Page 58 of Enjoying the Band in Lockdown

“Brilliant.”

“Only because the way you guys came together. It’s gonna get lit.”

“Question is, will Deacon be pissed if you promote it early?” Trent asked Xavier.

“Doubt it, we’re promoting the concert, so why would he be pissed?”

“Perhaps you should give him a heads up so he can promote the challenge to the Stormy Waters fans.”

“Won’t they all vote for Deacon’s brother?” Chase asked. “I don’t want to look like a fuckhead because Deacon’s fans get behind his loser brother.”

“Not all fans are gonna pick Xav because he’s Deacon’s brother,” I assured Chase. “We’ll even up the social media blitz. I’ve got a heap of images you can pick from for your graphics.”

By nightfall, Xavier had spoken to Deacon.

Stormy Waters’ PR people were emailing me suggestions for promoting the challenge, even getting other bands from the concert to weigh in with their votes and fans.

Xavier and I weren’t back together, and our room felt empty without his clothes and things. There was more shouting without music than with, but anyone who stormed out, came back.

And one by one, Devon, Chase, Trent and even Jax, thanked me for all the work I was doing to make them look good to the world. As for Xavier, I found out he could shoot spirits as quickly as he could down a beer, that sobriety was now an optional extra. And my days of playing with the band were likely to end at the same time as the concert.

Anon: It’s only a matter of time.

Anon: Crawl back, apologize and hope for forgiveness. OR …

Anon: I’ll find you and you won’t have a choice.

Anon: You can’t hide from me forever.

Anon: Don’t you remember what I do to little girls who don’t obey?

Anon: Next time, I’ll leave you tied up until you learn your lesson.

Anon: Your family support me. They know I how much I love you.

Anon: Without me, you have nothing.

Anon: Without me, you have no friends.

Anon: Without me, you have no money.

Anon: Without me, you have no family.

Anon: Without me, you have no life.

Anon: No life without me.

Anon: No life.

At least leaving after the concert would keep the men I loved safe.

“You ready, Mr. Galis?” Danielle Stone looked every bit the glamorous journalist as she checked each of the band. Deacon had set up one interview after my social media campaign exceeded everyone’s expectations. After researching all the journalists who’d wanted to interview Xavier, I’d suggested Danielle. Two of her interviews stood out. Years ago, her interview of an Australian indigenous model had sparked a billionaire love story and funding to save indigenous languages. Mason Winters, CEO of tech giant, Softli had been one of my clients, and Danielle’s series of interviews did him justice. Then, Danielle’s coverage of the Australian bushfires earlier in the year had single-handed raised the profile of Meringa as a small town desperate to survive and rebuild. She knew this town.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Thanks to Devon’s cajoling and my skills as a barista, Xavier’s recent intake of coffee now exceeded spirits and beer. The slight hungover swagger only added to his charm.

The guys played through each of the versions now neck and neck in voting.

“So, Danielle,” Xavier purred her name, ready to fuck her through the camera. “Whose dirty blonde do you want to be?”

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