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He reaches over and grabs my hand. “Poppy, they love you. They’ll understand.”
I nod. But I don’t agree. “You don’t think it’s going to be weird if they somehow find out? Realize I didn’t bother to tell them about what my body’s gone through? Zoey’s going to be devastated that I didn’t tell her. She would have wanted to hold my hand if you couldn’t be there.”
“Well, I was there. I know I was a bit overprotective about you talking to them, uh, before. I’m over it, though. If you want to confide in them, don’t let me stop you.”
“Yeah, well, thank youso muchfor permission. Because if something goes wrong when you’re out on the road? I’ll be alone again,” I blurt out.
He looks over at me and doesn’t say anything. His set jaw and sorrowful eyes say it all.
I hurt him.
What do I do? Nothing. I turn and look back out the window.
I guess tomorrow’s a new day.
I’ll just have to try to do better.
Well, the day has finally come. Fiona’s restaurant,Gus, is making its debut.
We’ll play the afterparty at the renovated Mission, which is where we’re getting set up for our rehearsal. Alex is with the girls over at the restaurant. Things have been a bit strained between us. All her little comments about me being gone with the band? They piss me off, but I bite my tongue. I don’t want to upset her. I think showing her that things are not what she thinks rather than trying to preemptively defend myself is going to be the right way to handle things.
So, for now, I just let it go.
Zane, Connor, and I are up on stage surveying the room as our gear is being loaded off the truck. Various people mill about. Our roadies. The club’s techies. Some of the staff who are setting up the bar. A bunch of musical artists from Ty’s foundation sit on the floor, gaping at us.
Connor scans the room, which is state of the art. “This is fantastic, Zane, so it is. But where the fuck is Ty?”
“He’s still in the car talking to Zoey. She’s not been feeling well, I’m sure he’ll be here in a few minutes.” Zane sets his precious Gibson on its stand.
We chat about gear until Ty saunters in with perfect rock-star swagger five minutes later. “My brothers. I’m so fucking excited. I’m ready to go.”
“While the gear’s getting set up, let’s have a quick meeting.” I shove my drumsticks in my back pocket. “We’re all together, and it’s time we finalize some stuff with the band.”
The four of us head to the green room, which is a million times better than the one at the original Mission venue we made our debut in. It’s clean, for one thing. But also like a real touring venue. Complete with a flat screen, oversized couch, and catering area.
We pull chairs into a circle. I begin, “Isis Management. Discuss.”
“I’m on board, they’ve been feckin’ great for my wee brothers’ band.” Connor taps his fingers on his long leg.
“So, Katherine is out?” Zane looks at each of us one by one.
“She’s pressuring us to do all the things that burned us out over the years. We’re not kids starting out anymore. It feels like the time is just right to make a change.” Ty crosses his arms. “After all, we’re all family men, or soon-to-be family men now.”
“Yeah, but I still want to play. And tour.” I rest my elbows on my knees and clasp my hands in front of me. “Are we all up for that?”
“If we each have our own bus, I’m cool.” Connor slouches down in his seat. “You don’t want to be woken up by my evil twins. Trust me.”
Ty’s smile spreads across his face. “Yeah, and we’ll have our tiny little guy.”
“Ty and I have written some songs. I know we’ve all been working in smaller groups, but it’s time to get into the studio and work it all out.” Zane points at Ty. “Last fall at your house, when you showed us the new gear, Jace joked that we should record at your house. Honestly, I think it’s a cool idea. It would be the least disruptive to our families in the short-term.”
Connor nods. “Aye, Ronni and I have decided to buy a place up here. Now that she’s doing creative work, LA isn’t where we want to raise kids. We’re gonna keep our house there, of course, but we’re thinking home base will be Seattle.”
“Seriously?” I can’t help but blurt out. “That makes me feel a million times better.”
Everyone looks at me. “Were you feeling bad?” Ty’s brow furrows.
“Nah, not bad. Just a bit worried that our logistics are so much more complicated now. It’s been a slog to even get us to this point,” I try to explain.
