Page 49 of More Than Scars

Naa I was not to the point where I could fully think of it that way. Not yet.

I just hoped that he sought some help for that fear, or he was going to be in a world of trouble if something ever happened where he had no choice but to step foot in a hospital.

Look at me, two therapy sessions in and already hoping someone else got the help they needed. Was that what therapy culture was all about? Being able to pick up on the signs in others once you were able to identify them in yourself?

Guess I was gonna find out.

Chapter Twenty

Pressley

“Everything okay?” Wolf had given me the heads-up about the guy insisting on talking to Bowie. A watchful eye was on them while I kept my distance. If he needed me, I’d see that, and while his demeanor was rigid as they spoke, he did relax towards the end and even called the guy back to say something else to him. Easton asked if we wanted security detail for the road trip, and while I’d politely declined, I was second-guessing that decisionnow. We’d have so much detail at Rocktoberfest I thought the guys would enjoy the breath of fresh air before they were thrust into that part of the rockstar lifestyle.

After Rocktoberfest, all bets were off because I knew the other Masterson bands would be there and promoting Imminent Danger. They’d go from zero to being played on every radio station before we boarded the buses for home.

“Yeah, another piece of my past came back to apologize.” He shook his head. “Who knew I wasn’t the only one looking to clear the air and gain a bit of closure?”

“Humans are frustrating, fascinating, and forever healing.” If only we were all blessed with second sight, then we’d be able to see the mistakes before we made them and stop ourselves from making them. Therefore, we’d never have to apologize. “But on the bright side, you guys absolutely slayed it tonight. The signs the audience held up were hilarious. It appears you were quite the stud in high school.”

Bowie barked out a laugh. “Stud? More like quite the slut, but those days are far behind me.”

Was I foolish to believe an up-and-coming rockstar would choose me over millions of groupies? Insecurity wasn’t my style, I didn’t live like that, but I knew one thing for certain, and that was I trusted Bowie.

“Would’ve been nice to have my family here, but with both parents on the road at opposite ends of the country, it’s hard to get everyone together.”

“I can only imagine.” It was so hard not to blurt out that I’ve been working on a surprise for him. I couldn’t wait to get there because it would be ready and waiting for him. He’d come so far since we first met, completely in the zone both personally and professionally. He set goals for himself and had achieved them and was due a gift for all his hard work. Every time Bowie got down on himself, I just had to remind him that we are all forever a work in progress.

“Ready to roll?” Wolf asked. “Zeke has the bus warmed up and ready to go. He insisted on watching the show after his nap and is amped up. I’ll follow in the rig right behind you with Vance.”

The Masterson buses were outfitted with all the comforts of home. This particular one we were on had four bunks plus a back bedroom and two bathrooms. It belonged to Social once upon a time until they all partnered upand each couple got their own buses. Each bunk had a heavy-duty blackout curtain, its own shelves, outlets, TV, and a light. It was like a little mini hotel room. Bowie and I were sharing the back bedroom, which left a bunk for our driver, Zeke. Fridges were stocked, the Keurig was ready to roll, and from what I understood, Rhone and David’s partners ran the massive catering tents at Rocktoberfest, so we’d not be without good, hearty meals. Thank fuck for that, my stomach was not a fan of fast food.

“As soon as the guys finish signing a few autographs. Some of the locals hung around for a quick meet and greet.” How Wolf didn’t know that was beyond me. He was so on top of things, but then again, he and Vance had been loading up the equipment. “They should be about done.” As if they heard me, the four of them came around the corner.

“That went better than I expected, a couple of my siblings were even there.” Bowie was all smiles. “Along with some past transgressions.”

Tony groaned. “Dude, I’m glad your tastes have elevated because some of that shit was just nasty.”

“I’ll take that backhanded comment.” At least I think it was meant that way.

Bowie threw his arm around my shoulder. “Let’s roll, gentlemen.”

Glad there were game systems and Wi-Fi on the bus because it was gonna be a while before these guys came down from their adrenaline-fueled highs. Covered in sweat, smiles wide and happy as hell, they boarded the bus. Gotta make sure and call ahead for laundry service. I think Easton said there was a truck or two there just for that. But these bed linens will be screaming for a wash after tonight.

While the guys played games and wound down, I uploaded the videos I’d taken from the show to the cloud for Easton and Imminent’s mentors to review. They’d meet up with us in Black Rock City since their bands were playing the last night. Easton set up an area in the back bus lot for all the Masterson buses to park. Kind of like our own little city within the desert. Golf carts would be at the ready to run the talent to the various stages and food tents, plus the shower and laundry trucks. Easton didn’t miss a thing, even going as far as to offer both sides of the fence, concertgoers and talent,free water throughout the four-day event—most of which he got donated. Marketing at its finest.

When I was done sending my update, it was time for me to call it a night. I wish I still had the energy these four had, but my old ass was wiped the hell out. Adrenaline rushes were great until they came to an end and you bottomed out.

I had just gotten to the comfortably numb phase when Bowie slid into bed. “You’re wet.”

“Yup, I won the shower coin toss. Not enough water in the tanks for all four of us, so we decided to flip for it.”

“Our sheets will thank you, as do I.” It didn’t take long for Bowie to doze off. His familiar snores and arms wrapped around my waist lulled me to sleep. Funny how quickly my body became used to having him in bed beside us.

All too soon, insistent banging on the cheap-ass fucking door to our room woke us up.

“Fuck off!” Bowie hollered and then covered his head with a pillow.

“Dude, no. Get the fuck up. We’re here, and it’s fucking awesome!” Tony yelled from the other side. “Derek and Ryder from Maiden are here. Get your asses up.”