Chemical Attraction Read Online Free Page A

who squeezed his hand and walked away.
    As she and Matt picked up their plates at the start of the buffet table, David worked his way over. This was his first performance since starting the band.
    “Honey, what’s wrong?”
    Out of breath, he yanked on his t-shirt collar. “I don’t know what to do. Nelson can’t make it until later. Our first set starts in twenty minutes and we have no drummer.”
    “Where is he?” Matt asked.
    “He’s helping his dad bale hay. They’re finished, but he can’t get here until our second set.”
    “Honey, your uncle played in a band in college. Ask him if he’ll fill in. He just moved to the seat next to Madeline.” She turned to her husband after David left. “Joe will jump at the chance to impress Madeline. Want to bet me?”
    Matt piled chicken and dumplings on his plate and grinned. “My money’s on Joe. They’ll kiss before the night is over.”
    “You’re on. Loser does the dishes after tomorrow’s barbeque?”
    Matt nodded and added mashed potatoes to his plate.

    Sitting next to Madeline, Joe asked, “How long have you been a scientist?”
    “Five years at BennTech. I started after college. What do you do?”
    David interrupted. “Uncle Joe, can I talk to you for a minute?”
    “Sure, have a seat.”
    “I need a huge favor. Our drummer can’t get here until the second set. Can you fill in for a few songs?”
    “I don’t know, David. I haven’t played in a while.”
    “Come on, Joe. I’m sure you remember some simple rhythms from way back when,” Madeline said. Biting his lip, David looked at him.
    “I’ll do it if Madeline dances with me later.” He grinned as David pleaded with her.
    “Fine, let’s see what you got.” She sighed as a relieved David thanked her.
    Eva and Matt sat down with their full plates while Joe and David walked on stage. She smiled at her husband as he shook his head. “Joe’s filling in?” Eva asked Madeline.
    “If I dance with him later. I’ll be back. I need to chat with a few people before the music starts.”

    Sitting at the band’s table, Joe looked over the first set’s play list. He remembered the nervousness of his first gig. These guys looked green.
    “Are you sure you can play?” Jimmy Ready asked again. He continually pressed his fingers on the edge of the table to practice his keyboard part.
    “I’ve played on and off in a band for the last fifteen years. The question is, can you keep up with me?”
    “Uncle Joe, you said you hadn’t played in a while.”
    “David, you were my in with Madeline.”
    “You would have played even if she said no?”
    “Of course. I wouldn’t let my favorite nephew down. Now, she has to dance with me thanks to you.” He chuckled. “Okay, guys, let’s start with this song.” He pointed to the sheet. “It’ll get the crowd revved up.”
    “I shouldn’t have eaten that peach pie,” Tyler Sutton said, rubbing his stomach. “There are a lot of people out there.”
    Joe took off his jacket and absently placed it over the chair. “Hey, this is supposed to be fun. I saw a lot of hot ladies out there. Chicks love musicians. Let’s impress them by rocking their world. Ready?”
    “Yeah!” they said in unison.
    Back Roads took their place on stage as the mayor introduced them. David played bass. Tyler Sutton played lead guitar while Jimmy Ready played keyboard. They would sing backup to David’s lead. Sitting behind the drums, Joe took off his tie and loosened a few buttons on his shirt. Waiting for the mayor to finish, he twirled the drumsticks to flex his fingers and smiled at Madeline. The band started its set with the Safari’s “Wipeout.”

    “I’m going to enjoy dirtying every dish in the house tomorrow,” Matt said over the music.
    Eva laughed and looked around the room. Top executives, physicians, and farmers mimicked the drum’s beat with various utensils on the table. Matt even joined in, getting into the groove of the night. Madeline grinned and