Tangled weeds, p.11
Tangled Weeds, page 11
Thirty
Johnny
It felt so good to be with Devon again even if it had only been a few hours, it was a few hours too long. Everything in me missed him and while I still wasn’t sure how to deal with that, right now I’d enjoy all the time we had together.
We ended up sleeping most of the first day, apparently those long nights and sleepless days finally caught up to us both. “I feel bad for sleeping all day, but I’m sure everyone will understand,” Devon said after we’d finally showered and dressed later in the afternoon.
“Well, well, look who decided to join the living,” Easy said, his Irish accent coming out just slightly.
“Shamus, you just dragged your ass out of bed an hour ago, so I’m not sure you really have any room to talk,” Liam said and Easy smiled sweetly at him.
“You wore me out, my love,” he said and kissed Liam.
“Yeah, we know. We all know,” Rory said from where he sat across the room with his notebook and an old guitar.
“Hey, I can’t help it if he fills me with passion,” Easy said.
“Among other things,” Rory mumbled before coughing to cover it up. Liam’s face bloomed red, and he leaned in closer to Easy who slung his arm around him and pulled him into his side.
“I won’t deny it, but I won’t confirm it either,” Easy said.
“Oh, you don’t need to, we all heard it. Thank you very much for that by the way. This place is supposed to be close to soundproof, but you two have proven that’s not true many times,” Rory said again and didn’t look away when Easy glared at him. “Just fucking with you, man, come here and help me work on the music.” He tapped his pen on his notebook and Easy moved over to him and they immediately got to work, all bullshit forgotten.
“I love how everyone in Blinding Light gets along,” I said to Devon.
“Most of them have known each other forever. Isn’t that right, Liam?” I said, as he walked into the kitchen to rummage around in the refrigerator.
“They have, it’s like a good old boys’ club in this band,” he said and winked at Easy.
“That’s how Anchor Grey is now. The three of us have been together for a while and it just works. We’re all done with the bullshit from people who only want to be onstage,” I said, and knew everyone in the room would understand.
“Don’t ever compromise. Once you know what you want in your band don’t ever let anyone tell you it won’t work,” Easy said. “They tried to do that shit with us and we ended up dropping the record company that was pulling the strings. They were leading us down a path to failure and didn’t fucking care. Don’t ever let that happen.” He’d gone from helping with a song to deadly serious in a second and he meant every word he said.
“Tanner knows how we all feel and, so far, I trust him. He’s never tried to force us into anything, and when other bandmates fucked up, he didn’t try to talk us out of them leaving.” I didn’t want to defend Tanner, but everything I said was true. He wasn’t trying to destroy us. He let us choose our own way and was there when we needed help.
“Any word on a drummer yet?” Kai asked.
“No, but today is really the first day he’ll be looking. I trust Jeremy and Mateo to make that decision.” They were just as invested as I was, and I knew they’d make the right choice if I wasn’t there.
“Right then, let’s jam,” Easy said, and they all went into a room that had been designed as a practice room. The walls were all soundproof and it was plenty big enough for them to set up, even Devon. Easy immediately played the music for the new song they’d been working on, and he and Liam tweaked it a note at a time while Rory wrote down more lyrics or changed the ones he had.
“I love watching them work,” Kai said.
“Do you play?” I asked. I didn’t know much about him only that he was still in college and ran their website.
“Oh god no. I’m more into tech than art, but I love their music, and I’m amazed by their writing process,” he said while never taking his eyes off Rory who plucked away at his bass.
“Devon, you got it?” Easy asked and Devon nodded. He pounded out a rhythm that everyone else picked up and Easy screamed into the microphone, not holding back one little bit.
Tangled weeds, always full of needs
Tangled weeds, not always good deeds
You wrap around me and suffocate me with your drama
Always wanting more and giving less
The lyrics reminded me of the shit we’d just dealt with and having to cut two guys out of the band at the last minute, but then the feeling of being free once that shit was gone. All those assholes in the past were like weeds that were choking out our lives and making everything suck. Devon played like his life depended on it, every tap and slam of his sticks and the bass pedal given his full and complete attention. His eyes met mine and I knew.
