room. I’m drawn to a corner, where three ladies stand—one with strawberry blonde hair that I’m sure smells like oranges. A spark rips through my body.