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River nodded "Chip's right, you know" Gabe puffed out a breath at River's use of the nickname Of course, he wasn't the only one whose identity was fluid River had a fake last name, and Buck used to be called Chuck Nobody ho they see sarcasm "We're Jason's indentured servants now, forced to play for our lord andto Jason "My lord andnice rowled "Can't stand this fucking tour" He stomped away I let my shoulders slump and backed away in the other direction No need to make them any more testy before the show

Ten minutes later, as predicted, Jason took a quick peek and then spoke into his phone He turned to the band with a nod Like puppets on a string, the boys becahtened up, excited and ready

A voice booentle, ss, and all the other uncivilized activities that they hoped they could count on the audience not to do Then, with the fans whipped into a deliriuo welcoe lights ild, and the croilder The boys rabbed the o! Are you ready to rock?" River clicked his sticks together, and the band sea, an old chestnut called "Sizzling Love"

I had always liked this song, with its powerful beat and soulful lyrics It had been rerecorded recently and popularized by Alejandro, the rocker whose T-shirt Big Ti when he picked me up There was definitely some crossover between the two bands I'd even heard a ruuest appearances when their tours intersected in Seattle Too bad I'd be gone by then

I felt woozy, standing in the wings and watching theet any closer Gabe stood nearest to s apart, head thrown back, eyes closed River thrashed the drums like a mad man, a s every second Chuck howled and growled as he postured for his fans, clearly happy to be the center of attention Even Buck see his head He and River occasionally traded hand signals and nods, keeping the rhythm section solid