There would never be another drummer for us. We had to have him no matter how long we had to wait. He was just as committed as we were, and he wouldn’t play stupid games if we were together or not. Devon wanted the band to survive, and he’d do what it took to make that happen. Even if it meant playing in front of a bigger audience than he’d ever seen in person. He’d do it and he’d do it well.
Thirty-One
Devon
The week had flown by. We practiced every day, and sat around and talked at night, and slowly I started to think of the guys as not just Glenn’s friends, but as my own. They’d all welcomed Johnny with open arms and bounced ideas off him once they realized he was a straight shooter and gave them no bullshit answers whether they liked it or not.
“We’re going to open with Tangled Weeds,” Easy said as we sat in the back of an SUV being driven to Rocktoberfest. Johnny was sitting right next to me, and he squeezed my hand knowing how unsure I felt about this song.
“Are you sure? I’m just worried that it’s all me playing. I think Glenn should be the one planning out the drums,” I said. He was the one who had perfected the sound everyone associated with Blinding Light. A perfect blend of driving drumbeats set to the guitar and bass of Liam and Rory and capped off with Easy’s lyrics. “I don’t want to fuck it up.”
Easy turned to face me from the next seat forward. “We wouldn’t have let you play this long if we thought you were going to fuck up. I played a practice session for Glenn, and he loved it. Don’t worry, you’re kicking ass,” Easy said.
I nodded, and gripped Johnny’s hand like my life depended on it, and when we pulled into the area where we’d be playing, I tried like hell not to freak the fuck out. The area was crawling with people and three stages had been set up. Each one was massive with racks and racks of lights and amplifiers lining each stage. I had no clue how many people would be here, or how many bands were playing, because there were many possibilities. It felt like I shut my eyes for a second and when I opened them again, we were pulling in behind the stage to where we’d get dressed before the show.
“Hey, guys, I managed to get you an airconditioned trailer, it’s hot as hell out here today and I didn’t want you sitting in a sweltering tent before you play. Easy, your parents are here, and oh, someone else is here to see you.” Vance grinned before looking over his shoulder as he leaned into the SUV.
Glenn waved his cast at us as Jess stood next to him grinning ear to ear. I jumped out and ran up to hug him. “How are you?”
“I’m okay. My arm should be good in a few weeks. Looks like you’ll be with them to Seattle,” Glenn said. “Easy sent me a recording of Tangled Weeds, you nailed it.”
“You really think so?” His opinion mattered more to me than he probably realized, but after playing with his band I understood now more than ever how hard it was to have a winning combination of both people and music.
“Hell yes. I mean I’ll probably tweak it a little when I play it, but you’ve done a great job,” Glenn said. He looked happy, and not stressed. I realized I hadn’t seen him look so relaxed in—well ever. “We hired a nanny so now Jess can come see us play if she wants, and she can get a break now and then from the house and kids.”
“I’m so glad you’re both here,” I said and swallowed down the emotions that both surprised me and threatened to choke out my words.
“I get it, kid. Go play your heart out,” Glenn said.
“Oh, there’s someone I want you to meet.” I leaned into the SUV where Johnny still sat and held my hand out to him. He took it with a grin, and I pulled him out. “This is Johnny. He’s lead singer and guitar for Anchor Grey.”
Glenn looked him up and down before shaking his hand. “You guys were the warm-up for Vegas.”
“Yes, and I can’t even begin to tell you how much we appreciate the opportunity. Not to mention that if we hadn’t played, there’s zero chance I would have met this guy,” Johnny said and smiled at me.
Glenn looked between the two of us before yelling over our heads at Easy. “Not another one.”
