Free Rocked to the Core by Clara Bayard

planning.
    But once I stopped being so scared I realized Joe and I could figure it out. Together. I'd loved being on the road with him and now that they were making good money he could help with tickets so I could fly to wherever they were and spend a couple days on the bus.
    And when I was home I wasn't going to be sitting around waiting for him to call. I had my job at the diner and a contract with the newspaper, a list of classes I wanted to enroll in for the summer semester, and some really great friends, including Zach. I'd made the life I wanted for myself and almost didn't notice. It took Joe and how well he knew me to make me see.
    From the first jolt of electricity between us, Joe and I were connected. Through touch or a phone, it didn't matter. The spark between us grew stronger and stronger, into a fire that warmed and protected instead of burned.
    When the band finally finished their album they threw a party. Half celebration and half goodbye, everyone was there and in high spirits. Ryan was crowing about the new assistant he hired to "keep the animals under control" on the road. Kelly came to the party and flirted with sweet, quiet Matthew, who looked terrified of her, but pleased about the attention. Sourpuss Rick almost smiled at one point I think, or it might have been a grimace. But my Joe, his lopsided grin was unmistakable. As he said in his toast, he had "a brilliant new album and a fantastic girlfriend." Everything a man could wish for.
    And maybe life wasn't perfect, but it sure as hell rocked.