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Laughing together, eating together, burning through miles and days…and that immortal last nerve, always frayed but hanging in there, surviving another night with the guys who wouldn’t stop stepping on it. I loved this life and the boy I got to share it with.

Now bring on the fucking grub!

Chapter Thirteen

Tony

Our Vegas show

Shit, I may vomit…

As I looked at my band brothers, they had similar signs of fear on their faces. Time to take control as the frontman and hype them up. “My dudes, we are fucking playing in Vegas!”

“And to a sold-out show!” Bowie added. “Who even are we and where did our old lives go?” Perfect! That was the reaction I’d aimed for.

“Do you really want them back?” Claude asked. “I know I don’t. It’s all forward momentum for this drummer.”

“Alright, my brothers, hands in. Let’s rock the fuck out of Vegas!” But before we could finish our preshow chant, it was clear we weren’t alone. All the guys from Social Sinners were here along with…wait, was that. “Holy shit.”

“Dude,” Bowie said, “Is that the guys from Maiden Voyage?”

“That it is. I’m Derek,” he shook our hands as though we were worthy of touching such a metal god. We were completely star struck. “Good to meet you. We’ve heard a lot about you from Shadow and Stoli and since you’re close to home, thought we’d take a ride up and check out a show.”

“You-you,” I stuttered and shook my head. “You came to watch us?”

“Yup, I’m Ryder. This grouch beside me is my husband and bodyguard, Max.” The man, clearly another Fizzbo clone, groaned and shook his head. “See what I mean. Anyhow, we’re excited to catch you guys live.”

“You literally drove up from Arizona to watch us play?” Tibby asked. He definitely knew more about then than I did.

“That we did, my man. I’m Jaxson, by the way.”

“Yeah, I’m a bit of a Maiden Mayven,” Tibby said. “Kinda know as much about you guys as is possible without camping out in the bushes outside your house.”

Thankfully, all but Shadow laughed. Then again, he’d been around us enough to know our brain to mouth filters were faulty.

Jaxson winked, “Ain’t nothing better than being stalked by adorable fans. Ouch,” the tall man beside him smacked the back of his head. “What was that for?”

“We’ll discuss it later. Nice to meet you guys. I’m Jaxson’s partner, Shep.” We were introduced to Logan, Derek’s husband and Lucas, Shadow’s other half. Fucking hell, if we weren’t nervous before, we sure as hell were now given the rock ‘n roll royalty here tonight.

“Guys,” Stoli and Joey came over, joining our circle. “You’ve got this. These guys are your best cheerleaders. They’ve heard your music and loved it, now they want to see you play it live. Yeah, this is the largest crowd, both in front and back of house, you’ve ever played for. But that just makes the roar even louder and to me that is the best fuel you could get. Now get out there and kick some ass!”

The rumble of the crowd the second we hit the stage was like fire burning through our veins. Heart pumping, adrenaline coursing—this decibel blowing welcome was just what we needed.

“Good evening Las Vegas!” Wild shouts and whistles intermingled with screams bounced from the rafters. “Wow, we’re honored. Tonight we’re gonna kick it off with a new track that hit the airwaves today. If you know the words, sing along with us. This is the Insanity You Preach!”

Do you hear what you’re saying?

The insanity coming from your mouth

Can’t think for yourself

Nothing more than a mindless bot

Creating your own God because no other would have you

Using it like a shield

How can you live with yourself?