“Yep. I’ll be there.”
“Awesome,” I sigh in relief. “Can you make sure the door to the alley is unlocked? I don’t think it’ll be a good look if we’re carrying our equipment through the front door. And it’ll be hard to maneuver between tables and people.”
“Yeah. If for some reason it’s still locked, call me and I’ll let you in.” She waves at me, “Carlos doesn’t like to leave it unlocked in case whoever is closing forgets to lock it back.”
“Understandable.” I wave back. “I’ll see you tonight.”
With that, my sister leaves and we can finally begin practice. We only have a few hours before we have to load up my truck and get ready. Not that we do a full wardrobe change. It’s just a new pair of jeans, slightly nice shirts, and a ball cap for me.
“Devin,” Cash calls out to me. “Get your head out of the clouds. We have to warm up. You aren’t going to impress Lisa if we sound like shit.”
“Who said I’m trying to impress her?” It’s a little ridiculous that is the first conclusion they jump to.
“Please,” Cash rolls his eyes. “You have that love sick expression on your face. It’s been there since we brought her up. What’s holding you back?”
“Aside from the fact she’s Del’s best friend? She wants nothing to do with me.” At least not romantically. She made it very clear last night she wants us to be on friendly terms at best. Even that felt forced. I honestly think she doesn’t want any interaction with me.
“Why don’t you let us be the judge of that?” Trey adjusts his guitar strap and points to the mic. “For now, let’s practice. I have a new idea for one of our regular songs.”
This is why I could never leave these two behind. They constantly want to improve our songs, and I’m excited for the twist Trey wants to do. As for them being witness to whatever form of rejection Lisa wants to throw my way, they’ll see I’m right. If I’m wrong, I’m okay with that point being proven as well.
Sitting here stressing over something I have no control over isn’t going to help us get these songs ready before tonight. “Alright, let’s do this.”
Cash counts off the time with his drum sticks and music fills the garage. At least this is something I love and can control.
7
Lisa
“You are being secretive.”Delilah is pushing something off the table, and into her pocket, as I walk into the dining area. She’s on break, and I’m about to watch what happens behind the bar. Carlos wants me to see what it’s like on a busy night before I make a firm decision on getting my bartending license.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Delilah grins up at me. “I was just making a list of things I need to do around the house.”
“Then you won’t have a problem showing me.” I have a feeling she’s planning something for me. She’s as bad as her brother at keeping secrets so I don’t know why she won’t tell me whatever she’s doing.
“Really, it’s not that big of a deal.” She pats her pocket to make sure the paper is all the way inside. “Just some renovations that need to be done. Bryce pointed out a few things before Christmas and I want to get started on them.”
That’s believable but I don’t think that’s what she was writing down. But now is a good time to bring up my plans to move out. “About that.”
“About what?” She looks over at me. “The renovations?”
“No,” I shake my head. “I’m actually moving out.”
“What!” She stands and knocks the chair back a few inches. “What do you mean you’re moving out? You just got here. You can’t be leaving again.”
Placing my hands on her shoulders, I meet her eyes. “I’m not leaving Asheville, so calm down.”
“Then why are you moving out?”
I glance toward the door to make sure nobody is coming in. “Because you and Bryce have your own thing going on, and me staying with you was only temporary.”
“But…I like having you there. I can tell Bryce not to come over as much.” Her shoulder sag like I’ve taken away her favorite toy.
“Don’t be silly.” I let go of her, but don’t move away. “You two need to live your life without me interfering. What happens when he inevitably moves in? I love you and love that you’re happy, but I don’t want to be the third wheel. Besides, it’s not like I’m going far.”
“Fine,” she rolls her eyes. “I guess I see your point. Where are you moving?”
At least she doesn’t seem as upset anymore. Honestly a small part of her seems to be relieved. As much as she wants me there, I know she’s enjoyed having Bryce there all the time. I was right about putting a cramp in her style. “Eric has an extra bedroom in the house he rents from Carlos. So, I’m moving in over there.”
