“Can’t wait to hear that. The piano piece sounds amazing on ‘Sever.’ Did you write that, Jace?”
Jace flushed and shook his head. “It was originally one of Brian’s guitar solos. Eric modified it into piano music.”
Eric caught Rebekah staring at him with something that might have been adulation. He wasn’t sure what had brought it on all of a sudden.
“So when can we expect the new album to hit the shelves?”
“This spring. We still have some tour dates to make up in January, and then we’ll hit the studio hard and heavy in February. After that, we’ll take a little break and start a tour next summer to promote the new album.”
“Sounds busy.”
Sed chuckled. “We’re always busy.”
“And we’re all happy about that.” The reporter turned to Dave. “You’re the soundboard operator who was injured in the bus crash in Canada, right?”
“Yeah. David Blake. I’ve been working with Sinners for several years now.”
“Are you still part of the crew?”
“No, I—”
“Yes,” Sed interrupted. “That’s why I called you over here. We want you to come on the road with us in January, if you’re up for it.”
Dave smiled. “Yeah, of course. Sinners is the greatest bunch of musicians I’ve ever worked with. They’re just… great.” The tears in Dave’s eyes were unmistakable. “They’ve given me hope. They also gave up their Thanksgiving to be here and help at the shelter.”
“Myrna said she’d cook for us all tomorrow,” Brian said. “It’s no big deal.”
Dave shook his head. “You’re all coming over to my house for dinner tonight. Mom is a wonderful cook, and she always makes enough for fifteen people.”
“We couldn’t possibly impose,” Sed said. His stomach growled a protest, and he covered his belly with one hand.
“It’s not imposing. I want you to come. I’m sure the folks would be more than happy for you to join us, right, Reb?”
Rebekah started. She’d been staring at her hands clenched in her lap. “What?”
“I just invited the guys over for Thanksgiving dinner.”
“You should probably ask Mom,” Rebekah said.
“Ask Mom what?” Mrs. B said.
“The band’s coming over for dinner tonight,” Dave said.
Mrs. B’s jaw dropped.
“Please, Mom. They let me keep my job. Even though I’m stuck in this wheelchair.”
Mrs. B smiled gently and smoothed Dave’s hair with one hand. “Of course they can come. It’s the least we can do to repay them for that smile on your face, David.”
Dave’s smile widened. “Awesome! We have dinner late,” he told them. “Around eight.”
“I guess I better head home and get the turkey in the oven then,” Mrs. B said.
Which would finally get Rebekah out of her ever-watchful eye, and maybe Eric could get her alone so they could talk. She was obviously torn up about Dave replacing her as soundboard operator. Even if she solidified his fears that their relationship was over, at least it was better than being ignored and wondering if they’d ever make amends.
Rebekah glanced up and met Eric’s eyes. She looked like she wanted to talk too. Even though she hadn’t answered his calls, he still hadn’t given up hope. Maybe, if he could get her to listen to him, she’d give him a second chance.
“Rebekah, grab Isaac and your father, and meet me at the car,” Mrs. B said. “I’m going to need lots of help.”
“We could all help,” Eric offered.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Mrs. B said. She grabbed the back of Dave’s chair and directed him toward the exit.
“Did you have any more questions?” Sed asked the reporter.
“Thousands,” the reporter insisted.
Eric watched Rebekah and Isaac leave the kitchen. He tried to pay attention to the rest of the interview, but it was hard when his thoughts were following the woman he loved out the door.
Chapter 27
Trey watched the interplay between Eric and Rebekah, Rebekah and Isaac, Eric and Isaac, and his anger increased with each passing minute. It took a lot to piss him off, but he was livid. Rebekah was a complete idiot. How could she choose a homosexual man over Eric? And how could Eric just let her? She and Eric worked great together. They’d been so happy. How could they just let that go? And then there was Isaac, who was in total denial, pretending he loved Rebekah to hide what he really was. Fucking idiots. All three.
When Isaac excused himself from the table to use the restroom, Trey followed a moment later. Maybe it was wrong to stick his nose in their business, but it wasn’t every day Eric found a girl crazy and stupid enough to love him. And she did love him. Otherwise, she wouldn’t appear so heartsick every time she looked at him.
Which happened to be pretty much constantly since they’d sat down to eat at the Blakes’ dinner table.
Eric seemed to believe he was thinking of Rebekah’s happiness by giving her the time and space she needed. What a tool. If he’d really been thinking of her happiness, he would have told Isaac to get lost by now.
Trey waited outside the bathroom door. He listened to the sounds of water running as Isaac washed his hands. When the door opened, Trey blocked his exit. Isaac stopped short. Trey was an inch taller than him, if that, but one intense look sent in the guy’s direction had him instantly in the submissive role. Just where Trey wanted him.
And Trey did want him. Wanted to show him that accepting who he was would bring him far more contentment than pretending to be something he wasn’t. Trey knew these good boys often had a hard time coming to terms with their homosexual nature. That they thought it was wrong. Trey would show him different.
“Ex-excuse me,” Isaac said, his eyes drifting downward.
“I need to talk to you,” Trey said.
Isaac straightened his spine and lifted his gray-eyed gaze. He really was a looker. Pretty, but not effeminate. Strong, but not too strong. Cherry. Yes, very cherry. Exactly Trey’s type. “About?”
“Privately.”
Isaac took a step back. Trey took two steps forward. When they’d both crossed the threshold, Trey closed the door behind him and locked it.
“What are you do—”
Trey moved forward until he had Isaac against a wall.
“I don’t believe in violence,” Isaac said, trembling.