Somethin' to hide

Gregg sat across from his friend Jon at lunch, asking him would he consider replacing him in Journey. “Wow, why would you give that up? It’s been your life for over 10 years” Jon said. For the last three years Gregg put up with Steve, it was blissful at first like any new relationship; he had someone to share vocals with, another talented song writer in the fold, but he couldn’t take his demands and selfish ways anymore. He didn’t outright tell Jon his discord with Steve, preferring to save face by saying he wanted to start a family, which was partially true. Jon was the key boardist and song writer for the group The Baby’s. They had a small following and some popularity. He was glad that Gregg had enough confidence in him to suggest him. Gregg filled him in on the Steve, Neal and Herbie saga, what he suspected anyway. He didn’t want to slander anyone, but it was obvious to anyone with eyes that Herbie and Neal were totally smitten with Steve and under his spell. Jon told him he’d definitely think about it. The Baby’s was his baby, and he didn’t know if he wanted to walk into some uncertainty. Would Journey fans welcome him, how would they feel about him replacing Gregg?

After talking with his wife, and doing his own soul searching Jon decided on a definite yes, and told Gregg. When the time came to meet everyone, they all sat down at a round table in the conference room down from Herbie’s office to welcome the newest member, Gregg was there as a final obligation. It was a bittersweet moment. Gregg loved Herbie and Neal like they were his own brothers, but he harbored animosity towards Steve, who he felt forced him out of his own band, and he felt equally betrayed by Herbie and Neal who didn’t fight for him. Steve had them tightly wrapped around his finger, as well as something else, Gregg figured and then scoffed inwardly.  Jon came in the room and shook everyone’s hand. He seemed friendly enough they decided, and he was also a song writer which was even better. Steve sized him up. It took Steve sometime to warm up to new people and it often came across as aloofness or arrogance; but he also had a playful side. He made one of his wisecracks and everyone laughed, even Gregg and it lightened the mood of a rather sad day. They didn’t get down to business that day, deciding to save it until after the last concert appearance with Gregg.

The last concert with Gregg came and went without a hitch. Gregg was certain it would be an emotional experience and he was scared that he might get choked up while singing; but much to his surprise he didn’t. Looking at Steve out front belting out the songs they both made famous; Gregg was confident he made the right choice to leave at the height of the bands popularity. After their final bows, everyone went their separate ways, no after party celebrations; they did that weeks prior, no groupies. Gregg hugged everyone, including Steve. Before leaving the arena Gregg whispered in Neal’s ear. “You’ll regret this.” Neal shrugged it off, though he was sorry to see him go. And Gregg patted Jon on his back and wished him “Good luck”. Grabbed up his gear and left without looking back.

A few nights later, lying in bed; Steve and Neal were thoroughly satiated from a night of unbridled passion, they finally consummated their relationship weeks earlier; It was a new experience for them both and worth the wait. “I miss Gregg already.” Neal said breaking the silence in the dimly lit room. He turned to look at Steve’s profile, his hair in a sexy, but tousled mess. Steve didn’t say anything. He would miss Gregg in his own way, but he decided he wanted to be the sole front man, and didn’t want to share the spotlight. Steve was strong willed and essentially forced Gregg out, by being difficult to work with, and unyielding. “We’ll be ok.” Steve finally said. Neal looked at his watch, knowing his wife was counting every minute down to the second of when he should be home. It was midnight, and he told her he’d be home by 12:30. Rarely did she question his whereabouts, as long as he was consistent about coming home when he said he would. “I’d love to wake up beside you tomorrow.” Neal said before planting a kiss on Steve’s mouth. Steve opened his mouth under the pressure of the kiss, sending an electric charge through them both. “Oh god, I better leave otherwise we’ll be at it again. Neal jumped out of bed, took a quick shower and went home……………..