Page 79 of Reckless

“Man, if she can handle you, that’ll be enough,” Andy said. “You’re the worst of us.”

Thank God Gage had this family. I hoped they would fill a little bit of the place Babs had left so empty. My thoughts went to the envelope I’d stuffed in my purse last minute, just in case. I couldn’t help but think that it would be great for Gage to have his father in his life, now more than ever. At least the option was there.

Two hours and a lot of work later, I perched on the edge of a stool, watching the final preparations from the side of the stage. They were doing a sound check, and every time they strummed the guitars a thrill shot through my chest. Tonight I would get to see Gage in his true home, the place in the world that made him the happiest. I could almost shake loose the guilt I felt for never having experienced it myself.

The time to prepare slid by, and soon, I was kissing Gage good luck, telling him to break a leg. I stood in the shadows as the band quietly took their places while the air pulsed with excitement. Even witnessing a little bit of rehearsal wasn’t quite the same as this.

The curtain swung open, and Gaged was greeted with a roar that rippled through the theatre.

“Hello there, New York!”Gage’s voice echoed through the space at the first lull. “Are you ready for tonight?”

As the crowd drowned him out, I gripped my hands together. He was in his element, and he looked great too, sexy in his ripped skintight jeans, tight tank, and gold medallion. No wonder the whole world loved him. He was smoking hot, and his charisma shone like the sun.

“We’re going to start with a particular favorite of mine. I’m sure you know it, it’s called ‘Yours Now.’”

The room erupted, fans screaming with glee, but no one louder than me. I was about to hear the song he’d written for me what seemed like a lifetime ago, onstage for the very first time. My heart raced, and my throat grew raw from yelling.

I’d avoided this song for so many years. Now, I couldn’t wait to hear each word.

When it was over, my face was drenched with tears. Happiness filled my heart until I thought it would surely burst. As Gaged moved into the next song, and the next, a bittersweet feeling gripped me. I wasn’t sure I could fit into Gage’s life. Wasn’t sure I could adapt to his way of life. And I certainly didn’t want to affect the popularity of the band.

I was so happy being with him, but could Gage be happy if his band was affected?

If having a serious relationship was so taboo for Gaged, I didn’t know where that left me.