Page 10 of More Than Scars
“Alright, alright,” Wolf rolled his eyes, though I could tell he was moved by Joey’s words. “Enough of this mushy shit.”
“So, do we get paid per show? When is the first show scheduled?” Tony rattled off.
“Boy, you really must learn to read your contract. Didn’t you see the part about the signing bonus?” Wolf pointed out, and both Tony and Bowie stared blankly at him. “Neither of you read it?”
I nudged Bowie beside me. “Check your email.” Easton would never leave new recruits high and dry. I’m sure they both received a healthy…
“Holy shit!” Bowie yelled. I was thankful Easton had the foresight to book us a private room. “Sorry, but I don’t make that much in a year.”
“You do now,” I winked. Why I did that I’ll never know. Acting less than professional wasn’t my style, and given the way Bowie stared at me, it may not have been well received either.
“You have no idea how much that helps us.” Tony shook his head. I swear, the poor guy had tears in his eyes. “What’s next?”
“Well, I’d imagine you drive home tomorrow, talk to your landlord, then pack your bags and wait for me to get there on Saturday. We’ll load up and head back to my place in Bothell.”
“Then on Sunday all four of you will come to our house for a barbeque.”
“Stoli loves to show off his massive outdoor cooking station.” Joey kissed Stoli’s cheek. “And the pool is heated and covered now, so we can make a day of it.”
“Sounds like a good time,” Wolf said. “Then I’ll see you all on Monday.”
“No,” Stoli corrected him, “we’ll seeyouon Sunday. I saidthe four of you.”
“Damn, bossy much?” Wolf chided, though his grin was wide. “What can I bring?”
Joey leaned back in his chair. “I feel like shit that we haven’t already had you out to the house before, Wolf. Forgive us, friend.” Wolf nodded but said nothing. I’m sure he was choked up, and I made a mental note to include him in everything I could from here on out.
Dinner arrived, and the tone changed. This felt like a huge moment between Joey, Stoli, and Wolf. Social Sinners were young when they took off and not without their own internal challenges. Bowie and Tony intently watched their exchange, seeing a different side of their idols and soon-to-be mentors. I couldn’t imagine how unbelievably amazing it would feel to be mentored by someone you idolized.
“I just can’t believe this is now our life.” Tony hadn’t stopped smiling since Stoli announced he was the new singer. We were currently in the car headed to their hotel after dinner. “I can’t wait to see Joey and Stoli’s house. Stoli said they have a recording studio in the basement.”
“I believe all the guys in Social Sinners do.” I left out the part about Diamond and Mickey being known for their BDSM dungeons as well. Not my place nor my thing to get involved in. “Derek Masters from Maiden Voyage has an actual freestanding recording studio on his property that Maiden uses to record all their songs in now.”
“Whoa, that’s so awesome. I can’t imagine owning a home, let alone having enough money to build my own studio.” Pretty sure Tony wasn’t sleeping tonight. That guy was wired up like he’d had a vat of sugar.
“You’re awfully quiet back there.” Bowie hadn’t said a word since we got into the truck. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, man. Sorry. Just still trying to wrap my brain around all of this.”
“Did you tell your family yet? I bet they’re excited.” Tony chatted away. “Your dad is gonna freak.”
“Ha, yeah. I’ll set up a video chat with them when we get home, since I might have to do more than one. I think Mom’s in New York this week, and who knows where my dad and uncle are? They’ve been traveling a lot. If you can run me over to my sister’s place, that would be awesome, I’d love to tell her in person.”
“Do you not have a car?” It sounded like Tony drove everywhere they went.
“Nah, I don’t drive.”
“Like at all or ever?” Why was I pushing? Mostly stunned in this day and age to hear that another adult didn’t drive.
“Once upon a time I did, but no more.” Bowie kept his gaze out the window, never making eye contact with me. I glanced over at Tony, and he shook his head at me. Guess this was one of those hands-off subjects.
“Alright guys, here we are. Keep in touch and let me know if you need anything. Otherwise, I’ll text you Saturday morning when I head out.”
“Thanks for everything, Pressley,” Tony said as he hopped out.
“Yeah, thanks, Pressley. I really do appreciate all of this, and I can’t wait to get started.”
I watched as they stepped inside the hotel and wondered what in the hell I was missing.