I looked back at the guitar pedals on the floor, now flashing little green lights to tell the world that all was well. "High-tech band toys?"
He grinned. "Yeah, I'm a sucker for the stuff." He led the way back to a dressing room, sat down, and motioned for me to take another seat.
Gabe leaned close. "As I was starting to say before, nobody's mad at you. It's us. Not all of us are happy to be back on the road, and some of us don't even want to see each other. We're a pretty dysfunctional band."
"Then why are you touring?"
He grinned. "For fame and money, of course. I've got a high-tech toy habit that I'd like to feed. River wants to buy more fancy Japanese drums. And Chuck wants to give his Vegas act a boost. So when Jason suggested a ten-year reunion tour, we mostly agreed."
"Mostly? You didn't mention why Buck's back on tour."
"Yeah, he's the only one who didn't want this. We had to talk him into it." Gabe took a long breath. "Anyway, it hasn't been the smoothest ride, so I doubt we'll do anything else after this tour."
Oh no! Their reunion was a sham, and the band would soon be dead again. "I guess I'm sorry to hear that. I imagined the Fiery Boys would stay together and make lots more music." A laugh escaped from me. "Nothing's what I expected. I didn't expect to see orgies, either. Didn't that go out with the sixties?"
Gabe rolled his eyes. "Chuck's the only one who likes to have his groupies in groups."
"So why do you enable him? Can't Chuck find his own women? Maybe he needs a take-a-number dispenser." I pretended I was Chuck, selecting my next faceless female. "Number eighty-seven? Come on back and spread your legs."
Gabe laughed. "Just let it go."
"I can't, Gabe. You're like a predatory fraternity. It's offensive, sickening."
"I told you. It's only Chuck."
"Fine. So why am I getting the silent treatment from everyone else?"
"River hasn't got much to say to you-give him time. And I'm here, aren't I? Talking to you." He reached out and took my hands in his. "Don't leave. We want you on the bus. Well, I do at least. And I know River wants you there, too."
River wanted me? That was good news. But why did he run away as soon as I showed up? I pulled my hands back and sunk into the chair. "He certainly has a strange way of showing it. And what about Buck?"
"Buck wants you there, too. Although he also has a strange way of showing it. Besides not wanting to be on tour, he's going through some evil shit because of his divorce from Danielle. So don't take it personally."