Half Notes and Highlights (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024)

CHAPTER NINE

Looking up at the private jet, Tyler couldn’t believe this luxurious plane was here just for him. If anyone would have told him that someone would send a private plane to pick him up and fly him to another city so they could be together, he would have told them they were insane. But the proof was standing in front of him in all of its shiny silver glory.

He flung the end of his long silk scarf across his neck and over his shoulder before climbing the steps that led to the aircraft. He paused at the top, turned and threw a big kiss to no one, because there wasn’t anyone around except a few workers on the runway. They weren’t paying attention to him, but he pretended they were his minions and he was someone important.

He bounced into the plane, overflowing with excited energy, and settled into one of the captain’s chairs. He caressed the leather, which was as smooth as butter.

“Good morning, Mr. Kennedy.” The flight attendant wore a pleasant smile as he introduced himself. “I’m Jordan, and I’ll be taking care of your needs today.” He handed Tyler a menu. “May I offer you a beverage and something to eat?”

Tyler could hardly contain himself. He had his own personal flight attendant! He scanned the menu in his hand and wanted everything. The drinks were extravagant and included several fancy scotches, but he chose a mango margarita and the cheese platter.

“Perfect,” Jordan replied. “Buckle up, and as soon as we’re in the air, I’ll bring your selections.”

The plane took off like a graceful bird. Well, not exactly. It shot out of the airport like a rocket, and Tyler’s stomach felt as if it stayed on the tarmac. It was definitely different than a 737, but once they were at cruising altitude, it was all good. Especially when Jordan handed him the fruity drink that packed a punch, and the cheese platter turned out to be a magnificent charcuterie board filled with fancy cured meats, rich cheeses, fresh fruit, and yummy small squares of toasted bread.

Even though the drink went straight to his head, he ordered a second because he was in such a good mood. “Selfie time!” he said louder than expected, but the only person within earshot was Jordan who pretended not to hear him. He held up his drink with one hand and displayed a ridiculous open-mouthed smile before clicking the camera button. He posted the selfie to his Insta with the subtitle, “Killer drinks on my first private jet ride! Let the fun begin!”

The two-and-a-half-hour flight felt like forever, but he finally arrived in Portland. An SUV brought him to Ethan’s hotel, where a bodyguard met Tyler in the lobby and escorted him to one of the top floors. Like last time, the entire floor was quiet with only a few bodyguards stationed outside some of the rooms, but one room had its door open, and Ethan came rushing into the hallway wearing a huge smile and his arms wide open.

“Tyler!”

“Rock star!” Tyler couldn’t contain himself and jumped into Ethan’s arms, wrapped his legs around Ethan’s waist, and gave him an exaggerated kiss.

Ethan caught him with a grunt and squeezed his butt cheeks.

“I missed you too,” Ethan said with an alluring glint in his eyes. “Sorry I couldn’t meet you at the airport. We just got here about 20 minutes ago. How was the flight?”

“Incredible! This is so exciting!” I never rode on a private jet before with my own personal flight attendant. He was so attentive.”

“How many drinks did you have?”

“Just two.” Tyler disentangled himself from Ethan and waved his hand in the air. “OK. Three. But only because I was having such a good time. Fill me in,” he told Ethan, pulling him into the room and shutting the door. “When do you have to leave for the venue. Do you have to go right away, or do we have time?”

Ethan displayed a lecherous grin. “There’s always time.” He pulled Tyler against him, and they started rubbing against one another furiously. They fell to the floor and almost went at it right there, but Ethan lifted Tyler in one swooping motion and brought him to the bedroom. Their lovemaking wasn’t long and unhurried, since Ethan needed to leave for the venue, but it was carnal and flaming hot.

“I’m really looking forward to introducing you to my friends,” Ethan said once they were in the car. “They’re going to love you.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting them too.” That was an outright lie. Tyler had no desire to meet Wolf Wheeler, Ethan’s so-called friend with sometimes benefits, and he had the feeling Wolf felt the exact same way. Despite Ethan’s assurance that he and the bass player had a completely casual and open relationship and had both been with plenty of other people over the years, it was awkward as fuck.

The Escalade pulled into the back entrance of the venue and stopped. “Are we waiting for something?” Tyler asked when Ethan didn’t make a move to get out of the car.

“Security. They’re right behind us.”

Tyler hadn’t realized a black SUV had been following them from the hotel. “I guess I’d make a terrible detective. I didn’t even notice.”

“You get used to looking over your shoulder. I’m always aware of my surroundings.”

The door opened and one of the bodyguards stuck his head inside the car. “All good, boss. It’s quiet.” He stepped aside to allow Ethan to exit, and Tyler followed. Four extremely large men in black suits escorted them into the venue, but Tyler didn’t see the necessity. There weren’t many people milling about and those that were had been blocked from approaching by a barricade about fifty feet behind the car.

The backstage area looked exactly like what you’d see in a movie. It was dark and a million people were scurrying around at a brisk pace, all engrossed in getting their respective jobs done. Tyler followed Ethan down the long corridor, where he almost got run over by a couple of guys moving large black cases on a dolly, and then they stopped in front of a black door.

“Is this the green room?” Tyler asked, sounding as if he knew what he was talking about, but only relying on TV’s interpretation of the backstage area.

