Chapter 63

Lilly

Tonight is the night I have dreaded and looked forward to at the same time. My comeback concert. Tank has spent most of the day with the security team to go over last minute details. Lug Nut and the rest of the band have gone to Harry’s to set up the equipment. After they get into their costumes they are coming to pick me up. Me, I’m relaxing in the tub to try and let all my worries go away. I refuse to let my mind get carried away with what if’s and what could go wrong. I know things can happen but we have extra security. All the equipment has been checked. The playlists and dance routines have been worked out to the last detail. I’m just going to enjoy the night being back on stage.

Anna comes over to help me with my makeup and hair about an hour before we need to leave. She tells me she is doing something different with it to go with my costume. She still wouldn’t tell me what it was until she was finished and they guys were all here. After what feels like an hour she finishes by placing something on my head. “ All done. Sit tight for a minute. I’m going to see if the guys are here.” Anna says. While she goes down stairs I sit and go over the playlists and my introduction in my head. The guys helped me plan out a surprise for the audience. “ Come on kiddo. The guys are waiting. Let me help you.”

I get down stairs and I hear Lug Nut say “ Wow. Look at our ice princess. She is looking sexy as hell. And ready to rock.” I smile at him. “ Thanks, Lug.” “ I have got your cloak and we are ready to go. It is time to show this town Songbird is back.” Connor says. “ I agree. Let’s go.” With the guys' help I got loaded up in Lug’s truck. When we get to Harry’s even before we get out I can feel the energy coming from the bar. It was a nervous but excited energy. It was an odd mix but I was going to use it. Lug got out and came around to help me with my cloak. Anna made the cloak and hood so we could keep me concealed until it was time for my opening number. Since everyone is in costume it will be easy for me to blend in.

Harry meets us at the back door to escort us in. “ My star has arrived,” he says. “ Yes, Harry, we are all here. You didn’t think we wouldn’t show up did you?” I ask. “ No. I knew you would be here. But I was a bit nervous until I saw you with my own eyes.” he says as he walks us on the stage. “ Is everything in place for me Harry? All the adjustments made?” I ask. “ Yes. Everything is set like you requested.” Goof says coming from out of nowhere. He grabs my hand “ Songbird, I will be with you all night. And we have people placed around the stage. No one is getting close to you if they aren’t wearing a kutte. And Harley is already here sitting with the club.”

“ Thank you Goof. Always a joy to have you with me.” “ We also have these to help you find us.” Lug says. The next thing I know I see a red light on each of their pockets. “ The band, club, security, and bar staff have one on their hip. Harley ever has one on his collar.” I have to try very hard not to tear up. “ I can’t thank you guys enough for this.” “ Thank us by showing these people what you're made of.” Lug says. “ Time to show Harry’s how we rock this joint.” I yell. I get a chorus of hell yea while the guys go get into place. Goof stays by my side until it is time for me.

“ Are you ready to party?” Niel yells into his mic. I hear shouting of yes. I hear Connor’s guitar for Bon Jovi’s ‘ Bad Medicine. While they are playing I have Goof help me get my wireless mic on so we won’t have to worry about it later. I lean over so Goof can hear me “ How’s the crowd?” “This place is packed to the rafters with eager people looking for you. Looks like Neil is getting them roused up.” I shake my head “ They should be here for all of us, not just me.” Lug is up next and I know I need to get into position when I hear Connor start Randy Houser ‘We Went.”