by Tania Joyce
***
In the green room, at the Eventim Apollo in London, Hayden tapped his sticks against his thighs, waiting to go on stage. Sitting with the rest of Everhide’s backup band, nerves swirled in his stomach like a swarm of locusts. He hadn’t expected to drum on this trip. Playing live at the Global Awards, three days after arriving in London, was totally surreal. Totally. Flipping. Awesome.
Slade excused himself from talking to Sophie and came over to sit beside Hayden. “Hey bud, thanks for stepping in for me.” He tucked his long, blond hair behind his ear. “My shoulder’s hurting like a bitch. Saves me needing a cortisone shot to make it through the song.”
“I’m freaking out.”
Slade leaned back and chuckled. He had that whole Taylor Hawkins from Foo Fighter’s cool air about him. “You’ll be fine. Sorry we haven’t had much of a chance to talk since we got here and you’ve been in rehearsals. I’m stoked it’s you taking the seat behind the drums for Everhide. You’ve got true talent and a raw edge, man. Keep at it and you’ll become a legend in this game. I wish you every success. It’s gonna be tough hanging up my sticks.”
“Thanks.” Hayden scratched his chest, chuffed by Slade’s commendation. “What are you going to do after the surgery?”
“Look after my baby girl. She’s so beautiful.” Slade’s cheeks rounded as he gloated. “And . . . I hear there’s an indie recording studio in Hell’s Kitchen looking for a drummer.”
“You’re shitting me?” Hayden’s eyes widened and stilled his sticks. “You wanna work at Cannon’s where I used to work?” There was a strange twist of fate.
Stroking his beard, Slade dipped his head. “Maybe. I’ve put some feelers out. They’re interested. I’ve gotta wait until my shoulder’s healed after surgery. But yeah, I’d love it. I want one location. No travel. Want the opportunity to work with different artists. For a worn-out, thirty-five-year-old man like me, it’d be awesome. Family comes first.”
“So true.” Hayden smiled, warmth spread inside his chest. “Good thing these guys are my family.”
“Yeah. They are. They treat you like royalty. They’re an incredible bunch. I’ve loved working for them, but my body can’t handle it anymore.”
“You’re a legend. Always will be.”
“Thanks, bud. Go knock ’em dead.” Slade slapped him on the thigh and stood. “While you go rock up a storm, I’m gonna have another beer.”
As Slade headed to the bar, Everhide walked into the green room decked out in their stage attire—black leather pants, and button-downs for the men, with Gemma in some shiny top. The three of them came over to join him and the rest of the backup band. Lexi hovered behind them, darting around, snapping photos. He jumped to his feet, weaved past his friends, and stole a kiss from her.
Buzzing with vibrant pre-show energy, Gemma clapped her hands and hauled the backup band to their feet. She pulled the back of Hayden’s shirt, dragging him away from Lexi. “Let’s go. It’s showtime.”
Kyle high-fived Adam and the guys but gave Hayden a huge hug. “Welcome to your new world, dude.”
Hunter threw his arms around Kyle and Hayden and jumped with excitement. “We’re going to have the best fucking time. Let’s go rock up a storm.”
“Hell yeah.” Hayden hollered.
On stage, sitting behind his drum kit in darkness, Hayden closed his eyes. The electric vibe in the auditorium zigzagged through his veins. He tried not to think about the award show being recorded, or about it being telecast live across the United Kingdom and Europe, or about the hundreds of fans and celebrities present. Luckily, Everhide were singing the hit he’d played at the Jingle Ball. He’d rehearsed it for the past couple of days, knew it backward. Still, knowing he could perform it perfectly, didn’t settle his nerves. His first performance . . . as their new drummer.
He took a deep breath, let it out slowly.
Jiggled his foot.
The Global Award’s host introduced Everhide and the crowd erupted with a roar. The energy hit him right in the guts. That was what he lived for.
He stuffed in his ear monitors, muffling out the noise. His heartbeat, his breath, his pulse were amplified in his head. Gripping onto his sticks tighter, he wriggled on his stool. Set his feet onto the pedals. With his eyes focused on the cue light on the monitor just offstage, he licked his lips, swallowed hard. The light turned green. Time to play.
