Justin pulled the van back into the hotel parking lot sometime around dawn. He reattached the trailer and headed to the band’s room. With luck, they had all slept through his absence, none the wiser.

Xander met him on the other side of the door. He offered Justin the cell phone in his outstretched hand. “Donny wants to talk to you.”

Justin bit his tongue and shook his head. It seemed his luck had run out. Then again…no time like the present to confront the bull head on. Justin took the phone. “Hey, Uncle Donny,” he said chipperly. “What’s up?”

“Hey, yourself,” Donny said, matching Justin’s tone. “I hear you went for a drive.”

“Yes, I did,” he said for Xander’s benefit, so that this conversation didn’t have to be repeated later. “I drove back to Mimosa Key.”

The answer surprised everyone in the room, but Donny didn’t seem fazed. “Did you forget something?”

“I needed something,” Justin clarified. “I had an unexpected visit from someone in my past last night”—Xander’s feigned look of innocence convinced no one—“and it brought back a lot of bad memories.”

“And you needed…?” Donny prompted.

“I needed a meeting.”

“I wasn’t aware you’d joined a group in your short time here.”

“I didn’t,” said Justin. “But Tetra Scott offered to be my sponsor of sorts while I was on this tour.”

“The girl with the ankle?”

“Yes, sir. We’ve been talking every night. I’ve been having quite the streak of bad luck on this trip, and it’s taken a toll. Tetra’s helped me keep my spirits up. She’s really been great.”

Upon hearing this, Xander crossed his arms over his chest sternly. Kara did the same, only she moved to stand beside Justin in a show of support. Justin patted her shoulder in gratitude.

“That’s quite a drive,” said Donny. “You couldn’t have said what you needed to say over the phone?”

“I appreciated having the time alone to clear my head,” said Justin. “And I wanted to make sure there was no misunderstanding.”

“Am I to take it that you and Tetra have an understanding?”

“Yes, sir,” said Justin. “I believe we do.”

Kara’s beaming smile told Justin exactly what she thought of that. Liam clapped him on the back. Xander’s scowl deepened.

“Is that wise?” Donny asked. “What with the two of you on opposite coasts, that’s going to be a difficult thing to pursue.”

Justin grinned. “A wise uncle told me once that the most amazing women are the most difficult.”

Donny laughed. “That does sound pretty wise.”

“Will you be coming to the show in Naples?” Justin asked. “I told Tetra to come too, along with her dad and her friend—the one that was also there at the party. Anyway, I hope you do. There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.” Mostly, it was a conversation he didn’t feel like having in front of Xander.

“Looking forward to it,” said Donny. “Take care of yourself, Justin.”

“Thanks, Uncle D. I will.”

Justin ended the call and gave Xander back his phone.

“I said no groupies,” said Xander.

“Tetra’s more than just a groupie and you know it,” said Kara.

“Not sure how many groupies I would personally escort to the hospital,” said Liam.

While Justin appreciated the show of solidarity, he didn’t want to be the guy that broke up one of the hottest indie bands in the country. He held up his hands to Xander in surrender. “You’re absolutely right, and I’m sorry. You said no groupies, and no Goth girls, and Tetra’s a bit of both.”

“You do have a type,” said Xander.

“Maybe I do,” said Justin. “And if you were the one responsible for getting Juliette to the bar last night, I want to thank you.”

“What?” said Kara.

“Seriously?” asked Xander.

“Seriously,” said Justin. “All your warnings made me worry that I was going right back down that dark road again by falling for Tetra. But seeing Juliette last night made me realize just how different she and Tetra are.”

“Like night and day,” said Liam.

“It also made me realize how different I am,” said Justin. “Positive change is not a thing that someone like me often gets to see in the mirror…or appreciate. So I want to thank you for that.”

“You’re welcome,” said Xander.

“And thank you for the opportunity to let me play with you. You have two incredibly amazing and talented people here, Xander, and together you’ve created one hell of a band. I’m jealous and proud, but mostly I’m privileged that I had the chance to be a part of it, however briefly.”

“But I was a complete bastard to you.”

Kara and Liam looked genuinely surprised at Xander’s blatant admission of guilt. But then, they hadn’t known Xander as long as Justin had.

“I deserved every bit of that,” said Justin.

“Yeah, you did.”

“And I killed it every time,” he added.

“Yeah, you did.” With that, Xander’s scowl disappeared and an expression of genuine relief took its place. Xander opened his arms and pulled Justin into a bear hug. “I’ve missed you, little brother.”

“Missed you too, giant ass.”

Behind him, Justin heard an exasperated sigh, followed by the slamming of a door.

“We’re both going to have to make it up to Kara for putting her in the middle of this,” said Xander. “I do believe she was about to leave me for you.”

“She wasn’t the only one,” muttered Liam. “But I’m good without roses. Kara, not so much.”

“Leave Xander for what?” asked Justin. “10mm Conspiracy is a perfectly amazing band. You’ve got a good thing right here. I’ve got nothing.”