“Yeah. We all have our own dressing room, but this is where we hang out while we wait for the show.”

The green room was everything Tyler expected—once again, another scene out of a movie. Beautiful men and women milled about, drinks were everywhere, and the music was loud. No one was having sex on the couch, but who knew what was going on in the bathroom? “Do you know all these people?”

“No. It clears out once we leave for soundcheck. Most of these people are groupies who have backstage passes. But we can hang out in my dressing room. We don’t have to stay here. I just want you to meet my friends first.”

A man wearing a Five Finger Death Punch T-shirt came running up to Ethan looking frazzled. It was Paul Landry, the band’s tour manager. “It’s about time you got here,” Paul huffed. “Soundcheck is in 15 minutes.”

“I was just waiting for Tyler.” Ethan placed his hand on Tyler’s lower back. “Remember Tyler? He’s the hairstylist who fixed my hair.”

Paul’s brows pinched together as he studied Tyler, most likely unaware that Ethan and Tyler had kept in touch. “Oh. Yeah,” Paul replied after a moment. Then someone called his name from across the room, and he huffed and took off.

“He seems like a ball of fun,” Tyler mused.

“Yeah. He’s a pain in the ass, but he’s stressed to the max on a daily basis.” Someone behind Tyler caught Ethan’s eye, and he raised his chin and waved them over.

The guy wasn’t much taller than Tyler’s five foot, six inches, but not as tall as Ethan’s almost six-foot frame. He had sandy blond hair that came down to his shoulders and looked as if he didn’t bother to brush it after he woke up. But it worked on him.

“This is Tyler,” Ethan said, pride emanating from his dark eyes. “Tyler, this is Harris.”

“A pleasure.” Tyler extended a hand daintily while giving Harris a wide smile. “I take it you’re the drummer? Unless that’s not what I think it is sticking out of your back pocket.”

Harris shook Tyler’s hand and smiled. “How’d you get a look at my back pocket? I approached from behind you.”

Tyler covered his smile with the tips of his fingers. “Caught me staring. I saw you from the back as soon as I walked in.” He gave Ethan a guilty smile. “Don’t worry. Your buns are better.”

Harris acted offended. “Wait a minute. That’s not fair. You’re partial. Maybe we should conduct an independent study to determine who’s got better buns.”

“We can post a contest on Insta!” Tyler loved creating content, and a best buns contest between two hot members of Wolf Pack would drive his subscribers wild.

“You’re on.” Harris took a swig of beer. “I like this guy,” he told Ethan with a smile and pointing the bottle at Tyler. “Catch me after the show, and we’ll put up a post.”

“I’m not posting my ass on Instagram,” Ethan protested.

Tyler clucked his tongue. “Oh, come on. It’ll be fun.”

“Afraid you’re going to lose?” Harris taunted.

“Not a chance.” Ethan swept the room with his eyes. “Where’s Wolf?”

“He’s around. If I see him, I’ll send him over.” Harris glanced down at his bottle. “I need to get another beer. Catch you guys later.”

“Is it usually this crowded before a show?” Tyler asked.

“Yeah,” Ethan replied. “People are always in and out.”

“You mean I finally get to meet the guy you can’t stop talking about?” a guy called out as he headed straight for them.

Tyler assumed it was Wolf, but it was Marshall, the band’s guitar player, who introduced himself and greeted Tyler with a big hug. The guy had huge biceps and almost crushed Tyler under his bear-like embrace.

“Easy.” Tyler squeezed one of Marshall’s thick arms. “You could snap a spine with these things.” Tyler eyed Marshall’s broad chest and bulky frame. “Seriously, what are they feeding you?”

“I was a wrestler,” Marshall explained. “If music didn’t work out, I was heading for WWE.” He flexed his muscles and made a ridiculous noise that sounded like a bull but looked really hot in the process.

“My goodness,” Tyler commented. “I don’t know if I should be afraid or turned on.”

Ethan wrapped a protective arm around Tyler and pulled him to his side. “Let’s get something to drink. Later, Marsh.”

“Nice meeting you!” Tyler called as they headed to the table full of beverages. “Jealous?” he teased Ethan.

“Of Marshall? No. He’s straight.”

“I was only kidding around. You know that, right?” Tyler wanted to make sure Ethan knew that he would never be disrespectful by seriously flirting with another person in front of him. “I tend to be overfriendly. But it’s all in good fun. It’s harmless.”

“I know. It doesn’t bother me. I like that you’re so friendly.”

A few minutes later, Paul returned and told Ethan it was time for soundcheck.

“Where’s Wolf?” Ethan asked. “I want to introduce him to Tyler.”

“He’s in his dressing room,” Paul replied. “Introduce him after soundcheck. We gotta go.”

A quick kiss and a promise to return as soon as he could, and Ethan was off.

Tyler made his way around the room and made small talk with a few people, but he couldn’t stop wondering if Wolf had purposely stayed in his dressing room because the guy was avoiding him. Or maybe he was reading too much into it and Wolf was simply entertaining someone. Part of him really wanted to meet Wolf. Another part of him wished they’d never cross paths.