Hayden struck the bass drum. One. Two. Three. Boom! Unable to contain his grin, Hayden hit the cymbals, the snares and tom-toms. Pummeled out the beat. The band joined his rhythm. Guitar, bass and keys. Music hummed through his bones, reverberated through the floor. Pyrotechnics popped and blazing lights lit his friends at the front of the stage.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw Lexi standing at the side of the stage, her lens in front of her face. His heart thudded louder than his drums. She lowered her camera and smiled at him. Damn, she’s so freaking perfect.
After finishing the song, he rushed off stage and caught her in his arms. He swung her around, placed her back on her feet and kissed her. While his friends were swamped by interviewers and ushered back to their seats for the awards, he got to stay here with his girl. So much better than being the center of attention. This was where he belonged.
“You were amazing.” She stroked his hot, sweaty cheek.
“Thanks. That was such a rush.”
“I got awesome photos of you.”
“You’re supposed to take them of Gem and the guys. Not me.”
“Hmm . . . I did. But I can’t help myself. I have a thing for drummers.”
“Better not be all drummers.” He grinned, rubbing his hands over her back.
“Definitely only one.” She thumbed toward the green room. “You want to go have a drink? I’ve got about thirty minutes to kill before their category is announced.”
“Sounds good. But after this.” He hooked his finger through her belt loop, tugged her close, and pressed his lips to hers. He didn’t think he’d ever get enough of kissing her. It felt so right, filled his heart with happiness.
Taking her hand, he kissed the shiny rock sparkling on her finger they’d bought yesterday on Oxford Street and led her toward the bar. No more regrets, doubts, or fears. With Lexi by his side, he’d finally found home.
Chapter 27
Smoothing her hand over her long, silky cream skirt, Lexi took a deep breath to steady her racing heart. The arched doorway of the St Boniface Church in her hometown of Sea Cliff loomed before her. As she stood by the limousine, her head spun; the nerves skipping her stomach upped their pace. “Holy shit. I can’t believe this is happening.”
Kara and Gemma, in their matching navy dresses, fussed over her skirt and veil, straightening and puffing.
“You look beautiful.” Kara gave her a quick hug.
Wade, the photographer Gemma had organized, snapped away, darted around in front of them, taking shots from different angles. The flash blinded Lexi’s eyes.
Felt weird not being behind the lens.
Holding a bouquet of pale pink peonies, Lexi’s palms sweated. The last six days since the awards show in London had been another mind-warping experience. Telling her rock star friends she and Hayden wanted to get married as soon as possible had sent Gemma and her team into overdrive. They’d planned and organized the whole wedding in a matter of days.
Thankful for the hint of warmth in the early spring mid-afternoon sunshine, Lexi fidgeted with her rhinestone necklace. “I hope the guys didn’t get too drunk last night and shave off Hayden’s eyebrows, or his hair, or draw a mustache on his face in permanent pen.”
That would be kinda funny though.
“I’ll kill them if they did.” Gemma glared toward the church doors, then her gaze softened and her tone turned reassuring. “I’m sure you have nothing to worry about. Stop stressing.” Gemma tapped Lexi’s arm with her flowers. “You ready? Let’s get this show on the road. Before the paparazzi track us down.”
“
Okay.” Lexi exhaled slowly and flapped her hand in front of her face. Shit. This is happening. “Catch me if I pass out.”
“You won’t.” Kara smoothed her hand over Lexi’s veil. “You’ve got this.”
Lexi’s dad stepped over from where he’d been waiting patiently by the limousine. “Sweetie, you ready?”
“Yeah.”
“I can’t believe you beat me down the aisle.” Her dad beamed with an I’m-so-proud-of-you grin. “You look absolutely gorgeous. Hayden is one lucky man.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
He held out his elbow. Lexi latched onto him for dear life and followed the girls across the paved pathway.
The church ushers opened the wooden doors, and the small congregation rose to their feet. Music filled the air. But she couldn’t focus on anything other than her gorgeous man in a dashing black suit standing at the altar beside Kyle and Hunter. Her eyes locked onto Hayden’s, and her heart swelled to the size of the moon. Tears pricked her eyes. Loving him seemed effortless now. She wanted to rush down the aisle to Hayden, say I do, get that ring on her finger and get this over and done with, but then . . . she wanted to take it slow, savor every moment, drink him in.
