“Yeah, that too. So, don’t be a dumbass. Think with your brain, not your dick.”
“I can’t promise that, but we’re ready, Bedo. This is everything we’ve worked for,” I say.
“Damn straight.” Austin nods.
“I know you are.” Bedo’s smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “So don’t fuck it up for everyone else.” He stands and points at each of us. “That’s my advice to all of you. Now. When do you want to meet your opening act?”
“You booked one already?” Austin’s brows twist with surprise.
“Sure did. I’m the best goddamn manager you could ever ask for. That’s why you pay me the big bucks.”
“Who is it?” Sean leans forward on his elbows, his hands clasped together.
“You’ll find out when you meet her.” Bedo goes back to his phone. “Tomorrow. Four o’clock. Right after practice. That work?”
“Here?” I ask.
“Yeah. That a problem?”
“Works for me,” I say but for once a little nervousness about our impending headline tour works its way into my belly. I’m not quite sure why, other than I want everything to be great. Perfect. And we’ve worked so hard that our opener better not suck. “She better be good, Bedo.”
He stops, a smile plays at his lips, and he slides those gold rimmed shades over his eyes before he nods. “She’s good, T. Oh, don’t you worry. She’sfuckinggood. See you tomorrow.”
“Is it just me, or does it feel like we just got played?” Sean says the minute Bedo’s up the stairs and out of earshot.
“Not just you.” I chuckle and run my fingers through my hair, pushing it away from where it always falls into my eyes. “So, what’s on tap for today?”
“I think the keg’s empty, man.” Austin frowns.
Sean rolls his eyes and walks toward the stairs. “I’m hitting the gym and calling it an early night.”
“You’re no fun off tour!” Austin launches one of the tiny couch pillows at his retreating form and nails him right in the head. We both fucking laugh.
Sean stops to pick up the pillow and throw it back. “You guys are assholes.”
“Fucking hilarious.” I fist bump Austin and Sean tries to leave again. “Come on, don’t be a pussy and leave.”
Sean doesn’t turn back or acknowledge the comment when his feet hit the spiral staircase.
“Come on, Sean. Come out with us tonight!” Austin shouts.
“I’d rather not.”
“What’s your problem, man?” Austin calls out before meeting my smirk. “He’s probably just pissed you’re having threesomes in the theater room again.”
“I can’t help it, the two for ones love me. Sean just needs to get laid.”
“I get plenty of pussy!” Sean shouts from the top of the stairs.
“Oh, yeah, who?” I call up.
“Well, I’m about to have dinner with your mom!” he calls down. Now I’m the one wearing the scowl while Austin and Sean laugh at my expense.
“Take it back, Willis!” I shout but I’m already taking the stairs two at a time. “You know that’s fucked up!”
Austin’s laughter follows from close behind, and when I reach the top of the steps to find Sean gloating, I tackle him to the ground. He’s shorter than me; stronger too, but I’m fueled by the need to defend my mother’s honor. I try to pin him to the floor, but every time I’m close he hits me in the ribs and gets the upper hand.
“Take. It. Back,” I grind out as we roll around in the hallway.
