Page 6

“Heads up,” Pressley called out over the intercom, “the bossman is headed in with an announcement.”

“Shit, did we fuck up?” Tibby’s eyes widened, I swear the poor guy was about to pass out.

“Afternoon, gentlemen,” Easton said as he stepped inside the space. “I come bearing good news.” A collective sigh went around the room, Easton smiled. “There’s no need for that. From all the reports I get you’re doing a great job, which is why we were able to put together a tour for you. Imminent Danger will be opening for Chaotic Abyss on the road for the three months leading up to Rocktoberfest!”

“Holy shit!” Claude hollered. “This is epic!”

“Are you sure we’re ready?” The words were out before I could stop them. Meant to be a thought, not spoken. To us we sounded great, but did that count?

“If I didn’t you wouldn’t be booked for it.” Easton was a no-nonsense guy and knew what he was talking about. Why I’d even questioned him was anybody’s guess. Probably just instinct or sheer stupidity. Years of questioning every win was automatic for me. “Pressley has the details and will email you all the schedule.”

Whoa, our first major tour…

“Joey, Stoli, Mickey and Diamond will be there with you so fear not,” Easton added. “I wouldn’t throw you to the wolves without backup.”

Bang! Thump! And the rattling of cymbals scared the shit out of me. “We have a drummer in the making!” Diamond cheered, their daughter in his lap giggling and swinging the sticks in her tiny hands.

Easton shook his head. “And on that note, I need to get our impressionable daughter away from the class clown.”

These guys were great. So down to earth and called everyone out on their bullshit—even a spouse. Before Easton had a chance to snag the happy little girl, Diamond put her on his shoulders and marched out, singing a silly song she clapped along with. Yeah, Easton had his hands full for sure. A quick peek into the window between us and the sound engineer and I spotted their son on the other side with Wolf. Shame he never had kids, I bet he would’ve made a great dad.

Or Daddy, in my case.

Don’t go there, Tony, no one gets that side of you.

Sometimes I wondered if I even did…

The second the door shut behind Diamond and Easton, Claude began jumping around. That guy had wayyy too much energy. “I can’t believe this. We’re hitting the road already and with Chaotic. This is gonna be so awesome!”

“And a second year at Rocktoberfest on top of that,” Bowie added. “My dudes, this is our dream come true.”

Some dreams turned into nightmares. I hoped like hell this wasn’t one of them.

“It’ll be interesting to see what kind of crowds we gather now since playing Rocktoberfest last year,” Claude added. “I mean, we were virtual unknowns playing there so initially they come to see Chaotic, but with each taste of Imminent, hopefully, they’ll come back for the whole enchilada.”

“Not exactly how I’d put it,” Pressley shook his head. “But yeah, same point, I think, which brings me to lunch. It’s in the breakroom.” A room full of twenty somethings, yeah, we can eat on cue. It was a mad dash for the food, we didn’t care what they got us. Hell, gas station hot dogs sustained Bowie and me many times over the years.

“Everything smells great.” Wolf pressed his lips to my head and whispered, “these curls drive me mad.”

Had I broken Mister no fraternizing at work?

“You okay, Little Wren?” My face heated at the open use of my special nickname, though I secretly loved it.

“Just um, just surprised you’re being so open about us at work.” Was that wrong? Guess we probably should’ve had this conversation already.

He stopped mid-scoop and turned to me. “Is that okay? Probably should’ve asked first.”

“Yeah, yeah, fine by me just wasn’t sure about you. You’re super private and low-key.” Hell, I’m just happy he wants me around.

“We can talk more tonight, if you’re free?” I nodded. “But yeah, I’m not gonna hide you or what you mean to me.”

If I smiled any wider my face would split.

“This will probably be the last calm weekend of your life. Come Monday, they own you. Well, technically they already do. Masterson takes great care of their associates, so there are no worries there, but the schedule will become hectic. When you need to tap out, just say the word because if I see you draining yourself, I will step in.”

Yes, Daddy, nearly slipped out. Wrong place, wrong time and possibly the wrong thing to say to Wolf. Period.

“Not sure what’s going through that handsome head of yours, but you need to eat up. We can talk about it later.” He gave me a kiss and walked out with his full plate, leaving me to deal with the other three sets of eyes that were glued to us.