Storm speaks through a mouthful of pizza. “That depends. You like rock music?”
I start to answer, but Phoenix beats me to it. “She fucking loves it. Not only does Lennon know all the lyrics to every song I play in the car, her taste in music is almost as good as mine.” Those full lips curl into a smirk. “It’s why I call her groupie.”
I flip him the bird. “I can’t be your groupie if I’ve never heard you play, now can I?”
I want to smack myself as I replay those words back, but it’s too late. They’re already out there.
His smirk deepens. “I guess we’ll have to change that then, huh?”
My insides swoop and I’m positive I’m blushing.
Storm claps his hands. “That’s what I’m talking about. Let’s get this studying bullshit over with so we can jam.” He looks at Phoenix. “I’m with Grams. Keep her around.”
I’m speechless as Phoenix belts the final verse of “Man in the Box” by Alice In Chains.
He sings it with such raw passion it steals my breath.
It took me mere seconds to ascertain that he was a phenomenal singer and great piano player…
It took even less for me to discover that he’s also one hell of a performer.
From the moment he grabbed that mic and opened his mouth, he reached inside my chest and seized my soul.
Phoenix was right…what happens to him is pure magic.
Only, he’s the magician.
And one day, the entire world will be under his spell.
I feel it.
I also have to give credit to Storm because he sure knows how to play drums. Despite looking like he’s losing his fucking mind when he pounds on them, he never misses a beat.
I’m so enamored I don’t even realize they’ve been playing for so long. Not until Phoenix ends the song and looks at Storm. “I gotta take her home.”
Dammit. I hate having a curfew.
I get off the futon. “You guys…that was…” I clutch my heart, trying to come up with the right words for what I just experienced but there are none. “Insane in the very best way and nothing I say can do it justice.”
I have to stop myself from asking for their autographs.
Storm grins. “Glad you enjoyed it. We’ll give you a concert whenever you want.”
“Remember you said that, because I’m definitely going to take you up on it.”
He places his drumsticks down. “I’m gonna head inside. Thanks for the pizza.”
“No problem. And hey, maybe next time you guys can play some of your own songs.”
God knows they surpassed the originals, but every song they did tonight was a cover.
I’d love to hear some original stuff.
Phoenix and Storm exchange a glance before Storm says, “We’d love to…but we don’t have any.”
Phoenix grips the back of his neck. “Yet. We’re working on it.”
I’m sure they’ll come up with some amazing ones soon enough. And if not…maybe I could ask my dad to sit down with them.
“Well, I can’t wait to listen to them whenever you do.”
Storm and Phoenix exchange a quick goodbye before we head out.
“You’re going to blow everyone away at Voodoo,” I tell him after we get inside the car.
“I hope so.” He starts the engine. “Rumor has it there’s going to be a record executive in the crowd the night we play.”
Oh, shit. “Really?”
He nods. “Yeah. But it’s just a rumor, so who knows.”
“Well, if there’s any truth to it, don’t worry. They’re gonna go crazy when they hear you. Trust me.”
A dimple peeks out of his right cheek. “You’re really good at that.”
I’m not sure what he means. “Good at what?”
“Hyping me up.” His expression turns serious. “Believing in me.”
“How could I not believe in you?” My heart begins to race. “There’s no one in the world like Phoenix Walker. You’re special.”
“You really think so, huh?”
I smile. “I know so.”
And soon enough the world will, too.
CHAPTER 8
LENNON
A surge of excitement runs through me as we enter the garage. The gift I ordered Phoenix a couple of days ago finally came in and I can’t wait to give it to him.
I’m hoping it not only works but puts him in a good enough mood that he’ll be on board with an idea I’ve been ruminating on for a bit.
“I got you something,” I tell him as we sit on the futon.