The DJs laughed again, then we set up to play our new song. I was so nervous, I was shaking. But as soon as the intro started, the familiarity of playing hit me and all my nerves evaporated. It was just like we were back at rehearsal—no pressure, no one but us listening, nothing but good times and good music.

Our new song was extra special to me; I’d helped Kellan write it. We’d been talking one night about everything I’d gone through, all the ups and downs, and he’d said my story, my struggles, would make an awesome song. It was about having it all, then losing it, and trying to work your way back. It was probably the first D-Bags song that actually meant something to me…plus, I got to rap in it, which was freaking awesome.

Evan and Liam started us off with a mellow intro, then Kellan came in real quiet. But just one line. After that, I started my rhythmic rap. The DJs clearly weren’t expecting that, and seeing that I’d caught them off guard almost made me smile. I would have, if I wasn’t concentrating so hard. This beginning part was all me; in essence, Kellan was just singing backup. As the song started building to the first chorus, I swear I could feel the entire world listening. It was intense. Kellan killed it on the chorus, and all of us played full bore. Then it quieted down to another mellower rapping section, where I poured out my heart, my fear, and my sins. It was odd to be singing about something so personal, but it made me feel cleansed too, and I suddenly began to wonder if all the songs the D-Bags sang were personal for someone in the band. Probably.

After the second chorus, the instruments mellowed again, but instead of me rapping, Kellan came in with a smooth solo. Listening to him made me appreciate his talent. He really was incredibly fucking good at this. The instruments kicked in again and Kellan took his voice up a notch—it gave me goose bumps. We rode out the song on a high note, and when it was over, all I wanted to do was play it again.

Everyone in the room clapped when we were done, and Mom even wiped some tears from her eyes. The texts and messages the station received were all positive, but I really wasn’t sure what the fans thought of the song until we stepped outside. The crowd had been listening to the radio station’s outdoor speakers, and the screams and cheers they let out when they saw us was damn near deafening. I immediately texted Anna. They loved it!

Her response was instant. Of course they did! I’m so proud of you, baby. She included a kissy face after that, and I suddenly wished I was home with her and the girls. All of this meant nothing without them.

We went back home after the promotional tour ended. The tour was a mammoth success, and the album debuted at number one. I was excited that the fans were eager for our new bigger and better sound, but I was even happier to be home in Anna’s arms again.

Denny and Abby threw a private party for the band at Pete’s the following week. It was a huge event, and anyone who had ever supported the band was there—Holeshot, Avoiding Redemption, Poetic Bliss, my family, Matt’s family, Evan’s family, and even Kellan’s family. Plus all of our friends and all the current and former staff of Pete’s were there.

It was a party for the record books, and even though it felt good to have my banishment lifted from my favorite bar, I spent most of the night attached to Anna’s side, rubbing her lower back. Just as she murmured that she was ready for me to start rubbing other parts of her body, Denny approached us. Smiling wide, he extended his hand to me. “Congratulations, Griffin. The album is well on its way to being the best D-Bags album yet. The reviews everywhere have been outstanding. Fans and critics agree, which is rare. And they’re all saying the same thing: You’re amazing.”

I shook his hand, but his compliment made me uncomfortable. “It’s a group effort. I’m only one part, a small part really.”

Denny blinked at me, then laughed. “It still blows me away that you’re capable of being modest.”

Crooking a smile, I shrugged. If there was one thing I’d learned through all of this, it was that I couldn’t do it on my own. My success depended on others, and vice versa. We were a team, and I was learning how to be a helpful, supportive member of that team. I wasn’t perfect, and I still had the occasional slipup, but I was getting better.

Anna wrapped an arm around me, squeezing me tight. “He’s capable of many things.” From the suggestive way she wriggled her eyebrows, it was obvious just what she meant by that. I laughed as I squeezed her tight. Gotta love my horny girl.

My family approached me after Denny went off to dance with Abby. Liam was beside himself. “Number one…the album is number one!”

With a nod, I told him, “I know. I got the call too.”

Awe on his face, he shook his head. “It’s the top-selling album…in the world.”

“Yeah…that’s what number one means.”

Turning from me, he faced Mom and Dad. “The album is number one…”

I shook my head as he got into a conversation with them about it. Liam just couldn’t wrap his mind around the sudden success. Well, sudden to him. His reaction reminded me of when the D-Bags first hit it big with Sienna Sexton. I’d probably reacted the same way. No…I’d probably acted like I’d expected nothing less, but inside I’d been freaking out.

Chelsey and Dustin were dancing the night away in the center of the bar, and it was surprisingly good to see my sister dancing again. I hoped Dustin took her out as often as he could, and knowing him and his character, I was sure he did. When their song was over, Chelsey twirled my way. “Hey, little brother, care to dance with your big sister?”