Soundcheck took less than an hour, and then Ethan and his bandmates returned. Walking with Ethan, Harris, and Marshall was another man. He was tall, with a medium built, long hair, and green eyes that Tyler could see from across the room. Beautiful hair and a face to match. There was no doubt that this was the friend with benefits.

Ethan was all smiles as he hooked an arm over Wolf’s shoulder, whose eyes lit up at the contact, and hurried over to Tyler.

Take your time, but without the arm over the shoulder, Tyler thought to himself. Because he was in no rush to meet Wolf, whose name seemed to suit him perfectly by the way the guy was gawking at Ethan. Scratch that. He was in a big hurry to meet Wolf, because the sooner he staked his claim the better. Wolf might be an occasional fuck on the side, but Tyler was . . . he didn’t know what to call himself. He wasn’t Ethan’s boyfriend, but he better be Ethan’s number one, because Tyler Kennedy took a back seat to no one, even a guy Ethan knew for most of his life.

Tyler stood taller, placed a hand on his hip, which he jutted out to the side, flipped his hair to the front so it hung over one shoulder, and waited with a confident smile on his face. He knew he looked hot. His signature leather pants were black as night with fishnet inserts in all the right places. He wore a bright purple furry vest with no shirt and tons of silver chains. He was the most stylish person in the room.

“This is Wolf,” Ethan proudly announced, moving his arm from around Wolf’s neck and resting it on his shoulder. “I’m glad you guys can finally meet.”

Why? Tyler wondered. Maybe Ethan thought there’d be some kind of ménage à trois. No thank you. Not happening. “Greetings.” Tyler extended his hand. “I’m Tyler Kennedy. You’ve got a lovely head of hair.”

“Thanks.” Wolf, void of any facial expression, looked at Tyler’s hand for a moment before shaking it. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” And then there was an awkward silence. It wasn’t like Tyler to be at a loss for words, but what are you supposed to say to someone who was fucking the same guy as you? The absurdity of it almost made him laugh, but the assessing way Wolf was staring at him made him defensive, and the hair on the back of his neck prickled with annoyance. So, he returned the stare. The two of them looked each other over, from head to toe, up and down. Tyler counted to five, and still neither one said anything or averted their eyes, while Ethan seemed mortified and frozen in place.

Tyler decided to break the silence. “Who does your hair?”

Wolf looked confused by the question. “I do.”

“I mean, who cuts it? I’m a stylist. I just moved to LA from New York.”

Wolf nodded, as if he already knew that. “I go to a place in West Hollywood.”

“They do a good job. My studio is in West Hollywood also. Stop by anytime.”

Wolf nodded again, with his brows pinched together, as if he didn’t understand why they were having a conversation about his hair. What did he expect them to talk about? What Ethan liked in bed and his favorite positions?

“It was nice to meet you,” Wolf said, dismissively. “I’m going to get a drink.” And then he shot across the room like they were giving out free rainbow snow cones.

Tyler folded his arms across his chest and raised an eyebrow at Ethan. “So. That’s Wolf.”

“Yeah.”

“Not exactly Mr. Warm and Fuzzy, is he?”

Ethan shrugged uncomfortably.

“No worries. We’ll catch up later.” Or not. If Wolf didn’t want to get to know Tyler, that was his loss. That guy wasn’t going to spoil his good time and this fabulous trip. He put on his best smile, amped up his enthusiasm, and asked, “How long before the show? Do I get to watch from the side of the stage?”

Ethan relaxed and wrapped Tyler in a hug. “I love that you’re so easygoing. You have a great attitude.”

“Life’s too short to waste on negativity. The naysayers of the world aren’t going to dim my light.”

“Nothing can dim your light.”

“How long before the show?” Tyler repeated.

“We have a meet and greet and then about a 30-minute break before we go on. And, yes, you get to watch from the side of the stage. That pass around your neck gives you all access. And then we’re going to an afterparty.”

***

Tyler was having the time of his life at the side of the stage. The show was everything he expected and more. He was so glad he never Googled the band because he had no idea what to expect, and watching Wolf Pack perform for the first time, live, blew him away. Watching a pre-recorded video would have lessened the experience. He was fully immersed in the band’s performance, the light show, the smoke, the beating of the music in his chest, and the way the energy of the crowd fueled his soul. The way Harris beat the drums made Tyler’s blood pump faster. The sweet sound of Marshall’s guitar had Tyler’s hips swaying and gyrating of their own accord. Wolf’s bass playing was heavy and made your chest vibrate. And Ethan’s incredible vocals, with its raspy and throaty sound, was pure sex. Watching the four of them on stage was a total rush.

“They’re awesome!” Tyler exclaimed to the girl next to him as he jumped up and down.

“I know,” she answered.

He recognized her from the green room, but he never met her. “I’m Tyler,” he said.

“I’m Gwen. Is this your first time backstage? I haven’t seen you before.”

“Yes. I don’t usually listen to this type of music. I’m Ethan’s . . . friend.”

“Ah. That explains it.”

“Explains what?”

She paused. “Wolf.”

“What about him?”

She paused again. “He’s not acting like himself tonight.”

