"'Sever'?"
"No, Sed wrote that one. We're not finished recording yet. My song might not end up on the album, so I don't want to say much about it."
"It will end up on the album," Sed said. He squeezed Trey's forearm, and some connection between them solidified.
Eric decided it had something to do with Trey's addiction to painkillers and Sed's involvement in getting him off them.
"What's it called?" the reporter asked. Eric could tell she was hanging on Trey's every word.
"'Fall.'"
"Like the season?"
Trey shook his head and stared at his hands, which clutched the fabric of his jeans.
Sed patted him on the back. "It's a great song," Sed said.
Trey smiled a little but didn't raise his head. The reporter seemed to realize she should change the subject.
"You've added a couple new instruments to the mix too. Will you play violin on the album, Sed?"
"I mostly used the violin to fill in for my screaming when my throat was injured, but yeah, there are a couple songs where I use the violin on purpose." Sed chuckled.
"Can't wait to hear that. The piano piece sounds amazing on 'Sever.' Did you write that, Jace?"
Jace flushed and shook his head. "It was originally one of Brian's guitar solos. Eric modified it into piano music."
Eric caught Rebekah staring at him with something that might have been adulation. He wasn't sure what had brought it on all of a sudden.
"So when can we expect the new album to hit the shelves?"
"This spring. We still have some tour dates to make up in January, and then we'll hit the studio hard and heavy in February. After that, we'll take a little break and start a tour next summer to promote the new album."
"Sounds busy."
Sed chuckled. "We're always busy."
"And we're all happy about that." The reporter turned to Dave. "You're the soundboard operator who was injured in the bus crash in Canada, right?"
"Yeah. David Blake. I've been working with Sinners for several years now."
"Are you still part of the crew?"
"No, I-"
"Yes," Sed interrupted. "That's why I called you over here. We want you to come on the road with us in January, if you're up for it."
Dave smiled. "Yeah, of course. Sinners is the greatest bunch of musicians I've ever worked with. They're just … great." The tears in Dave's eyes were unmistakable. "They've given me hope. They also gave up their Thanksgiving to be here and help at the shelter."
"Myrna said she'd cook for us all tomorrow," Brian said. "It's no big deal."
Dave shook his head. "You're all coming over to my house for dinner tonight. Mom is a wonderful cook, and she always makes enough for fifteen people."
"We couldn't possibly impose," Sed said. His stomach growled a protest, and he covered his belly with one hand.
"It's not imposing. I want you to come. I'm sure the folks would be more than happy for you to join us, right, Reb?"
Rebekah started. She'd been staring at her hands clenched in her lap. "What?"
"I just invited the guys over for Thanksgiving dinner."
"You should probably ask Mom," Rebekah said.
"Ask Mom what?" Mrs. B said.
"The band's coming over for dinner tonight," Dave said.
Mrs. B's jaw dropped.
"Please, Mom. They let me keep my job. Even though I'm stuck in this wheelchair."
Mrs. B smiled gently and smoothed Dave's hair with one hand. "Of course they can come. It's the least we can do to repay them for that smile on your face, David."
Dave's smile widened. "Awesome! We have dinner late," he told them. "Around eight."
"I guess I better head home and get the turkey in the oven then," Mrs. B said.
Which would finally get Rebekah out of her ever-watchful eye, and maybe Eric could get her alone so they could talk. She was obviously torn up about Dave replacing her as soundboard operator. Even if she solidified his fears that their relationship was over, at least it was better than being ignored and wondering if they'd ever make amends.
Rebekah glanced up and met Eric's eyes. She looked like she wanted to talk too. Even though she hadn't answered his calls, he still hadn't given up hope. Maybe, if he could get her to listen to him, she'd give him a second chance.
"Rebekah, grab Isaac and your father, and meet me at the car," Mrs. B said. "I'm going to need lots of help."
"We could all help," Eric offered.