Page 76 of A Country Kind Of Love

“Party pooper.” He sticks his tongue out like a five-year-old.

“Very mature.” As she turns, she can’t help but laugh.

“I didn’t realise how strong the wine was. I didn’t feel it and then, boom.” He slaps his hands together for effect. “I’m wasted.”

“That’s how it wentdown is it?”

“Yep, just like that,” he slurs.

“Interesting. Well, listen, where can I find the event manager because we have a bit of a problem here.” Peyton scans the grassy area for someone who looks important.

A gentleman in his mid-fifties approaches them. He’s wearing a tweed suit jacket with a western shirt, faded jeans and a cowboy hat. He looksunimpressed.

“Jesse, your drummer just told me you’re not feeling well,” the gentleman says.

“I’ll be fine.”

His eyebrow shoots up,shit.“Areyou drunk?”

“Erm... no.” Jesse almost slips off the keg he’s propped up on. “Okay, maybe a little bit.” He uses his fingers to gesture “a little”. It doesn’t help his case.

“I knew taking a chance on you guys was a bad idea.” He starts to point his finger in Jesse’s face. “What am I supposed to do now, huh? I have a crowd waiting to hear a band, not some drunken mess.”

“I’m...”

“If you think you’re getting paid for this you can think again.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’tmean...”

The guy interrupts again. “You screwed me over. I will make sure you don’t work another venue inthis town.”

“Hey!” Peyton bites back. “Don’t talk to himlike that.”

“Who are you?” He spins on his heels toface Peyton.

“I’m the one person who can save your ass.”

Think Peyton think.

“This whole thing isn’t Jesse’s fault. He’s had a bit of bad news, but he didn’t want to let you down, so he tried to drown it out. Obviously, he did that a little too well, but never has he done anything like this before.”

“Idon’t care.”

What a lovely man. Peyton scowls.

“Do you want my help or not?”

Jesse’s head is going back and forth like a ping pong ball.

“Are you going to get up there and sing for me? That’s the only help I need right now.” Peyton wants to punch him square in the face, but she refrains. Jesse is in the wrong after all, but the pompous ass in front of her doesn’t need to know that.

“Yes.” She looks at Jesse; his eyes widen. “That is exactly what I’m going to do.” She gulps. “I think.”

The man who still hasn’t bothered to introduce himself huffs. “Well, what choice do I have. You better be good, kid.” He sets off towards the stage

She hates being calledkid, especially by condescending middle-aged men. She flips him off as soon as his back is turned.

“What bad news did I have?”Jesse slurs.