Page 10 of Luci’s Lullaby

I stroke the neck of the guitar, tuning it for my next set. The crowd stirs as the sound reverberates off the walls. The drummer taps the symbol, drawing the attention of a table of ladies across from us.

“Do you give private lessons?” a tall blonde from the corner shouts.

Mike, the house drummer, smirks. “Sure do, darlin’.” Following with a lower reply, “Until the room next door hears you screamin’ my name.”

“Keep dreamin’, Alice.” I shake my head as I adjust the mic.

He twirls the drumsticks. “It’s the sticks, man. Chicks dig’em.”

“Women like long necks, not little sticks.” Mark chuckles as he slides his hand up the strings of his guitar.

“They all love the finger work, gentleman,” David replies as he runs his across the keys of the piano.

I cock my brow. “If y’all are finished measuring each other, can we play now?”

“You’re just jealous because we get more action,” Mike raps.

I stand, staring at them with my best sly grin. “Now, boys, we all know lead singers make the panties drop with every growl.” I turn to the microphone as the rhythm of the music fills the air. “How y’all doing tonight?”

The room fills with catcalls and hoorahs as we start the first set. The night passes swiftly; playing music has always gone by too fast for my liking. I exit the stage and push my way through the crowd and over to my friends.

“Dude, fuckin’ amazing!” Chord holds his fist out.

I bump it and quickly wrap his girl in my arms. “Hey, Sarah. How you doin’ love?”

She giggles as she winks at Chord. “I’m good. Ready to pop in case you haven’t noticed.” She rubs her growing belly.

“One of these days you’re gonna draw back a nub. You know that, right?” Chord punches my arm.

“Right.” I nod with a sly grin. “Girls dig scars.”

“Seriously?” Chord’s the easiest to tick off, but I guess I can understand why. He and Sarah have been through hell and back, I wouldn’t let that go either.

“Chill, babe.” Sarah rubs his back. “He loves gettin’ you riled because you rise to the occasion.”

Chord shakes his head. “All these women in here and you come after mine every time.”

“Cream of the crop.” I waggle my brows at her. “I gotta have the best.”

“Screw you.” Chord takes a sip of sweet tea. “Sounding good out there, the new songs are badass.”

“I appreciate that, been workin’ real hard lately.”

Chord leans in. “Have you heard from anyone?”

“Same ole crew but there’s hope. I sent in a demo for the Carolina Country Festival.”

He nods. “I think One knows the guy running it, let me see if we can help.”

“That would be amazing, thank you.”

“It’s all good, I know you’re perfect for that lineup.” He takes a sip of his drink. “Did you know Aksel is working for the same guy?”

My mouth drops. “You’ve been here this entire time and just now decide to tell me this? This is amazing!”

“Yeah, he’s mentoring Aksel. I don’t think it’ll be long before he’s signing people.” Chord grins as Sarah returns a smile.

“Alright, enough shop talk.” Sarah narrows her eyes. “What happened to you and Wendy?”