relaxed. I don’t even realize how much I have missed playing until the first song ends.
I take a deep breath when the last note ends and smile broadly at Zack. He returns my smile. I did it. It wasn’t perfect, and may not have been as good as Ethan, but I did it.
“That was amazing, Nic!” Chase’s affirmation increases my smile dramatically.
“You might be even better than Ethan.” I roll my eyes at Jake’s comments and shake my head.
“No way,” I say. I’ve heard Ethan play, and he’s incredible. I barely did anything special on the song to warrant that kind of compliment.
I play through three more songs with the band. The entire time, I’m lost in the music and feel myself coming alive with each passing song in a way I haven’t experienced since
I was in college, probably. It’s the most magical thing I’ve ever experienced, being on stage with a full band, looking out in a sea of empty seats; knowing they’ll start filling up soon.
“What in the hell is she doing here!?” Ethan’s voice rings out from the side of the stage and we all freeze instantly. He sways back and forth, clearly wasted from something and his eyes look like they’re on fire. His hands are clenched into tight fists at his sides as he stomps across the stage, directly towards me. I immediately take several steps away from the keyboard.
“She was helping us, Ethan, since you can’t be bothered to show up on time.” Zack’s angry voice fills the air as he walks towards us. He reaches me, and puts an arm protectively across my waist, staring down Ethan the entire time.
Ethan mumbles something with more expletives than I’ve ever heard used in my life in one sentence before turning to face Zack.
“Whatever, man, I’m a little late, big deal.” He stumbles a few steps towards the keyboard, grabbing it at the last second to get his balance. He can barely stand up straight and I wonder if he can even play. “And keep your new girl away from my shit.”
Zack takes a menacing step forward, letting his arm drop from my waist. I don’t care. Ethan’s staring at me like he wants me murdered, and all I want to do is get out of here before anything worse happens.
“I’ve told you not to say shit like that to her. I won’t warn you again. And if you ever pull a stunt like you did today, you’re off my tour.”
He turns to me, and exhales loudly while rubbing one hand through his hair. I think it’s the sexiest thing in the world when his muscles dance across his arm when he does this, but clearly now is not the right time to let him know.
I just want to get off the stage and behind my laptop where I can work on editing photos and forget about the evil glare I see in Ethan’s eyes. “Thanks for helping, Nic. You’re one of the most talented keyboardists I’ve ever met.”
I roll my eyes at Zack’s compliment. This is obviously one of those ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ things, because I know I’m not more talented than most; even if I am good.
“I had fun.” I smile weakly. My nerves are shot right now from all the adrenaline of playing and Ethan showing up. He’s still leering at me with his glazed eyes.
“I’m going to go back and get some work done before Mia gets here. Do you want me to bring him some coffee?” I ask, nodding towards Ethan.
“Yeah, that’d be great. But have someone else bring it out.” He leans down and gives me a quick kiss. He tastes salty from the sweat that’s already lightly covering his skin. I lick my lips and wiggle my eyebrows at him as I leave the stage.
***
Some of the pictures I have of Zack and Chase with their heads bowed together, while working on new songs are fantastic. Passion for their music and intensity in their work fills their eyes and every feature on their faces. It’s so good I email a copy to Mia, even though Darren’s picking her up at the airport right now. She’ll love it, though. I have a feeling this will be next to her bed the next time I go to her place. The thought makes me laugh a little bit to myself.
I jump when the door slams wide open. I scream in joy, and throw myself in her arms.
“Mia!”