Wicked Beat (Sinners on Tour 4)

“You’re spoiling me,” he said, his knockout smile charming even Eric.

Fuck. The guy could at least have the decency to be ugly or stupid or boring. Something!

“It’s the least I can do for our heroic, life-saving physician.”

“Seems to me Isaac isn’t the only lifesaver at this table,” Dave said. He grinned at Eric, who shook his head slightly, not wanting to bring up his little attempts at CPR.

“Oh yeah?” Isaac questioned, looking genuinely interested in what Dave had to say, the bastard. It was really difficult for Eric to maintain his hatred for the guy. “What happened?”

“Eric saved two lives this year alone,” Dave said. “One of them mine.”

Eric stared at the slice of cheesecake in front of him and speared a cherry repeatedly. “It was nothing. Anyone would have done the same.”

“That’s not true,” Isaac said. “Most people look the other way when someone is in trouble, even if they’re capable of helping. They just… don’t.”

Eric poked at his cheesecake, trying hard not to feel pride due to Isaac’s words.

“Who else did you save, Eric?” Rebekah asked.

“It was nothing,” he said again.

“Trey,” Dave said. “He had a seizure, and Eric kept him breathing until the ambulance arrived.”

“How have I not heard this story?” Rebekah said, glancing from Eric to Dave, then back to Eric.

Eric shrugged. “Trey doesn’t like us to talk about it.”

Rebekah leaned closer and whispered, “And I thought I was witness to the first time you locked lips with Trey.” She giggled and squeezed his knee under the table.

Eric stared at her with wide eyes. He prayed no one had heard her little aside.

“Who’s Trey?” Isaac asked.

“Sinners’ rhythm guitarist,” Rebekah said.

“Sinners?”

“Yeah, Eric’s band. Sinners.”

“So you’re in a band? Like a local band or what?” Isaac asked in all seriousness and took another bite of cheesecake.

Rebekah laughed and hugged Isaac’s arm. “You’re so sheltered! One of the most famous drummers in the world is having dessert with you, and you’re totally clueless.”

“This guy’s famous?” Isaac asked, eyes wide with wonder. “Should I be asking him for his autograph or something?”

This caused Rebekah to laugh even harder. She released Isaac’s arm to hold her stomach. “Stop. You’re killing me.”

Eric thought he was the only one capable of making her laugh that hard. Apparently not.

“So you’re a rock star? For real?” Isaac asked. “How’d you meet him, Rebekah?”

“Dave was Sinners’ soundboard operator. When he got hurt, they let me fill in until he’s back on his feet.” She realized her slip a second too late. Her eyes widened, and she whipped her head around to look at her brother. “Oh Dave, I’m sorry I said that. I didn’t mean…”

Dave just smiled. “It’s okay. I’m hoping they might take me back before I’m literally back on my feet.”

“Are you up for touring again?” Eric asked. “You know how grueling it can be.”

Dave nodded. “I’m hoping when you go back out in January that I’ll be ready to take over most of my duties. Well, those I can do in my chair. I don’t think I’ll be walking that soon and won’t be all that helpful at assembly and teardown. I’ll do as much as I’m able to though.”

“Don’t rush yourself, son,” Bill said. “You can stay here with your mother and me for as long as necessary.”

Dave and Rebekah exchanged glances and then smiled at their mother.

“I like to work,” Dave insisted. “I really miss it. And the guys. I miss them too. How are they all doing?”

“Great!” Eric said. “Me and Reb signed them all up to volunteer this Thanksgiving at the homeless shelter. I can’t wait to tell them.”

“Awesome. I’ll be there,” Dave said. “I can’t wait to see them again. And I really can’t wait to go back on tour.”

“Whenever you think you can handle it,” Eric said with a smile. It was great to see Dave doing so well.

“But… what about me?” Rebekah asked.

“Reb, you knew your work with the band was temporary from the beginning,” Dave said.

She ducked her head, looking entirely defeated. Eric didn’t want her to leave, but when Dave was ready to return to work, she’d have to. And then she’d be here with Isaac all the time, while Eric was on the road.

This entire situation sucked.

“I don’t like the idea of you on the road with all those sinful, dirty rock stars in the first place, Rebekah,” Mrs. B said.

Eric’s hackles rose. He had the sudden urge to hit someone.

“As you’ve told me every other day on the phone, Mother,” Rebekah said. “Give it a rest.”

“Is it safe?” Isaac asked, glancing at Eric out of the corner of his eye. “They wouldn’t hurt you, would they?”

Rebekah rolled her eyes. “The guys are great. All of them. I had a bit of a rocky start with Marcus, but things are going perfectly now.”

“Did Marcus give you a hard time?” Dave asked.

“At first,” Rebekah admitted. “We’re good now. We’ve come to an understanding. He’s stopped trying to sabotage my soundboard, and he even gave your notebook back to me.”

“What? I’m so going to kick his ass,” Dave said. He chuckled. “Well, maybe I’ll have Eric knock him down so I can roll over his f**kin’ ass.”

“David Adam, watch your language!” Mrs. B said.

“Sorry, Mom,” Dave said sheepishly.

“Is everyone finished?” Mrs. B asked.

Eric was so ready to leave it wasn’t funny. He stood and picked up his plate. “I’ve got dishes.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Guests don’t do dishes,” Mrs. B said. “Rebekah, get the dishes.”

Rebekah stood to obey her mother, scraping plates and stacking them.

“Why don’t you help her, Isaac?” Mrs. B smiled fondly.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Eric watched Isaac and Rebekah clear the table, his heart aching. They were so comfortable with each other, sharing quiet words and laughs. He had no doubt it was common for them to be domestic. Like a couple.