Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 98823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“You know what they say about all work…” Ilene trailed off with a knowing smile right as Ezra plunked down next to me.
“Finally. All the luggage is loaded, everyone’s on board both buses, and we’re ready to head to the venue. It’s almost show time.” He sounded like a kid counting down to Christmas, and his excitement made him look younger than usual. A hank of his dark hair fell in his eyes, and my fingers twitched, only too eager to brush his rebel hair away. On missions and other jobs, I was the king of overpreparation. Leave nothing to surprise. But here, it was all too possible that I wasn’t ready for this trip. Or for Ezra and his uncanny ability to distract me.
Chapter Six
Ezra
Duncan looked good sweaty. He’d lost the sports coat at some point, and apparently, I’d been wrong about him carrying a weapon because there was no holster I could see. Just Duncan with his shirtsleeves rolled up, tirelessly searching for security issues before the concert in the Midwest summer humidity. The sweat along his hairline made me think about showers for two, which was not the direction my thoughts should have veered.
“Are we good to go?” My voice was a little too tight as I walked up to where he stood near one of the entrance gates. I’d played this outdoor amphitheater before, and I liked the steep slope of the lawn and the way the stage resembled a castle, especially from this vantage point at the top of the rows of chairs. Two brick turrets framed the jumbotron screen that would display the concert so even those near where we stood could see the show. “Kate says the venue folks are getting antsy about letting early-arriving ticket holders in.”
Duncan had been muttering about open access and multiple security issues since we’d arrived for our setup and soundcheck. He whirled to face me after inspecting the barricade around the gate. Voices rumbled in the distance, but a large brick structure near the entrance blocked us from view.
“We’re ready. But I thought I left you in your dressing room. With orders to stay there.” Frowning, he gestured to the castle-like structure, which had pretty nice dressing rooms and waiting areas, but nothing interesting enough to contain my pre-show adrenaline.
“Eh. I got bored.”
“You still shouldn’t be wandering around on your own.”
“Someone needed to find you. And my dad always says don’t ask others to do jobs you aren’t willing to do yourself,” I chirped as I bounced on the balls of my feet.
“Now you sound like me.” He offered me a weary smile.
“That’s a scary thought.” I laughed, but my hands tensed. I wasn’t sure how much I wanted to have in common with Duncan. “And seriously, I have so much nervous energy right before a show, I wasn’t about to bother a roadie about finding you.”
“Nervous? After all these years?” Duncan shook his head like I was being unnecessarily dramatic.
“Every time. I get amped like you wouldn’t believe.” I’d been known to break out jumping jacks or dance moves to try to quiet the kangaroos hopping about my chest before a show, but I didn’t need him scoffing any further at me.
“I can tell.” He nodded at my feet which still hadn’t slowed down. “But seriously, I need you to stay put no matter how much stage fright you’re battling.”
“It’s not fear.” My forehead wrinkled as my eyes narrowed. “I love performing live. I know some musicians are happiest in the studio or small venues, but to me, there’s nothing like big show energy. No high on earth like it, and right before I go out, my whole body is on red alert, waiting for that rush and wanting to deliver for the audience.”
“You will.” His expression was strangely serious, and the air between us seemed to shift, some rogue humidity surge making a bead of sweat roll down my back. I shuffled forward like the rising heat was pushing me. But before I could do something stupid, Duncan continued, “Speaking of high…”
“I don’t party like that.” I stepped back. At least his assumption served to keep me from doing something ridiculous like touching him. “I saw enough of what Danny went through that it scared me out of whatever teen dabbling I’d been doing. Besides, I’m all about preserving my voice, not wrecking it with smoking or other substances.”
“Good for you.” He nodded sharply, but I wasn’t sure he believed me.
“I don’t police the band or crew though.” I gestured back at the stage where the roadies were putting the finishing touches on the set. “Everyone’s over twenty-one, and pot is legal in a lot of the states we visit. There’s no need for any new rules in that area from you. I trust my people.”