Read Play With You (Loneliness) for Free Online Page B

he's any better."
    "Damn. Okay. I'll use today to work on my vocals and clean. My flat looks like a typhoon hit it, anyway," I tell him. "What does he have?"
    "Stomach bug. Hit him last night."
    "Aw, poor bloke! I'll ring his wife and tell her what might help him."
    "Do that. And we'll see you tomorrow," Tim promises.
    "Sounds good." With that, I ring off. I call Linny's wife and we talk about chicken broth, tea and flat soda. I zip through my cleaning and start working on vocals. Tim lives just two streets away, on a corner lot. I know that, if Marcus tries to come see me, Tim will spot him, so I don't even entertain that thought.
    Instead, Marcus calls me and we chat. After several minutes, he tells me that he has a Skype interview about to start with a client from the U.S. Now that he's going to be busy with a new project, I decide to wash my clothes. Might as well have a really clean start of it. Clean flat, laundry and start on that crochet for the baby. After I finish my work, I start practicing my vocals again.

    The next day, Laslow is weak but feeling more human. We hold a shorter practice than normal, since he is so weak. Still, we manage to cover a lot of ground - Tim, Linny and I had practiced individually since Laslow was out sick. Hey, this isn't just a gig for extra money - this is the way the four of us make our living! We are a professional band, which means we must practice daily. And, practice we do, whether one or the other of us is out sick. Over the next few days, Laslow demonstrates his commitment to becoming a full-fledged member of the band. He learns the music for every play set we have. Not only that, he learns the order in which we play each set. Of course, we may switch some songs around, depending on the audience we're playing for, but Tim gives us non-verbal signals for that. Laslow has also learned those as well. I do have to say that I am very impressed with his professionalism and playing abilities!
    Soon he's back to full health, our manager, Nigel Bosley, schedules the next two concerts to introduce Laslow to more of our British fans. On purpose, Nigel has set up each concert in front of larger and larger audiences. Ticket sales blast through the roof. It seems that our fans are curious about the new face in the group, as well as what he contributes to The Lonely Lovers.
    The first two concerts are successful and the newspaper reviews are gushingly positive. On the third concert, we blow everyone away! After the concert, we're extremely revved up. Emotionally, we are higher than we have been in a long time. We go to the Royal Crown and take over a large table, laughing and ordering pint after pint of ale. I also order food, mindful of the need to stay sober. Marcus sits across from me, celebrating with us. We try not to allow our gazes rest on each other too much. Instead, we talk to everyone in the group and, only when it's natural, we talk to each other.
    When I go to the bar to order another round, Marcus follows me, supposedly to help me carry the glasses back to the table. As we wait for our order, we talk.
    "Join me at my flat when we go. I want to be with you," he whispers.
    "Okay." My heart skips a beat.
    A few minutes later, everyone is drunk and ready to leave. I approach Tim to take me home.
    "Sorry, luv. I'm not in fit condition to drive, so Linny's taking me. You'll need to catch a ride with Laslow and Marcus - and straight home, here?" Tim might be drunk, but he certainly remembers his responsibilities as band leader!
    I approach Laslow and tell him that Tim can't drive me home.
    "Tim's drunk and Linny's taking him home. Would you take me home?"
    "Marcus will have to drive. I'm buzzed," he says.
    This is working out well! I cover my pleasure with a scowl. "Well, then, fine! As long as I get home, somehow!"
    Marcus overhears me, pretending to be angry.
    "Johanna, I'll drop you off. Laslow, your wife wants you home, like an hour ago. I'll drop you first."
    "Oy! Thanks mate," says