Chapter 15
DRAKE
Monday, two days before the festival
Zeke:
Me:
You’re buying breakfast afterward
Zeke:
It’ll be lunchtime by then
I didn’t stop moving at all on Monday. The permit meeting took forever, and after lunch Zeke had me in more meetings.
In between, he made me answer his phone because he didn’t want to.
I quickly learned he’d given out his personal phone number to all the vendors and bands.
All of them. The only other way people could get hold of him was through the Contact Us form on the festival website, which was posted for everyone in the universe to see and use.
Zeke got irritated when his inbox started to overflow, so he’d stopped checking it.
Me:
Hey, I have to go through the 1347 emails in Zeke’s festival inbox tonight. Sorry.
Finn:
Sounds awful. I hope none of them are urgent.
Me:
I’ve gone through the oldest five, and so far four of them needed calls back
Finn:
[May the Force Be with You GIF]
Finn:
Don’t worry about me this week. I’d love to see you but I understand the festival will consume all of your time. At least I’ll see you on Thursday for your performance
Me:
Thanks. I decided to hang out here in Maplewood for a while after the festival’s over. We can spend some time together then
Finn:
That’s the best news I’ve had all day
I deliberately didn’t mention how long “a while” would be. And he didn’t ask. In truth I didn’t have anything requiring my presence in Texas. Well, okay, there was one thing. I opened a different text thread.
Me:
I want to stay in Maplewood for a while after the festival. Is it okay if Gamora hangs with you longer than planned?
Steve:
Look at her napping on Baz’s chest. We’re good. Take as long as you need. [photo]
Me:
Aww. Y’all are the best. Thanks
And Zeke had better not complain about me occupying the cabin after the festival. I was earning my keep and then some.
Sighing, I went back to my laptop to open email number six of 1347.
Tuesday was another whirlwind. Zeke and I must’ve walked the festival grounds fifty times. The vendors were setting up, and Roscoe, Zeke’s friend from back in their roadie days, was helping out by testing the sound systems in the amphitheater and the smaller stages.
Tomorrow—and every day of the festival—vendors and the bands who were playing the first sets that day were allowed to start setup at 8:00 a.m., so I’d need to be around to supervise.
It’d make for long days, especially Thursday when I was playing in the evening.
I needed to spend some time figuring out how I was going to manage that along with my festival duties.
I didn’t even have a set list put together.
Each day the gates opened at noon, and the first bands started their sets at 1:00 p.m. Tomorrow, Failing Midnight was headlining, then Satyr’s Kiss on Thursday, with me opening for them. Friday was Tenor Jones, and Poppy on Saturday.
Sunday was a shorter day, with the gates only open from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. for the amateur competition. The vendors could do their tear-down on Monday if they couldn’t finish it Sunday night.
Zeke and I got back to the compound around 9:00 p.m. Tuesday night, and I felt lucky it wasn’t later.
My feet were sore, and I needed a shower badly.
At least only some of the problems I’d had to deal with were the result of Zeke not checking his website messages, so I hadn’t felt too salty about dealing with them—and him—all day.
Zeke, for all he was several decades older than me, forged down the path to his house with more energy than I could muster. “Nova came by to feed the animals and Mabel. Get some rest, kid, and don’t forget to eat.”
He power-walked ahead of me, disappearing around the bend in the path before I took the walkway to my cabin’s front door. Which was standing open.
What the fuck?
The lights were on, and music was playing. Taylor Swift.
Tentatively I pushed the door all the way open. “Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me!” Finn walked over from the kitchen. “Are you exhausted?”
“Yes? How did you get in?” I shook my head quickly. “Not that I’m not glad to see you.” I shut the door behind me.
He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in tight. “That’s better.” He released me and gave me a too-brief kiss, but one I could feel him smiling behind. “I missed you last night, so I texted Zeke to see if I could get into your cabin and make you dinner. He gave me access on the app.”
Half of my brain wanted to worry about Zeke’s lack of concern over security, but the other half was too tired and hungry to care.
That was the half I declared the winner.
Finn headed back to the kitchen while I detoured to the living room and plugged my tablet into the charger. I’d need it again all day tomorrow.
“I know it’s usually a winter dish, but I figured stew would be filling and easy to keep warm no matter how late you had to work.”
I sniffed. “Wow. Does that have beer in it? It smells great.”
“Yep. It’s Hop Doctor Brewery’s maple lager. And there’s bread. I can heat it up if you don’t mind waiting.”
“No. Please don’t bother. Let’s eat now. Or did you wait for me?”
He smiled and kissed me again. “I did. I was going to cave if you’d been much later, but this is fine.”
I washed my hands while he dished up the stew. The tiny square table had been set, and glasses of water were ready for each of us. He put the bowls on the table then brought over a couple of smaller plates with thick-sliced brown bread.
“Wow, Finn, this is amazing.” I sat down and groaned. “I’ve been on my feet all day.” And my Converse weren’t designed for that kind of use.
“Why don’t you take a shower after dinner, and then I’ll rub your feet for you?”
My mouth fell open. “You will?”
“Sure. I’d be happy to.”
“Um, okay. I don’t think anyone’s ever rubbed my feet before.” I thought about it. “No, I’d remember.”
He looked pleased. “Then it’s a requirement. We’ll do it in bed so you can fall asleep if you need to.”
I frowned, fiddling with my spoon. “But you came over. Don’t you want to... have sex?” I’d been about to say fuck , but it didn’t seem like the right word for what we did together anymore.
He put his hand on mine where it rested on the table. “That’s not why I’m here. I wanted to do something nice for you, since you’re dealing with a lot of stressful stuff right now.”
