Page 31 of Anchor Grey

“I heard the boys on the radio. I don’t know how you did it but I’m glad you did. It’s a nice touch, especially with them being one of the headliners this year.”

“Congrats on that. They deserve it,” I said and glanced over to where they were all still standing in a circle talking rather than sitting on one of the couches or chairs that were all over the place.

“How does it feel to not be playing?” he asked. Vance had been in the business for years, but only on the business side and a few times the band almost got rid of him, but he’d proven to them he was trustworthy, and he was on their side.

“Honestly, it feels great. It’s a lot more fun and a whole lot less stressful backstage rather than under those lights.” Thoughts ofhow terrified I’d been last year flashed through my mind. It was exciting to get the chance, but I was so nervous I barely remembered it.

“I bet. You’re doing a great job. I heard one of the local bands you manage has been doing much better and might be moving up to the bigger venues. Not bad for a newbie,” he said. But it was all in good humor. I’d called Vance several times in a panic and he’d been honest and helpful each time. Something I appreciated in a business where the people you could trust were few and far between.

“Thanks, Vance, I’ll see you backstage when they play.” He waved me off and I stepped over to Devon and wrapped my arms around him. He covered my hand with his as he listened to Rory talking about how it was hot out and even though they were playing later it was still going to be miserable.

“You guys love it,” Devon said.

“We do, but not the heat,” Liam said.

“Hey, you made it to the big time, enjoy it,” I said.

“Listen to that man,” Easy’s dad Drake yelled from behind us as he entered the trailer. “You lads have worked your arses off to get here, enjoy it. Fuck the heat. I’m an old man and I’ll be out there supporting you with a fucking woolen kilt and combat boots.” His wife hid her grin behind a can of soda and Easy rolled his eyes before hiding his face on Liam’s shoulder.

“Give me strength,” he mumbled.

“I think we should all wear kilts tonight. After all half of our fans come here for Drake,” Liam said.

“Oh no, don’t put the idea in his head,” Easy said.

“I brought them, and we all have our boots, so it sounds like we’re set,” Liam said and kissed Easy.

“This is going to be a crazy fucking show,” I whispered to Devon.

“I know, I can’t wait. It’s so much more fun being back here but not having to play,” he murmured while we both watched more of their bantering before they wandered off to get ready to perform.

“I am so glad we don’t have to go out there,” Mateo said. “The crowd is even bigger this year.” Mateo and Jeremy had found a house in the suburbs of Sacramento and had been remodeling it to within an inch of its life. Together they’d taken it from nice to amazing and were both very proud of it. Jeremy had gotten his contractor’s license after taking a few refresher courses and just like they said they would, they had their own business.

“Me too, once was enough,” I said.

“How’s the sound tech gig going?” Mateo asked Devon.

“It’s great. I was offered a job at one of the bars downtown that has bands during the week. They have dart tournaments on theweekend, so we get to have some weekends off together,” he said.

“Oh, Devon, I know Vance wanted to ask if you could help out at a few shows too,” I said.

“Really? I’m not sure if I’m ready for that,” he admitted. That was another thing the four of us had learned, to admit when we needed help or weren’t sure about helping out.

“Don’t worry, there will be two other techs, but I thought it might be good experience for you to learn about the system they use for bigger shows. Plus, you’ll be getting paid while you learn.”

“Best boyfriend ever,” he whispered before kissing me.

“Okay, guys, last call, Blinding Light on the stage in ten,” the same guy yelled in the door again. The guys streamed out, all of them in kilts just like Liam had said. Easyonlyhad a kilt on and I wasn’t willing to get too curious about what was underneath. That guy was still scary as hell.

We all walked backstage to where we’d wait. I was surprised to see Devon’s aunt Jess there with Glen. I knew she came to some shows, but I hadn’t seen her at one. They both looked so happy. This was their world, and they’d made it work far better than we had. She waved when she saw him but stayed where she was while we walked out to where we could see the band and the crowd. “Holy shit,” I said as soon as the crowd was visible.

It stretched back as far as I could see and since it was dark now it made it feel like we were in the middle of a sea of people. Devon squeezed my hand, pulling my attention away from the raucous noise and back to him. “Do you miss it?”

I took his face in my hands and looked into those beautiful eyes. There was nothing I’d rather see and nowhere I’d rather be than in his arms. “Not even a little,” I murmured against his lips making him chortle.

“Me either. I love you and I love our life.”

“I love you too.” Just then Glen pounded the drums, letting everyone know they were there and ready, just as Liam struck a chord on his guitar. Blinding Light were superstars whether they knew it or not. They were gods on the stage. The lights went down so no one could see the stage and the crowd went quiet with anticipation. After the show we’d be going to the cabin for two weeks and were both more than ready. “Should we invite them all to the cabin?”

Devon turned away from the stage to look at me. “I like that idea but not this time. This is just for the two of us.” He kissed me and as soon as he turned back the lights came on and Easy ran to the front of the stage.

“We are Blinding Light, and we are here to rock your world!” he screamed.

Rock and roll was a tough business, but they made it look easy and the way they played with each other while they performed,it was obvious how close they all were. But we were proof you could get out of the business and thrive. “We were rockstars,” Devon whispered in my ear.

“Yeah, we were.” But not being a rock star . . . was far better.

The End