“What? No!”
“You are, aren’t you? Can’t handle not being number one. God, you’re such a momma’s boy.” She laughs and shakes her head.
“I have no clue what you mean.” I start the car and turn out of the drive. Her soft laughter pulls her smile wider and I try to keep my own at bay. She laughs again and I finally give in to a grin. “Fine. I admit I’m a little attached to my mother. But I can’t really be blamed. I mean, I’m her one and only, and look at me. I’m practically perfect.”
“Uh huh.” She snickers. “Until Tony came along.”
“He’s a dog!”
“Only makes this more comical.” She leans over the center console and rubs her hand along my thigh. “That’s okay. I still love you, baby.”
“Thank fuck for that,” I say, my eyes on the road while her laughter wraps around my heart like an anchor. One I never want to escape.
We park in the back lot of the arena and Lexi and I make our way inside to find the rest of the band.
“Hey, lovers,” Austin calls down the hallway. Coffee cup in hand, he tips his head to the left. “We’re in there.”
“Thanks, man,” I say and then we he turns to walk away, I shout back. “Where are you going?”
“Got myself a hot date.”
“Right now?” I pull the door open and hold it so Lexi can pass.
Austin turns around, walking backward and flips me the bird. “I’m just taking a shit, dumbass.”
“Here he is! Someone roll out the red carpet!” Bedo jokes, but lately there’s an edge to his teasing. Either that or I’m hypersensitive, on guard after how things went down the day Richie passed.
“I’m on time. You fuckers are early,” I retort and take a seat, pulling Lexi onto my lap before she can take the empty space next to Sean.
Bedo’s lips pull into a grin that won’t leave his face, while his leg bounces and the gold of his chain jingles against his chest.
“What gives? You look happier than a kid in a candy store.” I’ve never seen Bedo like this. He doesn’t even have his phone in hand. I’m not sure aliens haven’t taken over his body.
“We wait for Austin.” He reaches in his back pocket and produces a stick of gum, unwrapping it to chew with an annoying smack.
“Do you want me to leave?” Lexi asks, because she’s considerate of the band and the need to give us space.
“No.” Bedo works the gum. “You stay.”
Lexi turns her chin so Bedo doesn’t see when she rolls her eyes, and Sean chuckles. Despite Bedo’s weirdness there’s a lightness about today. After being on tour for three months, it feels amazing to be back in LA for our final two shows. I booked a suite at the Ritz for the next three nights, wanting Lexi all to myself before she heads to Texas for a month of recording.
The door groans open and Austin swaggers inside.
Bedo stands from his chair. “Jesus. That took you long enough,” he mutters. The gold ring on his right hand catches the light when he motions for Austin to take a seat.
“Didn’t know I was being timed,” Austin complains.
Bedo clears his throat, his eyes widen with his smile, and he commands all our attention when he speaks. “How do you guys feel about the Grammys?”
“You’re shitting us,” Sean says.
“No. Don’t be a tease.” Austin shakes his head.
“Nothing’s official, but keep February clear. I’d bet my first born son you’ll be performing.”
Lexi squeezes my hand when I laugh and call him out, “Bedo, you don’t have any children.”
He claps his hands together, pointing them at me. “But if I did, I’d bet them. That’s how sure I am.”
