Page 64 of Enjoying the Band in Lockdown

Most eyes would be on the half hour set. Most eyes would stay around to see Deacon’s brother in action.

My phone buzzed.

Deacon?

“Hello?” One thousand possible problems rushed through my brain. Everything from the concert being cancelled, to an out of control social media trolling campaign against one of my guys.

“Hey, Sydney. Would you tell my brother to answer his fucking phone?”

I looked to the sleeping Xav next to me. He’d finally crashed and I’d prefer to let him sleep the alcohol out of his system. “Sure, but—”

“I don’t have time for your high school fuck-fest of a love story. There’s a change of plans.”

“Shit.”

“Get Xavier ready half an hour early.”

“What about the rest of the band?”

“Not necessary. He’s gonna cut in on our long set. He’s gonna do Be Still with me.”

“Be Still?” I repeated like a child.

“Does he know it?”

“It’s the song I fell in—” I didn’t want to say the word, love. “Xavier does an acoustic version that can drop the panties off any female.”

“Then you’ll owe me one.” I could hear Deacon smile. “I’m about to rehearse with the guys. Tell him to get his ass out of bed and Skype in. We’ll do a couple of run throughs just so it’ll seem natural.”

“I’ll call you when he’s ready.” Already I was tossing through his clothes, looking for something for him to wear at least for the rehearsal. Hopefully, my phone had enough memory for all the recordings I wanted to capture for today. Memories to last me for a lifetime.

“And Sydney?”

“There’s more?”

“Only that I’ve never performed Be Still with anyone other than my band. Even if he does a half ass job, it’ll make the news.”

“Are you sure you want to do this, then?” I asked knowing that Xavier might show up his older brother.

“Is he good?”

“I’m sorry to say, but your song was made for him.” I stroked Xavier’s back, lightly with my nails. It used to be his favorite way to wake.

“Then, he better bring his fucking A-game, because we’re about to blow the world apart.”

“I don’t need a shower!” Xavier protested, while Devon and I man-handled him under the hot jets, grabbed his clothes and had two double-shot coffees waiting.

“Yes, you do. Inhale that steam and open up your vocals.” I pretended to know what I was talking about.

“What she means is, get your shit together.”

For once, Jax didn’t give us shit when we came downstairs, and Chase had an egg-white omelette ready. “He needs protein, not grease.”

I couldn’t argue. Even though the guys had every reason to be jealous, they were coming together as brothers to help Xav shine.

“Deacon, it’s—”

“Is he ready?” Deacon cut in, the sound of drums and guitars in the background.

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