“Nothing but a huge internet following,” said Xander. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

“Yeah. Remind me to thank you for that out in the parking lot,” said Justin.

“Seriously, though, if you don’t start a band or something right away to monopolize on all that popularity, I’ll call Donny back and have you committed.”

“Really?” asked Justin.

“Really,” said Liam. “You should probably start thinking up names.”

“But I don’t have to. Xander already gave me the perfect one.” When they looked at him curiously, Justin smiled. “Fish Out of Water.”

* * *

There was a knock at the door.

“Tetra, I really don’t know if going to this concert is the best idea,” her father called from his rooms on the other side of the house. “I know you’re young and invincible, but I’m worried about how you’re going to feel.”

“We’ve already discussed this, Dad,” Tetra yelled back. “If I’m not feeling well, we’ll just come home. And a friend is bringing a wheelchair for me. That’s probably him now. Want me to get it?”

“No, no, stay where you are. I’ve got it.” Dad sprinted out of his bedroom and across the kitchen to the front door. Tetra motioned for Lupe to push her desk chair closer, so that they could see what was about to happen.

“Sorry about that,” Dad said as he opened the door. “How can I…”

For the first time in maybe her whole life—since Kansas, anyway—her dad was actually speechless. Lupe and Tetra dissolved into a fit of giggles.

“I’ve brought a chair for Tetra. Hey, kid.” Donny waved at her. “I figured there was no point in taking two vehicles all the way out there, so why don’t you all just ride with me?” Donny stuck his hand out to Dad, who still stood in the doorway like a statue with his hand to his heart. “I’m Donny, by the way. Nice to meet you.”

“Malcolm Scott,” Dad said in a daze.

“Will we all fit in your car?” asked Tetra.

Donny shrugged. “See for yourself.”

Lupe pushed the desk chair up to the threshold. On the street outside the house was a sleek, black stretch limo. The back window rolled down and Justin’s gorgeous aunt said, “Let’s go! We don’t want to be late!”

Donny rolled his eyes. “Women.” He looked at Tetra and Lupe. “No offense intended, of course.”

“None taken,” said Lupe.

“So, are you girls ready?”

“Yes, we are!” Lupe helped Tetra maneuver her way out of the desk chair and into the wheelchair Donny had brought her.

“Hey, Tetra,” Donny leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I think we broke your dad.”

“Dad!” Tetra yelled. “Phone, wallet, keys!”

Those three things were the list that Tetra and her father made sure to check that they had every time they left the house. The reminder did the job of snapping Dad out of his stupor. “Yes, yes.” He patted his pockets. “Phone, wallet, keys. Got it. You girls have everything?”

Tetra and Lupe nodded.

“Excellent.” Dad locked the door and turned back to his childhood rock idol. “Nice to meet you…Donny, was it?”

Donny’s laugh flew out of him like a bark and he put an arm around Dad. “Malcolm, you and I are going to get along just fine.”

By the time they reached the venue, Dad and Donny were cracking jokes like they were old friends. Ona, like the cover of a magazine come to life in her breezy pastel silk gown, teased Donny for exaggerating all his old stories to make them sound more interesting.

Lupe continued to fuss over Tetra’s hair. She’d braided the sides but let the rest fall free, and there were little purple flowers clipped all through it. Lupe had worn her flowers on her sundress—giant birds of paradise on a royal blue background that probably would have looked like a muumuu on anyone else, but it hugged Lupe’s curves like a pinup girl.

Tetra had opted for a top with long, black lace sleeves and a short, black skirt. Lupe had convinced her to wear one of her high-heeled boots. If she’d worn those boots to a concert normally, she’d have come home with blisters. Lupe pointed out that not being able to walk afforded Tetra the chance to show off her fabulous, less-functional shoes. Tetra figured that the massive walking cast would stand out anyway, so what was one cute shoe more or less?

“You three go on without us,” Donny said as the car came to a stop. “Ona and I have a tendency to cause a scene, and we’d like the spotlight to stay on the band for as long as possible. Jimmy will make sure you get in.”

Dad shook Donny’s hand. “In case I don’t see you again, thank you for everything you’ve done for my little girl.”

“It’s nothing I wouldn’t have done for my own little girl,” said Donny. “Besides, you’re family.”

Jimmy the driver helped Tetra into the wheelchair and pushed her up to the front door. “She’s on the list,” he said to the guy on the stool there.

“And I’m her dad,” said Dad.

“And I’m her best friend,” said Lupe.

“They’re on the list too,” said Jimmy. “Last name Scott.”

The guy ran his finger down the clipboard and stopped about halfway through. “Got it,” he said, and then looked at Tetra. “Oh, right! You’re the girl!”

Tetra had no idea what he was talking about. “I am indeed the girl.”

He opened the door and yelled into the bar. “Sally! The girl’s here!”

“Coming!” A petite blonde woman in blonde pigtails came hopping around the corner. “I’m so excited to meet you,” she said. “We have a special spot for you guys. Right this way.”

A section to the left of the stage had been roped off, not far from the backstage access door…right in front of where Justin would stand during the set. Tetra couldn’t have imagined a better spot.

