Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“We do what we can. Jag usually finds inner-city programs we can support. We do what’s needed from there.”
“All while on tour. That’s impressive. I mean, with all I’ve seen you guys put into shows and the travel, this is very commendable,” she says.
Turning back toward the kids and the guys, she moves closer to where Bop is teaching a little boy to play a guitar. The smile on the kid’s face is infectious. I find myself smiling as well.
“Excuse me, Mr. Bishop,” my name is called timidly.
I look down to find another small boy looking up at me. He has messy brown hair and piercing gray eyes. There’s a small, nervous smile on his face.
I squat to get eye level with him as his eyes grow wide. I give him a smile and whistle when I see the sweet, brand-new guitar in his hands. I point to the instrument.
“You know how to play that thing?”
He bobs his head eagerly. “Yeah, a little, but I want to learn to get better so I can play like you and sing lead one day,” he says shyly.
“Is that right? Well, come on. Show me what you’ve got,” I say and stand to lead him over to some chairs.
I help him up into one of the chairs and sit in the one next to him. Quietly, I watch with a smile as he settles his instrument in his lap. The thing is almost as big as he is.
I’m taken by surprise when he begins to sing one of my earlier ballads. The kid has a sweet voice. His playing isn’t half-bad either.
“Hey, buddy, that’s not bad at all. You mind if I show you something?”
His eyes light up. “No. I mean, yes. Sure, Mr. Bishop,” he says excitedly.
I pluck him up from his chair and set him on my lap to better help him with the guitar. I show him a few chords and then we play them and sing my song again.
The kid is a fast learner. I don’t miss that we’re drawing a crowd. Kids and staff members alike surround us. However, we keep playing and I keep showing him the right progressions for the song.
My heart swells and I have to admit to myself I may have done this to put distance between Saga and the guys, but these events have become highlights of these tours for me. Then I look up and lock eyes with Saga.
The way her head is tilted as she studies me with her lip trapped between her teeth reminds me how much I want to sing my way into her heart. When she first joined us, I considered this could be a one-sided attraction. Now, as I look into her eyes and see the lust there, I know it’s not.
I shoot her a wink and smile. The way she shakes her head makes me wonder what she’s trying to clear away. Thoughts of how she wants me or thoughts of why she shouldn’t.
“Evan, your mom is here. Why don’t you thank Mr. Bishop and go pack up your things,” one of the staff members says.
Evan’s shoulders sag before he slides from my lap. He turns to look up at me. That’s when I notice his lazy left eyelid.
He gives me a big smile and rushes forward to hug my neck. I’m taken a bit by surprise. I didn’t think the little guy was strong enough for such a tight grip.
“Thank you, Mr. Bishop. I’ll never forget this. You made my day,” he whispers in my ear.
“You’re welcome, kid. You keep practicing. One of these days, I’ll see you on the big stage.”
“I sure do hope so.”
He pulls away and waves goodbye before running off toward his mom. I wrinkle my brows as I take in the mousy-looking woman. I narrow my eyes as I take the two in.
My gut tells me not to let them leave without doing one more thing for Evan. I wave Dwayne over and stand to whisper in his ear. He nods and takes off without questioning my words.
“You were so great with him,” Saga says as she makes her way to my side.
“He seems like a good kid and has a ton of talent already,” I reply.
Saga
“Get the fuck outa here,” one of the guys calls out and they all begin to laugh.
I look up and smile at their antics. Shaking my head, I focus back on my laptop in front of me. I’m sitting outside the bus as the guys have started a bonfire.
Ed is manning the grill and there are coolers of drinks for everyone. They deserve this time, just kicking back. That was good work today. The looks on those kids’ faces were priceless.
I got some great pictures and videos. I’ve uploaded some to each of the guys’ accounts, as well as the band’s main account. The fans love the realness of seeing the guys give back and engage with the community.