Gliding down the aisle behind Gemma and Kara, Lexi smiled at her family and friends. She paused to kiss Hayden’s mom on the cheek. She looked so much better, fresh out of rehab with her hair neatly set and color in her cheeks. Then, on the other side, she kissed her mom, who dabbed tears from her eyes. Lexi wasn’t convinced they were happy tears. Her mom hadn’t taken the wedding news well.
Tough.
This was Lexi’s life; she no longer let her past hold her back. Her parents’ divorce and past relationships had molded her into the strong, ambitious woman she was today. She no longer sought her mom’s approval. She had Hayden’s—that was all that mattered.
Her dad placed her hand in Hayden’s and disappeared to the pews. The moment she connected with Hayden she felt as light as cotton candy. She loved him so much it hurt. The pastor commenced the service, but Lexi couldn’t tear her eyes away from the man she was marrying.
At the pastor’s cue, Lexi handed her flowers to Gemma. Time for vows. Turning back to Hayden, her stomach fluttered and flipped.
He took her trembling hands in his. His steel-gray eyes glistened as he smiled a soft smile. “Lex, my angel, my partner in crime. From the moment we met, I knew you were something special. We’ve been by each other’s side through so many ups and downs I’ve lost count. You made the good times incredible. The trying times bearable. I couldn’t have faced them without you. You’ve stood by me through thick and thin. Your support, your smile and your selflessness have made me a better person. Most of all, you’ve always believed in me and made me follow my dreams. Today, every one of them have come true. I promise to love you forever.”
She fought back her tears. Her turn. “Hayden, my best friend, my love. You are my strength, my guiding light, my undeniable soulmate. You’ve always stood by me, no matter what. I love that you challenge me and push me to face my fears. I was lost, but now I’m found because of you. You have opened my eyes and my heart. Our path hasn’t been easy, but I want to take every step into the future with you. Because of you, every day is bright. With you, I see no end—only forever. I promise to love you for all time.”
As the pastor pronounced them husband and wife, Hayden lifted Lexi’s veil and kissed her, complete with a gravity-defying dip.
The flush never left her cheeks during the signing of the paperwork or while having photos down by the harbor or in the limousine that whisked them and their friends back into the city to MOMA for the reception.
As she entered the lobby, Lexi’s cheeks ached from smiling so much. She held onto Hayden’s arm, and her breath hitched at the sight of the gorgeous decorations. Dotting the foyer floor were round tables elegantly draped in black cloths with centerpieces of her favorite pink peony flowers. Panels of greenery, soft lighting and twinkle lights gave the space privacy from the street and an inviting warmth. And behind the wall of glass was one of her favorite places—the sculpture garden, which provided a magical backdrop.
But as they headed toward their table where their bridal party sat, she froze. Nearly stumbled in her white Saint Laurent stiletto boots. Her eyes widened; her hand shot over her heart. There, on the wall, was a huge black and white canvas of her and Hayden in Belize at Gemma and Kyle’s wedding. Her heartbeat exploded, filled her chest with warmth. She’d taken the photo on timer, testing the angle of her tripod stand. In the shot, Hayden stood behind her; they were leaning in opposite directions. Their arms were held wide, huge smiles lit their faces, the wind caught their hair and the ocean glistened in the background. Lexi tightened her hold on Hayden’s arm. “Who . . . what . . . did you do that?”
“Gemma helped organized it.” Hayden tugged her arm, dragging her from her daze and guided her toward their table. He pulled out her chair, leaned forward and kissed her. “I had to make one of your dreams come true. Now you can say you’ve had artwork displayed at MOMA.”
Oh, my. As she cupped his cheek, tears welled in her eyes. “That’s freaking incredible.” He had made all her dreams come true. She’d never felt so loved, cherished, blessed. She was grateful to finally open her eyes and see him for the truly amazing person he was. “Thank you.”
