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ten
Where are we now?
The Philly stadium was nice, though I could have been in any town anywhere. And it already was starting to feel like it was. At least I wasn’t late this time. Restless, yes, but everyone was where they were supposed to be. Miami and Jinx had gone by themselves to do a radio show and were meeting us at the venue for the meet and greet. And after that, we had soundcheck.
I signed a few posters and shirts before Drake was at my side. “Zade is here again.”
“Well, shit. That’s one determined dude.” He hadn’t been in Jersey that I knew, anyway. But following us to Philly was a bit much.
“I think he has a crush on you or something. What do you want to do?”
“Got an idea. I don’t think we should keep letting him back. And for fuck’s sake, last time was awkward as hell.” I got up and motioned for Coleman. “Hey, can you run up and get a pair of sticks from Mick?” He was in charge of the equipment between shows.
“Yeah, sure, what’s up?”
“Got an overly zealous fan, and we’re not letting him backstage.”
“You think giving him sticks will help?” Drake asked. “You don’t think that would just encourage him to keep this up?”
“It’s to soften the blow. But not being allowed back anymore should give him the message. Plus, you know, he’s from Atlanta. This is pretty far for him, and Boston has to be worse. But after that, we’re on the other side of the country.” Hell, jumping from Jacksonville to Atlanta to Richmond and then New Jersey and Philly before finally moving on to Boston for our East Coast leg was a lot for the band and we had support. Surely, Zade would not continue following us. “He’s just seriously fan-boying, and I’ve never had that.”
“That you know of.” Drake glared at me as if I’d done something wrong.
“What the fuck ever.”
It only took about ten minutes for Coleman to get the sticks. I signed them. Zade! Stay cool, dude.Adding my name to that one and only signed my name on the other. Drake tucked them under his arm. “Oh hey. Give him tickets to the show. Just don’t let him backstage.”
“What reason should I give?”
“I don’t give a fuck.”
Coleman put an arm around me. “Settle down. Tell him there’s no capacity.”
“Gotcha.”
“I need a drink. This is nuts.” I signed a few more things and shook hands. Selfies were taken. Eventually, it was time to get backstage to psych up for the show. I loved my fans, so this should have been more enjoyable. It wasn’t, and that had to mean I was getting tired. I was looking forward to the downtime that was coming.
My back was killing me, and I kept missing the beat. I was dragging, and it was very unlike me, and I was pretty damn sure everyone noticed. Especially when Miami held his hand up and made the cutting motion. “Zig?”
“I know.” I twirled a stick out to the side. “You want to take it from the top or move on or what?”
Jinx tilted his head to the side. “What do you want to do?”
“I want to fuck off right about now.” I dropped the stick, letting it fall wherever the fuck it went. I needed something stronger for my back, and I didn’t care to tell the whole world my problems. So I pulled my usual shit and stormed off, heading for the dressing rooms. I at least could smoke the rest of the blunt I had in there and maybe ease up on the pain a bit. The yoga helped, but I could no longer escape the fact that I needed a brace, and that was a very hard pill to swallow. I did not want to admit it. And maybe a doctor to look at my old damn bones would help. I’d been doing this too long. Even when Midnight Hunt wasn’t together, I was still playing. Not on big stadium tours like this, but playing, nonetheless.
I dug the blunt out of my bag and headed toward the service entrance, Drake shadowing me as usual. I kind of expected Coleman to follow me as well, but he hadn’t. Fine. I knew he had other things to do. Promotor things. He did have a company to run.
I lit up and held the first toke, letting it settle in. Hoping for a little relief.
“Yo. Zig. There you are.” Not Coleman, but Jinx.
I rolled my hand, gesturing for him to go on since I sure as shit wasn’t letting the smoke out too soon.
“What’s up. That wasn’t like you?”
Turning to the side, I exhaled long and slow. “What part?”
“You know what part, man. You never mess up like that. Walking away. Running out here to get high. Yeah, those are normal, but never have you put in a bad performance.”
