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“There’s been a bug going around. And better the fuse blew now than during the show.”
Again, I grunt.
My opening act coming down with the flu is inconvenient. Electrical problems are a major issue when you’re dealing with thousands of dollars’ worth of sound equipment. But neither of those problems has anything to do with why I’m tense and fidgety right now.
Brayden grips my shoulder. “Walk around, grab some water. We’ll be up and running for sound check. Trust me.”
I nod and exhale because I do trust him. There’s no one more experienced. I was massively relieved when he agreed to return as my manager and join Blue Rain Boots Records as well. He runs the main office in New York, which works well for Piper to return once a month to see her friends and family.
Backstage is a little less hectic than the stage was, but not by much. I have two opening acts on this tour with me, and there are boxes of equipment lining both sides of the hall. People are rushing around, holding clipboards and speaking into headsets.
Kicking my return to music off in New York might have been a mistake. Typically, you don’t open with your biggest venue.
“Kyle!”
I turn just in time for Bailey to collide with me, squeezing her back as she hugs me. “Hey! You made it!”
“Of course we did.”
I glance past her, where her dad is standing with his wife and son. I sent them all tickets, not sure if they’d allow Bailey to come, let alone all show up. I nod at him, and he nods back. Just like with Carl, there’s probably too much in the past for us to fully move beyond. But it’s a big step forward that he brought Bailey and the rest of his family.
“Where’s Piper?”
I smile at my sister, amused by the way her obsession with my girlfriend still rivals my own. She and Piper talk on the phone for even longer than she and I do. We’ve also moved to video calls so we can have some virtual guitar lessons.
“She’s getting dinner with a couple of her friends. She’ll be here for the show.”
“We should get to our seats, Bailey.” Frank appears right behind his daughter, expression passive but stern.
“Okay, Dad.”
I’m surprised when Frank holds out his hand.
“Thanks for the tickets.”
“You’re welcome. Thanks for coming.”
“Bailey has really been looking forward to it. She’s got the music bug—that’s for sure.” He looks down at Bailey affectionately, but there’s a hint of regret in his voice that makes me think he might not have minded if his daughter focused on other interests. It reminds him of my mom, I’m guessing.
“Bye, Kyle!” Bailey says, then follows her dad over toward the exit.
“Bye,” I call after them, then head toward my dressing room.
I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and then pace around, calling, “Come in!” when there’s a knock on the door.
There’s a rush of relief as soon as I spot her red hair.
Piper walks in, a wide smile on her face. “Hey! It’s crazy out there.”
“Yeah. There have been a few tech issues.” I shoot her a wry smile before leaning down and kissing her.
“I meant outside the stadium. What’s wrong with the tech?”
“Nothing Brayden can’t fix.”I hope.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m great. How was dinner?”
