"Come on, Ang, let's have a jam." Malcolm and Stevie were already standing while Angus and I remained at the table. Breakfast was over and the crowds were beginning to thin. After two cups of tea Angus started to wake up. But he yawned all over the place.

"Guitar's in the trunk," he said. "Need the key."

"So we'll find a roadie with the keys," Malcolm said. "We're not stealin' 'em, they belong to us."

"I'm not worried about that," Angus said. "You comin' Stevie?"

"Mal said I can use his guitar," Stevie said. "When his delicate fingers get tired."

"You'll file that pick down an' cut your fingers," Malcolm said. "I've seen you play, an' playin' that beast an' all, guaranteed bloody mess."

"Can't wait," Stevie said. Angus yawned again. "Come on, Ang, you're embarrassin' yourself in front of your date." I turned bright pink as Stevie pointed at me.

"Whose date?" Angus asked. "Hannah would rather die than date me."

Oh, Angus....how can I make you understand...

"Let's go, Stevie," Malcolm said, pulling Angus' chair out. "Hannah, you an' Stevie each grab one side." I stood from my chair and Angus put his arm over my shoulders, winking sleepily. Stevie got on Ang's other side and hooked an arm over. Angus leaned closer and made kissing noises.

"Eugh," Stevie laughed, leaning away. "We've got him. Now what, Mal?"

"Stand him up."

Stevie and I pulled Angus to a standing position while Malcolm pushed his chair away. Angus put all his weight on us, which wasn't much. I couldn't help but notice how much taller Stevie was than his uncles. Malcolm stood behind us, crouching on the ground between Ang's legs. Grabbing one ankle in each hand, he stood up, lifting Angus' legs over his shoulders. "Thanks for the lift, fellas," Angus said.

"Let's see if Bon's up," Malcolm said. "Maybe he'll want to sing for us." Stevie and I kept Angus balanced while Malcolm led the way.

**********

Aside from the strange looks we received, we managed to carry Angus around the hotel unscathed. As we approached the door Malcolm looked over his shoulder at me. "Got the key, Hannah?"

Stevie looked from Malcolm to me. "You have Bon's room key?" he asked.

"Uh, long story," Malcolm said. "You'll have to hold Angus, Stevie." Stevie took hold of Angus' upper half letting me get the key out to the hotel room.

"What else don't I know about?" Stevie asked as I pushed the door open.

"Nothin'," Malcolm said, glancing at me. He let me go first then helped carry Angus into the room. Half of me expected Bon to still be sleeping. He was awake, alright. Sitting on the couch wearing the tiniest pair of underwear I'd ever seen on a man, eating a bowl of chopped fruit.

"Afternoon, all," Bon said, waving at us with his fork.

"You missed breakfast, Bon," Stevie said. Bon smiled.

"That I did, good to see ya' mate. Slept in." He took notice of Angus. "Whatcha got there?"

"For every hour of sleep you got, Angus lost one," Malcolm explained. He adjusted his hold. "Where do ya' want him?" Bon nodded to the bathroom.

"Stick him in the tub," he said. "He can sleep in there."

"Thanks, Bon," Angus said as Stevie and Malcolm headed for the bathroom. Bon and I were left alone. He looked me up and down.

"Nice to see ya' love, ya' look mighty nice today," Bon smiled. "Nice note ya' left me."

"Thought I'd let you know where I was."

"Much appreciated." He continued to eat his fruit, holding the bowl out to me. "Want some?"

"No thanks," I said. Malcolm came out of the bathroom.

"We're gonna grab our guitars an' play around a bit," he said, messing up his hair with his hands. "Thought we'd ask if ya' wanted to come." Bon stretched his legs and rested them on the coffee table.

"You all goin'?" Bon asked. "Breakin' in for the gear?"

"We'll ask for a key," Malcolm said. Somebody yelled and Stevie came running out of the bathroom laughing. The water from the shower was running until someone shut it off.

"Ya' pricks," Angus called. He came out of the bathroom dripping a trail and wide awake. "How long's the light been out, Bon?"

"Since I've been stayin' here," he said. "I jus' use a torch."

"Should tell someone," Malcolm said. "Like pissin' in the woods."

"That's what makes it fun," Bon grinned. "An' I'm not one to make a fuss, ya' know, we're leavin' anyway."

Was I leaving with them? Was I about to leave my entire life behind and join my new friends on the road?

"I think I'll stay here," Bon said. He patted the couch. "I'm pretty comfortable right here."

"You can go just as you are," Angus said. "We're among friends." Bon grinned at me in a wolfish manner and I found myself fidgeting.

"Yeah," he said. "Suppose so."

"Look, we're headin' out," Malcolm said. "We'll be in the party room if you change your mind."

Party room...?

"Get permission?" Malcolm and Angus exchanged guilty looks.

"We've got fast feet," Angus laughed.

"Yeah, we'll jus' run if they call security," Malcolm said. "Use Stevie as a bullet shield."

"Fuck forbid you use a guitar to block the bullets," Stevie said. "I'm only your flesh an' blood."

"Alright, new plan," said Malcolm, clapping his hands. "We play for a bit till the cops show up. Angus bashes them with his guitar an' when they start shooting, we use my guitar for a shield. Next time there's a gig, I'll use Stevie." I burst out laughing while Malcolm smiled smugly. "Brilliant."

"You'll use me as a guitar?" Stevie clarified. Bon snickered.

"Yeah, ya' know, you make all the noises," Malcolm said. "You already know the riffs as well as I do, jus' hold still an' belt 'em out."

Angus broke down laughing which made Stevie smile. "Yeah, I can do that," he said. "Whatever pays the rent."

"I think I'll pass this time on the fun," Bon said. "Tell me all about it when ya' get back." Malcolm and Angus nodded but Stevie looked surprised at Bon for turning down an opportunity for adventure.

"Ya' mind if we crash here?" Angus asked.

"Go ahead," Bon said. "Hannah's got a key on her, don't you, Hannah?" I nodded. "She'll let you in."

"Have enough room?" Stevie asked. "Angus can have the bathtub but what about us?" Malcolm looked around the living room.

"One takes the couch, one takes the bed..."

"Hannah gets the bed," Bon said, eating. "Room rules."

"Right, tub for Ang, bed for Hannah...couch for...we'll flip a coin."

"Losers have to stay with a lady they find downstairs," Angus said. Bon smiled slyly like he would have to rig the coin toss. "Actually Mal can have the tub, I forfeit."

"Figure it out when ya' get back," Bon said. "I've got an itch that needs scratchin' an' doesn't need an audience."

"Alright, you heard the man," Malcolm said. "Let's head out." Angus, watching us leave without carrying him, ran up behind Malcolm and jumped on his back. "Ah! Angus, you old mutt! What, did ya' break your fuckin' legs jus' now?"

"Jus' like old times, Mal," Angus said as Malcolm obliged to carry his brother. Stevie and I exchanged looks and giggles.

"Bye, Bon," I said.

"Bye then, honey," he called as I closed the door.