Page 39 of Wylder and the Almost Rockstar
“Everything okay?” Wylder set the box of protein bars back on the counter and went to sit with him on the couch.
“No. It’s not.” Logan sighed. “Luke’s tour was on pause before, but now it’s been canceled.”
“Canceled?” Wylder’s jaw dropped. “They can’t do that!” Even she knew a canceled tour could be the kiss of death to a singer’s career. This was not good.
“That’s what I said. But a bunch of the scheduled arenas pulled out of the tour because of the rumors.”
“This isn’t good, Logan.”
“Ugh, I don’t know what to do.” Logan dropped his head into his hands.
“What did Luke say?” Wylder asked.
“Said it was no big deal, there will be other tours once this blows over.”
“He’s probably right.”
“You don’t know Luke. Outwardly, it’s like he doesn’t care about anything. He won’t admit this has him scared, but inside he’s freaking out. We’re twins. I know him better than I know myself, and he’s not handling this well.”
“What does the label say?”
“They’re not happy with him, but for the moment they’re still behind him. But that could change in an instant. You know how it is. When an artist is painted in an unfavorable light, the label ultimately goes whichever direction the wind blows, and that’s often not in the artist’s favor.”
“How about you?” Wylder tugged on his hand, forcing him to look at her.
“What about me?”
“How are you taking this? It affects you too, you know. A canceled tour is like a bad omen for any musician—and you’re the musician in this equation.”
“It’s Luke’s career I’m worried about right now.”
“Don’t you love music?”
“Yes. I love singing and writing songs. But I don’t need the fame. I never wanted that.”
“Music is a huge part of your life, Logan. You get to sing and record songs, create music for your brother to perform—and you get paid for it. It’s your dream job. Without Luke, without his career, is there anything else you could see yourself doing? Anything you love as much as music?”
Logan’s mouth twitched into a smile. “You know, no one has ever asked me that. Through all of this—this nightmare of lies and deceit—no one’s ever thought to ask me what I want. Since we were fifteen, it’s always been about Luke. And I’ve been okay with that.”
“But?” Wylder pressed.
“But, when you and I were on stage, right before the music started, I was in a blind panic. Performing on stage in front of a huge audience has always terrified me. I freeze up, and it spirals downhill from there. It’s not pretty. But the moment that curtain of lights came on and the holograms took the stage, and I heard your voice urging me on—that was the best feeling in the whole world.
“If that’s what Luke feels every time he steps on stage, I can’t take that away from him. I don’t want to lose it either, but if it all goes away tomorrow, I’ll be okay. I can’t say the same for my brother.”
“What time is it?” Wylder grabbed his wrist to check the time on his watch. “Six-thirty, perfect.”
“What’s perfect about six-thirty?”
“Hockey game. Come on, we’ve got just enough time to make it before they do that fight for the puck thing they do.”
“They call that a face-off.”
“Whatever, we don’t want to miss it, that’s my favorite part.” Wylder tugged him up from the couch. “Let’s go find Diego, he’ll scout out the best seats.”
“Okay, but why all of a sudden do you want to go to the hockey game?”
“It’ll get your mind off this awful business with Luke, and we can show our support for Killian’s team.”
