He stops short and nods at the door with two other security leaning against the wall on either side.
“Thank you,” I mutter and pull open the metal door. The instant I do, she greets me with a grin and a squeal. “Mom, what are you doing here?” I’m a little dazed.
She pulls me into one of her bone crushing hugs. “You didn’t think I’d let my baby girl go on tour without catching a show on the road? Wow, Lex. Wow! This is just ... I’m so proud of you.” She pulls back to rub my arms.
A genuine smile spreads across my face. It’s rare moments that my mom surprises me in a good way. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Your dad would be proud, too.” She pats my arm again.
Here it comes ... “Can we just not? Not tonight.” I glance around, taking in the table of snack foods, liquor, and other beverages. Tables and chairs are strewn about.
“I don’t understand why you’re so damn stubborn. Holding a grudge for ten years! When are you going to let it go and forgive him?”
“Mom.” I meet her concerned stare with a pointed glare.
“Fine! Letting it go.” She raises her hands. “For now.”
“Thank you.” I take her hand in mine and squeeze. We walk over to the refreshments and I make her a drink—a gin and tonic, her favorite—and grab a water for myself.
“Did you catch all of my set?”
“I did! And I loved it. You did so good. I even watched those Three Ugly Guys, but I left early so I could sneak back here.”
“I’m glad you did.”
“So, that singer is a tall drink of water. You should lock that one down. Or any of them, really.” Her eyes light up and she melts into a sigh.
A sigh of a different essence leaves my mouth. “Mom ...”
“What?” She shrugs and takes a sip from her glass. “I’m just saying if I were twenty years younger I’d hit that.”
I roll my eyes. “Can we manage one conversation with it being not about you?”
She rolls hers in return. “I’m not sure that’s possible.” She steps closer, a wide grin pulling at her lips. “Now, back to the sexy singer.”
“Mom!” I shout just as Trent, Austin, Sean, Iz, and Bedo burst into the room. The band’s laughing, sweaty, and slightly intoxicated, but they all stop short when they notice the outsider. Before she can embarrass me, or more likely herself, I step forward and make introductions.
“Everyone, this is my Mom. Mom, everyone.”
Trent saunters past me with a wink and offers his hand, which she eagerly accepts. “Nice to finally meet the woman responsible for our Lexi.”
She giggles. God, it’s so annoying. “The pleasure is all mine, I assure you.”
“Can I get you another drink?”
“Yes, please.”
Trent holds out his elbow and she latches on. He leads her to the makeshift bar.
Austin sidles up to my side and bumps me with his shoulder. “Lexi, your mom’s a MILF.”
“Don’t be disgusting.” My gaze follows her fingers and the way she skirts them over Trent’s arm while he mixes them each a drink. How she leans into him. Plays with the ends of her hair. God, she’s such a flirt.
“I’m not. Just honest. She’s a fucking babe. She seeing anybody?” He grins wider at the sight of my scowl.
“Shut your mouth and stay away from my mother.” I push away and find a seat at one of the tables where I don’t have to watch my mom or listen to Austin.
“Aww, don’t be like that. You’re no fun, Lex,” Austin calls after me and then rushes to the door as more visitors enter the room.—all women, of course. I nurse my water bottle, taking in the scene that is the green room after party.
