Page 131 of Just Trouble

We all watch the single drop at midnight, each taking a retailer just like we always did. It moves like lightning up the charts, blowing us all away with its immediate success.

That means another drink, for everyone.

It means we could be back.

We talk a bit about the future. Jason is more than willing to play with us, and he rocked it tonight. There will be meetings and discussions before it’s decided, especially as I’m not that anxious to spend the better part of each year touring.

I love it, but I love the idea of being with Daph more.

There are two good revenue streams for a band: new content and public appearances. With appearances, you get the third stream of merchandising. We’ve talked it up down and sideways during and between rehearsals—can we release enough new songs to drive revenue without touring all the time? Zach isengaged, so he and I are on the same page. We’re just going to have to gather the data and decide. Will this new single be a flash in the pan, or will it stick on the charts? We don’t have enough information to make a final choice, but it’s great that we’re talking about it.

When nothing is certain, everything is possible.I saw that on a T-shirt once and I want it on mine now.

The crew have started to pack up the gear and the stage is already feeling empty. I feel as if there are opportunities at our fingertips and that only good things can come of this night. The numbers for the livestream are off the charts. We said that some of the revenue from the single would go to a charity, and it’s going to add up.

All good things.

All Taylor’s legacy.

I’ve changed from my soaked jeans and shirt, and I grab a hoodie from the merch, feeling the exhaustion kick in. Steig, one of the roadies who’s been with us the longest, materializes by my side when I head for the door.

“Don’t even think about arguing,” he says gruffly, just the way he always does.

They’re our bodyguards and guardian angels, the people who watch over us when we’re wiped out or in an unfamiliar place. Steig and I probably blend into the shadows as we walk down the back alley and head across Queen Street. We don’t talk. We don’t have to. He knows where I want to go. It’s quieter to the west of the Odeon, the main traffic being at The Carpe Diem Café. I hope Merrie makes a fortune this weekend.

When we get to Daph’s, I head around to the back door. Taylor’s grandparents must be asleep as the camper van is dark—but then it’s three in the morning. There’s a black pick-up parked behind their van, clinging to the shadows of the woods,and I can see the light of a phone through the tinted glass. One of our guys, keeping watch.

I tap on the door, glad that Daph added those blinds, and she swings it open immediately. Golden light spills out of the kitchen and I hear music playing. The interior is alight with candles, filled with soft light and Daph’s smile. Steig nods and disappears, even as I’m pulled inside and into Daph’s arms.

Roxy Music.More Than This. Absolutely perfect.

There’s no sign of Abbie, but before I can ask, Daph smiles up at me. “Abbie went over to Cameron’s for the night. She said we needed our privacy.”

“She always was a smart kid.”

Daph laughs a little, her eyes shining.

Everything feels precious and tentative to me, new territory, and I don’t want to mess up. I just stand there in the kitchen, holding Daph in my arms and not wanting to change one thing.

“Everything okay?” she asks, studying me, and I smile.

“Perfect,” I say and mean it. “I was terrified you’d blow me off in front of the entire world,” I confess and she laughs at me.

“Not quite the entire world.”

“We livestreamed the concert and it’s going to be showing everywhere by morning.” I lean my forehead against hers and close my eyes. She’s my harbor and my haven, the reason for everything, and it’s glorious. “We’re back, though we have to decide where to go from here.”

“Are you going to tour?” I hear the concern that I share.

“We’re trying to figure out how to manage without it.”

She nods, considering that. “You’re really good at performing.”

“I like it.” I smile at her. “I like being here more.”

She smiles and blushes and I have to kiss her again.

“Sorry to have you hustled out after the show. I thought it would be better.”

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