The Fiery Boys (A Sample)

Chuck and I laughed at the interruption. The moment had passed, so he gave me one brief kiss, then he pulled away and actually did choose a video game to play. But now the game was filled with a new kind of tension.

The show that night had an exciting edge to it. Not only was I feeling Chuck's heat, but I was also nervous about playing with the band. In fact, I was so keyed up that I didn't even notice when Jason appeared by my side. "What's eating you tonight?"

I jumped at the sound of his voice, but acted nonchalant and kept facing the stage. "River's letting me play drums on 'Fiery Life.'"

Jason stepped around to face me. "He's what?" Definitely unhappy-I wondered if he'd try to stop me. Should River have cleared this with him first?

In an effort to placate him, I pointed out how small my part was. "I'm only playing during the chorus, and all I get is one cymbal. I'll dance during the verses."

I couldn't wait to dance next to River. And playing drums with him would be an unforgettable experience. "It wasn't my idea-River offered. He wants my week on tour to be special. Hey!" I grinned. "How could I refuse?"

Jason stiffened. "Don't expect him to fall in love with you. You'll be gone soon, and he has his own life." As if I didn't already know that. I ignored Jason so I could focus on the band. At least they weren't counting the days until my week was over.

Jason shifted to get back in my face. "And another thing. This is not how you dress for the stage."

"What's wrong with the way I'm dressed?" I admit that I'd toned it down a little tonight because I was going out there. I didn't want to be flashing mile-long leggings or a short skirt to an entire crowd. So I had on a nice pair of blue jeans, calf-high boots, and a tan top, loose fitting with open sleeves.

Jason grumbled. "It's not sexy enough. I can't stop you tonight, but in the future, when you're on stage with the Fiery Boys, you have to dress for it. Tight and colorful, with lots of skin showing. Not some stupid jeans and a baggy blouse." Wow, what a micromanager. I wondered if he had makeup tips for me, too.

I was used to Jason's irascibility by now, and I'd had enough of it. With a nod, I stepped away from him to watch the show.

When it was time to play "Fiery Life," Chuck introduced me without saying anything embarrassing at all. Instead, he teased River. "We have a special guest drummer tonight who's going to help River make it through the next song." He waved to the wing. "Come on out, Annalisa."