Page 34 of Wildfire (Owl Creek #1)

My band finishes practicing in the music studio that Cole had built for me in the garage.

That was his big surprise. And it turns out that Avery, the waitress I met on my first day here, had been learning the drums, and she’s pretty damn good.

We decided to bring her on as our new drummer, and we’ve been running her through the songs, including all the new ones I wrote.

I helped Callie with the little bit of carpentry needed in the studio, and Trevor put together everything we needed to soundproof it and make it a good space for recording. We’ve decided to record our first album as a new band here instead of paying to do it in Port Stratton.

As we finish our rehearsal, Cole pulls the food out to the big picnic table in the backyard to start grilling for our end-of-summer party.

Everyone will be here— my best friend Zoe, Avery, Trevor and his wife, Callie and Buzz, Caleb, Serena Davis, and even Cody— the mysterious twin I have yet to meet.

Cole and I visited with Trevor’s wife a couple of times and talked to her about how she and Trevor manage their relationship when he’s on the road. It’s been a big help as we figure out how I will keep making music and touring at least once per year without giving us too much heartache.

Callie hired me as a full-time carpenter, and we are booked straight for the next year on jobs.

I honestly don’t know how she’s managed alone for so long.

She’s even talking about making me a site manager and hiring another employee, which will be great so I can go back on tour for a month or so next summer.

I grab some beers from the cooler for Trevor and Avery and help Cole prepare the food while the guests arrive.

A yellow Volvo pulls down the driveway, and I know it’s Zoe. Before I can stop myself, I’m dropping everything on the table and tearing toward her.

She jumps out of the car and into my arms, but instead of her normal, happy self, she looks ready to cry.

“What’s going on?”

“It’s my mom’s new boyfriend.”

“Did he do something to you? I’ll kill him.”

“No, but let’s just say it’s gotten real crowded at home, real quick.”

“You’ve been talking about moving out for a couple of years. Maybe it’s time?”

“That’s what I was thinking, too.”

I follow her eyes as they turn to look at the back of her car, which is filled with her stuff.

“Can I rent the room above the garage for a while?”

“As long as you don’t mind listening to the best rock-and-roll band in Owl Creek practice downstairs.”

“Should we run it by Cole?”

I glance over and watch him grilling meat and laughing with my bandmates. Everything I’ve ever wanted has come true. I’m in love, surrounded by friends and family who care for each other, and I’m about to record my first album as the lead singer in a band.

“Nah. We’re two people moving in the same direction. He’ll be okay with it.”

The End.