She tilts her head to the side, confused. "I thought y'all were the only performers?"
It would be nice if we got a little more time to have the stage just for us, but like I told Angie, we need more bands if we're going to draw in more people.
"That was only until Stella could find more bands and singers. Apparently, she's done that." Though, I'm shocked at how quick she was about it. I thought for sure we'd have another month.
She takes another bite, chewing as she thinks through everything I said. The silence of the room is deafening, and I wish she had turned on the TV or something. Anything to fill the void.
"I'm confused." She tucks a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "What is the purpose of them coming to the bar? Are they looking to sign the band or something like that? If that's the case, they should've just done a battle of the bands."
All very good questions and ones I wish I would've asked Angie when she was standing in front of me at the store. "From the way Angie was talking, it sounds like they are looking for new talent. And you're right, battle of the bands would be the best way to do it, but they are a lot of work. I don't think Angie or Stella want to go through all of that."
"But wouldn't that bring more traffic to the bar, and more focus on the live music?"
"Probably. But it could be scheduling reasons with Crooked Halo. I'm surprised they are coming back out here since they are on tour."
She grabs another piece of chicken. "Wouldn't it be cool if they're looking for another band to go on tour with them?"
“It’s kind of what I’m hoping for.” This is the kind of opportunity bands kill for. Add in the fact they’re coming to this little hole in the wall town, and I feel like my chances have skyrocketed. Hell, the only reason they are coming here is because I’ve heard they are close to Stella’s cousin and her fiancé. All the cool stuff happens to everyone else.
“Oh.” What does she meanoh? I’ve told her so many times that this is what I want to do with my life. “I’m sure you and the band will do great. I have zero doubts about that.”
“I’ll have more information when Angie emails me, but I’ll have to rehearse more with the band. And write more music. We can’t keep playing the same songs over and over.” The lyrics I wrote this morning are waiting for me to come back to them. Not staying the night here is probably a good idea. If only so I can work on that song, and get some actual sleep.
“I can’t wait to see what you come up with.” She leans over and kisses me on the cheek. “When you get on the stage in front of that band, I’ll be there supporting you. Front and center.”
She might not seem very excited about the prospect of me going on tour, but at least she’ll be there for me. The rest of the details we can work out if they happen. No, not if, when. Talking about it like it’s a done deal is exactly what I need to keep my head in the game.
“That means a lot.” I scoot closer to her and pull her into my lap. “I’ll have to get with the guys so we can figure out a schedule. Mostly because I want to spend as much time with you as I can.”
“It’s fine.” She leans her head back. “I’m sure some nights I’ll be working the late shift, and I’m about to start bartender training. Fingers crossed we can work around both things.” Snuggling into me, she sighs, “I could fall asleep right here.”
“Me too.” Picking up the remote off the coffee table, I turn on the TV. “Want to find something to watch?”
“Sure. Though I don’t know what all Eric has on here. I haven’t had much time to explore the options, and he always has it on some kind of game.”
I click through the channels. “I’ll stop on the first show that’s not on commercial.” It happens to be a crime show. She slides off me, and we lay on the couch. The show is a rerun I’ve seen too many times, but it’s better than letting my thoughts go wild with her lack of enthusiasm over the band.
Soft snores come from beside me. It didn’t take her long to pass out. Angie definitely wasn’t lying about it being busy if she’s asleep by nine. As much as I’d like to stay right here, I need to get home.
Moving as gently as possible, I climb out from behind her. There isn’t a blanket on the couch, so I hurry to her room and grab one I saw on top of one the bags of stuff she still needs to put away.
After laying it over her, I grab one of the napkins off the table and search through the kitchen drawers for a pen. It takes a few tries to find the junk drawer, but I know it’s something everyone has in their house.
I scribble a note on the napkin and lay it down on the coffee table. Leaning down, I press a soft kiss to her forehead. She moves, but doesn’t wake up. I grab the paper plates, take them to the kitchen, and throw them in the trash can.
Not saying goodnight sucks, but I don’t want to wake her. Especially if her nights are about to be as long as mine. We’re going to need all the sleep we can get. There’s only one more thing I need to do when I get home, and I hope like hell it doesn’t keep me up all night.
15
Lisa
My body is bouncingup and down. For a second, I think I’m dreaming, but my eyes pop open and Eric is hovering over me. “Wake up, Lisa.”
“Ugh, why are you so close?” I push him away from me. “And where is Devin?”
Eric picks up something from the coffee table. “He, uh, left a note.”
The TV is still playing in the background, but instead of the show I was watching with Devin, it’s informercials. I loathe those with every fiber of my being. My mom would spend all night buying shit off the TV she was never going to use, and fail to do anything to take care of my basic needs. Those actions were the first of many where she showed me just how little she cared for me. It only got worse throughout the years.
