Not Alone Read Free

in her eyes.
    She loved Tucker almost as much as I did. She was mostly there for all of his firsts, except when Bryce tried to keep me away from her. He was exceptionally good at playing the controlling husband. I was a fool for not noticing it sooner, but I had loved him, so I let it blind me. Now nothing would keep her away from my son. They had a special bond, and he absolutely loved her husband, Brock.
    “It was good, and sad, but he was glad to see some of his friends. He is ready to start his soccer season soon, and now he is even talking about wanting to take Karate lessons. I tell you, I can’t keep up with this child of mine.”
    “Uh, girlies, we have a problem,” Toby announced, panic in his voice. That was never good. “Mikey sprained his wrist fixing a car and he won’t be able to play for two weeks! We have a set to play this Friday and next Friday at Finnegan’s , so this is a huge opportunity for us, we can’t skip out.” At this point Toby was freaking out, sounding like a wound up Chihuahua.
    Toby Tessa’s husband Brock, Mikey, and Corbin were all part of The Nation’s Capital , a punk rock band trying to make it big in the Georgia area. Playing at a small town bar like Finnegan’s didn’t seem like a big deal, but Mac Finnegan had been known to make things happen for small bands. Mikey was the drummer in the band, hence needing his hand in order to play.
    Nonchalantly turning around to grab another stack of books to put away, I asked over my shoulder, “So what is the plan? What are y’all going to do?”  Knowing deep in my gut just exactly what they were going to suggest.
    “Emmalynne, my favorite sister-in-law….”
    “Toby -cut the crap with the, my favorite sister-in-law just come on out and ask,” I snapped but while wearing a smile.
    I had been a pretty kick ass drummer back in high school, my confidence has never been diminished on my drumming capabilities, and up until Tucker was two, I played every chance I got. I bet you can guess why that all stopped….Bryce. Then after the accident, I had to endure numerous surgeries to repair my shattered knee, so to say it’s been awhile since I’ve played would be a serious understatement. On a positive note, it was my left leg that was left shattered, so it doesn’t hinder my ability to use the bass drum pedal.
     “Emmy, please play for us, you know how big of a deal this is for us. We don’t know of anyone else who can play as good as you. So, really, it is up to you.” Toby really was laying it on thick. Way to play up the guilt trip, bud!
    “You know it’s been YEARS since I’ve picked up my drum sticks, I’ll have to practice this week.”
    “So, you mean you’ll do it?” Toby fluttered his long lashes at me. He knows I’m a sucker for those darn lashes. It really was unfair that his were so beautiful!
    “When have I ever been able to say no to you? You know I can’t let the band down. Of course I’ll do it. But you owe me BIG!” Sighing, I began to think that this was looking to be a long week!
     
     

 
    Chapter Two
     
    Grady
     
    “Now son, Friday nights are always our biggest money makers. I know this town doesn’t look like much, but we draw a crowd from several different counties.” Uncle Mac was explaining the procedures to me like I had never worked in a bar before.
    “Uncle Mac, granted it’s been a few years since I’ve served, I think I’ll be ok. Besides, I’ll have Tessa to help me tonight.”
    “What about me?” Tessa said as she came sauntering up behind the bar while tying her waist apron behind her back.
    “Uncle Mac was just telling me about preparations and what not for tonight’s crowd and I think I’ll be ok, but I know you will be here to get my six.”
    Pulling out a tin of what looked to be homemade brownies; Tessa offered one to me and Uncle Mac. “As long as six means your back, then of course Grady, tonight will be a great night! My husband’s band is playing in just a