Before I knew it, the show was about to start, and the energy in the backstage area started making me anxious. But in a good way. I was raring to go. Fans started coming in, mixing with the artists. It kind of reminded me of being back at the bar. Everyone walking around, mingling, laughing, drinking…flirting. Girls came up to me, interest in their eyes as they asked if I was in one of the bands. I nodded politely, then asked them which band they were here to see. Not surprisingly, most of the girls were here to see Justin’s band; he was the main draw on the tour.

It was kind of weird to not have anyone recognize me, but it was kind of nice too. It reminded me of when the D-Bags had first started playing in Seattle. Just an unknown band disrupting everyone’s meal with some loud-ass music. Good times.

“Oh my God…are you in Avoiding Redemption?”

I stopped scanning the room to look at the shaking girl in front of me. Her eyes were so wide as she studied me that it was almost alarming. Wanting her to relax, I smiled softly. “No…I’m with the D-Bags…we’re at the bottom of the poster there.” I pointed to the promo poster she was clenching for dear life.

“Oh wow…” she said, her eyes not leaving my face. “Wow…you’re just…wow…”

Her reaction made a laugh escape me. If this girl were Kiera, she’d be bright red by now, trying to get away from me to hide her embarrassment. Ugh…God, I missed her—her sultry eyes undressing me, her breath on my skin, her fingertips running down my chest, her smile, her heart… I hadn’t had time to call her since arriving here, and we were going to start any minute. She was working anyway. I’d have to wait until after Pete’s closed to talk to her.

Trying to not let the melancholy alter my mood, I said to the girl, “Would you like me to sign that?”

She instantly shoved it in my face. “Yes…” Her voice was both a purr and a moan.

Shaking my head, I took the Sharpie from her rigid fingers, and signed my name next to the band’s name. I handed the pen back to her, and she held the poster to her chest like it was her most prized possession. “D-Bags…I’ll definitely remember that.” Then she brightened and said, “Take a selfie with me?” Before I could even say, “Sure,” she had her phone out and was leaning into my side snapping a pic. I barely had time to give her a small grin for the photo. “Thanks!” She hurried away, giggling as she stared at her phone, and I swear I heard her say, “Hot damn.”