Page 159 of Fame and Obsession

Zane chuckles. “Whatever it is, you know Jag. It’ll be overdone and flashy.”

As I start to respond, the room goes completely dark. From the makeshift stage in front of the dance floor, a stream of blue, red, and yellow lights flash in sequence and a hush falls over the club. The electricity thickens, and I know the gathering of friends and family are getting antsy for what’s to come.

Hell, I’m getting antsy.

“I told you—it’s a surprise for Phoebe.”

Her silhouette isn’t entirely visible in the darkness, but I’d still know it anywhere.

“But do we have to play this douchey song?” Ryker complains. “I thought we were hardcore rockers.”

My brother stepped into Tanna’s role a few weeks ago, and, other than his constant bitching, he fits right in. It’s nice to finally know every member of the band is family and not harboring a secret past, hell-bent on revenge.

“Ryker, shut your face and play.”

Zane’s jab makes me laugh. We’re going to be okay.

Through the piercing yellow light, we walk to the front of the stage. The outline of the crowd cuts through the haze as more light bathes them in brightness. On Zane’s cue, I strum random chords on my guitar.

Glancing to my side, I lock eyes with Zane, who’s already found his target sitting across the table from Phoebe. I follow his gaze, to where Faith smiles, staring back at him as if they’re the only two people in the room.

So much for Faith’s marriage to the Hollywood producer.

Refocusing, I lift my head to the microphone and clear my throat. There it is….that rush of adrenaline. That invincible high. I’m home.

Lords of Lyre is a cohesive group, but at that moment, I own the room.

“This was supposed to be an informal thing, just a few songs for our friends and family. However, it seems we sound much better baking in yellow lights, so, thanks to the management for making it nine thousand degrees up here,” I say.

“You’re welcome, ingrate,” Helena calls out from one of the tables.

An echo of laughter fills the room as the instantaneous applause beckons for more banter. Zane entices everyone by strumming chords, his tattooed hand moving expertly across the taut strings. Tapping my fingers against the microphone stand, I rock back on my heels, scanning the room.

“While Zane impresses Faith with his magical stroking abilities, I’ll tell you the real reason we’re here tonight.” My eyes dart over to Zane, who shoots daggers at me. Chuckling, I turn back to face the crowd. “Most of you got a call from me asking you to be here tonight.”

“No, we got a call from you telling us to be here tonight.”

The corners of my mouth turn up as I narrow my eyes and scan the crowd again. “I can’t see you, Harlow, but I’d know that smartass mouth of yours anywhere.” Pausing to allow the snickers to die down, I search the darkness again. “So, as I was saying, I asked you all to be here for one person.”

Still scanning, I feel the instant her eyes find me. A single glance from that woman turns me into one exposed nerve.

My lips brush the microphone as I gesture to her, crooking my finger to beckon her forward.

It’s now or never.

“Phoebe? Come here, princess.”

She rises from her chair and fluidly moves toward me. I guide her up the steps until she stands beside me. Her bright blue eyes look at me through the pale yellow light with anticipation. Lifting her hand to my mouth, I press a light kiss against her skin, holding onto her hand as I speak to the crowd.

“I’m sure most of you know by now because my mother can’t keep a secret to save her life.” Looking into the crowd, I can’t help but snicker at the feigned shock painted across my mom’s face.

“It’s cruel and unusual punishment to tell your mother such news and expect me to keep it a secret, son.”

I gesture into the air with my free hand. “Well, there you go, welcome to my childhood.” I wrap an arm around Phoebe’s waist, her heated skin imprinting against mine. “It’s going to be physically impossible to hide the fact that Phoebe and I are having a baby.” Thunderous applause erupts, and I pause before adding, “But what might not be so obvious is the other announcement I have.”

She has no clue what’s coming, and I hope to hell I don’t get slapped for it. I raise her left hand in the air, the yellow light spotlighting the black plastic band. A hush falls across the club. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the diamond ring I’d bought while the band was on the West Coast. It’s big, flashy, and everything Phoebe isn’t.

It still isn’t big enough for me.

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