26. Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Six
The big story in the morning was the entertainment news outlets were each running pieces of Bronx’s big return to the stage tonight at the MGM Grand.
Apparently the interviewers hadn’t fallen for the story Bronx fed the reporters, that he was only in Vegas to take part in the media events for the band as a whole and his return to the stage was still a few weeks off.
But sadly they hadn’t bought it because every article Bronx read about himself said the same thing, that the fans holding tickets for tonight’s show were in for a real treat because Black Ice would be reunited on stage together in all their glory.
Management didn’t seem that irked about their surprise getting “outed” and even the guys in the band seemed fine with the news breaking before they wanted it officially announced.
Whatever. Either way Bronx was here to perform, and he would, with three of the best musicians in the business.
But with this news breaking it only helped to amp up Bronx’s nerves and as soon as he and Tony had finished a very late breakfast in their suite, Bronx insisted they head to the arena downstairs.
Tony tried to talk Bronx out of that decision, even offered him another round of orgasms, but Bronx was strung too tight.
They were several hours ahead of schedule when they walked into the backstage area of the venue.
The roadies were just starting to arrive to work on the Black Ice stage set-up but even still Tony walked Bronx through what it would look like at showtime until he saw ease relax Bronx’s shoulders
“Thanks for letting me have a look,” Bronx said to Tony. “I feel better now.”
“Are you sure?” Tony asked. “We can walk around out back a bit more if you want.”
“Nah, I think I’m good,” Bronx said. “The guys should be arriving soon, so I guess we can go to our dressing room.”
Tony knew the arrival of Dagger, Dante, and Ashton were still hours away and waiting that long in a dressing room would likely push Bronx over the edge. He pulled his phone out of his pants pocket and quickly typed a message to Dagger.
Tony: Bronx couldn’t wait any longer in the suite, so we’re in the green room waiting for you guys. Any chance you could pop down early?
Dagger: He’s way ahead of schedule! How nervous is he?
Tony: Scale from one to ten? I’d say a seven but that is subject to change. Maybe you guys could do another sound check or a warm-up session in the dressing room before the meet and greet?
Dagger: Ryan and I are just hanging out in our suite with the kids. Let me see what the other two degenerates are doing and I’ll text you back.
Tony: Thanks!
Dagger: We’re waiting for security to arrive and then we’ll walk down. ETA about thirty minutes.
Tony: I’ll let Bronx know you’re on your way and thanks. You saved his sanity—and mine.
Bronx was waiting in the warm-up room when his band brothers trickled into the room. They circled around Bronx and offered hugs, like they hadn’t just seen him last night at the band dinner.
“I can’t wait to have you with us tonight,” Ashton said to Bronx.
“It feels like it’s been forever,” Bronx said.
“We’ve got some time before we have to do the meet and greet,” Dagger announced, “but maybe we can do a quick set to warm up.”
Everyone agreed and started reaching for instruments two roadies had brought in for them to use.
Bronx recognized everything as being part of their backup gear, which would more than suit the purpose.
A few minutes later and Ashton was beating the intro for “Careful What You Wish For,” and like magic, Bronx was his old self again.
His smile was as wide as Tony’s. Seeing Bronx in his element like this was the best feeling but knowing firsthand how hard he worked to get here made this even more special.
They jammed for over an hour before the event coordinator arrived to get them ready for the meet and greet.
Since Bronx was the special guest at tonight’s performance, he’d have to hang back and miss the press events prior to the show which was fine by Bronx.
His performance tonight was already being speculated by media and the fans on social media.
At this point, it wasn’t particularly a “well-kept secret” but they were treating it like one.
Their jam session and supportive conversations helped to ease Bronx a bit but once they left for the meet and greet the nerves settled back in and the endless pacing began again in earnest. By the time Dagger, Dante, and Ashton returned, Bronx was nearly vibrating with nervous energy.
The group hug they offered him was desperately needed and in just a few seconds, his band brothers were able to ground him with their invisible tether.
It felt incredible to be on the receiving end of this connection they shared.
Being in their presence calmed him and he basked in their attention.
He was still occasionally stunned by how well Dagger, Ashton, and Dante all bonded so tightly with him.