Unsure of what she was referring to, he looked toward the stage. Wolf was playing off to the side, obviously distancing himself from the rest of the band. The others interacted with one another. Ethan and Marshall faced each other several times as they sang and played. Even Harris, who was behind the drums, made eye contact with Ethan and twirled a drumstick in his direction when Ethan jumped on the drum platform. But when Ethan tried to get a reaction out of Wolf by singing directly at him, Wolf walked away.

Interesting. Wolf was obviously jealous, and that made Tyler gloat. It also made warning bells go off in his head, because if Ethan and Wolf were only part-time lovers with zero strings, why would Wolf be jealous? The last thing Tyler needed was to fall for someone who wasn’t ready to commit. Again.

Whoa. The thought sobered Tyler, even though he only had one drink. Neither he nor Ethan wanted a commitment. He was just protecting his heart. At least, that’s what he was telling himself.

The show ended way too soon as far as Tyler was concerned, and a sweat-soaked singer planted a big kiss on his mouth.

“It was so cool seeing you at the side of the stage,” Ethan said, still holding onto Tyler’s shoulders.

“I loved every minute of it. Your band is amazing and you’re an unbelievable singer.”

Harris and Marshall left the stage, and Tyler gave them a huge smile and said, “Great show!” They gave him happy slaps on the back as they passed in return. Wolf was last to leave the stage and whooshed past as if he were being chased by a pack of saber-tooth tigers, giving Tyler the side eye. But Tyler didn’t comment because he wasn’t going to take the bait.

“Let’s go to my dressing room.” Ethan took Tyler’s hand and led him down the corridor. “I’ll take a quick shower and then a car can take us to the club.”

“Club? We’re going clubbing?” Tyler practically shouted, his voice escalating with excitement. “I thought it was just a party.”

“A local club is hosting the afterparty. We’ll have a roped off section with VIPs only.”

Ethan’s dressing room was considerably smaller than the green room, but it had drinks and snacks. “Are you hungry?” Tyler called to Ethan who was in the shower. The guy had been running around on stage for the last 90 minutes burning off a ton of calories.

“No,” Ethan shouted over the running water. “I’m just thirsty as fuck.”

Tyler had a bottle of water waiting when Ethan exited the bathroom. “Here you go, superstar.”

“Superstar?” Ethan’s eyes crinkled with a smile, wondering about the term of endearment. “What happened to rock star?”

“You’ve been upgraded since I saw that performance.”

While Ethan drank half the contents of the water bottle in two big gulps, Tyler eyed his lover, who was only wearing a towel around his waist. The exertion of the performance was like a workout and left Ethan’s muscles defined and on display, and it sent a hot tingle up Tyler’s back. He dropped to his knees, ripped the towel off and pleasured his lover.

When he was done, he casually wiped his mouth, took a sip of water from Ethan’s water bottle and asked, “Do you want me to do your hair?”

Ethan, who was still leaning against the credenza trying to catch his breath and staring up at the ceiling, smiled. “You kill me.” He pulled Tyler in for a kiss, his strong hands caressing the back of Tyler’s neck and waist. “You take me like your life depended on it, send me over the moon, leave me panting and unable to breathe, and move on like you just folded a load of laundry.”

Tyler chuckled. “Folded a load of laundry? I take my clothes to the dry cleaner.”

“You’re incredible. I’ve never met anyone like you.”

“I’m one in a million, rock star. Don’t ever forget it.”

“I won’t. I can’t. And of course, I want you to do my hair. You’re my personal stylist.”

It took less than thirty minutes for Tyler to blow out Ethan’s hair and for him to get dressed, then they left the venue in a huddle of bodyguards.

Just like when they arrived, there weren’t many fans lingering outside since they left much later than the rest of the band, and they swiftly made it into the SUV without much commotion. They arrived at the club in the same fashion, with the bubble of bodyguards escorting them to a roped-off area at the back of the club that was filled with a big couch, a table covered in bottles of alcohol, and about 20 people. Two burly bodyguards protected the space by manning the purple velvet ropes.

Tyler’s eyes immediately searched for Wolf and found the guy making out with another dude in the corner of the couch. Tyler’s gaze shot to Ethan to see his reaction, but Ethan was unaffected and couldn’t care less. Tension and jealousy that Tyler didn’t know was knotting his gut dissipated, and his shoulders relaxed.

“What do you want to drink?” Ethan asked, motioning to one of two bartenders who were standing within the circle.

“I don’t know. What’s everyone having?”

Marshall joined them, holding up a glass. “Jack and Coke.”

Tyler recoiled at the manly drink. “I might as well order Johnny Walker.”

“That’s my drink,” Ethan interjected.

Tyler had only seen Ethan drink beer, so he thought the guy was kidding, but apparently not because Ethan gave his order to the bartender. “And a chocolate martini for my boy,” Ethan added.

The drink was perfect and exactly what Tyler would have ordered. “How did you know I’m a chocolate martini kinda guy?”

“I took a lucky guess.”

After two drinks, which were delicious and intoxicating, Tyler couldn’t stand staying in the roped-off circle. He wanted to mingle and hit the dance floor, but he knew Ethan wouldn’t be able to move freely in the crowded club. People knew who he was, evidenced by the gawking stares. One more drink, and Tyler’s energy was too much to contain. He jumped on a small table and started gyrating and swaying to the heavy dance beat of the house music.

