Chapter 2

I made a note on my laptop to order fifteen-foot guitar cables, banjo strings, and a condenser microphone. After carrying the computer back to my office and locking it up, I grabbed my backpack and headed out the side door that led to the Music Room.

I glimpsed the light coming from the small office that belonged to Evan. Through the glass door, I saw him working away on his computer. Once I made my way across the empty space—since there were no shows tonight—I went out the back door. It was cold outside, but at least the wind wasn’t blowing like it had been earlier. I wrapped a warm gray scarf around my neck, tucked my hands into the pockets of my jacket, and headed home.

* * * *

I was too tired to shower, but I cleaned up a bit in the bathroom of my condo. Unwillingly, I stared at my reflection in the mirror above the sink as I brushed my teeth. I looked average and sighed at my receding hairline. I kept my hair buzzed short, and I had permanent frown lines between my eyebrows and parentheses framing my mouth. Tiny crow’s feet were starting to appear. Jesus, I was only thirty-three.

I turned off the light and walked slowly to the old dresser near the bed and dug out sleepwear. Moonlight came through the window by my bed, providing enough light for me to put on an old pair of shorts and a T-shirt. With a grunt, I collapsed on the bed.

Why was Laramie back in town—truly? Other than to show all the naysayers over the years that he’d made it—and how. He was up to something, I was sure of it. But…what?

Officially, I had shunned anything to do with that side of the music business and left it to Evan. I preferred helping people find the right instrument or accessory. Unofficially, I had a strong compulsion when it came to Caesar’s Flame. I tried to resist, but eventually I would give in and check to see what cities they’d played lately. It had been a while since I’d prowled the band’s Facebook page. The last time I’d taken a peek, Laramie had a new boy toy. Nothing new there.

It would be a zoo on New Year’s Day. Lines would be so long, they’d ring the block probably. I’d have to make sure the bar in the room was well-stocked for the night and check with Evan about security. I typically closed the store early on those occasions and worked in my back office so I wouldn’t have to deal with the crowd wandering in and out, trashing the place or stealing anything. Evan never bothered me on nights like those unless he desperately needed a favor.

My business partner was right about one thing. Everybody loved the band. And to give them their due, they were kickass. Great songs, awesome musicians. They had wonderful chemistry, and, as a unit, nothing could top them. They were a successful group that many up-and-comers strove to emulate. And who was I to begrudge them the success they’d had? ThatLaramiehad?

I made a decent living, and the fact that I was lonely was something I hadn’t let bother me until I heard that Laramie Treble was coming back to town.

* * * *

“Dorian? You got a minute?” Evan called through the door of my office in the stockroom the following evening.

“Come in.”

He opened it and leaned against the frame. The faint noise of people chattering and a band doing a quick sound check could be heard from the other side of the building. My office was to the left of the stage, but soundproofed enough so I could hear myself think.

“I just wanted to let you know Rocky’s Hollow is here.”

I glanced up at him. “Why are you telling me this?”

He usually took it for granted that I didn’t care which bands played in the evenings, since that was his baby.

Evan bounced a little and rubbed his hands together. “Chuck and Laramie are here, too.”

Well, shit

“They just arrived.” He rushed on. “It’s crazy, because everyone wants their autograph. And they brought a bunch of people with them, so tickets are selling like mad. Apparently tonight’s band is one they produced under their new label and with their name behind them…”

Another reason for me to remain back here until the night was over. “Thanks for the heads up.” I moved some papers toward me. “I’m sure you can’t wait to get back to drooling over your man crush.”

He nibbled on a cuticle. “I’m not that obvious, am I?”

“No more than anyone else. But on you, it’s adorable.”

“Thanks, I think. Later, hon.”

I didn’t look up as he closed the door behind him. My concentration was shot, however.