The night ends up being the best we’ve had so far—the entire band was on point. It reminds me why I love music so much—the way it can connect people on so many levels. I haven’t felt so completely in sync with the guys in a long time.

“You should sing with us tomorrow night before we leave New York,” I say to Evan backstage.

“Did you see that crowd?” Tor says. “They were like sardines out there. Fuckin’ insane.”

Evan laughs. “We’re heading back home tomorrow. But tonight was great.” He holds his hand out for me to shake. “There’s nobody else I’d get on stage with, man.”

“You still living in New Hampshire?” I pull on my leather jacket.

He nods. “Yup. Same house.”

Even though we’ve lived less than forty miles away from each other for years, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen him out and about.

“We’re playing two local clubs when we swing back home. You should join us.”

He cocks his head, one side of his mouth tilting up as he mulls it over. “Send me a text. I’ll think about it.”

“You got it.”

“Hey, you know a kid named Sailor?”

I nod. “Yeah, he’s good people. He’s been to my house a few times, hangs out with Kenzi and Rayne. Quiet. Not an asshole. He played guitar in my backyard—the kid’s got some serious talent.”

“Good to hear. We’re considering him taking my place in No Tomorrow. The guys want to come out of hiatus. I’ll be staying behind the scenes—writing songs. We think he’d make a good front man.”

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Never heard him sing.”

“He’s got a wicked set of pipes on him. He kinda sounds like me. It’d be a good fit.”

“Damn. I had no idea. He’s young.”

“The guys don’t mind, long as he’s serious.”

“Hope it works out. I like Sailor,” I say. “Hey—you and Piper should come by for dinner sometime. We’ll catch up.”

A slow smile crosses his lips. “Hit us up after the holidays. We’d love to catch up.” He waves his hand around the room. “Good seein’ you guys. Thanks for tonight.”

“Damn.” Tor appears at my side after Evan leaves. “I can’t believe I just played on stage with Evan Von Fucking Bleu. My hands were shaking. Would it have been lame if I’d asked him for his autograph?”

“Probably.” Laughing, I head for the tour bus in the parking lot, checking my phone on the way.

Still no texts or calls from Ember.

What the fuck?

I type a quick text:

Me: I hope you’re feeling better. I miss you. Text or call me as soon as you can. Just got on the bus, taking a quick shower. Love you. Xo

As I’m drying off in the small bathroom, my text chimes with the Ember tone.

Thank fuck!

Ember: I’m so sorry. I’ve been sleeping and my phone battery was dead.

Me: Are you okay? It’s been three days. I thought you moved out.

Ember: OMG no. Why would I move out? I just spent $20k on new stuff for this house.

Me: I don’t know. A simple text or phone call would’ve been nice. Our landline still works.

Ember: I’m sorry. I guess I just wasn’t thinking.

I climb into my bunk and pull the curtain across for privacy so the guys coming on the bus don’t see me texting like a ghosted Tinder date.

Me: Can I call you?

Ember: Can we just text?

I blink at the screen, hoping the words will rearrange themselves into “yes, call me!”

They don’t.

Still staring at the screen, I tug idly on my beard.

Trying to read between the lines.

What am I missing?

Her avoidance is bothering me more than it should be.

Am I a worrier? Yes. I’ll own that.

But something about all this feels wrong to me, and I can’t put my fucking finger on it.

Me: I really want to hear your voice, babe. I miss you.

Ember: I miss you too, but I sound like crap. I’m coughing like crazy and I’m all congested.

Me: Do you need to see your doctor?

Ember: No. It’s just a cold.

Me: I’d feel a lot better if I could just hear your voice for a minute. I don’t care what you sound like.

Ember: I promise I’ll talk to you tomorrow. How did tonight go?

Anger is slowly mingling with worry. Not being able to hear her voice brings back the hellish prison of the past I want to forget.

Me: Tonight was lit. Evan from No Tomorrow was there and he sang a few songs with us. He fuckin’ killed it. Word spread fast and the place was jammed.

Ember: That sounds awesome. Do I know Evan?

Me: Yes. You’ve met him a few times. His wife took a video for me. She just sent it to me, actually. I’ll send it to you later.

Ember: I can’t wait to see it. I should go. Call me tomorrow night?