Page 108 of Tumbling Hearts

“True. I’m helping you out with that dream.” Gene gives him a sweet smile.

“That you are.” Ray smiles back. He takes a sip from his own glass. “I’m glad that, after everything that’s happened, we’re still doing alright. Bigger and better than ever, actually, with the Dusty Brooms.”

“For sure.”

“How about a resolution for yourself? Wanna cut back on the dope?” Ray nudges Gene with his elbow, making him giggle.

“I don’t think that’s a realistic resolution for me. Maybe I’ll just stick with yours, working toward making the band successful.”

“Fair, fair,” Ray chuckles.

They walk over to the living room, where most people are hanging out. Santiago is spending time with the same pretty lady he was with at the Halloween party in LA; he must’ve invited her here, and she was able to make it. That’s so nice. Mick is hanging out with Santi’s brothers; Ray wonders if they’re talking to each other about what it’s like to be related to a rockstar. Nicky is still in the kitchen getting another drink for himself, same with Stefan. Ray takes another sip as he looks for a spot to sit with Gene. I think this is the most people we’ve ever had all at once at our house. Even more than on our birthdays.

It’s only about nine p.m., so there’s still plenty of time before midnight. New Year’s Rockin’ Eve doesn’t start broadcasting until 11:30, but the Dusty Brooms’ number will air after the ball drops. Some acts are set to ‘perform’ (prerecorded) before midnight and some afterwards to celebrate the new year.

As Ray scans the living room, still unable to find an open seat, his gaze passes by more people. There’s a couple near the stairwell to the upper floor he thinks he recognizes… He takes another sip from his cup.

No fucking way it’s them.

He lowers his glass from his face, and now, the pair are even closer to him. There’s no mistaking who they are now that he can see them clearer.

Oh my fucking god.

Carol Knight and Tim Price.

His heart rate quickens. His grip tightens around his drink. His hand begins to shake, threatening to spill the liquid if he’s not careful.

It doesn’t seem like either of them have spotted Ray yet, still mostly hidden by other partygoers standing in the way. Ray taps Gene’s shoulder with his free hand.

“Hmm? What’s⁠—”

“Shh. Look over there,” Ray says, pointing in the general direction of his ex-girlfriend.

“Huh?” Gene looks, and spots them. “Oh, shit.”

“What are they doing here? Do you know?” Ray asks in a whisper, but still loud enough for Gene to hear him.

“No idea. Someone must’ve invited them, I suppose,” Gene whispers back.

“Hmm…” Ray looks around the room, spotting the loveseat next to the record player. Pat is in it, sitting beside Dennis. Their manager stands and walks away, off toward the kitchen, leaving Pat sitting by herself.

Wordlessly, Ray tugs on Gene’s shoulder and guides him over toward the loveseat. They stop in front of Pat, who looks up.

“Oh, hey Ray. Hey Gene,” she says cheerfully.

Ray sits down in the open spot on the loveseat, Gene also coming down to sit on the armrest next to Ray. “Did you invite Carol to the party, by any chance?” Ray asks Pat quietly.

“Huh? No, not at all.” Pat shakes her head. “Why? Is she here?”

“Shh.” Ray uses his free hand not holding his glass to put his pointer finger in front of his mouth. “Yes, she is. She’s over there with Tim Price.”

“Oh, wow.” Pat looks around, past the other people, her eyes widening as soon as she spots them. “I thought she grabbed all her stuff already. What’s she doing here?”

“Maybe she forgot something?” Ray wonders. “I can’t think of what, though. Why come now?”

“She might be here since it is a party, it wouldn’t matter if she were actually invited or not,” Gene offers. “There’s so many people, anyone is basically allowed.”

“That’s true.” Ray pouts. “Or maybe she’s here so she can humiliate me in front of everyone.”