Tony and Drake both miss Johnny very much which draws them together on the rode. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings threaten to tear Angelo and Tony apart. Will they survive Johnny’s death?
When Mike went to pour Angelo some more wine, he placed his hand over the glass. “I’ve had enough. I have to drive home.”
“Stay here tonight,” Mike said with a shrug. “You can sleep on the sofa.”
“No way,” he said, laughing.
“Well, maybe you’re not used to being asked to sleep over on some guy’s sofa, but I’m afraid that’s all I can do for you,” Mike teased. “You know I love you, but I’m not sucking your cock.”
Angelo grinned, lying back on the sofa. “Damn, well, it’s your loss, buddy.”
Mike laughed. “So, have another. I bought this crap for you anyway.”
Angelo motioned with his hand, and Mike filled the glass with Merlot, his favourite red wine.
“So any thoughts on who we want in this band?” Mike reached for the bag of chips on the coffee table and sat back in the Lay-Z-Boy, munching.
“I’ve been thinking about all the guys we’ve played with. I wonder if Chester Dobson is still around.”
“Dobson. Um. Shit. I haven’t thought about him in a while. He was one hell of a guitar player. Played bass, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Like him,” Mike said. “Let’s look him up. And I was also thinking about Anne Stewart. Do you remember her? She used to play keyboards with that group… ah… the… Sparrows?”
“The Spangles?”
“Yeah, that was it. Shut up. Okay, so, any objection to having a female in the band?”
“None whatsoever. She hit on me once.”
“Poor girl. Must have been really disappointed.”
“Ha, ha. All I care is, she meshes with the band. Okay, so, what if Chester and Anne aren’t available?”
“There’s Dell, what’s his name.”
“He was heavy into acid when I last saw him. Maybe he’s cleaned up his act, but…”
“I’ll call Frankie. He knows him. He used to room with him. Want chips? These things are addictive.”
Angelo shook his head. “Too salty. Got to pee.” He stood up and headed for the bathroom.
Tony had only been gone ten hours, and he was missing him like crazy. The last few weeks had been sensational. They’d stayed together at the old house, watched movies, made love, and cooked great food. He knew he’d only be gone a few weeks, but already time was dragging. He was happy he had a lot of work to do getting this band together.
When he got back to the living room, his cell phone rang. He wrestled to get it out of his pocket.
Mike laughed. “Must be your honey…boy, someone’s in love!”
Angelo stuck out his tongue at him and answered the phone.
“Hey,” a familiar voice said.
“Tony.” He walked out of the room. “How’s the hotel?”
“Room is empty, bed is, too.”
“It better be.”
Tony laughed.
“So, you’re in Chicago, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you going to get the chance to see any of it?”
“I doubt it. Tomorrow is a full day, press conference, photo shoot. Drake is insisting on studio time before the show. I’ll be up at dawn.”
“Poor baby.”
“I miss you.”
“Me, too. It’s only six weeks.”
“An eternity. How’s Mike?”
“Stuffing himself with chips right now.”
Tony laughed. “Made any headway?”
“We’re talking.”
“Well, I guess I’ll try and get some sleep.”
“Good idea. Break a leg tomorrow night.”
“Thanks. Angelo?”
“Yes?”
“I…nothing. It’s nothing. I’ll call you when I can.”
“Sweet dreams. I love you.”
There was silence.
“Tony?”
“I heard you. I love you back.” He hung up.
