Damn. I guess I really need to look into a rental property. I’m still getting paid for helping out with the build and making sure everything is ready to go. It’s one of the perks of working with them. As last minute as they can be with a lot of things, they take care of their crew.
“Not even an impromptu show at Out of the Ashes?”
“Well, I don’t really consider that a side gig. At this point, it’s like coming home.”
He’s not wrong. Who knew a rock band from the city would like spending so much time in a town so small. Definitely not me.
“Sounds like the next few months will be less chaotic.”
“For sure.” He nods in agreement. “It’ll do us all some good to have down time.”
“I’m still needed around, right?” Job security is something I never thought I’d need to think about with them since we’re on the road so much, but being in one place for a long period of time could mean they won’t need me here.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t we? Every one of the crew will be here, and still get paid. Please, don’t worry about that.”
Whew. Thank God. Not that I can’tgo out and find another job to carry me over, I don’t want to. As inconvenient as some of the requests are, I love my job.
“That’s a relief.”
“Unless, of course, you’re ready to move on.”
“Not at all.” I shake my head. How many people can say they get to tour the world with a popular band.
“Good. We’d hate to lose you.” He continues toward the construction site. “If you don’t want to stay at the house we’re renting out, it may not be a bad idea to check out some local real estate. Especially since this will be home away from home.”
“It’s already on my list.” I call out to his retreating back.
Now if Paula would let me know the dates of the family vacation, I can get it squared away. I can’t believe I even agreed to do it. I wasn’t lying when I told her all she had to do was ask. Putting my feelings aside may be another issue altogether.
“What can I get you?” Eric asks from behind the bar. I don’t know why he thinks I’m going to order anything other than my usual whiskey and coke. It’s my comfort drink.
“The usual.” I glance around the bar to see if anyone I know has come in. So far, no such luck. I keep hoping I’ll run into Paula. Though she probably doesn’t want to see me yet.
“I hear you’ll be in town for a bit,” he says as he pours the whiskey into a glass.
“Yep. Dale suggested I start looking at property to rent or buy because it looks like this will be Crooked Halo’s second home.”
“That’s good to hear. I love you guys.”
“Um, thanks.” It’s hard to hear folks complement me like I’m part of the band. Knowing what I do as part of the crew is important, is completely different than accepting praise for it.
He finishes adding the coke and hands it over to me. “It’ll be good to see you in here more often. Pretty much half the town comes in for lunch. You can get the small town feel like the locals.”
“Thanks, man.” I lift my drink in the air and slide some cash into the tip jar.
Taking a sip, I enjoy the perfection he has with this drink. It’s the perfect balance all the way around.
The door opens and my eyes shift to the front of the building. Sadly, it wasn’t Paula walking through the door. My shoulders sag, and I take another drink.
“Are you waiting for someone?” Eric asks as he pours a drink.
“Nope.” I have to stop keeping an eye out for her. Any interest outside of our deal is off the table. She’s made it more than clear where she stands on relationships.
“One of these days you guys will be honest with me when I ask that question.” Eric shakes his head.
“What do you mean?”
He sighs before passing the drink to a waiting patron and leaning against the bar. “I know what it looks like to like someone and be waiting on their every appearance. Hell, it was me when my girl started working here.”