People in the club noticed him and started cheering him on, with a few cat calls in the mix. Caught up in the haze of alcohol, he ignored everyone and let his body move freely. With his arms over his head, he swayed and twirled until he was parched and had sweat dripping down the back of his leather pants.

He was about to step down from the table when he saw Ethan was staring up at him with a wide grin. “Were you watching me the whole time?” he asked.

“The entire place was watching you. No one even cares that Wolf Pack are here anymore. You were the main attraction.”

Tyler glanced around and caught the eyes of at least half a dozen people staring back at him. A few clapped and someone whistled. He gave them a little curtsey before he jumped off the table and into Ethan’s arms. “Can I get another choco-tini?”

“You can get whatever you want.”

***

Tyler woke in a bed full of exquisite cotton sheets, a fluffy comforter, and pillows that were as thick as a cloud. He expected to have a hangover, but who could feel ill when surrounded by such luxury? The sun peeked through the drapes with the promise of another day filled with fun and excitement. He turned toward Ethan, who was lying next to him, face down, with one arm hanging over the side of the bed. “Wake up, sleepyhead. It’s another beautiful day, and I’m hungry.”

Ethan didn’t move, so Tyler nuzzled the back of his neck. “Let’s get breakfast.”

“What time is it?” Ethan mumbled, rolling over and pulling Tyler to his chest but never opening his eyes.

Tyler leaned over to look at the clock on the nightstand. “A little after seven.”

“Go back to sleep,” Ethan groaned.

“Sleep? Who can sleep? Let’s lounge by the pool or soak in the hot tub.”

No answer.

“At least let’s have breakfast. I can order room service.”

Still no answer.

Was Ethan snoring? Tyler nudged him in the shoulder. “You fell asleep while I’m talking to you?”

“W’what? Sorry. I’m tired.”

“Go back to sleep, lazy bones. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

Tyler took full advantage of his solo status. Without Ethan, he was free to move around the hotel and sightsee without the need for a group of bodyguards.

There was a cute little coffee shop in the lobby where Tyler had breakfast, and he found a street fair down the road. Then he took a swim, tanned by the pool, and soaked in the hot tub. That took up a good portion of the morning, so he figured it was enough time for Ethan to have caught up on his beauty sleep and returned to the suite.

As soon as he got off the elevator, he caught a glimpse of Wolf entering Ethan’s hotel room. Suspicion made Tyler do something he wasn’t proud of. He tiptoed down the hallway and pressed his ear to the door to listen to what was going on inside.

The bodyguard stationed outside the room glared at him but turned around when Tyler gave him a pleading look and brought his finger to his lips.

“Here’s today’s itinerary,” Wolf said behind the door, then there was a sound of paper rustling.

“Why are you hand delivering a hard copy?” Ethan asked. “Paul already sent a text with everything on the agenda today.”

“I don’t know. I guess for back up.”

“Do you want coffee?” Ethan asked.

There was a pause before Wolf asked, “Where’s your friend? Did he go home?”

“No. He’s leaving after the show tonight. I told you that already. He woke up early and went by the pool, I think.”

“Oh.” There was another pause, and then Wolf said, “So. That’s Tyler.”

Ironically, Tyler said the same thing to Ethan after he met Wolf.

“Yeah.” There was a smile present in Ethan’s voice. “That’s Tyler.”

“Hmm.”

“You don’t like him?” Disappointment echoed in Ethan’s tone.

“I don’t know. Isn’t he a little . . . extra?”

“He’s a lot extra. But that’s what I like about him. There’s nothing predictable or ordinary about him. He’s full of personality.”

“You can say that again,” Wolf said, heavy on the sarcasm.

“Why don’t you like him? He didn’t do anything to you.”

“I know. It’s just that he’s so over the top. The clothes. The hair. The brash way he talks. Everything about him screams, look at me!”

Tyler couldn’t listen to any more bullshit. He felt as if his eyes were going to pop out of his head and steam was going to shoot out his ears. He flung open the door and marched inside. “I’m not brash. I’m friendly. At least I’m not Mr. Grumpy Pants with a chip on his shoulder for no reason. I was nice to you. I complimented you on your hair. That’s a big deal coming from me.”

“Why? Because you have that 1980s Jon Bon Jovi hair? Get with the 21st century.”

Tyler’s jaw fell open. He was a well-known hairstylist and makeup artist, credited for his style and originality. He wasn’t an ‘80s knockoff. “How dare you knock my fashion sense?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Wolf mocked. “Let’s see. What are you wearing right now? Purple swim trunks with pink flamingos on them. I guess that was on Tom Ford’s latest runway show. I must have missed it.”

Tyler didn’t know if he was more shocked that Wolf knew the name Tom Ford or insulted at being criticized for his choice of swim trunks. “I got them at the gift shop. They’re cute.”

“That’s debatable. And what’s with the outfit you wore last night? Leather pants? Really? It was 82 degrees.” Wolf rolled his eyes. “And don’t even get me started on that vest. What are you going to wear tonight? A feather boa?”

Tyler did have a feather boa in his suitcase, and he was going to wear it tonight, so now he was infuriated and ready to explode. But he was trying to keep calm. He was trying to be the bigger person. He pressed his lips together in a thin straight line while clenching his teeth so hard he thought they’d snap and blew air out his nostrils like a bull.