“Hey, what can I say? Rockstars are hot,” Easy said and gave Liam a dirty kiss, making Rory groan and lean away. “Like you can talk.” Rory shrugged his shoulder and kissed Kai who laughed through it all.
“Oh my god,” Vance mumbled under his breath. “Can everyone please move to the trailer and do what you need to do before tonight’s performance. I’ve ordered food and drinks as usual and your parents are there,” he said to Easy.
“Hey, Glenn,” Easy said as he patted him on the back and the four of them led the way to the trailer. Which wasn’t exactly a trailer, more like a luxury RV with plenty of room, running water, and a bathroom.
“Shamus.” Easy’s parents greeted him as soon as he stepped inside. “Are you ready for today?”
“Yeah, we’re playing later this year, getting closer to the big guys,” Easy said to them.
“Well, we’ve got a surprise for all of ye,” Drake said and handed a bag to Rory, Kai, and me. Pointing to Easy and Liam, he added, “These two are already taken care of.”
“Oh no way,” Rory said, and held up the kilt in front of him and laughed when Kai did the same. I held mine up making Johnny laugh.
“What do you think?” Easy said and looked at each of us.
“Let’s do this,” Rory said. After getting settled into the RV, we all had something to eat while catching up with Glenn, Drake, and Enid. Jess was quiet and took it all in. As far as I knew she hadn’t gone to a concert in years and this had to be as overwhelming for her as it was for me.
“I didn’t know you guys came to most shows,” I said to Enid.
“Oh yes, we’ve never outgrown the concert scene apparently.”
“And we never will,” Drake said as he walked out of the bathroom wearing his own kilt. His hair, that had been shaved a while back, was just long enough for a short mohawk that he had gelled up and colored bright green.
“Well, what are you all waiting for. Kilts on and balls out,” he said and crossed his arms over his old Sex Pistols shirt.
Thirty-Two
Johnny
We were all standing backstage waiting for the cue that Blinding Light would take the stage. Excitement was thick in the air. Darkness had fallen and the crowd was illuminated by lights that moved across them as they all moved around trying to get a better view before the music started.
“How many do you think are out there?” Devon asked, as he stood there in his kilt, combat boots, shirtless, and looking hot as fuck. They’d all opted to wear the kilts Drake had brought them because why the hell not, and I couldn’t wait to see the crowd’s reaction.
I peeked out again from the side of the stage; there were people as far as I could see and that was a lot in a place where there really were no boundaries on crowd size. “I’m not sure. A lot.”
He swallowed hard and his eyes widened. “Oh shit. I might need to puke.”
“Do what you need to do,” I said and pulled back the curtain just enough for him to see. He rushed off to the side to a big trashcan and threw up.
“Oh god, well it’s not a show until someone pukes,” Easy said and nodded at the stagehand that cued him to go on stage. “Come on, guys, let’s show them who we are. Let’s do this!” They all ran onto the stage, including Devon who after a quick drink of water, didn’t look any the worse for wear as he climbed onto the riser that held his drums.
“Hello, Rocktoberfest!” Easy screamed into the microphone, and the crowd screamed so loud back at him, he was barely louder than they were. “Let’s goooooo!” The drums roared and the guitar volume turned up as they played the intro for Tangled Weeds. Easy sang about cutting toxic people out of your life and living the life you wanted, not the one they wanted to force on you. All of them wore their kilts like they wore them all the time and somehow it worked.
Devon was fantastic, and I realized I’d been holding my breath hoping he’d relax and enjoy himself, and as he attacked the drums, I knew he’d found that space where the music was all that mattered. Sweat flew from his hair as he threw his head to the beat and twirled his sticks before tossing them in the air and catching them each and every time.
“He’s good,” Glenn said from where he stood next to me.
“He’s more than good,” I said without looking away.
Glenn turned to face me before speaking. “You’re right, and I hope you really do invite him to be in your band. It would be a damn shame to lose someone with that much talent.”
