“You’re lucky you have such a supportive family,” Ajay adds. “When I left home my mother moved away and didn’t tell me until she needed to borrow some money.”
“Parents,” Liam says. My dad and I laugh because we know all too well what his father is like. His mom though, she’s pretty amazing and I like her. She’s especially crazy at Noah’s games.
“Well, my family’s big enough to share.” I’m shocked by my words but stick to them. “My mom will likely adopt you, my aunts will cater to your every need, and the sister you haven’t met yet, well she’ll make you look foolish if you try to talk sports with her, so I would avoid that if at all possible. Either way, family is what you make it, right Liam?” I say the words that he said to me not so long ago.
Liam smiles. I can see it in his eyes that he’s proud. “That’s right.”
“How long have you known Quinn?” Ajay asks.
“Well, that would be from the time he was like a day or two old.” Liam looks at my dad, who nods. “So, all his life.”
“Lucky guy, growing up with these two.”
“Hey mate, what about me? What am I, chopped liver?”
Ajay holds up his hands, shaking his head and laughing. “No, not at all. I misspoke. I meant three. It’s like Quinn was the baby from that movie, Three Men and a Baby.”
JD finds this extremely funny. He’s bent over and slapping his knee, while my dad and Liam look on. I’m not sure if I have a reply, but I guess from an outsider’s point of view, that was totally me. A band raised me, and of course, my grandma and Aunt Yvie helped.
“Why’s everyone sitting around?” Elle asks as she enters the venue. Her hair is in a bun and her glasses are on. Ben is standing next to her, staring at her, completely oblivious that she’s working. I have no doubt some librarian fantasy of his is playing out in his head and she’s none the wiser.
“We’re getting to know each other,” Dad says. Elle cocks her eyebrow at him in what seems like a challenge, but Dad holds strong. He’s never put up with her attitude before and I can’t imagine he’s going to start now.
“Well, chat later, the doors are about to open and the last thing I want is for the gaggle of Liam Page fans to rush the stage and hurt him. I’d rather get paid for tonight and not have to cover my uncle’s medical expenses.”
“I can take care of myself, Elle,” Liam says, puffing out his chest. She waves him off and pulls the puppy dog Ben behind her. It’s a good thing his tongue is in his mouth or I might make barking sounds at him.
“She’s right. Let’s pick up so the curtains can close, and we can get this show on the road,” Liam barks orders and everyone moves. The 4225 West road crew works quickly, getting the instruments organized while my band gathers in the corner.
“I can’t thank each and every one of you for agreeing to be a part of this madness. I know what you’re sacrificing and believe me, I appreciate it,” Dana says, wiping away some tears. “We haven’t even played live yet, and I already know tonight’s going to be amazing.”
“I love you,” Hendrix says, and she rolls her eyes.
“I hope we don’t let you down,” I tell her. I look at the rest of the group and smile. “We just need to go out there and be the best.”
“We’re opening for your dad’s band, doesn’t that freak you out?” Ajay asks.
I shake my head. “Not in the slightest. I think it’s an honor that they’d do this for us.”
“Yeah, it is,” Keane adds.
“Liam Page is a god,” Dana says. I cringe, but it’s not the first time I’ve heard that.
“Just remember, he’s married and my aunt… well, she’s nice on the outside, but vicious when it comes to my uncle.”
Dana gives me a two-finger salute and turns to leave the stage with us following behind her. As soon as we’re in our dressing room, I’m tackle hugged by a fierce teenager. Paige has her arms wrapped around my waist in a vise grip.
“Are you trying to break me, Paige?”
“No, but I’ve missed you, Quinn.” She finally lets go and looks up at me. I remember the day she was born. It was a crazy afternoon, that’s for sure.
“Everyone, this is Betty Paige, Liam’s little girl.”
“I’m not little,” she says.
“I know, but to me, you are. And I’ll make sure every guy knows that.”
Paige scoffs. “You’re just like Noah.”