“Would you if I said yes?”
Why does he care? He hasn’t over the past few weeks. “I guess so,” I answer. The whole Latson thing is still a sore spot for me. I was planning to send the guitar back to him when I got home and settled.
“Good.” Dean’s eyes light up. “I thought you’d agree, so it’s already backstage.”
“What’s going on?” Yes, I’m suspicious.
“You want to impress your family, right? Plus, it’s the last show. I like the sound better.”
“Now you tell me?” I make a face.
He smiles as Roxanne gets our attention. “All right, lady and gentlemen. Let’s head to our final meet and greet.”
The five of us file out of the room and down the halls of the Palace of Auburn Hills. I’ve been to countless concerts in this arena throughout my life; it’s only thirty minutes away from my home. Never once did I think I’d be playing on stage here, though. The farther I walk, the more mixed my feelings become. Excitement, intimidation, a little bit of sadness … they’re all there.
When we enter the room to meet the fans, I spot my family right way. My parents faces light up when they see me; they wave and I wave back. My eyes find my brothers Adam, Josh, and Pete, then Jules ... then Carter, Felix, and Gwen. Holy shit. I wasn’t expecting them. Adrenaline surges through me and my heart dares to hope a certain someone else is here, too. My eyes search the room, but they don’t find him. I hide my disappointment. Did I really think he’d show up?
No. Not until I saw everyone else.
Roxanne and the Palace staff start to let people through to meet us like usual. Attendance has picked up during the tour like Rox had hoped; there have been at least a hundred fans, if not more, at the last several meet and greets. Mid-way through the signing, my parents make it to me.
“Baby girl.” My dad looks at me out of the corner of his eye before opening his arms for a hug. I gladly sink into them. It’s been months since I’ve been on the receiving end of a Dad Hug.
“Hey, Dad,” I say against his shoulder before he steps back and holds me at arm’s length. He looks me over, and I do the same to him. What the hell? “Who dressed you?” I ask.
He chuckles. “Jules got ahold of me.” He looks down. “You don’t like my jeans?”
“They have holes in them.” They’re distressed and ripped, very hip for a fifty-five year old English instructor. He’s also wearing a vintage, little-too-tight Moody Blues tee.
“Let’s get one with my girl!”
My mom’s hand slides around my shoulders as she pulls me into a picture with her and Drew. She pops one knee and winks as Jules takes the picture, a total confident fan-girl pose. I look at my dad. “What did you feed her?”
“I’m just excited,” she gushes and leaves Drew to hug me. “I’m so proud of you! This is so big time.”
I smile. “It kinda is, isn’t it?” She kisses my temple and leans away. It’s then I notice she’s dressed the same as my dad. “What’s with the Moody Blues?”
“It’s the first concert I went to with your father. We still had the t-shirts!”
“Let me get a picture of all three of you and then one with the boys.” Jules starts ordering us around. My parents stand on either side of me and wrap their arms behind my waist. Jules raises her camera and says, “Say pickles!”
“What?” My mouth falls open just as she takes the picture. “Ugh. Take another one.”
She takes a few shots, and then I pose with my brothers. “’Sup.” Josh jerks his chin, trying to look like a badass. It doesn’t work; he’s a much more boyish version of Pete.
“I’ll take that as a hello,” I say.
“Way to go, Little J!” Adam tries to give me a noogie, but I jump out of the way.
“Adam!” I slap at him. “Would you act your age? Jesus.”
“I don’t think they’re used to seeing you like this,” Pete says. He slaps Adam on the back of the head. “Don’t mess up her hair, dick face.”
“Hey, now.” My dad uses his stern voice. Coupled with his signature glare, it’s enough to make my grown brothers behave.
Once my family steps to the side, I hug the crew from Torque and sign things for them. “You guys know you can get my autograph anytime. You didn’t have to come all the way here.”
“Mi amor.” Felix’s voice is smooth. “Montamos en el coche siempre para ti.”
“Huh?” I frown.
“We all rode in your car.” Gwen sounds as excited as my mom. “It was cozy but fun!”
“All five of you fit in my car?” My surprised eyes jump to Pete. “I thought only you and Jules were bringing it back.”
I had to get my car from Chicago somehow, so the plan was for the two of them to drive it to Michigan for the concert. Then, after, they would take the train home.
“Road trip!” Carter grins. “Any excuse to see our favorite bartender.”
Gwen elbows him. “Thanks a lot.”
“What?” He shrugs. “She’s your favorite, too.”
“Okay, you’re right.” Gwen gives me a smile.
I feel a tap on my arm and turn around to see Roxanne behind me. She whispers, “I’m all for the family reunion, but we need to keep the line moving.”
I nod and face everyone. “Okay, guys. I’ll see you from the stage.”
“We get to go to the after party, right?”
I nod my head and push Adam’s arm. “Yes. Go. I’ll see you later.”
Everyone waves goodbye, and my parents give me a quick kiss. Pete lets the group walk ahead of him and then quietly asks, “After “Over-Exposed”, right?”
“Yep.” I grin my first legit grin in weeks. Operation Propose to Jules is officially in motion.
“Break a leg.” Pete fist bumps me.
“You, too.”
He starts to walk away, then stops. “Listen. I caught the look on your face earlier. I’m sorry Latson isn’t here with us. I tried to talk him into –”
“Stop.” I push on his arm like I did Adam’s. “It’s fine. Go have a good time.”
Pete smirks like he doesn’t believe me, then leaves through the exit. Before I turn around to meet the next person, I take a deep breath. The last thing I need right now is to get emotional. I have one more show to play, and it’s important. After tonight, I can wallow in misery for as long as I want. It will make me happy.
Cardinal
rule.
Chapter Twenty Eight
“Think what you want
See what you see
Deal with the lies that you think of me.
All I ever am
And all I’ll ever be
Is the truth behind the lens
That you’ll never see.