“He’ll handle the logistics and call me if there are any issues,” Thom explains.
Super. Another person I didn’t hire drawing a salary off the band. “We’ve never needed a tour manager before. Val went to the U.K. with us.”
“Yeah, and look how that turned out,” Thom reminds me.
“Big fan, Chaser,” Pete interrupts. “Really excited to work with you guys.”
“Thanks.”
“Here’s my number. You need anything before we leave, just let me know.” He passes me a card, and I give it a quick glance, before shoving it in my pocket.
“The guys can fill you in, but we have a date for the EP’s release, and Cutter’s agreed to work with you,” Thom says.
“Fuck yeah,” Andrew says under his breath.
“You should’ve started there, Thom.” I shift and run my hand through my hair. “When?”
“As soon as the tour finishes. Pete will set up time for you to work on some of the new material while you’re on the road.”
When none of us object, Thom claps his hands together. “All right. We’re leaving. Oh, and limo’s all set up for the SMA’s.”
“You’re the man, Thom.” Jacob stands and points two finger guns at Thom.
Andrew throws himself into the booth next to Jacob and signals the waitress to bring us menus.
I’d hesitate to discuss band business in front of Andrew, except he inserts himself into my business all the time. Maybe in this case, he can actually be useful.
“Did you know about this, Jacob?”
“About Pete? Fuck no. Thom sprung him on us today.”
“Not the worst thing,” Garrett says. “Be nice to have someone to be our gopher.”
“Do you have a tour manager?” Alvin asks Andrew.
“Yeah, we’ve been through a few of ‘em. Kyle has his own guy.” Andrew snort-laughs. “Fuck, half the time, we do all our talking through our managers. It’s out of control ridiculous.”
“We don’t need anyone to do our talking for us.” Jacob’s lips curve into a sly grin. “None of us are afraid to call each other out on our bullshit.”
“Ain’t that the fuckin’ truth,” I mutter.
“Don’t let go of that,” Andrew says. “Work shit out with each other. Don’t let it fester until you can’t all stand to be in the same room together.”
Well, that’s a conversation downer.
The waitress stops by to take our order, and Andrew orders corned beef sandwiches for all of us.
“So, what happened in the UK?” Andrew asks.
I shoot a glare at Jacob that I hope he interprets as shut your fool mouth.
“Eh.” Alvin waves his hand in the air. “We toured with Bloody Revolver, and they—”
“Aww, fuck that douche!” Andrew shouts.
Heads turn, and Andrew lifts two middle fingers in the air.
“Fucking Davey Revolver.” Andrew’s normal happy-go-lucky-puppy demeanor morphs into the vicious monster I witnessed the night we handled the guy who hurt Audrey. “I’d love to kick his motherfucking ass.”
“Chaser did.” Alvin cackles.
I tilt my head and stare him down. Really?
He gives me an apologetic shrug.
“He hit on Mallory?” Andrew asks. “Am I right?”
“Something like that.”
“Yeah, I wish I’d known you guys, then. I coulda warned you. He’s a total piece of shit.”
Finally, we agree on something.
Mallory
After dress shopping, Pamela drops me off at the house.
I’m in the kitchen figuring out what to make for dinner when Chaser slams the door and announces, “Honey, I’m home,” as he’s done every day since we moved in.
Today he adds, “And I have good news.”
“What’s that?” I rush over to hug him, well aware that our time together is precious. Soon, I’ll be saying goodbye for three months.
“Cutter agreed to produce our album.”
“Oh my God!” I squeeze my eyes shut, saying a quick ‘thank you’ to the universe for making this happen for Chaser. “That’s amazing.”
“And we have a release date for the EP.”
“Even better!” I can’t help bouncing up and down and clapping my hands.
“Yup. Second week of the tour, so we can promote it and let the fans get to know the new material.”
“Perfect timing.” I hesitate, not wanting to steal any of his excitement. “I have good news too. I found a dress for the SMAs.”
“Awesome.” He pauses. “Where is it?”
“It’s still at the shop.” I give him a quick description.
“I can’t wait to see it.”
His brows pinch together, and he glances at the clock. “Thom hired a tour manager for us.”
“You don’t sound happy about it.”
“Got a weasel vibe from him.” He shrugs. “Nothing specific.”
“Try to give him a chance.” I poke him in the stomach. “But trust your instincts too.”
“Have I mentioned you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me?”
“Once or twice, but I don’t mind hearing it again.”
We’re interrupted by a rattling in our driveway followed by a knock at the door.
Chaser jumps up with a grin on his face. “They’re early.”
“Who?” I ask, following him.
He checks the peephole before opening the door.
“Mr. Adams?”
“Yup.”
“Need you to sign this.” The burly stranger on our front step thrusts a clipboard at Chaser.