27. Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The hallway was buzzing with activity but Fizzbo, Tony and a half dozen other guards easily managed to plow through the throngs of moving workers to get Bronx where he needed to be without much effort.
Fizzbo instructed Bronx to stand behind the stage curtains with two security guards hiding his presence and wait for his introduction.
Once that happened, he’d walk out on stage, wave to the audience, and share a hug with Lincoln and the rest of his guys before they began the encore set.
They’d play one song with both Lincoln and Bronx on bass then Lincoln would take a bow and depart the stage with the rest of Black Ice.
What only a few people in their crew knew was once Bronx was alone on stage he was going to perform a solo song he’d written for Tony.
Then their final song of the show would bring Black Ice back out to finish the show with Bronx on bass.
It would be an epic ending to Bronx’s first show.
If all went according to plan, Bronx would be back as a permanent fixture in the Black Ice lineup while Lincoln took a much needed rest. Lincoln had done an incredible job of pulling Bronx’s weight while he finished healing and Bronx had mad appreciation for him doing the gig.
But it was definitely time for Bronx to step back under the stage lights with his brothers.
“Ready in two,” the stage manager said to Bronx as he walked past him.
Bronx’s head swung toward Tony. Their gazes met and so many emotions were exchanged without any words spoken. Then Tony squeezed his hand and leaned in to give Bronx the faintest brush of lips.
“You got this,” Tony said with a confident nod.
“I do,” Bronx agreed. “Will you wait here for me?”
“I’ll always be right here—always.”
A very sweaty Dagger stepped to the microphone at center stage and addressed the screaming crowd.
“How’s everyone enjoying the show so far?
” he asked and a deafening roar erupted from the sold-out venue.
Dagger laughed and leaned in toward the microphone again.
“I’ll take your response as a ‘yes’ but we’ve also got a few more surprises left for you tonight!
One surprise I guarantee will blow your fucking minds. ”
More cheers rolled over the stage and Dagger swayed back as if the energy was pushing him backward.
“Wow, I’m feeling your love tonight!” Dagger made a show of walking around the stage to introduce the members of Black Ice and the ongoing noise from the audience was close to blowing the roof off the building.
Finally Dagger said, “You’re excited, I’m excited, so without further delay, let’s bring our special guest to the stage! ”
The stage manager appeared beside Bronx just as he was about to move. “Not yet,” he said and held Bronx in place. “Give it a few more seconds to let it build.”
Rhythmic foot stomping began, along with whistles and chants from the audience screaming in unison, “Bronx! Bronx! Bronx!”
Dagger chuckled at the sea of happy faces spread out before him.
“I guess his legendary persona doesn’t really need an official introduction but I’m going to honor him with one anyway!
” More laughter from Dante, Ashton, and Lincoln ensued before Dagger finally said the words.
“Okay, you win! Let’s all offer a warm welcome back to the stage for our man, brONXXX! ”
“Go!” the stage manager shouted at Bronx.
Bronx gave Tony a quick kiss and then darted from the darkened spot where he’d been concealed.
As soon as the blinding stage lights hit Bronx’s face he released a giant breath of relief.
After all the agonizing days and weeks of physical therapy and the frustration of relearning a few things, he was finally back where he belonged.
His arms lifted above his head to wave at the boisterous crowd while tears stung his eyes at what this moment meant to him.
There was only one other person who meant more than performing on stage with Black Ice and that man was standing just off stage behind a curtain.
His eyes tracked to Tony and he watched as Tony patted his chest over his heart.
Bronx mirrored the same gesture to the only man he’d ever loved and they shared a deliriously sappy smile.
The guys quickly smothered him from behind in a giant bro-hug while an endless standing ovation from the audience continued.
The sound level in the arena was deafening but they let it go on so Bronx could absorb every second of the love raining down on him before they finally left him at the microphone placed at center stage.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be here with you tonight, Las Vegas!” Bronx shouted as loud as he could.
He was wearing his traditional ass-hugging black leather pants and a tight t-shirt that said, Bass Players Do It Low and Dirty , leaving no doubts from anyone that Bronx was in the house and he was ready to rock thousands.
“I’ve worked damn hard to heal my body and soul and the finale we have planned for you tonight is going to prove to you that I’m back to stay!