“OK. That’s enough,” Ethan intervened. “Wolf, you’re—”

“Oh, no.” Tyler cut him off with a hand in the air. “I can stick up for myself.” Then he addressed Wolf with calm assertiveness. “You’re one to talk about fashion. You look like an Eddie Van Halen wannabe, only with half the charisma and half the talent. You’re just a hater. And I don’t have time for your bullshit. I know I’m edgy. I’m not another sheep in the herd. I stand out. Maybe my style isn’t the norm, but it’s my style. You wish you could pull it off half as good as I can. And by the way,” Tyler flipped his hair over his shoulder. “Jon Bon Jovi was a knockout—still is by the way—and had awesome fucking hair.”

Wolf stood there, seemingly in shock, with no reply. His jaw was open, and his brows were high on his forehead, while Tyler folded his arms across his chest and tapped his foot on the carpet waiting for the guy to respond.

“Alright. You both said enough,” Ethan interrupted. “Wolf, I think you need to go.”

“Fine.” Wolf turned and walked out without looking back.

Ethan put his hands on Tyler’s shoulders and let out a deep breath. His eyes were wide, and he looked ashen. “I’m so sorry. I have no idea what got into him. He was totally out of line. He had no right to speak to you that way. He’s never argumentative like that. I’m going to have a serious talk with him. But I’m really proud of you for standing up for yourself.”

Tyler smiled and shook his head. “No worries. I’m over it. I’m not getting frown lines on my forehead because of him. Now, kiss me before you miss the lingering taste in my mouth of the best macchiato I’ve ever had.

Ethan displayed a wide smile before he planted a deep probing kiss on Tyler’s mouth. “Mmm. Yummy,” he said, nuzzling Tyler’s lips and then wrapped Tyler in a hug.

Over Ethan’s shoulder, Tyler was surprised to see Wolf standing in the open doorway watching them. Still hugging Ethan, Tyler narrowed his eyes at Wolf and mouthed a silent, “Fuck you,” before kissing Ethan again and flipping Wolf the finger.

Wolf kept his distance for the remainder of Tyler’s visit. It upset and bothered Ethan that his best friend was being so childish and rude, but he made sure to keep his emotions in check until after Tyler left.

As soon as he kissed his lover goodbye and jumped on the tour bus to join his bandmates, everything hit him all at once, and he was boiling mad. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Ethan asked Wolf. “You were so fucking rude and out of line. Why the fuck did you say all that shit to Tyler this morning? What did he do to you?”

Wolf kept his eyes lowered, clearly embarrassed. “I just don’t like him. He rubs me the wrong way.”

“You don’t even know him. You didn’t say more than a few words to him before you took off in the green room yesterday and avoided him for the rest of the night. Then you show up this morning with some stupid pretense about delivering a hard copy of the day’s itinerary and drop all that bullshit.”

“It wasn’t a pretense,” Wolf shot back. “I gave hard copies to everyone.” He looked at the guys sitting on the couch a few feet away. “Tell him.”

Marshall and Harris both agreed, but Harris added, “It was a little strange, bruh. We never get hard copies.”

Ethan had no idea what Wolf was up to or why he would single Tyler out like that, but it didn’t matter. He wasn’t letting his friend get away with treating Tyler with so much disrespect. “Tyler deserves an apology.”

Wolf leaned back, his brows raised sky high. “He said shit to me too. Do I need to remind you that he said I had no talent? That was fucked up.”

“He did not.” Ethan didn’t remember everything because he’d been so shocked, but he didn’t think Tyler told Wolf he had no talent.

“He did. Your boy isn’t innocent. Actually, he’s kind of a bitch.”

“That’s a fucked-up thing to say.”

“It’s how I feel. I said what I had to say to his face, not behind his back. If he couldn’t handle it, that’s on him.” Then Wolf calmly walked into the sleeping area and shut the sliding door behind him, ending their conversation.

Frustrated, Ethan blew out a breath and ran his fingers through his hair. He grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and sat on the couch next to Harris and Marshall. “Do you fucking believe him?”

“I have no idea what’s going on,” Marshall stated. “And I don’t want to know. This is between you two. Or three.”

“I know what’s going on,” Harris offered.

“What?”

Harris leaned forward and lowered his voice. “He’s jealous.”

“That’s crazy,” Ethan replied. “He was with two different guys this weekend. I’m with other guys all the time. He doesn’t care. That’s not our dynamic. We’re not boyfriends. We’re best friends.”

“With benefits,” Harris added.

“Yeah. Sometimes. But that’s it. That’s all we’ve ever been.”

Harris shrugged. “Maybe he’s threatened by Tyler.”

It didn’t make sense. They talked about everything, including other guys. Including Tyler. Wolf never had animosity toward Tyler until they met. Maybe he really just didn’t like him. But how could anyone not love Tyler?

Ethan stared at the closed door that separated the sleeping quarters from the rest of the bus and thought about his friend on the other side, sitting in his bunk and probably feeling all alone. Guilt made Ethan’s heart sink. Wolf was a sensitive guy, and the idea of his friend sulking in the back of the bus by himself hurt Ethan’s heart.

