Page 23 of Lost Lyrics

Never subtle. Not his style. “The fire hasn’t gone out. It never did. Unlike you.” I smirked, giving him a dig in return.

I understood the desperation and need for music. Our friendship and our band were life. Cole and I had been gutted when Flint lost his connection with music after Phil died. Sutton had been the key to getting it back. But I’d never lost touch with music. I just needed time out. The alcohol and drugs and pain had broken me. I’d pushed myself too hard. I didn’t want to find myself in the gutter again. “I play nearly every day. But Bowen Island is where I need to be for now.”

“I know you do. I want nothing more than for you to be well.But just so you know, I’ve been writing songs.” A spark stirred low in Flint’s tone. “I’m creating tunes. Coming up with new riffs. Recording progressions. I can’t wait to get back together so we can turn them into something amazing.”

Cole slumped in his chair. Anguish drifted across his eyes. “Flint, why haven’t you asked Lewis and me over?”

Flint jiggled his leg, fidgeted with a coaster, and furrowed his brow. His voice fell to a pained murmur. “It wouldn’t be the same without Slip.”

The weight in his tone pressed against my chest.

Me being away was hard on everyone, especially Flint. I understood that. But they had my back.

“Thanks, man.” I stared at my drink to avoid Flint’s heavy gaze. “That means a lot to me.” But shit...a wild notion popped into my head. How did I feel about it? I had no clue. I had to put it out there...for Flint. I cared about him too much to not say anything. My stomach cinched and swayed like a sail in the breeze. “If you’re that hungry to create new music, why don’t you do something that isn’t related to the four of us? Work on a new project. Maybe...shit...have you considered doing a solo album?” I held my breath as I glanced from Cole, to Flint, to Lewis and back again, gauging their reactions. All three jerked backward like I’d stabbed them in the fucking hearts...and their backs.Fuck.I backpedaled a fraction. “Or what about writing songs for other artists? Do a collaboration. Work with Kyle, Gem, Hayden, and Hunter. Everhide would love you to work with their signed artists. You need to keep busy. Keep writing.”

“Are you fucking with me?” Blue fire shot through Flint’s eyes. “No. Other musicians do that when they want to explore alternate music styles and sounds that differ from their band’s vibe. That’s not me. I’m not me without the three of you. I don’t ever want to go down that road.”

It’d kill me too, but I never wanted to hold my friends back while I focused on fixing myself. “Flint, none of us want you to lose your gift again. It’s just a side project. Just...think about it.”

“No.” His jaw tensed and ticked. If looks could kill, I’d be dead.

“Whoa. Breathe, dude.” Lewis nudged Flint on the arm. “It was just a suggestion. But...it’s an interesting one.” He shrugged and bobbed his head. Then, clicking his fingers, he straightened. “What about that chick you told me about? The one you introduced me to at the LA Music Awards after-party? What’s her name?...Reba? She was looking for a songwriter, wasn’t she?”

Reba?She’d lost on the Discovered-On-YouTube contest that had shot Everhide to fame several years ago. She’d had a great solo career since then but hadn’t had any big chart-topping hits for a couple of years. We often caught up at events. She was quirky and wild and would be fun to work with.

“Whoa.” Cole eased forward, rested his arms on the table, and clasped his hands together. He took a moment to breathe as he studied Flint. “It’s not a horrid idea. We’d support you if you wanted to do it. Although it would be like you’re cheating on us.”

“See?” Flint thrust his palm at Cole and glared at me. “I couldn’t do it.”

“Fine. Don’t.” I leaned back in my chair, stretched out my legs, and crossed my ankles. There was no skin off my back. I just didn’t want him to resent my time off. I couldn’t handle that. Not ever. “It was just an idea. But regarding us, as a band, please bear with me. I’ll come back when I’m ready. I promise.” I just wasn’t there yet, and I was scared I never would be. My love for these guys and music were the only things that kept me optimistic.

“Slip? Ignore Flint. He’s got other things to worry about.” Cole snickered and jutted his chin at Flint. “You’re gonna be inundated with wedding plans. You won’t have time to contemplate doing anything else.”

“Yes, I will. Sutton will have everything under control. She’s incredible and knows what she wants and loves organizing parties. If I help, I’ll just get in her way and stress her out. I don’t want to do that.” He swiveled his water bottle around on top of the table, staring at it. Trouble etched deep into his brow. “It’s just weird not having music to work on. After our second tour, we had a contract to deliver another album. Now, after our third, we have nothing. No goal. No deadlines. And I don’t like that. I need music and to play in front of crowds and to be with you guys.”

My chest ached, low and deep. I’d crave those things too...when I was better.

Flint knew that. Respected that. But that never stopped him from having a crack at testing me.Asshole, but I love him.

“Flint, come hang out with Tia and me.” Lewis changed the direction of the conversation. “We’re off to Ibiza next week, then traveling with Duke and his band up the West Coast doing the festival circuit. It will be fun.”

Oh yeah. Festivals were wild...often full of drugs, booze, and raging parties. When Flint struggled after Phil’s death, Cole and I had played with friends at some festivals to help them out as needed. It had been a gig here and there—nothing serious. Nothing long term. Not our music. We were The Flintlocks. No other band or venture could replace that. We were tied to each other for life.

But until my soul healed, and my mental strength returned, I couldn’t mend the hole I’d caused in our band. I wouldn’t let Flint, or anyone else, sway my decision.

“Damn. I love a good festival.” Flint slowly broke out intoa smile. He glanced over my shoulder at the partygoers and chuckled. “But I’ll pass. I was away from Sutt too much during the tour. She’d kill me if I took off again.”

“Who’s under the thumb?” Cole kicked Flint’s ankle underneath the table.

“I’m not afraid to admit I am.” Flint grinned with no shame. “But you can’t talk. How many times have you asked Ava to move in with you now?”

“I’ve lost count.” Cole slouched back in his chair and gulped down his water. He placed the empty bottle on the table and crushed it. “I’ve given up asking. I don’t like not getting my way. Why the fuck did I fall for a woman who doesn’t kiss my feet?”

“Because there’s no fun in that.” I shrugged. “Ava’s good for you.”

A cool smile inched across his mouth. “She drives me fucking crazy, but in a good way. I’d do anything for her and our kids.”

“Then the best thing you can do is to be patient.” I spoke to Cole but directed my comment at Flint. He just grinned and nodded. He knew that was meant for him. I flicked my gaze back to Cole. “Give Ava the time she needs. Shock fucking horror, but sometimes people need that to figure things out. They need to make sure any big life changes are right and to be confident in those choices. Not everyone processes things at the same pace. Give her some space or you’ll drive her away.”

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