Page 6 of Anchor Grey
“But you can’t know that for certain. Bad things happen and we end up with the shit end of the stick one more time,” Johnny said and squeezed his eyes shut just as Glen came over to us.
“Hey, Devon, are you guys ready?” he asked and looked between Johnny and me.
“Oh yeah, can’t wait. I’m glad I played with you guys last year. At least I know what to expect.” He glanced at Johnny, but I shook my head letting him know not to ask. Another bonus to me playing in his band was the fact we’d grown closer even if we hadn’t played together. One drummer was enough for most bands.
“We got it cleared for us to join you guys on your last song, so don’t be stressed when we just appear. And don’t be surprised if Easy’s dad makes an appearance. He does what he wants, and we stay out of the way.” Glen shook his head in wonder, and I tried not to laugh. Drake was fond of stomping out on the stage wearing his kilt and combat boots reliving his punk days. “The crowd is great this year. As soon as you guys go out, they’re goingto lose it. You’ve got a good following, and they’ll kick up the applause.”
I squeezed Johnny’s arm as Glen spoke, hoping he was hearing what he was saying. This crowd wasn’t just for other bands; they were here for us too. “Drake’s a lot of fun.”
“Hey, I see you guys are playing Aftershock in Sacramento in a few months,” Glen said and looked at Johnny.
“Yes, they actually invited us. You guys are playing too, right?” I asked.
“Yes, we’re headlining on the Friday,” Glen said, and I knew exactly how proud that made him. Blinding Light had been through just as much drama as Anchor Grey had, and now they were finally getting rewarded for all their hard work. “When are you playing?”
I looked at Johnny and waited for his reply. “We’re playing the Saturday at sunset,” he said and finally grinned.
“Excellent. It’ll be nice to be so close to home for once.”
“I never thought I’d get tired of staying in hotels, but I am officially tired of staying in hotels,” I said, and they both chuckled.
“It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Hey, I’m going to round up Easy and Liam and leave you guys alone so you can be ready as soon as they give you the signal.”
“Thanks, Glen, and good luck tonight.” He patted my shoulder before hurrying over to where Easy and Liam were having a now very animated conversation with Mateo and Jeremy and dragged them away. Mateo and Jeremy walked over to us, and we all stood together, waiting.
“So, this is it,” Johnny said and swallowed hard.
“Dude, stop acting like it’s the end. It’s just the beginning. We’re going to kick some fucking ass out there,” Jeremy said.
The four of us bumped fists in the center of where we stood and I took a deep breath. As the energy of the crowd washed over me, I was energized, and when Johnny looked my way, I rushed to him and squeezed his face in my hands before kissing him hard. “I love you, and we’re going to make this our best show yet.” He laughed and broke the kiss before pushing me away.
“Okay I believe you,” he said, and I knew he meant it.
“Anchor Grey, ready to go in two,” a stagehand said as he rushed past us.
“This is it, guys, let’s show them who we are,” Johnny said.
Six
Johnny
The four of us stood backstage waiting for the signal that would tell us it was time. Our dream was finally coming true. But something wasn’t right. I’d been waiting for this moment for years, but as I stood there shaking, with sweaty hands and a stomach full of acid and not much more, I wasn’t sure anymore.
“Anchor Grey, it’s go time,” one of the backstage crew said and ushered us out to the stage. The sun was just setting but the lights were intense and blinding as we hurried out to the sound of the crowd screaming.
Devon walked past me and squeezed my shoulder before stopping. He gripped both my shoulders and looked me straight in the eyes. “We’re going to show them what we’re made of and you’re going to lead us. I love you, and we’ve got this,” Devon said before pulling me in and kissing me. For the moment our lips touched all sound faded away and there were only the two of us. He pressed his forehead against mine and gave me more strength than I would ever be able to explain or thank him enough for.
“Let’s go,” I said more thankful for him than I could express. I walked out to the front of the stage and after turning back to check on everyone, hit the opening chord and—it was magic. Devon pounded out the beat while Mateo and Jeremy played along. All of us in perfect rhythm and showing this massive crowd that we deserved to be here. Even if I didn’t believe it myself.
I glanced back at Devon as he threw sweat all over the place. He was working hard and giving it all he had. We’d finished playing the first two songs on the playlist and had just started the third when an old dude wearing only a kilt and combat boots rushed out on the stage. The crowd went crazy obviously recognizing him and he played it up for them before stomping over to each of us.
Looking to the side of the stage Blinding Light were all there. Easy had his arm slung around Liam, while they watched who had to be Easy’s dad and laughed. None of it distracted us enough to stop and as the last notes of the song ended, they all rushed to the stage. They had their instruments and when Glen walked over to where Devon was, he stood at the front of the drums with a cowbell and a stick. Liam and Jeremy both picked out a riff and laughed while Rory and Mateo bumped fists.
“What’s up, Rocktoberfest?” Easy screamed into the mic when he joined me at the front of the stage. The crowd went even more crazy, pushing up to the front and jumping around looking like an ocean made of people. “We just wanted to make sure you welcomed our friends Anchor Grey. They’ve been working hard for the past few months and since we all toured together for a while we thought you wouldn’t mind if we all joined in on ‘Livin’ the Dream,’ their latest hit.” He held his hand out like a ringmaster announcing the next act and played the crowd like an expert. “What do you say, Johnny?” He flashed that sly grin and smirked as he waited for me to respond.
“Let’s goooooo!” I screamed and we played together. Hitting it all note for note. Easy sang backup and it sounded so fucking amazing that any doubts I had were gone and all I could think about was how incredible this moment was.
The lights had faded, and the music played on in the background as the four of us sat backstage in the room reserved for Blinding Light. They’d all insisted we go there to clean up while they played, and even though I would have loved to watch them, I had to admit it was nice to get cleaned up. “What did you think?” Mateo asked as he plopped on the couch next to me.