He took another beer from the fridge, walked through the door to the sleeping quarters, and found Wolf lying in his bunk wearing his AirPods. Ethan offered the beer to his friend, who pulled out his AirPods and took the beer, and they sat quietly next to one another for a long time without saying anything. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence because good friends didn’t always have to make small talk. But there were things that needed to be discussed. While Ethan tried to figure out how to ask Wolf what was really going on, Wolf spoke up.

“Remember when I first came to live with you and your parents?”

The topic took Ethan by surprise. They hadn’t talked about that day since it happened, because there really wasn’t a need to rehash the drama. It was just part of their past and how they ended up growing up in the same house. But he remembered every detail of the incident well. How could he ever forget?

15 years old

The incessant ringing of the doorbell interrupted Ethan’s video game. It was frantic, without rest, ring after ring, and then knocking accompanied it. Ethan’s mom walked briskly into the living room, wiping her hands on a dishtowel, at the same time Ethan’s dad stood up from his recliner. They both stopped and looked at each other, then Ethan watched them walk toward the front door.

His mom moved the curtain and peeked through the window. “It’s Wolf. Something’s wrong.” She quickly opened the door while Ethan ran to meet his friend.

Wolf took a few steps into the house and just stood there sobbing with his arms at his sides and his shoulders bobbing. It scared the hell out of Ethan, but he didn’t know what to do, so he looked at his parents.

“What’s wrong, honey?” Ethan’s mom asked, placing her arm around Wolf’s shoulder. “Did something happen to your parents?”

Wolf tried to answer but he was sobbing too hard to get the words out.

“Calm down,” Ethan’s father said. “Take a few deep breaths and tell us what happened.”

When Wolf still didn’t answer, Ethan’s mom said, “I’m calling Rachel.”

“No!” Wolf finally spoke, his eyes widening to show the red squiggly lines and puffy lids.

Ethan took a few steps closer to his friend. “What happened?”

Wolf pressed his lips together and started shaking his head. “They saw me.” It was all he could say before he started crying again.

His parents looked confused, but Ethan knew exactly what Wolf was referring to. Wolf had a boyfriend. Ethan was the only one Wolf trusted with his secret and said that his parents would lose their shit if they found out. Apparently, they found out.

“Who saw you?” Ethan’s Mom asked.

“My m’mom and dad.”

She rubbed Wolf’s back soothingly. “I don’t understand. What did your parents see? Are you in some kind of trouble?”

Wolf’s face was beet red. His gaze shifted to Ethan, and there was so much pleading in Wolf’s eyes that it made Ethan want to cry.

“Let’s go to my room,” Ethan said, offering his hand to his best friend.

“No,” his mom scolded. “I want to know what has Wolf so upset.”

“You can talk to us, son,” Ethan’s dad told Wolf. “We’ll help you if we can, but we need to know what’s wrong.”

Wolf’s eyes were still trained on Ethan, filled with uncertainty but also wanting to confide in people who might understand. Ethan knew his parents could help, so he nodded for Wolf to continue.

“They . . . they saw me . . . with . . . with Bobby,” Wolf said, sheepishly, barely looking up from the floor.

“Who’s Bobby?” Ethan’s dad asked, but his mom figured it out right away.

She hugged Wolf to her chest. “It’s OK. Everything’s going to be OK. Come inside. Why are we still standing by the door?” She walked to the table with both arms around Wolf, as if he’d collapse if she let go of him, while she and Ethan’s dad had some kind of mental conversation with their eyes.

Ethan followed along, worried about what was going to happen to his friend, because Wolf’s parents weren’t very open minded and had a lot of issues with people who liked the same sex.

They all sat at the dining room table—Wolf between Ethan’s parents, and Ethan across from his friend.

“What did your parents say?” Ethan’s mom asked, and the question started the tears streaming down Wolf’s face again.

Ethan’s mom frowned and brushed Wolf’s long hair out of his eyes. “I know it’s—” She leaned closer and looked at Wolf’s face. “Who did that? Was it your father? Did your father do that to you?”

Both Ethan and his dad looked closer, and they saw the red bruise swelling at Wolf’s temple.

“That bastard,” Wolf’s dad muttered through clenched teeth.

It wasn’t the first time Ethan saw a bruise on Wolf, but it was the first time anyone else had.

Ethan’s mom immediately got a zippered plastic bag filled with ice and a bottle of water for Wolf, but the kind gesture only made Wolf cry again.

Watching his friend’s pain brought a tightness in Ethan’s throat and tears brimmed on his lower lids.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Wolf sobbed. “They don’t want me there anymore. They locked me out. I banged on the door for 15 minutes. They wouldn’t open it. They threw my backpack out the window and some of my clothes.”

“What?” Ethan’s mom curled her lip and furrowed her brow. “This is too much.” She stood up and waved her hands around. “I can’t believe Rachel would allow this.”

“She . . . she’s the one who told me to leave,” Wolf sobbed. “After my dad . . .” he didn’t finish his sentence, but he placed the ice on his bruised temple.

“That’s it.” Ethan’s mom picked up her phone and walked into the kitchen. “Rachel. Are you out of your mind? Wolf’s here—”

They could all hear Wolf’s mother’s raised voice coming through the other end of the phone.

“How can you say that? He’s your son!” Ethan’s mom shouted. “That’s ridiculous! You can’t mean that!”

Another pause and more yelling from Wolf’s mom, and then Ethan’s mom let her have it. “You are a horrible, horrible mother! You’re heartless! How could you treat your own son like this? You should be ashamed! He’s just a boy! You’re such a bitch!” And then she slammed the phone down on the counter so hard the glass probably cracked.

Everyone was quiet at the table, sitting on eggshells, unused to hearing a yelling match between the two moms.

Ethan’s mom stood in the kitchen facing the sink with her head down. She was wiping away tears and trying not to let anyone notice, but they all saw her.

Wolf started crying again and buried his face in his folded arms on top of the table.

“It’s OK,” Wolf’s dad said, placing a hand on Wolf’s back. “You can stay here. For as long as you need. For as long as you want.” He lifted his eyes to Ethan. “You can share Ethan’s room. Right, son?”

Ethan nodded. “I have the blow-up mattress he can sleep on.”

“Just until we buy him his own bed,” Ethan’s mom added, trying to display a smile but looking so sad.

Ethan couldn’t take it anymore and ran around the table and did the only thing he could do. He hugged his best friend. Wolf immediately began bawling again, and Ethan, who had been seriously shellshocked by the entire incident, openly cried and hugged his friend tighter.

Now

“Remember?”

The sound of Wolf’s voice pulled Ethan out of the memory, but the pain and heartache in his chest felt as if he were stuck in time. “Yeah. Of course. I remember that day like it was yesterday.” He put his arm around Wolf and massaged his friend’s shoulder. “I’m glad you came to my house instead of running off somewhere.”

Wolf slowly turned to look at Ethan. “Where else would I go? I was 15, and I was homeless.”

“I don’t know. But you were a kid, and kids run away all the time because of fucked-up shit like that.”

Wolf shrugged. “I didn’t even think about it. I was in trouble, and there was only one person for me to turn to—you. My best friend. I didn’t know your family was going to take me in without a second thought. They could have had the same reaction as my parents. They could have thrown me out of their house too and forbid us to be friends anymore.”

“That was never going to happen,” Ethan quickly replied. “I’d never abide by that. Ever.”

“There really wasn’t much you would’ve been able to do about it if they didn’t want you to see me anymore.”

“Sure, there was. We could have run away together.”

A skeptical smile pulled at the corner of Wolf’s mouth. “At 15?”

It sounded crazy, but Ethan would have done it. Nothing was ever going to come between them. They were fused together for life. “We would’ve figured something out. Look at where we are now.” Ethan waved his hand through the air. “This is all you. Wolf Pack is your baby. You started the band and gigging. If that guy you had as a singer before me didn’t walk out and leave you high and dry, I’d never be where I am today. You’re the reason I’m famous. You’re the reason we’re all famous and rich.”

Wolf was shaking his head the whole time. “No. I knew you were a great singer. You just needed a little incentive to get up on stage.” He was quiet for a moment, then glanced at Ethan with smiling eyes. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. George didn’t leave us high and dry right before that big show. I fired him five minutes after you agreed to fill in for him.”

“What?” First, since when did they have secrets, especially something this big? Second, what the fuck? Wolf Pack was already popular on the music scene when Ethan stepped in at 19. The risky move could have easily derailed the band’s path to success. “Are you serious? What if I sucked? Or if I didn’t want to be in the band? Your plan could have backfired. Then what?”

Wolf shrugged one shoulder. “It didn’t. It worked out exactly how I thought it would.”

This guy was nuts. Absolutely fucking nuts. “I don’t know what to say except, thanks for believing in me.”

Wolf nudged Ethan with his shoulder. “It’s the least I could do. You and your family literally saved my life. I wouldn’t have made it if I had to live on the streets or in a group home. I’m not tough like that. There’s a lot of bad shit out there happening to homeless teenage boys.”

“That’s the damn truth.” A sickening feeling turned Ethan’s stomach sour.

“That wouldn’t have been the worst of it. If your parents wouldn’t let us be friends anymore . . .” Wolf pressed his lips together and started shaking his head again while his face drooped with sadness and fear. “I don’t think I would have made it without you. I can’t imagine you not being in my life.”

“That didn’t happen.” He pulled Wolf close in a side hug. “That’s never going to happen. I’m not going anywhere. We met when we were in the first grade and have been inseparable ever since. We’ve been through everything together. You’re always going to be in my life, and I’m always going to be in your life. Nothing’s ever going to change that. You know that, right?”

Wolf nodded, but he looked so sad, and it wrecked Ethan to see his friend like that.

They sat quietly again, sipping their beers, until Wolf said, “Don’t take his side over mine.”

“What?”

“Tyler. Don’t take his side over mine.”

“I’m not.”

“You just met him. Don’t forget how long we’ve known each other.”

Ethan didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know what he did for Wolf to think he’d take Tyler’s side in an argument. So, he just said. “I won’t.” He moved his hand from around Wolf’s shoulder and rested it on Wolf’s knee, giving it a little squeeze. “Love you, bruh.”

The corners of Wolf’s mouth finally curled into a tiny smile. “Love you too.”