“Reaching over, I stilled his leg. Eyes wide, he turned to me and whispered, “I’m nervous. I’m really fucking nervous. I never get nervous. What the hell is wrong with me?”

“Making a sound that was both a laugh and a sob, Kellan stared into his son’s eyes. “Hey, little man,” he whispered. “I’m your dad, and I love you . . . so much.” Voice quavering, he added, “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Kellan looked back at me, cocky amusement infused into his lopsided grin. “I’m glad you don’t squeal when I look at you.” He leaned in, his arm brushing mine. “I like having to earn it,” he whispered.”

“Clearly angry with himself, Denny shook his head. “You needed me, and I wasn’t there for you. And I’m really sorry. That was pretty shitty of me.”“Are you kidding?” Incredulous, Kellan pointed over at me. “I slept with your girlfriend…repeatedly.” I flinched, and Abby squeezed my hand a little tighter.Denny frowned. “Well, that was pretty shitty of you.”

“I’m in love with you,” he whispered, searching my eyes. He looked very pale and very scared, and a little…hopeful.”

“I didn’t want to fuck either of those girls because I’m in love with your fucking sister! Are you happy now, bitch! I’m fucking whipped… just like these other pussies.”

“« What about tonight’s show?”Griffin immediately remembered where he was. “Fuck!” His eyes bored into mine. “You know our songs. You play for me.”“I can barely strum a guitar!”Griffin patted me on the back as he walked past me. “You’ll do fine. Good luck!”I watched him walk away, wondering if I’d really just become the replacement bassist for the D-Bags »”