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"Unbelievable!"
"Killed it, we killed it!"
"Can you release it now?"
The last one was Nate.
Ty laughed, but he was thinking the same thing. But they were being rushed back to their seats so they would be back in their places for the album of the year announcement.
"As soon as the show is over," Ty promised. "Guys, I need a favor."
"What?" Dale said.
Nate and Mack tried to look at Ty, but they were all racing through the building.
"Wait, stop," Ty said.
They all stopped except the two people charged with getting them back to their seats.
"What are you doing?" one of them yelled.
"One second," Ty said, "Guys, if we win, album of the year, can I go up by myself?"
Nate and Mack looked at each other and grinned. Dale wasn't smiling.
"Please?" Ty asked.
"Of course," Nate said.
Mack nodded.
"You sure about this?" Dale asked.
"I know exactly what I am doing," Ty said.
Dale shook his head. "No you don't, but sure, go ahead. You can have the stage, if that is what you really want."
"Fuck, move now," one of the handlers screamed.
They all started running again. They made it back to their seats in time. Inya got yelled at when she tried to hug Ty for causing yet another delay and then they all sat down. As they watched the presenters make their way to the center of the stage, Nate leaned over to Ty.
"It's your life, man. I'm happy for you."
Ty looked down the row. Mack met his eyes and gave him a thumbs up. Dale glared at the stage and, when Mack nudged him, Dale folded his arms, crossed his right leg on top of his left and glared harder.
"He's always pissed about something," Nate said.
Ty didn't respond. The presenters were done with their cheerful banter and were announcing the nominees. He felt Inya slip her hand around his arm and she squeezed him when his name was announced. He heard his name called as the winner, but it sounded a million miles away. Inya hugged him and the guys slapped him on the back and then Ty was walking towards the stage.
He had made the trip two times already that night, with his friends by his side. The first time he had been too excited to be nervous. The second time he had felt a little weird having to accept another award on the same night in front of the same audience. This time was different. He accepted the award and the handshake from one presenter and the kiss on the cheek from the other.
When he stepped to the podium Ty realized he hadn't thought about what he would say. But they were broadcasting live, he didn't have a choice. He started.