Nikki Faris

Break a leg? Seriously?

God, how embarrassing. Does anyone even say break a leg anymore? He probably thinks I’m beyond ridiculous.

Considering the way he stared at me, though, I think I might be in the clear. I was tempted to lift his chin back up. I’m used to getting looks like that: surprise that I’m not a goth girl, folksy, or sporting a full-sleeve tattoo, covered in skintight leather.

No one expects an ex-beauty queen who can sing and play guitar better than most guys out there. My voice is strong, and I can hold the notes. I used to kill it in the talent portion of the pageants.

Despite my natural poise and etiquette training, I almost stumbled right into his arms. I wasn’t expecting a cross between James Dean and a male model to greet me coming off stage. I don’t know what it was about him, but I looked back, needing one last visual before I left.

I guess I missed the close-ups when I researched The Crow Brothers online. With a face like that, I should have paid more attention. Instead, I learned some basics about them being from Austin and listened to their new album.

I floated right off that stage until I hit those damn stairs hidden in the dark. Me stumbling doesn’t matter. That we just performed in front of twenty-thousand screaming fans does. Tonight is different, though. I feel it.

The adrenaline from tonight is intoxicating. The smell of possibility filled the arena. We did this on our own and created music from nothing but pure determination.

So tonight is the start of something new. It’s not just about the show, but the adventure ahead, the doors that are opening for us after years of hard work.

Although I’ve never had to worry about money, I don’t want to rely on my parents forever. Independent means is the only way I’ll ever feel free. I relied on someone once, fell for the charms of a man not worthy of me, and it left me lying in a playground mutilated on the outside and damaged on the inside.

Two fingers snap in front of my face while I look back at the Crow brothers. “Nikki! Pay attention.”

“What?” I ask my brother.

“You came in late on the second chorus of ‘Sleepless.’”

“I think you came in early.”

“What do you think, Shane?”

My cousin will step in when necessary, but he’s smart enough to stay out of our differences most of the time. Shane shakes his head. “I don’t know, man. I didn’t notice Nikki coming in late or you coming in early. Let’s just enjoy the fact we just played Staples Center. Like holy shit, guys. We did it!”

I punch my brother’s arm. “He’s right,” I say, smiling. “We did it.”

Laird stops walking, letting Johnny and the other guys go ahead. He grabs my wrist, and I look back, his expression hard to read. “What?” I ask.

“We just played Staples, Nik. We just fucking played the Staples Center.” I’m pulled into a tight embrace, and he kisses the top of my head. I wrap my arms around him as it sinks in. We just played Staples. Holy fucking wow. “You did good, little sis.” Our arms goes wide, and we look to Shane. “Bring it in, cuz. Everything we worked for, all the long hours writing songs, practicing, performing, and recording was for this. This tour. The album. Staples Center.”

It’s always been the three of us. We aren’t just family; we’re neighbors and friends. Schoolmates. Roommates. Bandmates.

Johnny comes back to us. “I’m going to watch some of The Crow Brothers’ show before I need to warm up, but you guys did great. Nikki, you’re a star at the microphone. Captivating to watch.” Turning to Shane, he adds, “You killed it on the drums. Even Dex couldn’t complain. Hey, Laird, you did great. It was a dynamic performance. I still want ‘Sleepless’ on the album. I saw the crowd. They loved it. Jagger already gone?”

Laird replies, “Yep. He’s catching a flight.”

“Not easy to take on jobs like he does.”

“He’s a workhorse, and he’s good.”

“That he is,” Johnny says.

Kaz comes by and nods. “They’re about to go on.”

Walking backward, Johnny says, “You sticking around for our show or catching up tomorrow?”

Laird is the most vocal of us, tending to take the lead when we’re asked questions. I called him chatty Chad when we were little. Ha! He says, “We’re staying for the show.”

“Smart choice,” Johnny replies, his bodyguard flanking his side when he turns around.

I start following, and Laird asks, “Where are you going?”

“I want to see The Crow Brothers.”

Jogging to join Kaz and Johnny, I keep a little distance so the bodyguard doesn’t tackle me, but Johnny spies me and asks, “How do you feel?”

“About the show?” When he nods, I reply, “Great.”

“You should.” He looks past me as if seeing if I’m alone, although Kaz and Tommy are here. “You have a distinct style in music and looks. That’s why we signed you. Stay true to who you are and your sound, and you’ll go far.”

I’m not sure if he’s saying me specifically or the band, but I’m not going to question it. Anyway, I have no intention of changing. This is who I am. This is who Faris Wheel is.

When we reach the steps that lead to the stage, he stops and pulls his phone out. Holding it up, he starts filming just as the drummer hits the kit and the lights go up.

We deserved that spot in the lineup. We’ve played countless festivals and in front of large crowds, toured Europe performing in sold-out clubs across the continent. The Crow Brothers have solidified their popularity in Austin, and the rest of the state, but what about North America?

