Page 106 of Love is a Lyric
Chase waved him away. “Tell Drew and Noah I said hey.”
Ben shook his head. The secret of Rockstars Anonymous was out, at least with those closest to them. There was a time he dreaded these meetings, where Melanie would lead them in exercises and they’d have to share their struggles with the rockstar life.
But that was then.
Now, Ben couldn’t wait to sit around with the strangers who’d become his friends and figure out how to deal with their fame together. They didn’t need booze or drugs like so many others he knew.
The group was a substitute for those vices.
He caught a cab outside, noticing the looks from people on the street. He’d revealed himself to them the night before, shown his true self.
And now he couldn’t hide behind makeup and contacts.
It freed something inside him knowing he no longer had to be anyone else.
The cab pulled up outside the breakfast diner Drew texted him about. He entered, noting the only people present were familiar faces.
“You’re late.” Melanie fixed him with a glare as she stood from the table.
“Aw, Mel.” Noah pulled her back down. “Let the bloke enjoy his morning. He’s earned it.”
Drew grinned. “All hail the gutsiest dude I know. One of us is down, men… and woman.” He winked at Jo.
Jo rested a hand on her still-flat stomach as if it was all she needed.
Ben slid onto a chair. “No Dax?”
“Nah.” Drew shrugged. “He couldn’t make it work to fly in last minute. But don’t fret, we have technology.” He lifted a tablet and tapped the screen. It rang twice before Dax’s face appeared.
After the hellos, Melanie leaned forward. “I’m proud of you all.”
“Ah shucks.” Drew shot her a silly grin. “Whatever did we do to deserve your praise?”
She shook her head at his joke. “When I started this group, I had to force each one of you into it. You were my clients, and I’ve seen so many stars burn brightly before fading because they can’t handle this life. But here I had five rock stars, some established and others newcomers. I saw something in each of you that made me think you were the ones who’d survive the jungle. Yet, no one does it alone.”
She looked to each of them in turn. “You hated each other when we began. You were rivals. Over the years, I’ve seen that hatred turn into a grudging respect, but now I think our mission is complete. You don’t need formal meetings anymore because you’re all bonded, you’re friends. And from what I’ve seen, you’ll be there for each other whether I push you into it or not.”
“Wait.” Drew pushed his chair back and stood. “You’re saying Rockstars Anonymous is over?”
Ben’s brow scrunched. “Sit down, Drew. Of course, she’s not saying that.” He looked to Melanie. “Right?”
“Actually…” She looked down at her hands.
“No.” Ben joined Drew in standing.
“What do you mean ‘no’?” Melanie looked up at them, her face flushed. “I thought you’d all be relieved.”
“You thought wrong.” Drew’s jaw clenched.
Melanie surveyed the table. “You’re all busy. Drew, Noah, Jo this is only the beginning of your tour. Dax, the label has big plans for you. And Ben… well…” Her eyes held the truth. They didn’t know what he’d be doing or ifFatewould continue making music.
Yet, even as his career hung in limbo, he knew two things. He wanted Piper more than anyone in the world, and Rockstars Anonymous meant something. They weren’t just a support group full of grumpy rock stars anymore.
“Ben is going to keep making music.” Drew’s eyes dared anyone to contradict him.
No one did. Instead, they all nodded, bolstering the hope inside Ben.
Ben remained standing. “Rockstars Anonymous has to continue. We aren’t finished yet.”
