13. Jace
JACE
My bandmates’ excitement dims when they see Rory behind me, which pisses me off. What’s their deal?
I don’t want to take the last spot on the couch, so I offer it to Rory and sit sideways on the bench seat of the small kitchen table, so I can face everyone.
The bus starts to move, and outside, my brothers shout and celebrate. I scoot over and hold up Layla, using her hand to wave at everyone. My family is fucking awesome.
I feel like a kid who just got gifted everything on my Christmas wish list.
“We’re gonna do it, Layla,” I whisper to my daughter. “We’re gonna make our dreams come true. You’re never gonna go hungry like me and my brothers did. I’ll always get you what you need. Always.”
I finally feel like I’ve earned a right to sit alongside my talented brothers. Layla gives me a wide grin as she makes these cute little baby sounds like she understands.
I turn around to face Frank as he gets out his clipboard. “I hope everyone reviewed the schedule. Our first stop is Daytona Beach for the Saltwater Music Festival, which is a four-day concert. The label wanted to take advantage of the festival season, so we’ll be playing every day.”
Shit. I knew there was something I was forgetting, which is saying something because I’m usually the one who knows every detail about a show.
But with Layla and Rory and almost not making the tour, I guess a few things fell by the wayside.
I knew we were headed to Daytona but didn’t realize it was for four straight days of concerts.
Frank glances at me. “I’ll get Rory a copy of the itinerary so she has it. But just a heads-up, we’ll be driving for a ten-hour stretch, stopping midway in Louisiana for gas. You can get dinner there, though you’ll find the bus stocked with snacks.”
That perks up Cooper. “Do we have ramen?”
“Of course. What kind of manager do you think I am? I got Skittles for Derek, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for Shane, and chicken nuggets for Jace. And, of course, I bought beer, but we’ll save that for after our first show. I need y’all to be sharp, not sporting hangovers.”
“You rock, Frank.” Leaning over, I nudge Rory. “I’ll share my nugs with you.”
“Who said chivalry was dead?” she says in a monotone voice.
My wife is funny. I can’t tell if she’s giving me shit, but I suspect she is.
Frank continues reviewing our schedule. We’ll need to stop in the Florida panhandle so our driver can rest, and then we’ll head down to Daytona Beach where we’ll meet up with the rest of the bands. I can’t fucking wait.
When Frank’s done parenting us, he wanders off to touch base with the driver. I grin at my bandmates. “Holy shit. This is really happening.”
“Wish Gina could join us,” Cooper grumbles.
“If it were up to me, she’d have a spot on the bus too.
” Do I feel bad for Coop? Yes and no. This is probably his fifth or sixth serious girlfriend.
They always fizzle out after a few months, so the odds are good he’ll be a single man while on tour.
My guess is by July, he’ll be banging groupies two at a time.
He runs his hands through his beard and gives me a look. “You good with the lineup changes they made last week?”
“What changes?” I honestly couldn’t care if we’re the first band on the stage. It would suck because everyone knows later is better, but I’m just grateful we made the tour.
His brows lift until they’re hidden under his hair. “You didn’t hear?”
“Kinda had my hands full.” I hold up my kid, and the guys chuckle.
“You crazy motherfucker,” Coop mutters. “Can’t believe you got married and had a baby, what, in two weeks?”
“It’s a personal record,” I deadpan. “But tell me what’s going on with the lineup.” I wanna change the subject before it gets weird for Rory. The guys glance at each other, and I start to get wary. “Spit it out.”
“Marlowe and the Dusty Roses are on this tour.”
I chuckle. “Stop screwing with me.” Suddenly, the guys are looking everywhere but at me. What the fuck? Is he serious? I hand the baby to Rory. “When did this happen?”
“Another band had to bail. The lead singer broke his leg, so Bandit invited Marlowe.”
“I thought she signed with another label.”
“It got acquired by Bandit.”
I don’t know how I’ve managed to avoid this woman for so long, but my time is up. “Guess we’re in for a reunion.” At some point, I’ll have to tell Rory about Marlowe, but I don’t wanna dredge that up in front of everyone.
Shane yawns. “Jace, ya had any luck writing? ’Cause we still need more songs.”
Yeah, about that. “I was hoping to do that while we’re on the road. Maybe hole up in a corner. I’m game if anyone wants to join me.” I’ve asked my bandmates a million times to write with me, but they’re never interested.
Cooper chuckles and motions to Rory. “Guess you’re jazzed to be on this tour. Which song of ours is your favorite?”
She blinks. “I’ve never listened to your band play before, so that’s hard to answer.”
“Come on, honey. You don’t need to pretend Jace isn’t your favorite country star on the planet.”
I roll my eyes because he’s laying it on thick. “Coop.”
He shrugs. “What? My guess is she’s secretly your biggest fan.” His brow lifts. “As long as you’re not our stalker, that’s cool. Kudos for being Johnny-on-the-spot and getting this gig.”
“Stop being a dick. I told you she’s helping me out.” Though I can’t lie—I’m shocked she’s never heard us before. We’re pretty popular in our part of Texas.
Rory bounces Layla on her lap. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’ve never been to one of your shows or slavered over you and your friends.
” Her nose wrinkles. “I don’t even like country music.
I’m more of a classic rock girl, so I genuinely have no interest in attending your shows.
Did you know that concerts pose a high risk of hearing damage for children? ”
I’m never at a loss for words, but I have to admit I’m stumped. Rory doesn’t wanna come to my shows? Not even one? Knowing she’s a music lover, I thought she might enjoy my stuff.
Well, this is awkward. I try to laugh it off. “Look at wifey. Don’t mess with her or she’ll put your balls in a vise.”
Everyone laughs, even Rory, who cracks a smile.
I blow out a breath.
This is gonna be a long four months.