“I’m just waiting until you know when you’re going back. I already talked to our manager. He’d planned to do auditions this week, but there won’t be anyone who will fit better than Devon,” I said and hated that I’d looked away from Devon to speak to Glenn, but it needed to be said.
They finished Tangled Weeds, and the crowd went crazy letting them know they loved it just as much as the guys hoped they would, and when they played the opening chords of, I Want it All, the sound of the crowd nearly drowned out Easy’s voice. Then from the other side, Drake burst out onto the stage wearing his kilt and the same Sex Pistols shirt he’d had on earlier. He stomped and danced and played with each one of the guys, throwing his head to the beat as they tried to one-up him. The crowd screamed at him nearly as loud as they had for Blinding Light, making Glenn laugh.
“This is amazing,” he said with a big smile that I totally understood. Being in a band and having the crowd love you was amazing but watching your band from the sidelines when you knew they were playing their hearts out, and the crowd loved them, was just as amazing. He slid his arm around his wife’s waist and pulled her close before whispering in her ear, and I could tell by the way she couldn’t help but move to the music she got it too.
“Hey, kid, I wanted to ask you something,” Vance said as he passed by on his way to who knew where.
“What is it?” I asked and ignored the fact I was thirty and he was calling me kid.
“You’re going to hire Devon, right?” His eyes narrowed as he waited for me to answer.
“Of course. Why would we let someone like him go?” He smirked before moving on to wherever he was going before he stopped.
“That guy’s a pain in the arse, but he’s done good by the lads,” Drake said as he appeared next to me watching them play. Drenched in sweat and looking like he’d been playing himself and not just running around on the stage.
“I’m learning he’s got their best interests at heart, but you’re right he is a pain in the ass. I’m Johnny Brown, lead singer and guitar for—”
“Anchor Grey. I know exactly who you are. You boys will be playing here next year, just you wait,” Drake said, and Glenn grinned while trying to cross his arms and getting pissed off when that didn’t work.
“How’s the broken wing, Glenn?” Drake asked and the two of them stepped aside as I moved closer to the stage. I needed to see them, and to hear them as they all played their hearts out, and Devon did what he did in every show, played like it was his last show and he’d damn well leave an impression.
“Now, you might have noticed we have someone new,” Easy said as he talked to the crowd between sets while stagehands ran out with water and anything else the guys needed. “Our drummer Glenn had an unfortunate Lego accident a few weeks ago, but he’ll be back playing as soon as he’s healed. For now, come on out and say hi, Glenn.” Easy turned to face us and Glenn kissed his wife’s cheek before he hurried onto the stage, waving his cast as he walked to him.
“Hey, everyone, what do you think of my nephew Devon who’s helping out on the drums,” Glenn asked the crowd and waved his hand at Devon who froze for a moment before pounding out a little beat. The crowd roared and Glenn waved to them all before walking back to where his wife was waiting for him. “They love him.”
“Yeah, they do,” I said, more to myself than anyone else, but deep inside I knew they weren’t alone, and I could love him so easily if I didn’t already. But right now, he was theirs and I didn’t mind sharing him this time. They played a long set and when the crowd protested, they played one more encore before finally Vance warned them, they were about to have their sound cut off.
They moved to the front of the stage and holding their hands above their heads, they all bowed as one. As soon as Devon was backstage his eyes found mine and he rushed into my arms, and even though he was drenched in sweat I didn’t have it in me to care. He was the one I’d been hoping to find, and I hoped we’d find a way to untangle all the bullshit from our lives and make it work whether we were in a band together or not. “You’re amazing,” I whispered to him as he pressed his forehead into my shoulder.
Thirty-Three
Easy
Rocktoberfest had been perfect. Even though Glenn didn’t play, Devon was perfect filling in for him. He’d grown a lot in the short time we’d been playing with us and proved that we could rely on him even if he’d fucked up more than a few opportunities in the past. “You fucked up yourself plenty of times,” Liam reminded me.