Jealousy is a bitch to deal with. I know the spot went to them because they completed their album, and it hit the charts. It’s still there months later. They earned it. We will too one day.

I go back to the dressing room and barge in. “We have to finish our album, and ‘Sleepless’ is going on it. It’s worked out. The audience loved it. We’ll perfect it in the studio.”

Shane lifts his head from the arm of the green vinyl couch, his eyes opening one at a time. “Who lit a fire under your ass?”

“The Crow Brothers.”

Laird scoffs. “Finally.”

“It wasn’t me holding the album up, dearest brother.”

“This is our first record label. I’m not fucking it up by throwing shit on it and hoping it sticks.” He’s always done smug well, but now there’s an added devious glint in his eyes, making him a little more menacing. “But I agree. It’s time, dearest sister,” he says, matching my sarcasm. “So you want their spot on the tour?”

“It doesn’t have to be this tour. They aren’t our enemies. They earned their spot just like we did. But next time, yes.” We smile. Next time.

* * *

Shane stands. “I need a smoke, and then I’m going to watch The Resistance.”

Pushing off the vanity, Laird says, “I’m coming with.” He stops at the door. “You coming, Nik?”

“Yeah, sure.” I want to see them play too, so I follow along. On the way outside, I spot the only Crow who has piqued my curiosity, and his eyes are on me. Again.

He definitely gets a lot of attention. He’s confident, cocky actually, and well aware of his good looks and the appeal of being a musician.

Letting myself indulge in the tall, lean, muscular frame of the drummer surely won’t do any harm. I push through the doors and step outside with the guys. Shane steps off to the side to light up. Laird follows him, but I stay near the exit and look up.

No stars can be seen because of the smog, the clouds, and the bright parking lot lights. I hate when I can’t find the stars. It’s the only thing that gives me something solid to believe in, something tangible that follows me around the world and keeps me strong.

I had a wild streak that got me trouble, breaking my once carefree spirit. When I clawed my way out from under the rubble of a hurricane named Andrés, I lay on my back and stared up at the night sky. In too much pain to move, I stayed there until my brother found me in an elementary school playground under the swings. Exactly where they told him I’d be.

Andrés and his followers, his pathetic excuses for friends, failed to mention they were the ones who’d dumped me there.

Lying on that gravel gave me perspective. The stars above gave me something to hold on to, something constant. I knew I’d live. My pageant days were over, but I’d survive just like the stars had for eons.

When I was young, I used to believe in fairy tales. When I grew up, I discovered they were only meant for little girls. There aren’t knights in shining armor to rescue you or kiss you awake from a deep sleep. I became the hero of my own story. I’ve grown stronger, of mind and body. I don’t need someone to give me the life I dreamed of. I gave it to myself, and I’ll fight for my happily ever after. No one and nothing can hurt me, not ever again.

I turn around to find the guys gone.

Checking the sky once more, I see a star peeking through the opening in the clouds. I smile and then turn to tug the door wide open. The guard grins and allows me back in.

The music is loud as it fills the arena and backstage area when The Resistance comes on. I’m reminded of all the times my best friend and I spent singing their songs at the top of our lungs. My mind reels with the reality of touring with one of the greatest bands of all time. How is this happening?

Wanting to get a closer look, I join the crowd behind the scenes and watch the band on stage. Closing my eyes, my body moves to the groove of their sexy songs.

When I open my eyes again, I catch sight of someone else who’s pretty damn sexy. I know his name from seeing his photo online. As if I whispered his name, Tulsa Crow’s eyes find mine across the group. More than ten people divide us, but the heat of his stare warms me.

I’m supposed to be good, a changed woman, but something about him makes me want to talk to him, maybe have a few drinks with him, or do more. I know better. It’s just been a while since I’ve been with a guy. And by my reaction to him, my hormones have made it very clear they’re running the show.

Everything about him, from that movie star face to a body built of solid muscle, shouts bad boy, though. Damn, I love a cute guy with a naughty smirk and a sinful body.

I’ve been with a hot guy before. Been there and done him. I don’t want just hot anymore. I want substance. I want what my parents have. After twenty-five years together, they not only kiss and hug shamelessly, but they still smile and laugh at each other’s jokes.

Andrés never laughed at my jokes.

But maybe I don’t need to take life so seriously. Maybe the girl with the carefree spirit wasn’t so bad. Maybe I can have a good time with Mr. Wrong while waiting to meet Mr. Right.

Walking away, I glance back over my shoulder. though I told myself I wouldn’t. Old habits die hard. Tulsa’s still watching me with a full-cocked grin.

I have no idea if he’d live up to that smirk, but I’m not opposed to finding out.

It could be fun to flirt with him. I give it a go and smile, because every once in a while, my wild streak wins out. His grin grows, showing off cute dimples. This tour just got a lot more interesting. I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize our opportunity, but this should be fun.

Let the games begin.