Andthat’swhy.
“We had a good talk, but there was no mention of kissing.”
AndnowI’m chewing my bottom lip with nerves churning my stomach, but I’m not thinking about the gig. Nope. The word kissing temporarily cured me of any stage fright.
I’ve psyched myself up to call Nathan all morning. He can’t say anything worse than he’s already said to me. There’s also nothing he can do to change the outcome, so there’s nothing to be worried about. It’ll be just like when Mom and Dad’s divorce was finalized. A relief.
Once the girls are dressed, we let Sam come back to Layla’s room to help us decide which outfit I’m stealing from her closet. I didn’t bring much because I wasn’t planning to do anything this weekend. I still have clothes here, but the girls looted all my remaining belongings, so anything worth wearing will be in here.
“I like that white thing that’s like a little dress but shorts. Do you have boots? Ah, man, that would be smokin’ hot, Smalls!”
“I am not wearing boots with that!” I scan their faces, all wearing the same grins. “No.”
Layla’s the stage style expert. Her opinion should hold the most weight.
“Are you sure, Lucy? I think it would be cute,” she pleads.
I dress for fun and comfort. I need both.
“What are you wearing, Sammy? Bro country or rock?” I turn the attention to him. His country look is usually jeans, a Braves jersey, and a hat. Sneakers or boots. When he’s on drums playing rock, he usually just wears a T-shirt and shorts. I don’t think he has much else.
“Probably country. T-shirt under the jersey so I can take it off if it’s too hot.”
“All right. You go get ready while I shower, and I’ll wear the white romper.”
“With boots?” He raises his eyebrows hopefully.
“Highly unlikely. Go.”
“Yes, ma’am. My stuff’s still at Cade’s, so I’ll load up and come back at three.” He stands up to leave, leaning toward Liza. “Psst, work on the boots for me, Glow Worm. Maybe a hat too.” I land a balled-up pair of socks against the doorframe next to his head, but he just laughs as he ducks out.
Once he’s gone, I take my phone into the bathroom before I shower and try to call Nathan without giving myself time tooverthink it. It rings and goes to voicemail twice, so I shower and focus on our set list before I try again. Still nothing, so I text.
Me:I need to talk to you. Won’t take long.
Layla and Liza watch me do my hair and makeup, while trying to convince me there’s nothing else to wear with a cotton white eyelet spaghetti-strap romper besides vintage-style Western boots with lacy floral stitching.
“They have a square toe, and they’re comfortable,” Layla insists, Liza on her heels with her own guilt trip.
“This is the best look. You’re doing this to help Sam’s career, right? So wear them for him. You have to match his energy, Lucy!”
I try to hide my amusement, but she’s beyond enamored with him. I’m surprised she hasn’t begged to tag along. “I can’t match his energy,Glow Worm. That’s physically impossible.”
“Wait … why did he call me that?” She looks confused, suddenly unsure how to feel about it.
“Because your face…” I begin.
“Lights up when you see him,” Layla and I say at the same time and laugh.
“What? Is that bad?” Embarrassment tinges her cheeks, and her smile fades.
“No! It means you’re adorable.” I tug her braid. “It’s a compliment.”
My words seem to thwart her impending mortification, and it’s all forgotten once Layla screeches, “Does Mom know about your tattoo?!”
“I think the whole block knows now. Thanks, Layla,” I say dryly.
“Let me see!” Liza crowds into the bathroom to look at the tiny words and notes on the back of my left shoulder blade. “Take a sad …soap?”
