After a long set of songs, the entertainment portion of the day came to an end, and the band was treated to a standing ovation by everyone in the room. The guys put down their instruments and the more informal meet and greet portion of the day began. People streamed up front, creating a line to talk to each of the men who had given their time and energy for a wonderful cause.
Beside her, two women with name tags on their blouses talked in hushed voices, and though Cassidy didn’t mean to eavesdrop, they were too close not to overhear.
“Isn’t it amazing that they do this for us every year?” one of the women, who Cassidy assumed was a nurse or staff member, asked.
“It’s bullshit,” the other female said, causing Cassidy to stiffen in surprise. “They’re all using and then they have the nerve to show up here and act like they have something to give back?”
“Heather, come on. Just because they’re rock stars doesn’t mean that they’re using drugs. That’s an unfair stereotype.”
Cassidy agreed. She was aware of Dash’s no drugs in his house rule, one he adamantly enforced, even when the guys threw a party. Axel had never indulged, mostly because he’d been too busy trying to make something of himself since they’d both been left alone without life insurance or an inheritance of any kind after their parents, then later their grandmother died.
She’d always admired her brother and felt the same for Dash when she’d learned of his similar stance. She also knew how hard it must be not to indulge when, as bona fide rock stars, drugs of all kinds were everywhere. Especially when they were on tour.
They were a hazard as much as alcohol. If the man who’d crashed into her parents’ car hadn’t been high, he wouldn’t have been driving the wrong way on a freeway at night, and she and Axel wouldn’t have been orphaned. It left Cassidy overly aware of how important it was that places like this, where people could get help, existed.
“Well, I happen to know Dash Kingston does use drugs,” the woman named Heather said.
Every muscle in Cassidy’s body locked into place. She clenched her hands, wondering how the hell she could make such a claim.
“It’s so unfair that my brother died and he lived. Worse, look at what the universe has given him! Money, fame, and my family was left to grieve.” She sniffed and Cassidy refused to turn and look at her, shock holding her in place while they continued their conversation.
She drew short, shallow breaths, telling herself there were two sides to every story and Cassidy didn’t know Dash’s.
“I’m sorry, Heather. I know Billy is why you’re working here, to compensate for losing your brother,” the other woman said. “I wish the band had come on your day off.”
“Me too. I usually arrange it that way but we’re short-staffed.” Heather said something under her breath, then, “This just proves the rich get away with everything.”
Cassidy didn’t know what the actual story was with Heather’s brother and her link to Dash, but she assumed Billy was the friend Dash had mentioned the other day. The reason why he performed this meet and greet and gave so much money to the cause. Whatever had happened, it probably also explained why he didn’t touch drugs or allow them in his house.
Cassidy bit down on the inside of her cheek, wondering if she should warn Dash about Heather’s presence and her anger, but even if she wanted to, there was no way to get near him. Not with all the people surrounding him. She’d wait until they finished and he started walking back here.
Then she’d attempt to talk to him.
* * *
Dash felt good about the event and the people he’d seen and spoken to today. There were a few younger patients, of whom many seemed to have dual issues, including depression and anxiety. They’d get the treatment they needed here, for which he was grateful. He’d signed more posters and other goodies and hours had passed. He was beyond ready to head home. Nate’s staff was supposed to have loaded the SUV with the amps and the rest of their shit. Since someone had returned his car keys, Dash assumed the job was done.
The room was finally emptying out, and Cassidy waited by the door. He’d seen her earlier, watched her while he was singing. Once he’d found her in the audience, he couldn’t look away. With her eyes closed, she looked like an angel absorbed in his words. His voice. His music.
Just like he was absorbed in her. From the second he’d laid eyes on her, she drew him in. His fear gone, all he wanted now was to wrap himself around her and never let her go. Too bad she was completely skittish and distrusting.