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I shrug. “I didn’t want the life they’d set out for me, and doing what I wanted wasn’t an option in their eyes.”
“So you don’t see them now?” she presses.
“I see them. Hell, I still live with them, but every day is a struggle. My Dad pretty much wants nothing to do with me and Mom…” I shake my head. “Well, she’s a whole other story.”
“Then why stay there?”
“For Stace,” I say, like it’s the simplest thing in the world. “My sister. She’s a few years younger than me, and so long as I’m around to be the disappointment, I can protect her.”
Lyndall’s face softens. She steps forward, taking my hand in hers. I jump, not expecting the chemistry I feel when she touches me.
“I can’t even imagine not having my family’s support,” she says.
“Yeah, well, you get used to it,” I say.
But you never really do. You come to expect it, but you never really accept it. They think I’m the disappointment, but in my eyes, every time I’ve needed them, they’re never there for me. What kind of parent does that to a child? Then I feel guilty, because I know there are people worse off than me. At least I have a family.
Even if sometimes I feel like I don’t.
****
I wait by the edge of the stage, watching the previous band finish up. A huge roar erupts, which takes my breath away. The crowd is huge, but I’m not at all nervous. I’m fucking pumped to get out there and start singing.
My hands shake as I impatiently wait. I’m so ready for this. I was born to perform, and to be living my dream feels amazing. I turn as someone touches my shoulder. Lyndall stands behind me, looking stunning in a short silver dress. With her every movement, the crystals on her dress catch the light and sparkle. I run my gaze down over her body, taking in her long, lean legs.
“Eyes up here, Sax,” she says, her voice dry.
“Sorry,” I mumble, my eyes locking on hers. “You look good.”
Good? Fuck.
She laughs and flips her long, blond hair over her shoulder. “Thanks,” she grins. “How are you guys? Ready?”
“Yep.” I grin, speaking for all of us. “I can’t get over how many people there are.”
“This is nothing,” she scoffs, shaking her head. “Wait till you see the Staple Centre. That makes this place look like a tea party.”
We are interrupted by a pretty redhead who approaches us mid-conversation. I watch as Lyndall embraces her and the two chat excitedly. I catch Lyndall’s eye and she nods, realizing she’s forgotten I’m just standing there.
“Sax, this is my personal assistant, Gemma Gollier. She’ll be helping me out with you guys at events such as these.”
Max wanders over to us, a glint in his eye as he sizes up Gemma. I groan, unable to hide my amusement as he goes in for the kill.
“I don’t think we’ve met,” he says, his voice smoother than rich, melted chocolate. She takes his extended hand and smiles as he kisses it, her face reddening.
“Oh for God’s sake, Max, leave her alone,” Lyndall snaps.
“It’s fine, really,” Gemma gushes. From the way she’s batting her long, dark lashes, I know he has her. “It’s nice to meet you, Max.”
“Fine, can you introduce her to the others while I go and handle a few things?” Lyndall directs the question at me, but Max answers.
“I’d be honored.” He whisks her off before Lyndall can protest. She rolls her eyes and sighs before storming off. Laughing, I shake my head, loving how easily annoyed she gets. She’s cute when she’s angry.
Fifteen minutes later, we stand by the stage as the announcer introduces us. I’m shaking, but it’s more excitement than nerves. This is really happening. As I hear our name called, I run out onto the stage, the guys behind me. We take our places and begin to play.
I strum my guitar as the crowd roars. It’s insane that they’re here to see us. I’ve been the guy in the background for so fucking long that I just can’t get my mind around these people being here for me.
I grab the mic and begin to sing. A hush races through the crowd as they hang off my every word. I close my eyes and listen to the sound of the guys behind me. Max on bass, Leo on drums, and Bazz on keyboard.
