“Take a breath.”
“It’s just so much change all at once. And I feel like I’m dragging all this baggage behind me. And it’s not fair to expect you to deal with that.”
“It’s true I’m not a fan of change. But for you, I make exceptions.”
“But that’s the thing. You shouldn’t have to settle. You deserve everything. The horse, the carriage, and the princess.”
“In what world do you think being with you is me settling? I don’t know how to break this to you … but I love you. I loved you before fans were screaming your name and begging for autographs. Fancy you have always been my endgame. Thesepast few weeks have been some of the best of my life because I was able to love you. So, give me your baggage and I’ll add it to my mommy issues and baby of the family syndrome.”
“You’re crazy for loving me, you know that?”
“Loving you is like breathing to me. It’s just something I do.”
Fancy wrapped her hand in mine, resting them on her lap. “After the tour I’ll need to work on making an album, alone or with someone else, and that takes time. I could come back and we could spend the next few months or year together. The hustle has been unrelenting the past few years. Constant touring, interviews, photo shoots. The Whiskey Wild machine kind of took on a life of its own. I’ve gained all this success, and I haven’t really had a moment to catch my breath and take stock of it all.”
I raised my eyebrows.
“I think it would be nice to slow down. I’m not saying I’m gonna stop making music. I love writing and performing. I am saying that I’m ready to find a balance. And hopefully all the money I earned for the record label will allow me some input into the direction of my career.”
“I don’t want you giving up anything for me. I know how passionate you are about your music, and I don’t want to hinder that in any way. I’ve been thinking too and maybe I move to Los Angeles for a bit, gives you time to renegotiate contracts or whatever it is the princess of country music has to do.” Maybe Fancy was right. I had to be unwell to suggest moving.
“You would hate LA.”
“Not if I was with you?”
“What about the farm?”
“I could hire someone to look after it while I was away?”
“What about Figs and Twine?”
“Dial can manage. Cyrus could pitch in. I could consult via video chats.”
“Edison, I love you for suggesting that. But this isn’t just about me. It’s about us. You wouldn’t be happy in LA. You’re a family man and you’re uncomplicated. And that’s what I love the most about you. The joy you find in the simple things. I want that, I want that with you.
“I don’t want the traffic or smog. I’m not interested in pretentious restaurants with tiny serving sizes. The last thing I want to do is attend another party where people are trying to figure out what I can do for them rather than looking for real connections. I prefer late night runs to the Gas Guzzle. And Friday nights at The Tipsy Owl. Lazy Saturdays in bed while we make love to the sound of rain on your tin roof. I’ve thought about this long and hard. And I’ve never been happier than I have these past few days. I truly believe it’s all because of you and this town.”
“So, you want to live in Hume … with me?”
“Yes, but if cohabitation isn’t your thing, I could stay with my parents or find a small place.”
I looked down at my notepad and reviewed the words written across it. Three-month tour. End of group. Music is important. Living together. Hume is home.
“Say something,” she begged.
“I just feel kind of silly. I thought this conversation would be me trying to convince you to acknowledge Hume as a viable option. But here you are willing to make Hume your home.”
“I want to be where you are. And I can write and record music from anywhere. Believe it or not I’m actually excited about the idea of letting grass grow around my feet. I could help you with the renovations. You can help me with melodies when I’m stuck. When I have to tour, maybe sometimes you could come with me. And when you can’t, I’ll be counting down the days until we’re back together.”
“I like that.”
“Good. And you didn’t even need your sticky notes.” She stood and kissed me on the top of the head. “Oh I forget, all my shit from LA should be arriving in the next day or two. I asked Moniece to pack up my belongings and ship them here. I hope that’s okay?”
“I’ll make space in the closet for you.”
She caressed my chin. “Fair warning, I have a lot of clothes … and shoes.”
“We’ll make room.”
