Page 24 of Lost Lyrics

“When did you become such a wise old fuck?” Grinning, Lewis waved and pointed his water bottle at me. “Don’t go off at me for being the oldest one in the group.”

“Rehab did me wonders.” I couldn’t deny the fact. The journey back from hell had changed me. I honestly didn’t think I’d be here if I hadn’t. What kept me going every day was Maddy.

But I’d sensed a shift in her. Her mom’s deteriorating health and her own return to work no doubt played on her mind. Ourescape was coming to an end.

Shit.

I wanted to hold on to our life away for as long as possible. But I knew if...no, whenI came back—I had to be more optimistic—these guys would be there for me.Always.

I took in each of my friends. “Guys, stop worrying. Things are good. I’m doing everything I can to get better. I mean that.” I pinned Flint with my gaze. “But you need to take care of yourself and each other, too. Flint, think about writing for Reba. Talk to Everhide. You’re getting married. Be involved. Enjoy every moment. Don’t fuck this up.”

He stared at me. He took a big breath, and a warm smile inched across his face. “I won’t. And...maybe you’re right. I’ll consider contacting Reba and Everhide. No promises, but it might give me something interesting to work on.”

“Good.” I was right. He knew it. I jerked my head toward the partygoers. “Sutton is amazing. You deserve to be happy.”

“I am. But I’d be even better if the band was together.”

A low laugh rumbled through my chest. Fuck, I loved him. “Patience, my padawan.”

“Yes, Master. But you know I have none. Fuck...” Flint groaned as he rubbed the back of his neck and stared up at the sky. “I’ve turned into Sutton, haven’t I?”

“Somewhat.” I bobbed my head slowly. “But you’re good. We’re good. And that’s what matters. We’re The Flintlocks. Together for life.”

But more change was coming.

I felt it in my bones . . . and my soul.

I prayed I was ready and strong enough for whatever lay ahead.

Chapter 7

LEWIS

The electric festival energy hummed through my veins. Flashing lights flooded the concertgoers in a kaleidoscope of colors. The sweet aroma of weed drifted on the gentle breeze. Booze flowed. Thousands of people were in party mode. DJ music thrummed through the speakers as stagehands made equipment changes for the next band to play...for Duke and his boys. In twenty minutes, they’d close out the last night of the festival circuit.

I sat on an old equipment trunk behind the control panel, sucking on a cold beer, absorbing the festival vibe, and ogling Tia’s sexy ass. She stood beside Chloe, Duke’s wife, performing final light and sound checks. With her headset on, Tia rocked a pair of leather shorts and a vest that tied at the center of her chest. Her mid-calf biker boots, long legs, black makeup, and dark brown hair in a messy ponytail gave me a solid boner.

Tia never ceased to amaze me. The change in me since meeting her was beyond astounding. After struggling with my initial attraction since I’d only ever been with men, I now only had eyes for her. She had changed the course of my future. I was still attracted to men, but I didn’t want to be with anyone else but her.

She was my soulmate. My life partner.

We wanted a family.

It drilled a hole in my chest she hadn’t become pregnant yet. We’d had a ton of sex. But none of my squiggly fuckers had gotten through. They were probably fighting with each other for front-row position.That’s my boys...and girls.But none of them had made it to the finish line.Damn it...stupid fuckers.I couldn’t wait to be a dad. But with each month that failed, a dark sadness ate away at the light in Tia’s gorgeous green eyes.

I didn’t want her to worry . . . but we both did.

We’d agreed once we got back to LA tomorrow, we’d start monitoring her ovulation cycle and bang it out wherever and whenever we needed to, so we upped our chances of conceiving. But for now, I wanted us to both chill and enjoy the last night of the festival.

Just have fun.

The past four weeks, we’d sweltered in the sunshine, laid low, and avoided too much public attention which we often encountered in LA. Tia loved working alongside Chloe. I’d spent half my time flirting with Tia during Duke’s shows, the other half stepping in as an instrument tech and stagehand for the band.

It had been a welcomed change of pace after touring the world, attending award season functions, and showing up to meetings with my band’s management team to plan for the future. But if Slip didn’t come home by the end of the year, The Flintlocks schedule was thin. I wanted to spend the rest of my days playing with those guys. For that not to continue scared me. It had played havoc on my mind. Money was no longer an issue, which was one less thing to worry about, but not playing together again wasn’t an option. I wanted The Flintlocks to be my forever band and to have a baby with Tia. But both were in limbo...for now.

I had faith things would work out. I held onto hope. Andprayed like a goddamn motherfucker.

Slip’s absence had put a pause...and a big question mark...overwhenwe’d reform. He’d said he’d come back, and I believed him. I just missed him like crazy. He’d become my best friend on the West Coast. I couldn’t lie. I wanted him to come home.

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