The Biker's Fate Chapter 476

"Him?" I asked, thrusting a finger at Train. "He's a biker."

"He's also a musician, songwriter, and producer."

"I can cook, too," Train said.

I stood in stunned silence, trying to wrap my head around what was happening. Before bursting into laughter. "Okay, Ni-Ni. You got me. I'll admit it. You full-on had me going there for a minute. Jesus, it's good to be home. I'm so used to everyone catering to my feelings, it's nice to have my balls bust…" I scanned the room, suddenly noticing I was the only one laughing. "Wait? For real? Him?"

"I told you I had someone who could solve your guitar and security problems," she said, looking confused by my reaction.

"I thought you were talking about two different guys," I said. "One for security and one for the band. You're really serious about this, aren't you?"

"Of course, I am. Train is a great guitarist, and has agreed to help keep an eye on you while you're on the road. It's a two-for one deal, plus he'll be right there on stage with you. Closer than any security guard could be."

"What exactly do you think is going to happen to me out there, Ni-Ni?"

"I know I'm being overly protective, but please do this for me," my sister said, softly.

Jaxon set his guitar on its stand. "How about we leave the two of you alone to sort all of this out?"

Please, my sister mouthed.

"Fine," I huffed. "But if I'm not feeling it with Evel Knievel here, we'll be starting the tour without a lead guitarist."

Harmony nodded and she and Jaxon made a hasty retreat leaving me alone with the large biker.

"I take it I'm not what you were expecting," Train said.

"Honestly, no," I replied. "Most guitar players look like they haven't seen a decent meal in six weeks and the sun in six months, and you..." I let my words trail off.

"Hey, if I'm not the right guy for the gig, that's okay. The last thing I want to do is waste anyone's time," Train said.

"I didn't say that. I'm just trying to picture myself standing on stage next to Zakk Wylde, that's all."

Train smiled. "Clearly you're referring to Black Label Society era Zakk, and not his early days with Ozzy."

"Early Zakk was way too pretty for me to ever let him on my stage," I said, surprised at how at ease I felt around this total stranger. Maybe it was because we were in my sister's house, or maybe I was too tired to be on guard.

"I gotta say, I'm surprised you even know who Zakk Wylde is, or Ozzy, for that matter," Train said.

"Just because I make pop music doesn't mean that's all I listen to. In fact, I probably listen to 80's hard rock and metal more than anything else."

"Well, I wasn't planning on wearing my cut on stage," he said with a smile. "But if you want me in spandex and a headband, my fee goes way up."

I chuckled. "Wardrobe is the least of my concerns. I need someone who can not only play but learn the entire set as quickly as possible. Harmony wouldn't have recommended you if you weren't a good guitarist, so I'm not worried about that. And Andy can help cover any of the guitar parts you don't get the chance to learn by opening night—"

"I've learned all the songs in the set. Plus, a handful more, just in case," Train said.

"What do you mean you've learned them all? You've only had the rehearsal recordings for two days."

"One day, actually. But I was able to listen and play through the entire set three or four times," he said. "Plus, I've got all your albums on Spotify, and Jaxon was showin' me one of your older concert DVDs. I should be good to go."

"Really. It's okay," I said reassuringly. "The band and I have been rehearsing this show for over two months, so I don't expect you to have everything down on opening night. There are a lot of cues and a ton of material to cover but if we could at least cover most of the major guitar parts, we'll get you up to speed as quickly as possible."

"No, I mean it. I've learned the entire set," Train said.

"All of it?" I asked in disbelief. "After only a handful of playthroughs?"

"I pick up songs quickly," Train said.

"Over two dozen songs? No way. You'd have to be a savant or something."

Train scratched the back of his neck. "I've never been crazy about that word."

"Wait, seriously? My sister told me you had perfect pitch, but nothing about this."

"It's no big deal really. Some people are great at math or learning languages. My brain is wired to pick up and interpret sound at a higher level than most, that's all."

"So, you're able to learn songs just by hearing them once or twice?" I asked.

He nodded.

"Wow, that is so cool!"

"Of course, learning a song is one thing. Being able to play with feeling and emotion takes skill, and that's what I work hard at."

"I'm intrigued," I said, pointing to Jaxon's guitar. "Play 'Tonight's on Fire.'"

I figured if Train couldn't handle the guitar part from my biggest single, he may as well get on his bike and ride, but Train picked up the guitar and played the part, flawlessly, note for note, just the way the band had arranged it with Gill during rehearsals.

"Play the third verse of 'It's Not You,' through the solo section," I directed, and once again, Train delivered on command.

"Of course, on the recorded version it's more like this, right?" Train asked, before once again nailing the part, this time referencing the album version.

"Play the saxophone solo to 'Baker Street' I shouted, trying to throw him off, but instead he ripped into the Gerry Rafferty 70's classic with ease. "Wow, what an amazing gift." I sighed. "I'm envious."

"Don't be," he said. "Every blessed coin has a cursed side."

"Such as?" I asked.

"Well, for one. I vividly remember every song I've ever heard. Even the bad ones. Even the ones I can't stand."

"Which side of the coin do my songs land on?"

"Are you asking me if I like your music?" Train asked and my heart stopped.

I knew my music wasn't everyone's cup of tea, and normally I didn't care. But for some reason I cared about Train's opinion. Maybe it was because I knew his brain contained a database of every great song ever written and I feared he'd be judging mine against them. Or maybe it was because every time he looked at me, I felt as though he was looking into my soul.