Page 54 of Flawless Aria

A sense of calm washes over me as I sit behind my kit. So much so that I barely hear Drew introduce us and Zander thanking the fans for coming. The next thing I know, I’m hitting my sticks together and playing our intro song.

Once I’ve played through a few numbers, I find my rhythm and get my head back in the game. Throwing my sticks in the air, I catch them only to twirl them between my fingers before pounding on my skins. I feel the reverberation through every bone in my body. Making me come alive. I’m dripping wet from head to toe. Shaking my head, the sweat flies, splattering my kit, my cymbals, and the floor. Closing my eyes, I tip back my head and let my sticks become one with my body. An extension of me. They’re what keep me grounded and sane.

By the time that song ends, I’m breathing heavily, high on adrenaline. I’m so fucking hard, and this time it doesn’t have anything to do with Aria. Music is my passion and my addiction.

Our fans are rocking the house when Zander runs across the stage, drops to his knees, and rips off his shirt. The girls go crazy when he flings it into the audience. Security pushes them back when they try climbing the stage. Crazy fucking bastard is going to get himself killed one day since security can’t cover every corner.

“You guys fucking rock! Are you having fun?” Holding out the mic, he cups his ear and waits for their frenzied reply. “That was awesome, how about you guys in the middle?” He does the same and the shouts are deafening. “You guys on the left, give it your best shot.” He quickly runs to that side and waits. I swear the whole venue shakes. Ace, Micah, and I give them a big round of applause.

Turning around to us, he asks, “What do you think guys, do we have any winners?” It’s a game we play but the audience eats it up.

Speaking into our mics, we all scream, “Hell no, they’re all winners!” And just like that they raise the roof.

“Thanks for hanging out with us tonight, Detroit. We’re Rebel Riot and now it’s time to turn it down a notch.”

Immediately, the lights go out. We’re in pitch darkness. And the crowd goes silent. Anticipating. When the spotlight comes to life, it’s focused solely on Zander. No guitar, just his mic. One foot resting on the rung of the stool. He’s quiet as he threads his fingers through his hair. Invoking excitement.

Staring right into the audience, he confesses, “I’m not going to lie. Being on the road is tough. As much as I love touring and hanging out with all of you, I miss Melody and Hadley so fucking much. This one’s for my girls back home.”

The song that once upon a time gave me chills now has a different meaning, but when Zander starts singing,I’m Losing Controlacapella, I feel his utter sadness in the center of my chest. Ripping out my heart. My best friend is hurting, and I’m blind to his pain.

I’m so focused on his beautiful rendition that I almost miss my cue. Then the rest of the band follows and now he has his band of brothers backing him up and lending support. We might bust each other’s balls, but these guys are family, and I would die for each and every one.

When his song ends, he takes a break, and I segue into my solo. Giving the fans almost five minutes’ worth of all my signature moves and tricks I have up my sleeve. Oops, sorry. I’m not wearing a shirt, but you get the idea.

Once I’m finished, Zander runs on stage, straps on his guitar, and it’s like he never missed a beat. He picks up right where he left off earlier. No longer Melody’s husband or Hadley’s daddy but the leadman of Rebel Riot. A musician and entertainer.

When the last song has been sung and we take our final bows, we run backstage while the fans stomp their feet and scream at the top of their lungs. Begging for an encore. But I sense that’s not going to happen tonight because Zander sees them the moment I do. Melody and Hadley are standing right next to my girl, and Hadley’s arms are outstretched waiting for her daddy.

He runs and scoops her right up in his arms. Pulling Melody to his side and burying his face in her neck. I’ve only seen Zander cry a handful of times in my life, and this is one of those beautiful moments. Tears of utter joy.

ARIA

Melodyand I flew in together along with Hadley, but I was sworn to secrecy. To say Zander’s surprised would be an understatement. I swear there’s not a dry eye in the house. And to think these guys are supposed to be a bunch of tough metalheads.

Sniffling, Melody kisses Zander’s cheek. “Your audience wants an encore. Go give them what they want.”

“Not tonight, Mel. Tonight, I’m spending it with my girls.” Well, technically, there’s only an hour left, but I’ve no doubt they’ll be up until dawn.

I’m shocked when Jax tells him, “Take the bedroom, Zander.” What? I was the first one here, so we got dibs. Right? I want to chastise myself for being so selfish. They have a baby. They need the bedroom.

“Are you sure?” Zander’s eyes bounce back between me and Jax. Gauging my reaction.

“Take the bedroom. The three of you will be more comfortable there instead of the bunks.”

I’m surprised when Zander pulls me in for a hug. “Thanks, Aria, I owe you big time.” Melody walks around him and gives Jax and me a hug also.

“Thank you, guys. Promise we’ll make it up to you.” They walk off hand in hand with Hadley all snuggled in Zander’s arms.

Jax wraps his arms around me, holding me tight. “Sorry for giving up the bedroom, baby. It’s just seeing him hurting while singing that song tonight made me realize that we’re all missing someone. Not just me. Now I’m really feeling bad for Micah because Lyric’s so opposed to coming with us.”

“She is, but it’s only because Gunnar had such a rough start. Moms are very protective of their children and she’s only doing what she thinks is right. C’mon, cowboy. Let’s get out of here.”

Normally, we’d be walking hand in hand, but tonight we need each other’s touch. The closeness that it evokes. The warmth of his body next to mine. As much as I’d love to have ‘dessert’ tonight, I’m thankful that I’ll be crammed in a tiny bunk with this man. There’s no place else I’d rather be.

I’m really surprised when I walk inside the bus and see how spacious it is. It’s not as small as the buses that I’ve been on before. And it’s ten times bigger than Ace’s RV. Well, maybe not ten but you get the picture. It’s huge.

My only dilemma is one bathroom for six adults isn’t going to cut it. It’s going to be a huge adjustment. Granted, we’re only on here to sleep and the girls reassured me that we could shower at the venue for more privacy. I’m all about privacy. No way I want any one of these guys to see my girlie bits other than Jax. Not after he went off on Gavin just to introduce himself. I wanted to discuss it tonight but it’s not a good time. It will need to wait.

---