Page 30 of Falling Faster
"I know you do." They've more than proven so. I'll have to think of something nice to repay them.
"Good." Noah releases his hold, then beckons me toward the island and the mess of papers. "The chicken and potatoes will be ready by the time we finish chopping up the salad veggies. They're already cooked, I picked them up on the way home. We're just reheating."
I gather the sheets into a pile. "I'll help with the chopping. And I can set the table."
Slater grins at me. "For a supervillain fan, you're awfully conscientious about helping out."
Laughing, I chuck a balled-up piece of paper at his chest. "What can I say? Like the best villains, I'm a complex character."
The guys crack up, and I join in. I can't wait to tell Craig I'm coming out to see him. I'm itching to call him now, but I don't want to interrupt the band's interview.
An entire day and a half with Craig sounds like another whirlwind, and I can't wait to get swept up in it.
CHAPTER EIGHT
CRAIG
Steam from my shower fills the bathroom, fogging the mirror. I rush through toweling off, then dig out jeans, boxers, and a T-shirt from my suitcase. The adrenaline from spending the past two hours on stage thrums through me, feeding into the electric charge of knowing Ty will be here, in my suite and in my arms, tonight.
When he called me with the news that his friends gifted him the flights to come see me, I was over the moon happy. It's something I'd considered doing myself, and if this goes the way I hope it will, I'll be more than happy to pay for future flights if he'll let me.
My phone chimes with a text alert as I slide on my boxers. I snatch it up and find two messages. The newest is from Luke, above one from Ty that came in while I showered.
Ty: I'm at the airport and waiting for a taxi. See you soon.
Luke: Hey bud, we're in the lounge on the tenth floor tonight if you and your man feel like joining us. Private party, just us and the road crew. Otherwise, we'll see you on Monday.
I love hanging out with the band, but tonight is all aboutTy. They were cool about me rushing off after the last song so I could get back here and get myself ready. In a lot of ways, they remind me of my best friends. A tight knit group, its own family, friendships forged through highs and hardships.
Three rapid knocks sound at the door. My pulse racing, I tug on my shirt then jeans, zipping up as I hurry toward it. Ty's here already? I look through the peephole.
Cody, Devon, and Patrick are crowded in the hallway.
What the hell?
I flip the locks, then tug the door open. Three smiling faces greet me. "Guys? What are you doing here?"
"Surprise!" Cody flings his arms around me, full of enthusiasm, squeezing me so tight breathing is difficult. "We came to see you in action. You were awesome, such a great show."
Wearing a hoodie with the Buffalo Bedlam's logo at the center of his chest, Devon hugs me next. He's the shortest of our group, though Cody only has an inch or so on him. "Patrick got us tickets for tonight's show."
Patrick brings up the rear, clad in a leather jacket and clutching a bottle of water. "I texted Luke once we knew for sure that you were still filling in for Zander tonight and asked him, said we wanted to surprise you."
My first bandmates and oldest, closest friends pile into my room. The four of us are together in the same place again, after several months of being apart. I let the door swing shut and follow them into the suite. "Well, you did. I can't believe you're here."
Cody drops onto the bed with enough force to bounce. "It's not every day our friend gets to play with a multi-platinum band. I wanted to come out and support you earlier in the tour, but couldn't get time off work until now. Still, we made it for your last show. I'm so proud of you."
"You looked good up there," Patrick adds, sitting besideCody. "Luke gave us your room number. I was hoping we’d get to the arena for the pre-show meet and greet, but Cody and Devon’s flight was delayed. We arrived right before The Fury took the stage."
"I’m glad we got to close out the tour with you." Devon's smile is beaming, pride for me shining in his eyes. "You ready for it to be over?"
Patrick narrows his eyes at me. "You look exhausted."
"Yeah. I am. But I'll have tomorrow and Sunday to decompress. On Monday, we're recording that song at Zander's home studio." I peek at my phone, but Ty hasn't sent any new messages. "Listen, Ty's on his way."
"What, here? Now?" Devon asks.
"He texted me a little while ago from the airport. He was waiting for a taxi. He'll be here until Sunday afternoon."
