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“Sometimes I like to keep you in suspense. Now go have those babies because someone has to get back for his show tomorrow,” my manager says.
I roll my eyes for show. Elle accepts the blame because it’s the boss thing to do, when in fact, I didn’t want to know Peyton’s delivery date because I thought it would make me anxious throughout the tour. “I’ll be here when you’re out. I’m not leaving until I’ve met my niece and nephews.”
Mom bumps me out of the way and kisses Peyton before the nurses continue down the hall, through the double doors. We all stand there, in silence, watching her disappear. As soon as the doors close, mom turns into dad’s chest. I can’t imagine being a parent and knowing they’re about to cut your child open.
Most of us return to the waiting room. Nick says he has some doctorly things to take care, letting us know the staff will page him when the babies are here. He’ll be their pediatrician and get to see them before any of us.
Elle lowers herself into the chair beside me with a groan.
“How are you feeling?” I ask her.
“Like a beached whale,” she mutters. “But excited. Ben’s been amazing.”
I glance over at Ben, who’s deep in conversation with Liam. They’re probably talking about music or the studio. Ben has been handling all the marketing for Liam’s new label.
“And how have the last few stops been?” Elle asks, nudging me with her elbow. “Chandler’s been sending me clips. You guys sound fantastic. I wish I could be there though.”
My eyes glance at her protruding belly. “You have more important things to take care of right now.” I rest my hand on her belly and wait for my niece or nephew to kick. When they don’t right away, I give up.
“I wish I was going back with you. I regret not changing the dates or splitting up the tour. I know this isn’t about me, but I miss being on tour with my bands.”
“You could’ve hired someone to take your place for the last half.”
Elle shakes her head. Giving up control is unlike her, and while she knows we can manage most of everything, hiring an assistant would’ve been a good thing in this case. But there’s no use in arguing with her. “Anyway, things are good. Really good, actually.”
She studies me. “You seem . . . different.”
“Do I?”
“Yeah. Less . . .” she waves her hand vaguely, “broody.”
I laugh. “Geez, it sounds like I’ve been a total ass while on tour.”
“You know what I mean. How’d that happen?”
I think about telling her about Nola, about what happened, about how I finally let go. But now isn’t the time. Instead, I shrug. “Just needed time, I guess.”
Elle doesn’t look convinced, but she doesn’t push.
“The new songs are blowing up online. We’re going to have to book some studio time to fully record them.”
“Already done.” She grins. “I may not be able to be on the road with you, but I can still manage my bands. I figured with the babies, you’ll want to spend some time here, so I booked you in with Liam.”
“Thanks. The new setlist is working well,” I add.
Elle smirks. “It’s almost like your manager knows what she’s doing.”
I roll my eyes but can’t argue with her. The new arrangement feels right, less like I’m dragging the past into every performance and more like I’m discovering what comes next.
My phone buzzes.
Justine Floyd
Any baby news yet?
Still waiting. They just took her back.
She sends back a laughing emoji and a series of baby-related GIFs that make me smile. Elle notices.