He hadn’t had this kind of natural closeness with any of the other bands he’d worked with and that made their relationship special to Bronx.
“Hey, man,” Dagger said as he released Bronx from their group hug.
When Dagger was in a good mood, like he was tonight, he was an impressive man.
There was no mistake, the years and his family gene pool had been very kind to Dagger Drummond.
The decades hadn’t diminished or removed even one ounce of his natural, rough-edged sexiness that captivated so many people.
“How are you holding up?” Dagger asked Bronx. “Are you nervous about playing for a full house again?” Dagger asked.
“I think I’ll be okay once I’m out there with you guys,” Bronx answered honestly. “It’s the waiting that’s killing me.”
“Don’t worry, Bronxy. It’s like riding a bike—or a dick,” Dante explained. “You never forget how to stay in the saddle.”
“All you gotta do is grab the reins and hold on tight,” Ashton added, “and it’s giddy-up.”
“Squeezing your thighs also helps to stay in the mount,” Dante said. He followed his comment with a lecherous chuckle that was low and gritty and made him sound like a pervert.
“I see the two of you are still the horn-dogs of our merry group of motherfuckers,” Bronx said and rolled his eyes at the duo.
“We don’t ever plan on changing, so it’s best you get used to watching me climb that beast of a man like he’s a giant Sequoia tree in the backwoods of the northwest,” Ashton spouted. “And damn, I do fucking love swinging from his branches.”
Tony slid up beside Bronx and leaned in close to his ear. “It’s almost time, babe,” he whispered.
“Okay, thanks,” Bronx said and smiled broadly as he watched Tony walk over to Fizzbo standing beside the doorway like a sentry guarding the castle.
“He’s done amazing things for you,” Dagger commented about Tony, “and I don’t mean the sex. I’m talking about how he’s cared for you during your recovery and made you whole again.”
“Made him whole?” Dante asked. “Who the fuck are you?”
“On that lame note, we’re out of here,” Ashton said.
“Yeah, let’s go find a dark corner and I’ll make you whole again—with my dick,” Dante chuckled.
Dagger burst out laughing and Bronx joined in, too.
It was a perfect moment of levity for all of them, especially for Bronx.
Their laughter was halted when they heard a loud knock on the door.
Everyone turned to look and a moment later the guard standing vigil in the hallway opened the door for the guys from Ivory Tower.
As soon as they entered the room turned to chaos for a bit with everyone giving out hugs and back slaps.
It felt like a family reunion for Bronx and his face hurt from the smile he had frozen in place.
He glanced around the room at this non-traditional family they’d created.
It was equal parts bliss and magic, and he wouldn’t change a damn thing about it.
Tonight their support meant everything .
Alex (Zander) Metcalf, the lead singer for Ivory Tower, was the first one to spot Bronx and wrapped his arms around him. “Dude, it is so fucking good to see you standing upright again,” Alex said. “You look healthy as fuck and I’m seriously jacked to hear you perform tonight!”
“Me, too. I’m pretty excited to be here and able to play,” Bronx replied. “It’s been far too damn long since I stepped out on a stage with these guys. I’ve missed it.”
“Tonight’s the night, Bronxy!” Cooper, Ivory Tower’s infamous drummer, fist-bumped the air before he slung one arm around the back of Bronx’s neck. “It’s like you’re having your cherry popped a second time!”
Several of the guys broke out in laughter and Bronx did his best to hold back his own. “This is nothing like losing my virginity but it is exciting to perform again,” Bronx said.
Lincoln, Ivory Tower’s bass player, who retired from touring due to worsening multiple sclerosis, was the last to walk into the room.
Lincoln was the one who stepped in for him during the first leg of their Vegas residency when Bronx was hurt and couldn’t perform.
He was leaning heavily on a cane and holding onto his husband Aaron’s forearm with his other hand.
He came right over to Bronx with an enormous smile on his face.
“Here’s the man of the hour,” Bronx said.
“Good to see you, man,” Lincoln said. They managed a one-armed hug with Aaron acting as Lincoln’s stabilizer to help with his balance.
“Trust me, it feels incredible to be seen again,” Bronx said. “Listen, I was hoping we’d get a chance to chat before we see each other on stage.”
“I’m all ears,” Lincoln said with a nod.