Page 25 of Reverb (Larkspur Book 3)

Liam grumbled under his breath as he spotted the paparazzi hanging outside of Seth’s gate, slowing his car as he used the in-car voice commands to call Seth.

“Hey, Lee? How far away are you?” Seth answered after the first ring.

“Hey. Just coming down your street, but there are a couple of paps at the gate. I don’t want to open the window to punch in the code. Can you open them for me?”

“Fuckin’ vultures,” Seth cursed. “Yep. No probs. I can see you on the cameras now. Remember, it’s ten points if you hit one.”

Liam grinned as he heard Cal yell at him from the background before Seth hung up. He nudged his way forward, keeping his eyes on the large wrought-iron gates that sat at the entry to Seth’s McMansion. Out of all of them, he had the most ostentatious house.

He ignored the camera flashes, glad he’d worn a ball cap and shades to his therapist appointment. They hid most of his face, and he kept his expression impassive. He tried not to flinch when one of the pushier photographers banged on the roof to get his attention. Keeping the front of his car as close to the gates as possible, he followed them as they opened just wide enough to let him through. The second his trunk cleared the entrance, they were swinging closed again. Liam breathed out a sigh of relief.

After parking next to Kellet’s classic Mustang, he made his way into the house, calling out from the marble-laden lobby.

“Back here,” Seth called back, and Liam headed down the short hallway into the less formal, lived-in area of the house. He found his friends lounging on the worn leather couches, looking relaxed and happy.

“Here he is,” Seth said, coming over to hug him. Liam squeezed him back before removing his hat and glasses. Running a hand through his tousled hair, he grinned at the others.

“Is Cal beating your ass in Mario, Kel?”

“Damn games. I never could get the hang of them.”

“Yeah, Wil’s a much better opponent,” Cal said with a laugh and received a gentle shove from Kellet in retaliation.

Dropping onto a recliner, Liam stretched out his legs and happily accepted the beer Jamie handed to him.

“How’s Wil settling into college life?” he asked.

“So far, so good. He’s got a job at a local bar and restaurant. He’s bussing tables for now but is going to train up to tend bar.”

“He’ll do well at that. How are you guys coping with him being so far away?”

“Eh. Okay-ish,” Kellet admitted with a shrug. “It partly helps that he was with us this summer. It made him mature a little and I’m not as worried about him being out in the big bad world knowing he’s got some life experience now.”

“He’ll be fine, Drummer Boy,” Jamie assured Kellet, pressing a kiss to his temple. “We’re only a phone call away.”

“Sooo, you and Miles, eh?” Seth asked, dropping onto the couch and pulling Cal onto his lap. Cal rolled his eyes but grinned and snuggled in at the same time.

“Yes, me and Miles,” Liam replied, sipping at his beer.

There was a pregnant pause before Seth burst out. “Don’t just sit there. Give us the details.”

“Has being married turned you into a gossip hound, Seth?” Liam asked with a chuckle. “You know all there is to know. We told you last weekend.”

“You’re telling us you didn’t have feelings for Miles before a few weeks ago, and now you’re madly in love?”

“Um, hello, Pot,” Liam said, waving a hand at him and Cal.

“Yeah, yeah, alright,” Seth conceded.

Liam relaxed but should have known better.

“So, the sex is good, then? I always figured Miles would be good in the sack.”

“For fuck’s sake, Seth!” Jamie lobbed a cushion at the laughing man on the other seat.

Seth laughed louder, and Liam couldn’t help but join in.

“It’s good to hear you laugh, Lee,” Kellet said. “You’ve been too quiet of late. If being with Miles is making you happy, then congrats, man. You deserve it.”

Murmurs of agreement had Liam ducking his head and blushing.

“Thanks, guys. I also had my first appointment with a therapist this morning. I felt a lot of guilt when Mark quit, and that spiraled into me feeling like I was losing control and stressing out. She’s going to help me work through those feelings.” He glanced up at Seth, smirking at him. “Without going into details, Miles is also helping me with that.”

“Hey, anyone can have good sex, but having good sex with the person you love, then that makes all the difference. Takes it to another level,” Seth said.

“Yeah, you’re right,” Liam nodded.

“Maybe there was something in the water this tour,” Jamie mused.

“Whatever it was, I’m glad we all got exposed to it,” Seth agreed. He nuzzled Cal’s neck. “We all deserve to be happy.”

“So, what are everyone’s plans for the next few months?” Jamie asked.

“Cal’s old company has contracted him to fix up the mess they made when they let him go, plus he’s got a few leads on some other jobs,” Seth replied. “I’m going to be a househusband while he’s doing all the work.”

They all laughed as Cal rolled his eyes at the ridiculousness that was his husband.

“What about you, Liam?” Kellet asked.

“Miles is in the process of signing a new band. They’re young and eager. Remind me a lot of us when we were that age. He’s asked me to mentor them.” He looked around at his friends. “If you guys are interested, would be great to have some help.”

Seth gave him a slow smile. “Look at you. Asking for help and everything.”

Liam copied Cal from moments before and rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah.” He looked at his oldest friends. “So, would you be keen to help?”

Jamie nodded, along with Kellet. “Definitely. Just tell us when and where.”

“I’ve had a few ideas for our next album,” Seth said, and Liam was surprised to see a faint blush on the normally brash man’s cheeks.

“Yeah? What are you thinking?” Liam asked, pulling his phone from his pocket to take notes.

“Nothing concrete yet, just a few melodies and a few lyrics here and there.”

“Don’t believe him,” Cal said, looking at Seth proudly. “He’s got a notebook full of ideas.”

“Aww, Seth. Are you writing love songs for your husband?” Jamie teased and got a glare in return. “Just kidding. I’ve had a few ideas myself. We’ll look them all over when we get together in the new year.”

“Think the label will go for us writing a whole album of ballads and love songs?” Kellet asked.

“We could name it “Larkspur in Love”” Seth suggested with a grin.

“I think we need to take that under advisement,” Liam said, dryly.

“Or how about “Something in the Water”” suggested Cal, with a grin.

“That would make a great song title,” Jamie said, taking out his own phone and tapping away furiously.

As suggestions started flying thick and fast, and getting more ridiculous by the second, Liam took a moment to appreciate just how lucky he was to have the friends he did. He snapped a couple of pictures and sent them to Miles.

Miles

Looks like you’re having fun.

Liam

We are. I’ll be home soon.

Miles

Take your time, baby boy. I’ll let you know when I’m leaving and meet you at your place.

Liam

Love you xx

Miles

Love you too.

“Stop sexting your boyfriend and tell us more about this new band,” Seth called out. Liam grinned and put his phone away, happy and relaxed.