Bria? Okay, I don’t want to, but I like her already.
Ronni stomps her heel loudly, commanding attention. “I don’t know what you’re doing here, Brianna, but everyone is ready. The playlist has been set. We’re going on as planned—without you.”
“Fuck that, Veronica,” Crew says. He smiles at me. “Are you here to sing?”
“If you want me to.”
“Hell yes, we want you to.”
“But Tiffani’s already here,” Ronni says, temper flaring. “She’s been rehearsing, and she sang last night.”
Tiffani says, “It’s okay, Ronni. Reckless Alibi is Bria’s band. She has every right to be here.”
Wow. This is not how I expected this to go.
“You gave her until Monday,” Liam says. “It’s Saturday. So there you have it. She’s back.” He turns to Tiffani. “Tiff, we’ve enjoyed having you. You’re a fantastic singer. Thanks for helping us out of a bind.”
“Anytime,” she says. “I really enjoyed it.” She pulls me aside as Ronni and Jeremy have words. “I meant it when I said I’m a big fan. I know most girls would kill for this opportunity, but Reckless Alibi wouldn’t be the same without you. Plus, I really like being a house singer for IRL. I love filling in where I’m needed. I’m not tied down to anyone and that’s the way I like it.”
I hug the woman who might have stolen my job but didn’t. “Thanks, Tiffani. I’m so glad it was you who filled in.”
She thumbs at the door. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to get myself a front-row seat.”
Ronni stomps over. “Are you back for good or are you going to quit every time you get your period?”
My mouth hangs open.
“Ignore her,” Crew says, tugging on my elbow until we find an empty corner.
I look around to make sure nobody is listening. “I don’t want you to think … I’m not back beca—”
“You’re back for the band, not me.” Disappointment momentarily flashes in his eyes. “Listen, I’m just glad you’re back.” He touches my hand and a pang of want surges through me.
“Me too.”
“You ready for this?” Garrett asks.
I nod. “I’m more than ready. I’m sorry I left you in the lurch.”
“You’re back now, that’s all that matters.” He squeezes my shoulders. “We missed you, girl.”
“I missed you, too. A lot.”
Ronni stalks to the door in a huff. “No point in my staying now.”
God, she is such a bitch.
“I’ll be out of town for about a week,” she says. “Niles has me scouting a new group in DC.” She shoots me a look. “Hopefully the band will still be intact when I get back. We’ve got SummerStage coming up.”
Jeremy puts a fatherly hand on my shoulder as he responds to her. “Everything will be fine, Ronni. Things are back to normal. We’re all good.”
She turns up her nose and leaves.
I used to believe Jeremy was the bad one. He’s an angel to work with compared to the catty Veronica. I wonder what they said to each other a few minutes ago. Because, suddenly Jeremy is on our side, not hers.
Jeremy checks his watch. “See you out there. Have a good show.” He points to me. “That means you, too, Bria.”
He called me Bria! I cock my head at him, and he winks.
“Bring it in!” Garrett shouts.
As we gather in a circle, there is a twinge in my stomach. Did they do this with Tiffani?
Crew sees my hesitation and elbows me in the ribs. “We wouldn’t do this with anyone but you.”
I smile big. He counts us down, and we all yell, “Let’s get Reckless!”
For the next few hours, I float on air. How did I ever think I could live without this? The energy between Crew and me is as good as ever. Maybe we can do this and not be a couple, if it comes to that.
His eyes burn into mine when he sings.
Please don’t let it come to that.
After the show, we go out front for a drink. I’m nervous. I know what happens after we play. People come up to us. To me. Men mostly. And Crew usually runs them off.
I stiffen, waiting for it to happen, but before anyone can get to us, Brett finds me and gives me a hug. “You were fantastic.” He looks at the others. “All of you. Man, you’ve really got something.”
A few men who looked like they were going to approach back away. I laugh, wondering if they saw Brett and thought twice about it. My brother can be intimidating. His arms are