Chapter 2: Chapter 2
“That’s my favorite song, too. But speaking of albums, how long are you going to make everybody wait for a new one from you?”
When she didn’t answer right away, he turned back to her to find her smile gone and her gaze distant. Though it was disconcerting to see her so somber, her mercurial moods weren’t anything new. Wendy lived like she sang—in the moment. Whatever she felt in that second was what got written across her expressive face.
“Most of the new songs are shit. It’s just same old, over and over again. I don’t know how you keep your muse so close. Mine took a shit all over the last album and then took off.”
“Your last album wasn’t that bad.” He stopped with a grimace. “That came out wrong. Your last album wasn’t bad at all. But…well, maybe my muse sticks around because I don’t let her get complacent.” Macaulay licked his lips. “Have you ever tried writing with anybody else?”
Her brows shot up. “You’ve seen the Einsteins I travel with, right? I’m just glad they know how to play.”
“That’s another thing. You’ve been touring all year, haven’t you?” He squeezed her fingers gently. “Maybe you need a break.”
“Yeah, probably.” She leaned her head against his arm, pulling him tighter into her side. “I’ve mentioned how much I miss you, right? I already feel better.”
When she said things like that, he wanted to kiss her. He wanted to rest his lips on the top of her head and inhale the sweet smell of her shampoo. He wanted to touch his mouth to her temple, or the corner of her lips. But they had never had anything other than a friendly relationship, and he had been raised not to take those sorts of liberties.
“I missed you, too. I’m surprised our paths don’t cross more often. But it always seems like I get into a town just as you’re leaving it.”
“Ah, the joys of the rocking life. Not.” When she tilted her head up at him, he was glad to see the smile had returned. “So tell me all the good stuff that’s been happening to you. Whose heart have you broken lately?”
“Oh, dozens of girls. You know what they say. Always leave them wanting more. As for the good stuff…well, I’m here, aren’t I? I’d like to think the promoters invited me to play at the fest because I can attract an audience, and not just to give the headliners a chance to get a drink and take a piss.”
Her skin glowed in the early morning light. In spite of her hectic schedule and the harsh environment she worked in, Wendy never looked like a lot of the women on the tour. She took care of herself. She didn’t smoke, and every time Macaulay had seen her drink, she’d outlasted most of the guys. Even now, dressed in a simple black tank and jeans, she could have been anyone, anywhere.
The important thing was she was here. With him. And her hand was squeezing his arm, her body soft where it still pressed into his side.
“So are you going to be weirded out if I watch your set?” she asked. “I changed our schedule around so I could hear you, but if it’s going to mess you up, just tell me to fuck off.”
He stared at her, knowing his surprise shone in his eyes. It was no easy trick to rearrange the schedule once it was set. Well, he amended, it was no easy trick for somebody like him. Wendy DeMartino had had the number one spot on the charts for over two months, and her single was still hovering in the top ten.
“I would never tell you to fuck off,” Macaulay said, his voice far too solemn. He coughed and tried again. “I mean, I’d be…thrilled to have you watch my set.”
“Cool.” Was that relief in her eyes? “I wish I could be in the front row, but maybe you can just pretend I’m there. Or make it up to me later with a private show.”
“I don’t know if I could give you a private show. I’m shy.”
She laughed and pulled him in a different direction, farther onto the grass and away from stages. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t suggest you pretend I’m the one throwing my panties at you.”
Macaulay snorted. “You probably get more underwear tossed at you during a show than I do.”
“Nah, my fans aren’t quite so classy. They just start flashing me whatever body parts they want my mouth on. Why do you think I asked for the extra lights in the show? Sometimes, it’s a hell of a lot better being blind.”
Macaulay nearly tripped, but pulled himself up before he could take a header over his own feet. The thought of Wendy’s mouth on any part of his body made him a little weak. She might just be a friend, but he wasn’t blind to her very obvious charms, or her perfect mouth.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone