Half Notes and Highlights (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024)

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Tyler already finished several early appointments today, including Tommy Blade, the musician he met at the festival yesterday. He would have been done, but he was stuck in his trailer waiting on a last-minute addition. Tapping a hairbrush on his thigh, he scrolled through the appointment app on his phone to confirm the time. Yep. The guy was 10 minutes late. He huffed out his frustration so hard he blew the hair out of his face. He wished clients would understand that if one person was late, it created a domino effect. Normally, he wouldn’t be so uptight about it, but there was no time to spare today because Wolf Pack was playing early tonight, and he needed to do blowouts on Ethan and Harris, and Marshall finally agreed to semi-permanent hair color. None of that would take too long, but they were on a timeline, plus, he needed to get ready for the show.

As he waited, he tidied up the counter, fixing his spray bottles so they were neatly aligned, and lit a few fresh candles. Finally, a knock on the door indicated his client’s arrival. It’s about fucking time.

“Come in. Door’s open, and I’m ready to make you more beautiful!” He made sure he used his most friendly singsong voice because it was only 15 minutes and shit happens.

Tyler flinched when Wolf walked in. “What are you doing here? I’m expecting a client.”

“That would be me.”

Tyler shook his head and scrolled through his phone. “No. My appointment is with Scott McCall.” He dropped his arm and huffed. He couldn’t believe he didn’t recognize the name sooner. “Teen Wolf? Really? You couldn’t be more original? Why’d you use an alias? I wouldn’t have turned you away, Wolf. I’m happy to do your hair.” He hoped his tone conveyed his sincerity, because no matter their differences, he was a professional and would love the opportunity to show off his skills.

“I don’t want you to do my hair.”

“Well then why are you here?”

“I came here to duke it out. I’m tired of the snide remarks. We’re going to settle this rife between us once and for all. Here and now. Just you and me.”

Nerves and apprehension sent a weird feeling into Tyler’s chest, and he slowly started walking backwards to put distance between them. But he only got two feet before he backed into the counter in front of the mirror with nowhere else to go. He wasn’t skilled in self-defense and never had a physical altercation in his life, but his ex—the guy he moved to California to forget—was a blackbelt and taught him a thing or two. It didn’t matter, because it all went out the window as fear crept up his spine, and he frantically searched for anything within reach that he could use as a weapon.

Holding a lit candle in front of him, he directed a can of aerosol hairspray at it, ready to press the spray button. “I’m a lover, not a fighter, but if you take one step toward me with the intent to do me bodily harm, I’ll Gene Simmons your ass!”

Wolf’s eyes widened, and he leaned back holding his hands up in front of him. “Whoa. I didn’t mean it literally when I said duke it out. I meant talk it out. I’m not a violent person.”

Tyler’s heartrate settled, and he felt foolish as he stood there ready to blast Wolf with a spray of fire, as if he’d really use beauty supplies to hurt someone. “Oh. Sorry.” He put them both down on the counter in front of the mirror. “What do you want to talk about?”

“What are you doing with Ethan?”

Heat burned Tyler’s cheeks, and the fear that had his heart racing a moment ago was nothing compared to the way it beat with anger right now. “We’re in love, and you need to step off. I’ve tolerated your rude comments and remarks out of respect for Ethan, but I’m fucking done.” He sliced his hand through the air. “Done! I have a thick skin. I’m from New York. But your attitude and insults are hurtful, and I’m not gonna take it anymore.”

“What insults?”

“You have something to say about everything. You constantly make fun of me!”

“I do not.”

“Just last night you said my clothes were ridiculous. That I looked like a creepy ‘70s porn star.”

“Those clothes were ridiculous. And I never said anything about creepy. I just said you looked like a porn star from the ‘70s.”

“All porn stars from the ‘70s were creepy!”

“You’re so fucking dramatic all the time. So out there. Can’t you just be normal?”

“Normal is boring. What’s it to you anyway? Why do you care what I do? Or say? Or wear?”

“Because you always have to be the center of attention. You show up one day to fix Ethan’s hair, and then you’re all he talks about. All he cares about is jetting off to see you instead of focusing on the band.”

“I never asked him to leave the tour to come visit me. He did that all on his own, so if you have a problem with that, take it up with Ethan. I never did anything to you. Nothing gives you the right to be such a fucking bitch to me. I was trying to be nice to you, and you throw mud at me every chance you get. You’re infuriating! I don’t know what Ethan ever saw in you!”

The hurt that covered Wolf’s face was instantaneous, and Tyler immediately wished he didn’t say that last part. “I’m sorry. That was mean. My temper got the best of me. I take it back.”

Wolf was quiet for several seconds while he studied the floor. “I deserved it.”

“Why do you hate me so much?”

“Because you stole Ethan from me.”

Tyler placed his fist on his hip, tired of the accusations and attitude. “I didn’t steal anyone. The two of you—” A sickening thought suddenly overwhelmed him. “Were you two serious? Exclusive?”

Wolf shook his head. “No. We’ve been together a long time. We were together a long time,” he corrected. “But we were never exclusive.” He exhaled and let out a long, drawn-out sigh. “I don’t know if you can even say we were together. But . . . a part of me always thought we would be. So, when you came along, and he fell for you so fast and so hard, I was jealous. I’m not anymore,” Wolf said, quietly, his head hung low. “You won. Ethan picked you. I’m bowing out.”

“What does that mean? You’re bowing out?”

Wolf put his hands in his pockets. “I’m not going to stand in your way. I’m not going to be catty and bait you into an argument. That’s what I was doing. I know it was childish, but I couldn’t help it.”

Tyler wanted to believe Wolf. The guy certainly sounded sincere, but he wasn’t sure he could trust Wolf. “Why the sudden change of heart?”

“Because I want Ethan to be happy. And he is. With you. I never made him happy like you do. And I want to be happy too. I realized I can’t move on and find someone if I’m hung up on Ethan. If that’s even what I want.” Wolf let out an exasperated breath. “I don’t know what I want, anymore. I just know that I can’t move on with my life if I’m stuck pining after someone who never wanted to be with just me, and who’s already moved on.” He let out another deep breath, this one deflating him. “I can’t do it anymore. I simply don’t have the energy. Or the fight.”

Tyler was quiet for a long time as he processed everything Wolf said. If anyone knew how it felt to be with someone who didn’t want exclusivity and to pine after someone who already moved on, and to just want to get on with your life, it was Tyler. “I could have been nicer too. I know I’m a drama llama. It wasn’t all you. I’m sure I gave you plenty to work with. I know I’m over the top, but that’s what I love most about myself.”

Wolf grunted a laugh. “I gotta give you credit. You don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks. You’re authentic. You’re you. And you make no apologies for your fashion choices. You’re brave. Your confidence is admirable. I’ll give you that. By the way, I know those leather pants were from Jordan Betten. Some of the other stuff you wear is out there, but those pants are on point.”

Tyler couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His jaw dropped and his eyes opened wider with each statement coming from Wolf’s mouth. He shook his head as if to clear it. “I don’t know if I’m more shocked that you just said so many nice things about me or that you know the name Jordan Betten.”

“I’m an artist. And I don’t just mean a musician. I draw and paint. A lot. I know Jordan Betten for his art. I didn’t want to tell you this, but I designed the artwork for your trailer.”

“You did?” That probably shocked Tyler more than anything Wolf said today. “My flabbers have been gasted. You could knock me over with a feather. I think I need to sit down.” He slid into the salon chair and swung it around to face Wolf. “This conversation is turning out much differently than I expected. Thank you for the artwork. It’s amazing. I should probably apologize as well. I said things too. I’m sorry.”

“No. It was all me. From the beginning, I was rude and combative.”

“That’s true.”

“I don’t know why I’m still always ready for a fight. I thought I was over it, but I guess not.”

“Over what?”

Wolf hesitated before speaking, obviously unsure if he should continue. But he did, with his head lowered and staring at the floor. “I don’t talk about my personal life or my family. I hate them. My parents. I can’t believe I’m talking about them right now.” He slowly shook his head back and forth and wrapped his arms around his body. “They threw me out and tossed me aside when I was 15. I was just a kid, and I had no one. I haven’t spoken to them since that day. Ethan is the reason I got through it. He was always there for me. My whole life, he’s the only one I could count on. And then you came along, and I felt like I was getting tossed aside again.” Wolf still didn’t lift his head, but his brows pinched together, and his face scrunched up with emotion. “I thought that shit from my past didn’t affect me anymore, but obviously it does.”

Tyler’s heart sank to the floor at the turmoil and insecurities Wolf openly displayed. The vulnerability he exuded was palpable. Tyler couldn’t imagine losing his family and being alone at such a young age. A frown covered his face while his insides felt pulverized for this guy in front of him who looked so alone and distraught. He hated seeing people in pain and in need. He was too empathetic to sit there and do nothing, so he stood up and approached Wolf, his arms wide open. “You need a hug.”

Ethan was bored. Tired of waiting in his RV for Tyler to finish his appointments, he strolled outside and stared up at the bright sun. He was about to send a group text to the guys to see what they were up to but saw Marshall and Harris walking toward him. “I was just about to text you guys.”

“We were at the festival listening to bands.” Marshall wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “It’s hot. Want to grab a cold drink and some food?”

“Yeah. Where’s Wolf?”

“I don’t know,” Harris replied. “We asked Wolf to come, but he said he had something to do.”

“Why didn’t you ask me?”

Marsh and Harris looked at each other and laughed. “We stopped by this morning,” Harris explained. “But there were too many noises coming from your RV.”

Ethan smiled as he remembered this morning’s antics. “I’m enjoying having Tyler here. I wish he could come on tour with us full time.”

“Yeah. He’s cool,” Marshall said. “I like having him around.”

“I don’t know,” Harris added. “I really like Tyler, but when he and Wolf are in the same room, the tension is through the roof.”

“You don’t have to tell me that,” Ethan complained, still hoping things would change. Maybe going out for food, just the four of them, would make Wolf feel less left out. It would be a sign that Ethan wasn’t pushing their friendship aside and meant what he said about paying more attention to Wolf. “Let’s check his RV.”

The three of them put their fists to the door of Wolf’s RV and called his name, but there was no response.

“Do you know where Wolf is?” Ethan asked a security guard standing nearby.

“He’s in the salon.”

“What?” Ethan practically shouted. He had no idea what Wolf was up to or why he was seeking out Tyler, but the guy clearly went too far. Ethan was out of patience and, frankly, fed up. The remarks and attitude were bad enough, but seeking Tyler out for a confrontation wasn’t going to be tolerated. “How long has he been in there?”

“About an hour,” the security guard answered.

Ethan’s heart started to race, and his face got hot. “He’s been in there the whole time?”

“Yes, sir,” the guard replied, cautiously, as if he said too much.

Ethan raced toward the trailer, kicking up sand and, at one point, almost twisting his ankle in the uneven terrain. He had no idea what he was about to walk in on and only hoped the two of them weren’t killing each other in there. He flung open the door and ran inside, his heart pounding.

Out of all the scenarios he envisioned, he never imagined the scene in front of him. Wolf was sitting in the salon chair, a cape draped over him, with Tyler leaning in front of him dusting his cheeks with a big fluffy brush.

At the commotion of Ethan’s entrance, Tyler stood up straight, and Wolf looked at Ethan through the mirror.

“Good grief! You scared the hell out of me,” Tyler said, a hand to his chest. “Knock next time. Or enter like a human being. I could take an eye out or something.”

“What’s going on here?” Ethan looked from Tyler to Wolf and back again.

“What does it look like? I’m doing Wolf’s makeup.” He swiveled the chair so it faced Ethan. “I gave him a natural contour with bronzer.”

“It looks good, right?” Wolf asked, turning his face from side to side so Ethan could get a better look. “You can’t even tell I’m wearing makeup.”

Ethan stared at him, too stunned to answer.

Tyler swiveled the chair back around so he could study Wolf’s face. “You were so deathly pale. You looked more like a vampire than a wolfman.”

To Ethan’s utter shock, both Wolf and Tyler shared a laugh.

“What the fuck?” Ethan shouted, completely confused. He thought he’d have to pull the two of them apart. Every single time Wolf and Tyler were together they argued and threw jabs at one another. Now they were sitting here casually laughing. “What’s going on?”

“Oh.” Tyler glanced at Ethan briefly while he continued to dab the brush against Wolf’s cheek. “You missed it. We kissed and made up. Me and Wolfie are BFFs now.”

“Wolfie?” Ethan questioned. The cutesy nickname had him more confused than ever.

“Mm-hmm. Wolf is too manly.” He motioned to Wolf with the fluffy brush. “Tell him how soft your hands are now after the paraffin dip.”

Wolf rubbed the palms of his hands together. “Smooth as a baby’s bottom.”

Thoroughly bewildered, Ethan was sure he fell into an alternate universe. “What’s going on? What the fuck did I miss?”

“A lot.” Tyler straightened up and looked at Ethan. “We talked. We hugged. We cried. And we became friends.”

“Friends?” Ethan asked, incredulously. He thought, at most, the two of them would tolerate one another, not act like teenage girls at a sleepover.

Wolf turned toward Ethan. “We’re good now. Tyler’s cool. The guy’s got spunk. And balls.”

Tyler perked up. “I do?”

“Yeah. I gave you a lot of shit, and you never backed down. You stood up for yourself. You’re no shrinking violet.”

Tyler displayed a playful smile. “Shrinkage? No. There’s no shrinkage here. Everything’s large and in charge.”

Wolf laughed up to the ceiling. “You’re a riot.”

“I just tell it like it is.” Tyler removed the cape from Wolf and took the towel from around his neck. “All finished. You’re more beautiful. Go knock ‘em dead.”

Wolf stood, looked at himself in the mirror, and nodded. “Thanks. What do I owe you?”

“It’s on the house.”

“Thanks.” Wolf offered his hand.

Tyler glanced at it skeptically. “A handshake? Really? After all we’ve been through today?”

The corners of Wolf’s mouth curled.

Just when Ethan thought the day couldn’t get any more bizarre, Wolf and Tyler shared a short hug.

Wolf gave Ethan a hug next and whispered, “Sorry about everything.” And then the guy left.

Ethan watched the door close, then spun around to face Tyler. “How? How did you two make up and suddenly not want to kill each other anymore?”

“I told you,” Tyler said, matter of factly. “We talked.”

“And just like that, you don’t hate each other anymore?”

“I never said I hated him. I love everyone, even those who aren’t especially nice to me all the time. He had his reasons for acting the way he did, and I knew exactly what they were.” Tyler looked pointedly at Ethan. “And so did you. Don’t play dumb. You know he was jealous because he wanted you all to himself. But he assured me he was letting you go and moving on. Unless he does something that makes me think otherwise, I’m going to assume he’s sincere. It took a lot for him to come here and apologize and open up to me. So, I’m going to believe him. As it turns out, he’s not a bad guy. I had no idea he was such a gifted artist. He showed me pictures of some of his work. He’s amazing.” Tyler swatted Ethan’s chest. “Why didn’t you tell me he drew the artwork for my trailer? You know how much I love it.” Tyler’s hands suddenly flew to his cheeks. “I feel like such an idiot. I was going on and on about my stupid painting last week! I can’t believe he didn’t take any cheap shots at how amateurish it was. Why didn’t you stop me?”

Ethan exhaled six months’ worth of tension. “Tyler, I was terrified whenever you two were in the same room. I never knew what would set either one of you off.” He wrapped his arms around Tyler and hugged him to his chest. “I’m so happy things worked out. Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I’m happy too.”