With Vengeance by Brooklyn Ann

her eyes, she brushed off the
sentimental musing. Of course he was used to talking like that; he
was in a band.
    When they pulled up in the driveway, he
hopped out and unloaded her case. “Go on in, I’m going to the
garage to get a list of what we’ll need before I call the parts
stores.”
    “Cool,” Kat agreed. “I’m going to take a
shower.”
    Something flickered in his eyes before they
hardened. “Lock the door,” he said.
    She couldn’t help a dopey smile at his
protectiveness. “I will.”
    After her shower, Kat tried to call Kinley to
tell her the good news, but her friend didn’t answer. She thought
about calling IT Guy to tell him, but decided to hold off until
their next support call. He might think it was weird for her to
call him for social reasons. She’d never done so before, and she
wasn’t sure why she wanted to do so now.
    Focusing on the here and now, Kat opened her
closet. She wanted to wear a dress tonight. Nothing too slutty,
just cute. Grinning, she settled on a black A-line with skulls all
over. They’d go great with her knee-high boots.
    When she met the guys in the kitchen, they
whistled. Her cheeks pinkened as she sat on one of the stools at
the island counter next to Klement, and Roderick served some
sautéed shrimp to die for, along with a crisp salad and delicious
rolls. As they ate, Klement talked about the parts he’d located for
her car and how long it would take for the stores to get them
in.
    “Let’s smoke a bowl before we head out,” he
told the guys after wiping his plate with the last bite of his
bread. “You can come upstairs, too,” he told her. “You don’t have
to smoke.”
    Kat shook her head. “That’s okay, I wanted to
text Kinley. She’s on the road with Viciӧus, so I haven’t been able
to tell her the good news about Thrashfest. Also, I want to take a
look at the site and make sure everything’s running fine.”
    When they left her, she sent Kinley a text.
While waiting for her friend to reply, she spotted a plate of
chocolate cupcakes on a plate by the microwave. The plastic wrap
was lifted, and it looked like a few had been eaten. Kat licked her
lips. She hadn’t had chocolate in days. And if they were going out
drinking, it would be good to eat something absorbent.
    Unable to resist the temptation, she grabbed
one.

 
    Chapter Nine
    Klement passed the pipe to Roderick.
    The drummer frowned. “You’re not taking
another hit?”
    “Nah, I’m saving myself for a cupcake when we
get back.”
    Cliff’s eyes widened. “You mean, you didn’t
have one yet?”
    He shook his head. “No, I’m driving,
remember? I’m just having a hit for now.”
    “Oh yeah, I forgot.” His friend gave him a
lopsided grin. “You’re missing out. The body high’s kicking
in.”
    Roderick nodded. “Damn. You made a potent
batch this time.”
    “I know.” Klement beamed. “Just licking the
batter off the spoon and bowl knocked me on my ass last night.”
    Cliff took the pipe from Rod and took a hit.
“Which plant did you use?”
    “I did a blend of Schnozberry and Sticky
Wicket. And no, I’m not sharing the recipe for the bud-butter.”
    Roderick laughed. “Did you call our manager
about Thrashfest yet?”
    Klement nodded. “Yeah, and he already
contacted the booking manager. They have our rooms reserved. We’re
going to be at the Alpine Valley Resort. Viciӧus, Deity, and a
couple other bands will be there too.” He paused before making a
suggestion that had been on his mind for awhile. “I want us to
write a song in honor of Lefty’s memory.”
    The others nodded, then they all spent awhile
discussing lyrics, drumbeats, and measures before Klement looked at
the clock and frowned. They’d left Kat downstairs alone for over a
half hour. If her cute dress and brilliant smile were any
indicator, she was probably anxious to go.
    He ashed out the pipe. “I suppose we should
go. I want to get back early. I gotta work on Kat’s car tomorrow.
Meant to