Page 34 of Endless Harmonies
“You just nursed them,” Derek finishes. “I have some milk in the diaper bag, and I’ll put it in the fridge. Will I be able to watch the concert from the room?”
“Yes,” Jordan says. “I’m having it streamed for you. We also have a photographer who is doing what you did, and then my assistant works on the socials. I have to say I really fucking miss you though.”
“There are days I miss it too.” Derek shrugs. “Are they any good or should I continue to avoid the band socials?”
At Jordan’s wince, Derek blows out a breath. “Distract me from the insanity, Orion,” he groans dramatically, making us laugh. O rolls his eyes playfully, throwing his arm over his shoulder and leads him away.
“I’ve been through two assistants so far,” Jordan hisses as he leads us away. “I still don’t know if this one will stick.”
A brunette with a clipboard and wild hair walks up to us, trying to look professional and failing. “Mr. Miles, everything is on time so far. Darkest Nights is on in fifteen minutes,” she says before striding away.
“Is that the assistant?” I ask, amused. “Is she organized at least?”
“Eloise is very organized, I just dislike having an assistant.” Jordan sighs. “The label insisted that I need someone to help me, but it’s really such a pain.”
“Uncle Jordan this isn’t because of your age, is it?” Layla asks. He’s in his early fifties, how could this be the reason?
“The board suggested it because I’m fifty-two, and it pissed me off,” he complains. “I’m healthy, I can do everything just fine. The label just doesn’t want to pay for a social media manager and it’s bullshit.”
“I agree,” I murmur. “We make them a lot of money, even touring part time. I hear Derek muttering to himself at night when he looks at our social media pages. Why don’t we just go back to running it ourselves?”
“I may just suggest that, because while Eloise has a minor in graphic designing and communications, I still prefer Derek.”
“You’re adorable,” Lenny giggles, making him roll his eyes. “You roll with the punches better than anyone I know. I think that girl is getting under your skin.”
Brows raised, I find Jordan is blushing a bit. Does he like her? I can’t say shit about age, but Eloise looks as if she’s in her late twenties if that.
“Ten minutes,” Jordan reminds us, ignoring his niece’s words. “I’ll be back.”
Smirking, I throw my arm around Lennon, kissing her forehead. “Lavender, you’re being a brat again,” I tease her.
“Punishing her with your cocks isn’t the punishment you think it is,” Layla says, shocking Atlas and Mav as she watches the band.
Wild Heartshas a great sound, and they’re a band built of three women. They’re so cohesive, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve known each other for a while. A glance between them says everything that’s needed as they move from song to song.
“Layla,” Atlas says, attempting to get her attention and Layla shrugs.
“You really need to read the room, brother,” I murmur. “She’s not interested in talking to you right now. I’m pissed at how you’re handling your business. None of this is fair to her.”
As Atlas opens his mouth, Mav shakes his head. “We’re about to go on stage, don’t start shit, Atlas. Be a professional and lock it down.”
Atlas’s face is stormy, but I watch him slowly put his feelings away. “For the record, I’m really sorry about everything. We handled things like shit,” he murmurs.
“Yes, you did,” Layla says, her eyes on the stage. “I’m moving on. I don’t have any business being with someone who doesn’t want me.”
The stage lights drop, dressing us in darkness. Atlas makes a strangled sound, but doesn’t say anything else asWild Heartswalk off stage.
“You were so good!” Lennon says, clapping. They were, so we follow suit before I place my hand on her back.
“Thank you,” one of the girls says in awe. “It was amazing to open for you. They’re a great crowd tonight.”
“Excellent. Thanks for warming them up, ladies. Let’s do it guys,” I say, putting pressure on Lavender’s back so she’ll start walking. As always, I walk her to her mic before continuing to my guitar. Roark easily walks Layla in, because the lights always fuck with eyesight.
It’s showtime as the lights come up, and I grin as Lennon picks up the microphone.
“Hello, Knoxville!” she yells, her lips spread wide into a smile. Fuck, I’ve really missed the stage. “Thank you,Wild Heartsfor opening for us. You had quite the treat. Those girls are going places! Let’s open up withSouls Bound, shall we?”
This song was a song we recorded in our basement together, and is soulful and upbeat. Layla sings back up on this, while I duet with Lennon. It’s about how people keep finding their soulmates, no matter what. Even when it’s hard, even when they have to leave, the universe will find a way.