“You can always do what Josh did.”
“Give them drugs?” Storm questions with a frown.
“Treat them like shit?” Memphis adds.
“I meant making every girl think they were special to him so he could get them to do anything he wanted.”
And I mean anything. There were no lines that dude wouldn’t cross…or fuck.
“That’s because he was a manipulative asshole,” Memphis bites out.
One who’s no longer here.
A surge of irritation runs through my veins, and I stand. “In case you fuckers forgot, he’s dead.”
“Phoenix,” Memphis grunts when I amble to the door.
“What?”
“Don’t let your guilt make you forget who he really was.”
That’s easy for him to say…he wasn’t responsible for his death.
My steps accelerate as we head out the back door.
The last show of the week ended twenty minutes ago and I’m fucking exhausted. The second I get on the bus, I’m sleeping till we get to Kansas.
“Tonight was a good show,” Chandler remarks.
Next to me, Storm nods. “Yeah, Memphis’s solo was absolute fire.”
“Nah, man,” Memphis says behind us. “Yours stole the show tonight.”
Storm slaps my back. “And let’s not forget the way Phoenix obliterated his rendition of ‘Down with the Sickness.’”
“George was awesome, too,” Lennon chimes in.
No one says shit.
We’re about to get on the bus, but the security guard stops us.
“There’s a woman in there who specifically requested to see you two tonight.”
Storm looks at me.
“If it’s Megan Fox, I call dibs. You know I got that MILF fantasy.”
I’m pretty sure security is fucking with us right now because all I see when we walk up the steps is a short woman with gray hair wearing a long flowery dress and orthopedic shoes.
Memphis nudges Storm. “How about a cougar fantasy?”
Storm opens his mouth to respond, but the woman turns around. “I prefer GILF.”
We all break out in smiles—aside from Storm who’s now cringing—as we realize the GILF in question is none other than Grams.
Memphis pushes past us so he can give her a hug. “Hey, Grams. How’s Bermuda?”
“Bermuda is fine.” She fans herself. “So are the men.”
Storm groans. “Come on, Grams. Don’t start.”
She opens her mouth, but her stare snags on Skylar, who runs over to hug her next.
Grams cups her face in her hands. “How you holding up, sweet pea?”
A heavy silence falls over the bus.
Skylar gives her a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m hanging in there. How are you, Grams?”
She pops a hand on her hip. “I’m fabulous. Got me a younger man.”
Now Skylar’s smile is genuine. “Oh. Spill the tea, sister.”
“I met him on one of them dating apps. He ain’t much of a looker, but Lord have mercy. Thank heavens for those little blue pills.”
Storm looks like he’s gonna be sick. “For fuck’s sake, Grams.”
She wags a finger at him. “You mind your tongue. Sex is healthy.” Her gaze flicks to Chandler. “You taking care of my boys?”
Chandler salutes her. “Yes, ma’am.”
“You better be—” Whatever she was going to say falls by the wayside when she spots Lennon behind me. “Oh, my word.”
Lennon gives her a shy smile. “Hi.”
“Don’t you hi me, young lady,” Grams chides as she opens her arms wide. “Get over here.”
Lennon doesn’t waste another second, and neither does Grams. The moment their hug ends, she’s fawning all over her. “Well, look at you. And then the caterpillar turned into a butterfly.”
Lennon’s cheeks redden due to all the attention. Fortunately for her, Grams shifts her focus to me.
“I’m glad you finally pulled your head out of your ass and got your girl back.” Finger wag. “I told you she was a keeper.”
George clears his throat and sticks out his hand. “Hi, I’m George. Pleasure to meet you.”
She shakes it. “Hello, dear. You must be one of the new roadies. Would you be a peach and grab my bags? They’re still outside.”
“I’ll do it,” I quickly offer since I’d do anything in the world for the woman.
Plus, I could use a breather.