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Oh yeah,

I’ll be home with you.

I’ll be home with you.

As I struck my bass and flicked my sweaty hair off my neck, my heart hammered against my ribs. I spun around, ripping out the beat. I glanced at Flint, Cole, and Slip. I may have written this song, but it had become one of our songs, a Flintlocks hit. Being part of a team made the success so much better and more rewarding. I couldn’t wait to write new music with these men, go on the tour, and be part of their future.

At the end of the track, Flint retook his mic. We churned out several more hits before we finished our show. The fans roared and clapped as the four of us bowed, then rushed off the stage. We jumped around in a group hug, riding out the high from performing. But I was quick to excuse myself. With the aid of security, I charged through the crowd, promising a few zealous fans I’d talk to them soon. I reached Tia at the back of the venue. She was sitting in her wheelchair behind the mixer. The moment she saw me, she held her arms wide. I dropped to my knees in front of her and gave her a huge, hot, sweaty hug. Then, I kissed her. “I love you.”

“You were amazing.” She cupped my heated cheek.

“I just wanted you to know I love coming home to you.”

She smiled a big smile and brushed her thumb across the top of my lips. “You already said that.”

I caught her hand and kissed her fingers. “I wanted to make sure you haven’t forgotten.”

“No. Never.”

“It’s so good to see you smile. Are you ready to party?

“You bet. Me and my wheelchair have a date with the bar.”

“I’ll go shower and be back soon.”

But before I left, I kissed her again.

I’d originally come to LA for two days—now I never planned to leave. I prayed I’d never have to start again.

I’d found a new family. The Flintlocks.

I had a home. LA is it.

I’d found a new love. Tia.

My heart couldn’t lead me astray anymore.

I’d found where I belonged.

***

At three a.m., a few hours after our show at Hayley’s had finished, the doors to the venue closed behind the last group of dawdling drunk fans. But the buzz from the night still kicked through our veins. The band, our entourage, security, crew, and some of Molly’s staff sat around tables, having a few drinks and winding down from the epic night.

“Man, the tour is going to be wicked.” Beside me, Slip took a swig of his beer.

“Fuck yeah,” I agreed, then waved my beer toward Blake and Falcon, sitting across from me and Tia in our jagged circle. “I can’t believe you want to release my song. Thank you. I’m honored.”

“It’s a great track.” Blake dipped his chin. “Just write thirty more with these guys so we have a ton of new material to choose from for the next album.”

I chuckled. “I’ll do my best.”

“Let’s get through this tour first.” Flint cracked the lid on his fresh beer. “I want to enjoy this ride.”

“Oh shit.” Blake clicked his fingers and dug inside his suit jacket. “Cole, I almost forgot. This was delivered to the office today.”

He stood, took a step toward Cole, who sat adjacent to Tia, and handed him an envelope.

“What is it?” Cole asked.