On the road

 Harley took a shot of the tequila straight up. It was her secret weapon. Yes, no one needed to know just how afraid she was to hold a drumstick in her hand, but she was ready to be vicious and victorious for the night.

Funny, it was only a couple of weeks ago that she watched KC on the drums. Of course, he was fabulous to watch. "Now I want you to do it."

It was in his livingroom when they were alone. It was like he wanted no interruptions. She guessed it was a good thing her cousin could keep Rafe preoccupied.

Of course, she hadn't a clue to what he'd just done. She was in a fret and naturally, his only advice was, "Relax." His hands clasped her hands and he stood behind her as if he was a rock god perhaps. It was a surprise sensation. She could even feel it now. Yes, she wanted to believe it was his hands doing this, not her own. It was best that way. 

Stop thinking too much, she told herself. It was best to go on. It would be over before she knew it.

The hardest part was traveling. It seemed they were always driving somewhere. Thankfully, not all the venues were outside, but many of them were. Some were even in old gyms of closed schools. Of course, she did not ask if these were for real gigs. At least people showed up. Generally, they were the band they didn't come for, but at least they cheered them on. Thanks to KC. After all, he was the master of keeping the act together. And he sang right through as if he were in full bloom. And the beat went on. She did her best to make sure of it. 

Rafe looked to be hanging on. Ever so often, she would notice a worried look, but she said nothing. She just kept on with her part. "Just play with the music," KC kept saying. "You'll catch on soon enough."

But Brick was at home texting her constantly. He was so scared for her. Was she really OK?

She didn't tell him about the Tequilla. She'd gotten it from home. Funny, her mother had stashed it away during the pandemic. Evidently, her mom didn't know where she'd left it. And Harley used it very sparingly. 

Thank god, it was just a weekend thing. But it was a lot like camping. They would drive somewhere, set up for the night, take it all down like a thunderstorm might come, and then load up until it was time to play again. 

It was just part-time, nothing to write home about. It was hard work. Although, she knew Brick would never see it that way. She must have been the most boring girl on earth. 

Rafe had Kimmy. So she never saw much of them. It was just KC and she always did her best to keep up with him. He really was the silent type. She didn't know what Brick was worried about. 

And then...

"Hey, we might have to sleep together tonight," he then said as if they were to be there another night at the festival. "I've only got money for one room."

Harley nodded as if it wasn't a big deal at all.