Chapter 6
Six
Johnny
The four of us stood backstage waiting for the signal that would tell us it was time.
Our dream was finally coming true. But something wasn’t right.
I’d been waiting for this moment for years, but as I stood there shaking, with sweaty hands and a stomach full of acid and not much more, I wasn’t sure anymore.
“Anchor Grey, it’s go time,” one of the backstage crew said and ushered us out to the stage. The sun was just setting but the lights were intense and blinding as we hurried out to the sound of the crowd screaming.
Devon walked past me and squeezed my shoulder before stopping.
He gripped both my shoulders and looked me straight in the eyes.
“We’re going to show them what we’re made of and you’re going to lead us.
I love you, and we’ve got this,” Devon said before pulling me in and kissing me.
For the moment our lips touched all sound faded away and there were only the two of us.
He pressed his forehead against mine and gave me more strength than I would ever be able to explain or thank him enough for.
“Let’s go,” I said more thankful for him than I could express.
I walked out to the front of the stage and after turning back to check on everyone, hit the opening chord and—it was magic.
Devon pounded out the beat while Mateo and Jeremy played along.
All of us in perfect rhythm and showing this massive crowd that we deserved to be here. Even if I didn’t believe it myself.
I glanced back at Devon as he threw sweat all over the place.
He was working hard and giving it all he had.
We’d finished playing the first two songs on the playlist and had just started the third when an old dude wearing only a kilt and combat boots rushed out on the stage.
The crowd went crazy obviously recognizing him and he played it up for them before stomping over to each of us.
Looking to the side of the stage Blinding Light were all there.
Easy had his arm slung around Liam, while they watched who had to be Easy’s dad and laughed.
None of it distracted us enough to stop and as the last notes of the song ended, they all rushed to the stage.
They had their instruments and when Glen walked over to where Devon was, he stood at the front of the drums with a cowbell and a stick.
Liam and Jeremy both picked out a riff and laughed while Rory and Mateo bumped fists.
“What’s up, Rocktoberfest?” Easy screamed into the mic when he joined me at the front of the stage.
The crowd went even more crazy, pushing up to the front and jumping around looking like an ocean made of people.
“We just wanted to make sure you welcomed our friends Anchor Grey. They’ve been working hard for the past few months and since we all toured together for a while we thought you wouldn’t mind if we all joined in on ‘Livin’ the Dream,’ their latest hit.
” He held his hand out like a ringmaster announcing the next act and played the crowd like an expert.
“What do you say, Johnny?” He flashed that sly grin and smirked as he waited for me to respond.
“Let’s goooooo!” I screamed and we played together. Hitting it all note for note. Easy sang backup and it sounded so fucking amazing that any doubts I had were gone and all I could think about was how incredible this moment was.
The lights had faded, and the music played on in the background as the four of us sat backstage in the room reserved for Blinding Light.
They’d all insisted we go there to clean up while they played, and even though I would have loved to watch them, I had to admit it was nice to get cleaned up.
“What did you think?” Mateo asked as he plopped on the couch next to me.
“It was great,” I said and couldn’t stop myself from smiling.
Devon sat on the other side of me and put his arm behind me before kissing my cheek. “It was amazing.”
Jeremy walked in next, his hair still soaking wet and sat next to Mateo. “You know what this means right?” The three of us turned to look at him. “We’re officially on vacation.” He grinned and wagged his eyebrows at Mateo who blushed. What was that all about?
“You’re awful excited to be working at your parents’,” I said and he and Mateo both beamed.
“We’re looking forward to it. It’ll be nice to do something more physical rather than creative for a while,” Mateo said.
“Time off is what we all need,” Devon said and squeezed my leg.
“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean you guys can’t jot down a lyric or a tune if something hits you. We should start to think about the next tour,” I said unable to stop myself and making them all groan.
“Okay, dad,” Jeremy said.
“That’s Daddy to you,” I said making them all laugh. Laughing was good, and I hoped when we came back from this time off, we were all full to the brim with creativity and ready to get back to work.
“I thought only I could call you Daddy?” Devon said and I had never been more thankful for his humor.
“You can call me anything you want as long as you call me,” I said and wagged my eyebrows at him just as Blinding Light burst into the room hot and sweaty and amped up.
Mateo and Jeremy walked over to them and congratulated them.
We hadn’t seen them play, but we heard every note, and it was as good as they always were.
“Come on,” Devon said and scooted to the edge of the couch. “Let’s celebrate.” His smile filled a part of me that had been lacking, and I stood with him and the band. Proud of where we’d ended up after working so hard for this moment, and trying to ignore the part of me that said it wasn’t enough.