Five
MALLORY
Today had consisted of a frustrating series of calls to Africa, without any real solutions for my friends. I’d kept replaying André’s exit, wishing I’d handled it more smoothly. Wondering if I’d overreacted.
We’d never exchanged numbers. I didn’t even know his last name. I didn’t know where he worked.
So here I was, melancholy but determined to show up for my little brother.
On a good day, the Hollywood Bowl was a zoo, but with the incredible line-up for this benefit show, with bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Sleep Token, Shady Grace, Untamed Coaster, Broken Wing, and Sam’s Song, the crowds were overwhelming.
Thank god I’d be in what they called the Pool Circle, basically a protected area in the front rows of the arena.
I wove through the fans, absorbing the buzz in the air and the heat surrounding me.
By the time I sidled in next to the other friends and family packed into the space, the sound check was already complete. I sighed in relief.
It was my first time seeing Ben perform with the new line-up since Austin left and Tommy, their legendary drummer overdosed.
I’d downloaded the band’s latest album and loved the addition of the female lead vocalist, Zoe Hastings.
And Ben had raved about the new drummer, whose name I couldn’t recall.
It had been a tough road finding a talented musician who could handle the pressure of taking Tommy’s place.
Someone handed me an ice-cold bottle of water and I smiled my thanks before gratefully pressing the bottle to my forehead, cooling myself off before unscrewing the lid and downing half the contents.
Suddenly, a roar rose from of the crowd.
I shifted my attention to the stage, where Zoe and Liam strutted out first. Clad in skintight red leather, her black hair a tangled cloud, a blinding smile lit up her gorgeous face.
Liam still resembled a surly Viking, but he looked softer, happier somehow, since he married Zoe.
Next, Ben strode out with confidence, waving one hand toward the crowd.
Pride filled my chest. My little brother was a rare talent. Staying in closer touch was yet another reason I’d chosen not to accept another field contract in Tanzania. I tapped the brunette’s shoulder beside me and pointed. “That’s my little brother.”
She flashed a wide grin. “Ben’s awesome. I’m Sara. That’s my big brother.” She waved to a tall, broad-shouldered man sauntering onto stage, drumsticks held aloft in one enormous hand.
I gasped and pressed one hand to my throat. “André.”
“Isn’t he great? André’s incredible. I haven’t seen you at a show before?” Groomed dark eyebrows arched over brown eyes, identical to her brother’s. “I mean, we’re representing for the siblings.”
I took a steadying breath. “Yeah, I’ve been out of the country for a few years and this is the first time I’ve been able to attend.” Ohmygod.
I’d had my first one-night stand at the ripe old age of thirty-nine not just with a younger man, but with Ben’s band mate. My pulse hammered in my temples and flashes of André and me on the couch, in the shower, and tangled in my sheets assaulted me. Warmth flooded my cheeks.
“Hello, Hollywood! It’s great to see you. We’re Black Velvet Machine.” Zoe called out before they exploded into thundering drums, pumping bass, and a familiar guitar riff. They kicked off with Lighting Strikes, one of their biggest hits.
The crowd erupted and Sara and I turned our attention to the band. Zoe prowled around the stage, feline and powerful, her heart-stopping vocals perfect for this new version of the band. All around me, people danced and screamed the words, and I got swept up in the excitement.
I couldn’t keep my eyes off André. The passion and determination coloring his expression.
The power of his impossibly ripped arms skillfully commanding the drums. From my vantage point, I could see the sweat dripping on his brow, like it had last night when he was propped on his forearms, buried deep inside me.
A quick flare of heat spread through my belly––yeah, he was as talented out of bed as he was in it.
The next forty-five minutes passed in a blur. I hadn’t expected to feel so immersed, so attuned to the notes and the lyrics. For that blessed almost-hour, everything else faded away and I was simply in the moment.
When the final note sounded, applause rocked the outdoor arena, and the band stood arm in arm and took a bow.
“André!” His sister screamed and waved. “Over here!”
He looked down, a triumphant grin on his handsome face. Then his gaze found mine and his dark eyes narrowed and his smile faded. Without a word, he turned and raced off stage, the rest of the band trailing in his wake.
“That’s weird.” Sara frowned. “What’s his deal? I’m going to kick his ass. Why don’t you come with me backstage? I don’t think Ben saw you either.”
I attempted to act nonchalant. Not as if I’d been naked with Sara’s brother all night and then refused to give him my number. “Maybe he didn’t see you? I’m sure it’s fine.”
My phone buzzed and I jumped. Was it André? He probably thought I was a stalker, showing up front row at his concert after basically telling him I never wanted to see him again. I pulled my phone out of my purse.
Of course it wasn’t André. He didn’t have my number.
Sorry I didn’t stop but fast turn b/w bands. After party at my place. Be there by 7. Driver’s waiting for you. I dropped a pin. B
I waved the phone. “Ben said the party’s at his place. That the stage turnover’s fast, which is why he couldn’t stop.”
Sara frowned. “Still weird. Something’s up and I’ll find out. Want to ride with me to your brother’s?”
“Thanks so much, but I have a driver waiting and I need to make a quick detour. See you later?” I needed time alone to gather my composure.
“Yes. Come find me so you can be my witness when I’m yelling at my brother.” Sara grinned and grabbed me in a quick hug. “See you in a few.”
I gave an awkward wave, turned and retraced my steps back to the entrance, hoping getting to Silver Lake from the Bowl wouldn’t take hours. In Los Angeles, traffic was a beast. Once I found the driver and slid into the buttery leather backseat, I blessed Ben for providing the luxurious ride.
I closed my eyes and without the distraction of the concert, my mind started spinning. The odds of seeing André at Ben’s were 100%. My gut tightened, recalling his obvious displeasure when he’d spotted me. How would I have felt had our roles been reversed? Probably the same.
And now I discover he’s the new drummer for Black Velvet Machine?
Because that wouldn’t be awkward at all with Ben.
Right. But at least André would know I wasn’t a stalker.
People went nuts for rockstars. I’d seen it firsthand with Ben and the band.
No wonder he hadn’t discussed his career and wore that baseball cap.
Fate was certainly having fun toying with us.
Frankly, I was in shock. And my defenses were down after multiple mind-blowing orgasms and minimal sleep.
But at least now we could clear the air.
I could assure him I hadn’t used him. Last night had been special and even if I was right about our age difference being too big of a barrier, I’d handled things poorly.
I groaned and raked my fingers through my hair. All I could do was wait and hope that he’d listen to me––even if it was only to hear my apology.