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I’ve got to get him to give me a look before we go on tour. Once all the Emerald Phoenix fans in the UK and the rest of Europe lay their eyes on him, he’ll have his pick of women.
“I wish I were going with you on the tour,” Angie says. “You’re going to have a blast.”
“I wish you were too,” I reply.
I didn’t plan to graduate early. I had enough credits, but I figured I’d sail through my last semester with some easy electives and have my last hurrah with sorority and fraternity parties.
Then I found out about the tour, and I chalked it up to fate. Early graduation was a possibility, and it would free me up to go on the tour. Since Callie is engaged to Donny, I talked the two of them into going along for the first couple of weeks, which gave me an excuse to go since my brother will be there.
Yeah, it’s farfetched, but it got me there. Then, when Donny and Callie fly home, I’ll make some excuse to stay on.
Now…I just have to tell Mom and Dad.
That’s what tomorrow’s for.
Tonight, I’m partying.
With Jesse Pike, I hope.
Chapter Two
Jesse
Amazing. Most of the women here at Talon and Jade Steel’s house for the after-party—even the married ones—are flocking around Jett Draconis and the rest of Emerald Phoenix.
Groupies.
The only groupies Dragonlock has ever had are the awesome foursome, as my little sister Maddie calls them. The four youngest Steel women—Brianna Steel, Gina Steel, and Angie and Sage Simpson. All gorgeous, of course—all the Steels are—but way too young for me.
The awesome foursome isn’t giving us a look tonight. They’re more interested in Emerald Phoenix—Zane Michaels, Bernie Zopes, and Tony Walker. Everyone knows Jett is happily married. In fact, his wife is here tonight. She’s a real sweet thing. Her name’s Heather.
Now that two of my sisters are engaged to Steel men, I don’t feel quite as out of place at the main Steel house. I’ve been here many times. I’ve played at many Steel parties. But tonight, I don’t feel like an outsider.
My cousin Cage Ramsey brings me a beer.
“Thanks.” I take a long sip, letting it cool my throat. Nothing like an ice-cold brew after I’ve been singing all night.
“Where’s our harem?” Cage asks.
“What do you mean?”
“The awesome foursome. They’re usually flocked around us.” He narrows his gaze. “You in particular.”
I let out a laughing scoff. “More like Dragon. And you and Jake.”
Cage chuckles and then glances around. “All of us, then. WhereisDragon, by the way?”
“Probably off smoking a joint. You know he always has to have a little weed after a concert since we won’t let him get high before.”
“Yeah, what is it with him and weed? I never could stand the stuff.”
“Don’t know, man.”
The truth of the matter is, Idoknow. Dragon hasn’t had an easy life. He keeps to himself, but one night—one of the only times I’ve ever gotten high because I actually don’t like the stuff—he confided in me. I understand our drummer a lot better now, but I’m sworn to secrecy. And I get why he smokes after a performance. It numbs him a little bit, relaxes him. I’ve got no problem with it, as long as it doesn’t affect his performance, and so far it hasn’t.
There are reasons why Dragon shouldn’t smoke or drink, but so far he’s kept clean from the harder stuff.
“Ah…there they all are.” Cage gestures to the pool house in the giant Steel backyard.