Sally gave Tetra’s father a wristband and then stamped the back of both Tetra’s and Lupe’s hands. “Your dad and your friend are welcome to dance if they wish, but the section is reserved for only you three.”

“Thank you,” said Tetra.

“I’ll get us some drinks,” said Dad.

“This is so exciting!” said Lupe. “I never get to be this close to the stage.”

“I wish I could dance with you,” Tetra said wistfully.

“Nonsense,” said Lupe. “There will be time enough for that when you’re healed. Right now, just enjoy all the pampering!”

And she did. When the band finally walked on stage, each of them stopped to give her a hug first. Justin was last—he looked pointedly at Tetra’s dad before planting an incredibly chaste kiss on her cheek. “Enjoy the show,” he said to them all with a twinkle in his eye.

“Smart boy,” Dad said under his breath.

“Sexy boy,” Lupe whispered to Tetra.

They started the set off with Stranger Times and Scarlet Fever, two of Tetra’s favorites. After the third song, Lupe hopped up and danced around while Tetra bopped along in her chair. Even Dad seemed to be enjoying himself.

The only problem was, the closer they got to the end of the show, the more apprehensive Tetra was about how it would end. It was one thing to watch Justin pull feats of wonder out of his hat via livestream…it was quite another to witness Xander’s maliciousness firsthand.

Inevitably, that moment finally came.

“We’re going to wrap this up for you here,” Xander said to the audience. The statement was met with both sad groans and cheers. Phones were pulled out of pockets all over the dance floor as people began to record whatever was about to happen next. “So I’m going to hand it over to our fantastic bass player. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it for Justin Zatarain!”

Tetra and Lupe clapped and cheered. Dad whistled. Various voices in the crowd began to yell, “The Girl in the Song!”

“Thanks, everyone,” Justin said into the microphone. “There’s a song I’d like to play for an amazing girl who happens to be here tonight.” He pointed to where Tetra was sitting in her wheelchair. Blushing, Tetra waved obligingly to the crowd that was now cheering for her.

Please let the microphone not give out, she silently prayed. Please let everything go right tonight. Please.

“She’s become incredibly special to me in a very short amount of time,” Justin went on. “We’ve been battered and bruised, and we’ve both come out the other side, better than ever. She’s helped me through some dark places. And as a thank you, I wrote her this song.” The cheers became deafening as the crowd realized just how special Tetra was. “Tetra, my girl in the song, this one’s for you.”

The stage lights went dark.

Tetra thought her heart might explode into a million pieces, right there on the dance floor.

Dad put a hand on her shoulder—she covered it with her own and squeezed. “He’s got my approval so far,” Dad whispered in her ear.

Tetra kept praying. Please let everything go right. Please.

And then the keyboard started. A spotlight illuminated Kara, who started the piece with a sweeping intro that sounded like the soundtrack from a movie. A bass line kicked into gear, but when the spotlight fell it landed not on Justin, but Xander.

Tetra didn’t even know Xander could play bass.

A third spotlight showed Liam as he joined the song. The last light fell on Justin, playing Xander’s guitar.

“She’s just a shadow in the park,” Justin sang.

“I’ve run here,” sang Xander.

“She’s secrets whispered in the dark,” Justin sang.

“I’ve drunk deep,” sang Xander.

“She’s with you wherever you roam,” Justin sang.

“I’m worn thin,” sang Xander.

“And she reminds you there’s a home,” Justin sang.

“So run here,” sang Xander.

The mashup of the two songs was heartbreakingly beautiful. But what made Tetra’s eyes water was the undeniable proof that the rift between Justin and Xander was now healed.

Dad handed her his handkerchief, and she let herself cry. This was the song that would be posted online by hundreds of people for the world to see. This amazing, glorious moment…and she was a part of it.

When the song came to a close, the roar of the crowd was deafening. Justin hopped off the stage and pulled Tetra up into his arms for a kiss, the most wonderful kiss she’d ever had in her life. After setting her back down gently in her chair, Justin turned to her father.

“I’m Justin,” he yelled over the crowd.

“I got that,” Dad yelled back, shaking his hand. “Nice performance up there.”

“Thanks,” said Justin. “We’re going to have to do an encore—Donny’s going to join us for that. But stick around, will you? We have a lot to talk about after the show.”

“Like how you and Xander finally made up?” asked Tetra.

“That, and how I’ll be going back to college this fall. In Naples. Donny said he would make it happen. Move Mum out to Mimosa Key and everything.”

Tetra leapt out of her chair and Justin caught her up in an enormous hug. “You’re like my dream come true,” she whispered in his ear.

“I think you were mine first,” he whispered back. And with one last kiss, he hopped back up on the stage to announce his uncle and the encore, the last song of this tour.

After that, he’d be coming home.

* * *

Thank you for reading Fish Out of Water: a Barefoot Bay Kindle Worlds Romance! Did you enjoy this story? Please leave a review! Want to adventure further into the Wonderful World of Princess Alethea? Click here: or get the newsletter: