I held up my fingers in a cross like you’d do to drive off a werewolf. Or is it a vampire? Either way … “Stop. Stop-stop-stop. Oh God, please make it stop!”
When she smiles, she has this little dimple on her left cheek that’s just about cuter than anything. I’ll have to tell her about it sometime. “Sorry,” she said. “I just had to get that out.”
“I understand.” And even though she’d never admit it, there was probably a little truth behind the act. So why make her beg? “Let’s see … Glenn was really stoked that Jamie was up there, and if anything, she was even happier about it. So who knows what’s going to happen with them?” I shrugged. “But anyway, being onstage with Neverland was freakin’ awesome … those guys are so cool. I hope someone got video, because that whole thing almost didn’t seem real. And yeah, we’re definitely going to do some more recording, and—”
I stopped. She was looking at me. Her eyes were bigger and deeper than ever. Whoa. All that stuff I’d just mentioned was great. And it would all still be there tomorrow. But right now, it was tonight.…
I reached across the table and snagged her drink out of her hands and took a sip. I swished it around in my mouth, like I’d seen her do a hundred times. “You know, this tastes like I’m at Starbucks, hanging with Kimber Milhouse. Right here. Right now. And nothing tastes better than that.”
Acknowledgments
There are three women in my writing life without whom this book would not exist as such:
Nancy Siscoe, a gifted editor who possesses that rare combination of a great work ethic, a wonderful intuition for getting at the heart of what a writer is attempting to say, and the creative and technical skills necessary to bring it out in the best way possible. (All this, and she’s a wonderful person, too. How lucky can one author get?)
Ginger Knowlton, literary agent par excellence. She has an amazing way of being a strong advocate for her writers while remaining warm and gracious to all parties at all times. Thanks so much for your wisdom, support, and understanding.
Wendelin … Best friend. Wife. First reader. Trusted confidante. Partenaire dans le crime. And lest we forget, Chief Harvester of Corn. You’re the absolute best!
Special thanks to Ed, Rosalyn, Leslie, and Eric. I’m beginning to realize how rare it is for one to grow up and not only still love but really like all the members of their original family. Thanks for all the support, feedback, and validation.
Colton and Connor (our boys … our monkeys … our band!) read early drafts and provided valuable insight and support. I love you!
There’s nothing like enthusiastic, insightful early readers to help you believe you’re on the right track, and two of the best have been Caradith Craven and Tricia Owen. Hugs!
Here’s a toast to all the musicians (yes, even lead singers) I’ve shared the stage, studio, and road with over the years, from those first school dances to last week’s gig. Also, I’d like to acknowledge the killer crew at Modern Drummer magazine, which has been carrying the torch for drummers everywhere for nearly four decades. Rock on!
Road Rash Page 27