Page 16 of Electric Wounds
Jax’s voice is strong as he sings, the lyrics coming together with each pass. Marcus’s guitar work is spot-on, his fingers dancing over the strings. Enzo’s bass adds perfect depth, and Dylan’s drumming keeps everything moving.
“That was awesome, guys,” I say, unable to keep the smile off my face as they finish playing the song all the way through for the first time. “You sounded incredible.”
“Thanks, Lily,” Marcus replies, his eyes lighting up. “It feels good to be writing again.”
“Yeah, it does,” Jax agrees, catching my eye. “It’s been too long.”
Enzo grins, his usual cockiness softened by the genuine joy of creating something new. “We might just have a hit on our hands.”
Dylan nods, wiping sweat from his forehead. “Let’s hope so. We could use one.”
They keep playing, getting more and more into it as they start to draft a second song. The music flows easier now, and you can see them feeding off each other’s energy. Instead of arguing, the guys bounce ideas off each other excitedly, talking so quickly my eyes ping pong between them to keep track. Jax’s voice gets stronger, more confident as he sings, and it’s like watching him fall in love with music all over again.
“Enzo, try not to make it sound like a funeral march,” Dylan jokes, grinning over at him during a break in the writing session.
Enzo just glares. “Just keep the beat, Dylan. Let the pros handle everything else.”
Marcus jumps in, trying to keep the peace. “Let’s just keep going. We’re onto something good.”
“Fine,” Enzo mutters, but it lacks heat.
“Let’s play it from the top,” Jax says, his excitement showing.
They launch into the song, and the bus fills with this powerful, infectious energy. The guys are grinning at each other as they play, and I can’t help but tap my foot along with the beat. When they finish, the guys are all pumped, their eyes shining with excitement.
“That was incredible,” I say, full of genuine admiration. “You guys are amazing.”
“Thanks, Lily,” Marcus says, his lips pulled back into a massive grin. “It feels good to be back at it.”
“Yeah, it does,” Jax adds, giving me a look that makes my heart skip.
Enzo grins, “The label is gonna love this one when they hear it.”
Dylan nods, “Better watch out, Lily. Maybe we won’t need a babysitter soon.” He winks at me, to show the comment is a joke, but it doesn’t stop my stomach from dropping. What happens when the band is back on the road to success? They won’t need me anymore.
ELEVEN
THAT GUY
Lily
The band buzzes with excitement as we cruise toward tonight’s venue. After spending the morning writing music together, the guys are in high spirits, the creative energy from earlier still lingering in the air. Jax is chatting with Dylan about a new riff they’ve been working on, while Enzo jokes with Marcus, who’s laughing as he strums his guitar. The mood is light, and the tension that sometimes hangs around is nowhere to be found today.
When we pull up to the venue, the bus doors open to the usual scene of organized chaos. Roadies and crew members are hard at work, setting up the stage, adjusting lights, and arranging equipment. The distant hum of the crowd outside is already audible, their excitement building as they wait for the show to start. This is my third show with the guys, but it already feels like my new normal. I try not to let my thoughts linger on Dylan’s words from last night. It isn’t anything I can worry about right now.
“Alright, let’s get to work,” Jax says with a grin, leading the way off the bus. He’s clearly in his element, exuding that easyconfidence that comes naturally to him. “This is gonna be a good one.”
“Hell yeah, let’s make it a night to remember,” Dylan chimes in, practically bouncing on his toes.
The band slips into their usual routine, each of them focused on getting ready for the show. I lean against the wall, watching and letting it happen, knowing there isn’t need for me to step in for a few minutes. I watch as Jax takes charge, coordinating with the crew, and Marcus and Enzo check their instruments. Dylan’s already behind his drum kit, tapping out a rhythm as he chats with one of the techs.
I hang back in the wings, watching the organized chaos unfold. I’ve been on the road with them long enough to get used to the pace, but there’s still something thrilling about being part of it all. The way everything comes together—the lights, the sound, the anticipation—it’s a kind of magic that never gets old.
As I’m standing there, one of the crew members—a guy whose name I can’t quite remember—sidles up next to me. He’s tall, with sandy hair and a friendly smile that seems just a bit too eager.
“Hey, Lily, you’re looking pretty relaxed. Not nervous about tonight?” he asks, leaning in a little too close for comfort.
I smile politely, not really picking up on his vibe. “Not nervous, just excited. The guys are in a good place today. I think it’s gonna show on stage.”
