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“So, you didn’t miss me?” I say to my dad and then tickle Ollie. “Did you miss me?” He laughs and gives me a hug. His adoption still isn’t final, and I know it’s weighing heavily on my parents.
“Yeth,” he says with a slight lisp. “Dis much.” Ollie extends his arms out as far as he can.
“I missed you too, bud.” He goes back to Dad so he can sit in his booster seat. “So,” I say to my sneaky sister, “did you set this up?”
“Of course,” Elle says with a shrug. “We all need family time.”
She’s not wrong.
The waitress comes, and we place our order. My parents make things easy at the table and engage with Justine, asking how she’s enjoying the tour, living mostly on the bus, and dealing with my moody self. The latter being a question from Elle.
“I’m not that bad,” I say in my defense.
“He’s not,” Justine agrees. “Besides, the so-called moodiness brings out the best in his songwriting abilities.”
“Thanks,” I say as I look at her, wink, and casually put my arm around the back of her chair. She blushes and looks away. Duly noted, do not to wink again. Or maybe it’s my arm. She doesn’t shy away, though, so I don’t move my arm right away because I don’t want to embarrass her.
We end up hanging out in the restaurant for a lot longer than necessary, considering my parents are staying here as well. We finally call it a night and head back to our respective rooms.
On our floor, Justine and I walk side by side again until we get to our rooms.
“If you need anything, I’m right here,” I say as I point to my door. I have no idea what spurs me to say this, but I don’t regret it.
“Thanks,” she says and pauses. “And thanks for inviting me to dinner. I had a great time.”
“You’re welcome. See you in the morning for rehearsals.”
Justine nods. I wait for her to get into her room before I go to mine, wishing we had connecting rooms because I’d invite her over to work on some new music. She’s a hell of a songstress, and I really enjoy writing with her.
But I don’t knock on her door and invite her over. I can’t. Not without inviting everyone else in.
As inviting as the bed looks, I head over to the small, two-person table near the window, and sit down. Briefly, I look out the window, staring down at the party happening on the street. Nashville is such a lively city. People from all walks of life come here, just to say they’ve been to Lower Broadway or Honky Tonk Highway. Some of the best musicians have played in the dive bars along Music Row.
My spiral steno pad sits on the table, with my pencil next to it. I’ve used this pad since we boarded the bus. It’s almost full, and I make a note to buy another one before we leave again.
The first few songs came easy. They’re upbeat crowd favorites to get the adrenaline going. But the back half?
That’s where my story hides.
That’s where my truth leaks out.
Setlist:
Track 1: Run Wild, Burn Bright – D & Q
Track 2: Red Lights & Late Nights - D
Track 3: Sinful Distraction – D & Q
Track 4: Gravity – Q & D
Track 5: No Apologies Tonight - D
Track 6: In Your Wake – D & Q
Track 7: Crescent Moon - Q
Track 8: Echoes on the Stairs – Q & D