The audience was still on its feet, applauding the encore performance from The Von. Vince cheered with them. He was so proud, especially of his little drummer boy, as he called Billy in private. He whistled loudly and waved to them. They waved back. Billy blew him a kiss above the crowd. Daisy looked so happy she beamed. Joey kissed her and slapped Erik and Billy on their backs.

“Thank you!” Erik said. “You rock!” The crowd cheered again. After another minute of applause, the band finally cleared the stage.

Vince turned to grin at Asher, who was standing right beside him. There was no point trying to say anything, as it was simply too loud. Asher nodded, his purple eyes shining. Vince grabbed his hand and they squeezed through the packed crowd to the edge of the stage. He took Billy in his arms right away and kissed him. “Great job, guys! Really awesome!”

Erik high-fived him. “Thanks, Vince! I think we’re totally back on track.” He took Asher into his arms and kissed him.

“Bloody good show, Viking!” Asher beamed “You rocked the pub!”

“We’re just that awesome,” Joey said as his arm slipped around Daisy’s waist. “Dude, I need something to drink after that set.” Sweat still beaded their foreheads between the rigors of performance and the hot lights.

“Come on, let’s go outside to the patio.” Vince led the way.

They made their way outdoors into the unseasonably warm weather, and after ordering some drinks, they sat back, all three couples together, and sipped their beverages slowly.

“Hot night.” Billy brushed his fingers through Vince’s hair and adjusted himself on his boyfriend’s lap. “I need a serious shower right now.”

Vince fought the urge to say something smarmy or to dip his fingers into his cold drink and help Billy out. Instead, he kissed the fiery redhead. “We can take a cool shower at home together.” He gave his best seductive look, which worked like a charm. Billy melted into his arms.

“That sounds fantastic, my love. I can’t wait to get home right now, for a couple of reasons.” He kissed Vince’s forehead and pressed their bodies a little closer together. Vince didn’t mind that he was sweaty and hot—he loved Billy like that.

The scene broke when a strange man walked over to the group. He was a tall fellow with thick, black hair, gelled so thickly it shone like an oil slick.

He approached Erik.

“Hello, my name’s Drew Leighton. I’m a recording agent, and I was really impressed with your gig. You guys smoked the stage.”

Erik and Asher quickly moved from the chair so Erik could stand and shake Drew’s hand. “Thank you, Mr. Leighton. We love performing. This has been our best gig yet!”

“Well, I like your sound, and my record label is all for reviving the grunge style. You do it well, very well.” He pulled out a shiny silver container from his jacket pocket and removed a business card. “I’d like very much to introduce you to my bosses. I think they’ll be keen to represent you if you’re interested. They would love to meet you.” He handed the card to Erik. The rest of the band was all smiles.

“Thank you, we’ll get right back to you,” Erik said quickly and gave the man another handshake. “Um…do you know everyone? This is the drummer, Billy Carp and Daisy Berkley and Joey Miller on guitar and bass.”

They all shook hands. “Pleased to meet all of you. I must be going, but do give me a call.”

“Thanks again!” Erik called after him as the man walked out of earshot.

“Holy shit! Can you believe this?” Joey exclaimed. “They wanna sign us! How bitchin’ is that?”

“I knew we were rocking’ it!” Erik replied, a wide smile on his face. He kissed Asher warmly and pulled him onto his lap. “We’re gonna be famous, baby!”

“Wahooo!” Billy added and cuddled against Vince. “Hey…we need to totally celebrate this. Drinks all round!”

After the waiter arrived and delivered their soda, they all took their glasses and raised them into a toast at the center of the table. “To The Von making it to the big time!” A general cheer went out among the friends and they drank. “Mmm…this is good, but we should really celebrate at home, with the good stuff.” Erik winked at them.

Vince held Billy close. “I know how I wanna celebrate…but that way is good, too,” he joked. “Let’s go back to the house.”

All were in agreement, so they finished their sodas, and the three couples sped off towards their house. Given the gig was at the student union building, they didn’t have far to go. The house was on campus, within a stone’s throw of where their classes were held. Four of them shared it—Erik, Asher, Vince and Billy—and it’d been going very well for the eight months since they’d moved in. Daisy and Joey were in town for the weekend as they went to a different school entirely.

The three couples hurried inside and headed straight for the gifts of alcohol Asher had been given by his parents. The drinking age in the UK was eighteen, not twenty-one as it was in the US. Vince grinned widely as they got out their biggest glasses and filled them with equal parts wine and schnapps.

He held Billy tight to his side. They couldn’t bear to tear themselves away from each other’s affections as they kissed incessantly. Erik cleared his throat.

“Guys…over here?” he joked. “Trust me, I’m there myself.” He pulled Asher closer and raised his glass. “To us, the band, our friendship, and of course our loves. Let the good times continue!” They all raised their glasses and drank.

Vince got a buzz right away and continued kissing Billy. Daisy also seemed to have gotten tipsy. She straddled Joey right there in the living room.