“We try.” The man beamed. “City of Good Neighbors here. But the band took the Crown Royal.Andthe socks.”
Even without the highway signs flashing warnings every few miles about the driving ban about to take effect, there was a heavy, impending feeling as Leah navigated them toward Niagara Falls.
“Did you hear that?” A rumble shook the car.“Thundersnow.”
Leah’s eyes widened, but she didn’t take her eyes off the road for a second. Big fat snowflakes had begun to swirl in the sky, almost playfully. Avi couldn’t help but think about how far off her plan she had already deviated. She was supposed to be halfway to New York City by now.
And he should’ve been getting ready to take the stage.
Instead, he was using her phone to sync up with management finally, thanks to that production sheet he’d pulled from the box office wall. Soundcheck, door times, curfew…he’d never looked too carefully at Buck’s handiwork or what went into advancing a show. All the contact info of all the people responsible for making sure the band hit the stage and promptly left it. Avi wondered how long he could go before anyone realized he was accidentally missing from the equation.
Unless it hadn’t been an accident.
Paul had been gunning for him all tour. Maybe it had been Paul’s artist pass on the driver’s seat, and he had told Joe to get on the road, knowing Avi had forgotten to leave his?
It was a road of thought he didn’t want to travel down.
He decided to send the video Leah had captured to the number listed for Danny, who’d said he was updating the venue’s social media. He’d most likely tag the band, which would also serve as proof of life.
In case anyone was wondering.
His fingers hovered over the last digit of Buck’s phone number. He could make contact and a pick-up plan with a couple of keystrokes. But the thought of Leah having to white-knuckle-drive by herself didn’t sit well with him. Nor did the thought of climbing back on the bus or the long walk of shame down the aisle amidst the band’s ball-busting.
Youarethe band.
It surfaced like a taunt, heating the tips of his ears even without the benefit of his new mall merch hat.
As they journeyed over the Grand Island bridge, it felt like there was no going back. He and Leah were in this adventure together. For better or for worse.
In the same boat…trying to get to the same boat.
Avi tapped Tobin’s number from the sheet into the phone.
Hey, it’s Avi. Long story but…
Tobin immediately responded.
Pic or I don’t believe you.
Avi rolled his eyes and acquiesced.
OMG dude. You live. WTF. Where are you????
I’m so sorry!
Not your fault. I forgot to leave my laminate on the driver’s seat.
I fell back to sleep and next thing I knew, we were pulling into Buffalo.
Buck nearly had an aneurysm, you know that vein in his forehead that throbs when he’s stressed or pissed or…well, I guess it’s always there.
And Paul?
He thinks you went AWOL. After that fight.
So probably not a deliberate move on Paul’s part. But dickish, all the same.
TBH I think the band was actually relieved Buffalo canceled. Better than having to tell anyone they lost their lead singer.