I was horrified at the tears welling in my eyes. To hide them, I leaned across the corner of the table and put my arm around his shoulders. “Thank you.” I put my forehead against his temple.
“You’re welcome.”
I sat back, but I still had to wipe my eyes with the back of my wrist. “Sorry. I’m tired and hungry, so my emotions are getting the better of me.”
He stroked my cheek with his fingers. “You can let me see your feelings, Drake. I want to see them.”
I looked into his hazel eyes and nodded. “Okay.”
“Okay. Now eat.”
After dinner I started yawning. Finn made me get in the shower anyway, which I was sure I’d appreciate in the morning.
When I came out, dressed only in my boxer-briefs, he had the lights in the cabin turned off and the sheets pulled down.
He was sitting at the end of the bed, wearing a t-shirt and boxers.
“You can stay the night?” I couldn’t keep the eagerness out of my voice.
He smiled. “I got special permission from Charlie. Though he pointed out that he’d be less lonely at home if we had a pet.”
I chuckled. “I can see his point. Um, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stay awake through a foot rub.”
He patted the bed. “It’ll help your circulation whether you’re awake or not.”
Gingerly I sat down then swung my legs onto the bed.
“Lie down with your head on the pillow.” Once I was comfortable, he pulled my feet onto his lap. “Close your eyes. I’ll put the covers over you when I’m done.” He stroked my shins.
“Okay. Thanks for doing all of this, Finn. It means a lot.” Fuck, I was getting choked up again.
“Shh. Just relax. I’m happy to do it. This is what boyfriends are for.”
I smiled and closed my eyes. Finn picked up my left foot and gently pressed his thumbs into my sole. My eyes flew open. “Holy fuck!”
He laughed and pressed harder, moving his thumbs down toward my heel. “Close your eyes, Drake. Remember how tired you are?”
“Yeah, okay. But for future reference, if I were more awake, my dick would be rock-hard right now.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Wednesday morning I got up depressingly early. When I slid out of bed, Finn sat up. “What time is it?” He rubbed his face.
“It’s 6:30 a.m. Go back to sleep.”
“Nah. I’m gonna go running with Alex.” He got out of bed and stretched.
I tried doing the same and groaned. My feet and legs were still sore.
“I think I need some orthopedic shoes like you have.” I walked over to the closet and surveyed what I’d brought.
My Adidas were probably the best bet, even though that pair had been designed with fashion in mind, not standing and walking.
I got dressed, and when Finn was done in the bathroom I took my turn. He was in the kitchen making coffee and wearing his running tights, which I didn’t think I’d ever get tired of looking at. He glanced over at me, then frowned. “I brought stuff to make breakfast too. Do you have time?”
“Finn! You didn’t have to.” Fuck, I hoped I didn’t cry again. I’d had enough of that last night.
He smiled. “I know. Come get your coffee and have a seat.”
I pressed a kiss to his cheek as I accepted the cup he handed me. “Best boyfriend ever.”
“It’s nothing. But what about dinner tonight? Can I bring you something again?”
I blew on my coffee. “Thanks for offering, but I’ll probably get something from one of the vendors.
” If I had time. “I’ll be there pretty late, it looks like.
” I sat up. “Hey, why don’t you and Charlie come to the festival?
Since you’ve got access to the compound, you can go through the gate in the fence to get to the festival grounds. ”
“Yeah? I think Charlie’s already going with some friends, but I could come.”
I smiled. “Alex will be there taking photos, so you can hang out with him or with me in between listening to the bands.”
Finn made eggs and toast, and he heated up some pre-cooked bacon. It was just what I needed, and I felt much more ready to tackle my day when I’d finished eating. “You’re amazing.” I pushed back my plate.
His cheeks turned a little pink, which was adorable. “I think you’re pretty special too.” He picked up our plates and stood to take them to the sink. “What’s your schedule like tomorrow?”
I grimaced. “More of the same, I imagine.”
He shut the dishwasher and put his hands on his hips. “But you’re supposed to play tomorrow evening.”
I groaned and collapsed dramatically across the table with my arms outstretched. “I don’t want to. I’m going to be tired, and I haven’t even figured out what I want to play.” I huffed into the tabletop. “Because I don’t want to play.”
Finn came back and sat down at the table. He ran his hand over my hair, which felt really nice. “Can I ask why you’re playing in the first place? I thought you were just doing songwriting now.”
I rolled my eyes. “Because when I first talked to Zeke about helping with the festival, he essentially told me there was an empty spot in the roster and he was putting me there.” I shrugged against the tabletop. “It really didn’t occur to me to say no.”
Finn moved his hand to rub between my shoulders, and I closed my eyes. Fuck, I could get used to being massaged all the time. “Is there anyone who could take your spot last minute?”
I opened one eye. What if there was someone? What if the band playing the afternoon set would be willing to play longer? What if Satyr’s Kiss would be willing to start earlier? Or both? “Maybe? I’ll think about it.” But already my chest felt lighter, and I felt happier, energized even.
I hauled myself upright and gave Finn a kiss. “Thank you for making me think that through.”
He smiled. “Anytime. Just like the foot rubs, it’s all part of the boyfriend service.”
I’d never had a boyfriend before, but I knew damn well most of them weren’t this kind and considerate. How had I been lucky enough to land Finn?
I cocked my head. “You know, so far you’re the one who’s been doing all the servicing . I’ll have to think of something to make things more even.” I pursed my lips and turned my eyes to the ceiling. “Hmmm. What could I possibly do?”
He laughed and kissed me. “I’ll let you know if I have any suggestions. Time to get moving.”