When we were down to the last two songs, I signaled the guys to stop playing. I turned to the crowd and said . . . "I've got a surprise for someone special in my life." I glanced to my right, and Peyton's eyes were as big as saucers. "Come on out here, sweet cheeks." I motioned with my hand for her to come to me. She shook her head furiously, but I nodded and gave her my devilish grin. "Come on, baby." She crossed the stage, against her better judgment, and stopped by my side. I wrapped my arm around her and kissed her temple.
"I'm going to kill you,” she whispered.
"Baby, thousands of people just heard you threaten me," I said, cocking my head toward the microphone in front of us. She blushed feverishly.
"I have a special surprise tonight. My girl, Peyton, here," I tilted my head in her direction. "She loves Brad Paisley." People in the crowd clapped in appreciation, but Peyton looked up at me through thick lashes. "You know country is not my style, but being that I'm going to be gone for a while, I'd like to do a couple of songs just for her," I said. Tears sprang to her eyes as I turned to face her. I sang the ‘Perfect Storm’ and ‘She's Everything.’ When the last song ended, I dropped the microphone, wrapped my arms around her, and pulled her small body tight against mine.
I glanced at the crowd to find people with their cell phones out, but this time using the flashlight function or lighters held high in the night sky as we moved together. Both our hearts pounded out a beat in perfect rhythm. We swayed back and forth, dancing to our own heart’s tunes. Somewhere in the distance, I heard Jinx’s voice thank everyone for coming out tonight, and reminded them to login to our website to donate to help fight cancer.
"It's time," I heard someone say from behind me. I turned to find Linc, standing there, offering his hand to me. I shook it and gave a quick nod. I took Peyton's hand and led her from the stage and across the parking lot, where a black SUV waited for me. All the guys were also waiting for me.
"You got this, man," Chance said, giving me a fist bump.
"Ditto," Honor said, tipping her chin in an upward motion.
"Don't worry about a thing, man. We'll be here when you get out. Take care, and just think about what you got waiting for you when you get out," Jinx said, smiling at Peyton, where I had her pulled against my side.
I wrapped my arms around her neck and inhaled the fresh, floral scent of her shampoo. Fuck, I was gonna miss that. I’d miss holding her in my arms, her warm body molded against mine.
"Don't over think it," she said. I watched, as the tears streamed down her face. "I'll be here when you're ready." She gave me a weak, watery smile.
"Baby, you're the answers to all of my prayers." I kissed her lips, tasted the salt from her tears, turned, and slid into the SUV with Linc. He was now my approved sponsor for the recovery house; he'd be the only one that was allowed to visit, and even that would be limited. At least he could keep me updated on Peyton, and things with the band.
"You're doing the right thing. You know that, right?"
"Yeah, I know.”
"There’s something I need to tell you before we get there," he said. I nodded, encouraging him to go ahead.
"Marcus Little, OD'd tonight." My heart sank. I immediately thought of Jules, Peyton's best friend. What would this do to her? How would Peyton handle the added stress of a grieving friend, when she was grieving herself?
"Do me a favor, man," I said, because it wasn't a question.
“Keep an eye on Peyton for me and check in on Jules. She and Marcus had a thing. I think she puts on a strong front, but I'm not so sure she's that strong.”
"Anything for you, man. Stay strong," he commanded. The SUV pulled to a stop in front of the resort-like rehab center. This was it. One day at a time.
The End
If you liked Levi's story, then you'll be happy to know that his story will continue later with Peyton's story. The title is yet to be determined. Thank you again for reading my book and please remember to leave a review on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or wherever you purchased Lyric. I love you guys!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My name is Regina Frame and I live in Alabama, with my husband and three dogs. I worked for twenty years in the medical field as an office manager. I fell in love with reading after picking up, "Fifty Shades of Grey," and I haven't stopped reading since. I started out as a beta reader for other authors, and then decided to try it myself. I couldn't stop now, even if I wanted to. I love to write! I love the challenge of bringing characters to life, and love it even more when I hear how they have touched my fans.
I've always had a love for animals and I work with charities, to help raise money for homeless pets. I've been known to carry food in my car and stop on the street to feed an animal. I recently rescued a severely abused dog after trying for two months, with no success. He now lives with my husband and me and he is happy and healthy today. I donate a portion of every book sale to our local Humane Society. I encourage each of you to help support your local animal shelters. Adopt a pet. It could mean life or death for some.
Thank you for your support, it means the world to me.
Table of Contents:
Lyric: A Dirty Affliction Novel
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
About The Author