Hayden settled into the chair next to her. Gemma and Kara sat to her right. Hunter and Kyle were on Hayden’s left. Waiters rushed around, placing napkins on their laps, filling water glasses and pouring champagne. Scanning their gathered friends and family before them, Lexi’s head spun, and she couldn’t stop smiling. Everything had happened so fast; it still felt surreal. Hayden’s band and their partners sat toward the back. The Everhide entourage filled a couple of tables; Hayden’s family and hers, including her brothers, sat before her. Her heart sank at the sight of one empty chair.
She glanced at Sam, Everhide’s head of security, and gave him a hopeful look. He shook his head.
She nodded. She wouldn’t let one disappointment ruin the day. She glided her hand down Hayden’s thigh, the soft wool of his trousers tickling her fingertips. “This place is perfect.”
He leaned in and kissed her. “So are you.”
After appetizers and entrees, the night’s speeches got underway. Gemma ‘s heartfelt words on love and friendship brought tears to Lexi’s eyes. Hunter had everyone in stitches with tales of their escapades from wild parties. Her dad nearly sent everyone to sleep. Hayden’s mom trembled and stuttered, and downed a full-to-the-rim flute of orange juice during her two minutes in front of the mic.
Kyle wrapped up the proceedings. “When two people are destined to be together, nothing can keep them apart. It’s been incredible, sometimes frustrating, but totally awesome to see Lexi and Hayden come together. May music rock your souls. May your future be filled with happiness. Hayds, you’ve found one amazing woman. Don’t ever let her go.” He held up his glass. “Cheers. To the happy couple.”
Hayden hooked his arm around Lexi’s shoulders and kissed her temple. “I’m not ever letting you get away.”
She blushed. So sweet. “Me either.”
Lexi chinked her glass with Hayden’s. This getting married thing rocked.
As soft music from the DJ filled the room, guests chatted and dessert service commenced, Sam waved, catching her attention. Her heart skipped a beat. He nodded.
Oh, shit. This would either go well or turn into a freaking nightmare.
She touched Hayden’s arm. “I have a surprise for you. Come.”
Following Sam, she led Hayden around to the entrance. She held her breath as she smiled sweetly at the man standing by the rotating door. With his scruffy beard, hollow cheeks and navy suit a touch baggy on his thin frame, he made The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards look like a young, handsome man.
Hayden’s stride faltered. “No fucking way. Dad!” His voice rasped through the air. He rushed toward his father, but stopped a few feet away.
Their relationship too fragile for welcoming hugs. “You came. How? I didn’t even know where to find you. You didn’t return my messages.”
“I’m here, boy.” Thomas tugged on his jacket lapels. “Some security firm tracked me down. Paid all my expenses. Here I am.”
Lexi twinkled her fingers at Sam standing nearby. “Thank you.”
Thomas held his hands wide, stepped toward her. “Lexi, my girl. You look bangin’ hot. Have I missed the show?”
She gave him a quick hug. Wrinkled her nose at the hint of alcohol on his breath. “Close, but not quite.”
Thomas tilted his head back and whistled. His bloodshot eyes widened as he scanned the MOMA foyer. “This is a fancy joint, boy. I didn’t even know you and Lexi were together. Didn’t know you were engaged.”
“You’d know if you’d been around.” Hayden winced, closed his eyes and tensed his jaw as if pulling himself up.
Lexi wrapped her arm around his waist, hoping this didn’t turn into an argument. But family was important to Hayden, even if his dad would never come close to qualifying for Father of the Year.
Thomas swayed on his feet, wiped his palm on the front of his shirt and held out a shaky hand. “Guess congratulations are in order.”
With jittery eyes and twitchy hands, Thomas was no doubt high on something, but he was here. Even if it was only for the night. Lexi prayed that in that span of time he didn’t fuck Hayden’s mom up again. She’d only been out of rehab for a few days.
Hayden sighed, relaxed his shoulders and shook his father’s hand. “Um . . . thanks. It’s happened fast.”
“She’s not pregnant, is she?” Thomas smirked, scanning Lexi up and down.
Hayden hooked his arm behind her, drew her hip against his. “No, Dad. She’s not.”
Lexi stitched on a smile. Thank fuck for that.
“Oh . . . good. You want to enjoy the honeymoon, don’t ya?” Thomas cackled and batted Hayden on the bicep. “Now, where’s your hospitality? It’s a party and I need a drink. I’m headin’ back tomorrow at noon.”