First encounter with Salvation's angel/backer, and Ryan isn't sure what to think. Everything is overwhelming right now. It's been quite a day, hasn't it? The action continues in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!
Ben didn’t say anything as they trudged across the yard, so
Ryan didn’t break the silence. He couldn’t read Ben’s mood, and he didn’t want
to say anything potentially upsetting. This day already contained too many ups
and downs for his liking, and he wasn’t sure where he stood, to be honest. But
that’s what life was about, wasn’t it? Wasn’t this what he wanted, to actually
live? To do more than exist? To become the writer he was sure he could be? Then
he’d have to accept that not everything would be pleasant. Life wasn’t all
about rainbows and unicorns and happiness, the bad happened too and you learned
to deal with it.
Wow, how intense was that?
At least he was with Ben again, and that’s what really
mattered. The rest could be handled.
By the time they joined the rest of the band, they were
clustered around Cameron in the sitting area. Cameron sat at one end of the
couch, while Deacon and Keanu perched on ottomans. Aiden and Abby sat together
on the love seat directly across from everyone else. Ben waved Ryan toward the
open end of the couch, and took the space between him and Cameron, almost
protectively. Ryan couldn’t help but remember how he had been the one to look
out for Ben when they were younger. He felt a warm glow inside knowing Ben was
there for him now, even if he wasn’t quite sure why he seemed intent on
guarding him from his investor. He was probably reading into things. Writer’s
imagination, right?
Cameron was in the middle of telling a story, and since Ryan
had missed the whole beginning and had no frame of reference for what he was
talking about, he used the moment to surreptitiously observe the members of the
band. These weren’t characters he was
creating, these were real people, and the more he got to know and understand
them the better.
Both Keanu and Deacon were listening attentively, laughing
at appropriate moments. Whatever tension had existed before between Keanu and
Ben had apparently dissipated— he seemed as relaxed as his boyfriend. Ryan
shifted his attention to the loveseat, where the twins sat. He noticed that
Aiden sat slightly forward, almost on the edge of the seat, as if ready to spring
up at any moment, and Abby’s hand lay in his. Abby seemed to be watching
Cameron, but not in the same way the others did, although why he thought so,
Ryan wasn’t sure. Maybe it was the pensive expression he saw play across her
features. Or the way she had backed herself into the corner of the loveseat.
Abby turned her head toward him in that second, and their
eyes met. Was that annoyance he saw there? Or something a lot stronger? She
glanced away from him, toward her brother, and he began to doubt he’d seen
anything at all. She was probably just anxious to get back to rehearsal. That
must be it.
“Well, Ben, it’s about to happen, isn’t it?” Cameron relaxed
back into the couch and crossed his legs.
“Your first gig is what… Thursday,
right? Thibodaux?”
“That’s just a private party,” Ben replied. “First real stop
is in Houma, an underground club.”
“Underground club? Sounds kinky.” Keanu laughed.
“Party? What kind of party?” Aiden asked. “I didn’t think we
were doing those anymore.”
Ryan felt Ben tense up beside him, but before he had a
chance to react, Ben had already relaxed, facing Aiden with a confident smile.
“It’s a birthday party, that’s all. The birthday boy’s a
huge fan of ours, apparently. How could I say no?”
Aiden and Abby exchanged looks, but Ryan had no idea what
they were thinking. Keanu was still smiling, and Deacon seemed his usual
laid-back self. Ryan knew they’d been playing together, at least for a little
while, maybe in private venues. Why would this be a problem all of a sudden?
They’d have to do all kinds of jobs, wouldn’t they, until they were noticed and
made the big time? They were a unique act, and they were very talented. If it
was him, he’d do everything in his power to get the band’s name and music out
there. Everyone had to start somewhere.
“Besides, these are the same kids who’ll be screaming to get
tickets for Houma,” Ben finished.
“Consider it advance publicity. At least for
now.”
“Marge knows what she’s doing. I trust her,” Deacon said,
giving Ben a lazy thumbs up. Oh yeah, that was the manager’s name. Marge. She’d
seemed very nice when he’d spoken with her on the phone. Ryan thought Ben would
appreciate the vote of confidence, and that would be the end of the matter.
When Ben didn’t reply immediately, he shot him a quick look. Something in Ben’s
expression told Ryan Ben was holding something back. What that might be,
though, he had no clue.
“Marge is great,” he said at last. He squeezed Ryan’s hand
before rising from the couch.
“So,” he said, “let’s go over our sets. I’m thinking of
making a couple of changes.”
“Well, boys, that’s my cue to go.” Cameron laughed. “I have
a little business to take care of, but I’ll be back for dinner. Let’s take Ryan
someplace nice for his first night, whaddya say?”
The general consensus seemed to be that was a good idea. At
least no one argued against it. Cameron approached Ryan, who quickly stood and
grasped the older man’s outstretched hand. “Good to meet you, Ryan,” he said.
“Welcome to Salvation.” He left with a backward wave for the band, letting in a
momentary glimpse of Louisiana sunshine on his way out.
“Okay then,” Ben said. “Let’s get to it. Ryan, how about for
now maybe just take down your impressions of the music and stuff? You can quiz
us all later about more personal information.” He gave Ryan a quick wink, as
the band headed back to the stage.
to be continued
Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!
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