They heighten my senses
Bringing up my guard
Keeping me armed
I am not ready to open
Not ready for trusting
There is a wall that has started to crumble
In the darkness cloaked
My heart has been left exposed
The words rushedinto my brain as Leilani’s eyes stayed glued to mine. She had tears in her eyes as she mouthed, “I love you,” and I shot over a knowing wink as the song came to an end. On cloud nine, we continued our set, and as quickly as it started, it was ending.
“Thank you, Chicago. Again, we are The Hysterics. Thank you and good night.” Rodney turned to us. “Holy shit!” We were all practically hyperventilating as we started to pack up our equipment.
“Very impressive, boys. I am so proud of you.” My mom was beaming as she clapped next to the small stage.
“Thanks, Mrs. Steele,” Dane said as he leaned down to give my mother a quick hug.
My dad was grinning from ear to ear from behind the bar as I read his lips while he pointed at me, saying, “That’s my son.”
It was the coolest feeling in the world knowing people loved our music and my folks were proud of us.
“Way to go!” Julie hopped up next to me, practically tackling me as she wrapped her arms around my neck. “My big brother is a rock star! How fucking cool is that?”
“It was just our first gig, Jules,” I rebutted, trying to downplay just how freaking awesome I felt in that moment.
“The first of many, I can only assume,” Leilani added as she took a seat on Dane’s drum stool, helping him take apart his high hat.
“Is everyone coming over tonight?” I asked, glancing at the other guys and our sisters.
“Heck yes we are. This awesome display needs to be celebrated.” Sheila was so excited, bouncing next to Colt.
* * *
As we madeour way into the house, Leilani rushed for the bathroom.
“She all right?” I glanced over at Dane.
“Fuck if I know. She was turning kind of green in the car. Maybe she’s starting to get carsick again.”
I handed my bass case to Dane. “I’ll go check on her.”
“Okay…” He gave me an awkward glance before heading to my room to put my ax away for me.
Tapping on the door, my heart sank. “Leilani, it’s me. Can I come in?”
“No!” she screamed, but I didn’t listen.
I locked the door behind me and grabbed a washcloth, running it under cold water. Pressing the cool, damp fabric to the back of her neck, I held her hair out of her face with the other hand.
“What’s wrong, babe?” I cooed in her ear.
“I don’t know. I’ve felt like dogshit for a few days now. I thought it would pass, but it is kind of getting worse.”