I have so many people to thank for my recovery—especially Lincoln who so willingly stepped out of retirement to stand in for me.
Thank you, brother! My doctors, my physical and occupational therapists, and even the guys in Ivory Tower all gave me the strength to keep pushing myself.
Your love was felt and it was a constant reminder that I had something special to come back to and that’s making music with this band. ”
Another roar erupted from the crowd and Bronx laughed his head off at the elation racing through his veins.
“A huge thank you to the fans for your gifts and cards,” he continued.
“Your support helped light my darkest days and I’ll never forget it.
I have mad love for you—especially one person in particular, and you know who you are, T!
I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for your daily encouragement.
So, without further ado, let me show the rest of you how much I missed being on stage with my brothers! ”
Bronx hurried over to his spot on the stage with Lincoln harnessed into his specially made support railing system right beside him. Bronx quickly draped his girl, Zena, around his neck and gave Dagger the signal that he was ready.
“One, two, three. . .” and the encore set was launched.
They ripped into “Boomerang” and the audience squealed with delight.
A smoky haze chokes every room.
Cigarettes overflow from ashtrays.
Empty beer bottles and shot glasses litter stained floors.
A fist-sized hole in the door marks the spot.
Let’s have another round of Party Central.
Colorful thongs spin around on paddle fans.
Naked bodies sleep in heaps out in the halls.
It’s just another weekend—one more crazy go.
Parties on the regular—always after a show.
Fuck the one on the left. I’ll take the right.
The one in the middle can watch us tonight.
We’ll switch it up at halftime. Bone the other when it’s time.
Leave them blissed-out and sated. No need to drop a dime.
Chorus:
I’m like a boomerang, baby. I always come back for more.
I love to boomerang, baby, as I knock on your door.
Lay it out for me and I’ll boomerang with style.
I’ll boomerang you deeply and then defile you some more.
I’ll boomerang on a slide. Boomerang you from behind.
Boomerang you all night while we’re both riding high.
Jet-lagged and feeling rode hard and put to bed wet.
One more Party Central and I’ll be all set.
Tap my shoulder once if you want to blow me.
Tap me twice and I’ll boomerang you, baby—over and over again.
House filled to capacity. People are fucking on the floor.
Everyone is smoking or snorting it—behind every closed door.
What you want you can take. Sharing is so fine.
What’s mine is yours, it’s everything.
Leave your worries and cares behind.
Countless boots tucked under your bed line up neatly in a row.
Lucky for you I’m a boomerang—the only one who can give you a show.
Too much lube—I’m drowning in it! A slippery slope to surmount.
But I’ll strap a board across my ass to lock me in the mount.
I’ll boomerang for you, baby!
I’ll ride you until dawn.
Boomerang with me, baby, and by nightfall I’ll be gone.
Just a few phrases into the song and Bronx felt like he was levitating. This was the best natural high he’d ever felt. It’s why he didn’t need drugs or booze in his life. Playing for people was his calling and it filled his soul with pure adrenaline and absolute joy.
They played two more songs and then Lincoln made a show out of handing the bass duties over to Bronx and left the stage.
Bronx nodded to Dagger and the others slowly left the stage, leaving Bronx at center stage with one hot spotlight pouring down on his head.
Behind him, his guitar tech hurried out carrying his prized Gibson acoustic, named Lady Jane.
The tech helped him set the strap comfortably around his neck and then disappeared into the shadows behind Bronx.
Three more spotlights bathed Bronx as he settled into position at the microphone. So many thoughts whizzed through his brain and for a moment his eyes began to tear. He strummed the first chord and the crowd went crazy. Bronx chuckled before he leaned into the microphone.
“Are you having fun yet?” Bronx asked. The sound rolling back at him was wild.
“I’m happy to hear that.” He hiked one leg up onto a stool that a roadie brought out to him and adjusted his guitar one last time.
“I have something special I’d like to play for you.
I’ve been working on this piece for the last several months and now I’d like to share it with you—and also with him .
Yes, it’s true. During my hiatus I met someone who means the world to me and this song is for him.
I hope you like it, babe. It’s called ‘Sweet Oblivion.’”
I’m just a man who met a guy.
It was hate at first sight.