“Just thinking about tonight. Will it be weird for you if I warm up my voice a little?”
“Not at all.”
I wasn’t expecting a free concert but I also wasn’t expecting her to launch into humming. She works her way up to signing vowels from a low to high range. Every few minutes, she stops and sips her water.
“You all right?”
“The AC and the smoke from the weekend has me a little raspy.”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“What was I gonna say? Put out the bonfire? Tell your brothers they can’t smoke in their own clubhouse?”
Well, now I feel like shit. “Is there anything I can stop and get for you?”
“Heidi packed some grapes and watermelon for me. I need the hydration.” She taps the side of her thermos. “Trinity sent me with some tea. We got lots of water back there. I’ll be okay.” She glances over at me. “Well, I might ask you to stop so I can pee a few dozen times.”
“Whatever you need. You should’ve told me, though. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable or do anything to risk your voice.”
“And yet you’re always trying to make me scream your name.”
My mouth twitches. “That’s different.”
“Psh.” She waves her hand in front of her face and throws me one of her teasing smiles that does weird shit to my insides. After a few more sips of water, she goes back to humming and vocalizing.
“I never knew singers had a process like this,” I say when she finishes.
“Some probably don’t. I didn’t until I worked with a vocal coach on the show. I used to open my mouth and let whatever noises wanted to come out, out. Which is fine, if you’re singing for fun or tips. But if I want to be able to do this night after night, I need to take care of my voice.”
“And I want to help you do that. So next time, tell me.”
She glances over and rests her hand on my thigh. “Thank you.”
After a few miles, she fiddles with her phone. “We’re gettin’ close.”
Tonight, we’re all going in blind. None of us have ever been to this place.
“Hope the directions are good.”
I signal to the guys a couple miles before our exit. At least it’s not a state park.
“It says we should be able to drive right up to Gate 9A and let them know we’re on the list.”
These fairgrounds have much clearer signs letting us know where to go than the last one. Unfortunately, that also means the security will probably be on the ball.
Shelby and I are able to get past the gate because we’re on the list. Jigsaw and Dex have to wait outside.
“This is so ridiculous. Greg has to be able to get more passes for me,” Shelby fumes.
Especially if he can’t even provide decent security for her.
After a flurry of texts, Jigsaw and Dex are added to the list and allowed to roll past the security gate.
Greg meets us at the entrance to the theater.
“More bikers?” He rakes his gaze over the four of us, finally landing on Shelby. “Are you kidding me?” Greg’s face is so red, I’m waiting for steam to shoot out of his ears.
“Easy, Greg.” I step up, placing myself between Greg and Shelby. “I asked some of my brothers to join us so we don’t have a repeat of the other night.”
“Well, I…” He backs off, blows out a breath, and drops the disrespectful attitude.
“And watch how you talk to Shelby,” I add, giving Greg a dose of lethal biker stare.
“There’s no money in the budget to pay for security.”
What a load of shit. Dawson’s got money coming out his ass, and he can’t afford to protect his opening act? What-the-fuck-ever.
“I don’t need her money.” I sneer at him.
“I’ll get you some extra passes so you can move through the venue without being hassled.” He turns and jogs down the hallway.
Good choice. Although I think it has more to do with not wanting to draw attention Shelby’s biker entourage than our comfort.
Jigsaw’s shaking with laughter when I turn around. “You sure scared the piss outta him.” He lifts his chin at Shelby. “He get surly with you like that all the time?”
She glances at me before shrugging. “I pick my battles.”
Considering the unwanted attention and gossip article from the other night, I’m not expecting her to reach up and loop her arms around my neck. “Thank you,” she whispers, kissing my jaw. “I’m real happy you’re here tonight.”