Chapter Twelve
The Promise
“It’s goingto be so nice to get out of the city for awhile. I can’t wait.” Cleo sighed deeply. “One full week of no work, no stress, and fresh air.” She reached across her kitchen counter to grab a strawberry. She had mentioned that she was craving strawberry shortcake so I made some fresh for her this morning.
“And when we get home, we get to see what Tot is. This is going to be the best week ever.” I agreed with her. I had spent the last month planning our family vacation. Once we decided on a location, I went to work gathering everything we would need.
We decided to rent a few small pop up campers. Nothing fancy, but considering I had spent years camping in tents, I knew that we would enjoy the experience way more if we could sleep well.
We were lucky that the only one who really needed to get their work in order was Ethan. One of his bandmates, Christian, was taking over while he was gone. It also just happened that the week before our big ultrasound appointment was also the twins spring break from school. This was the perfect time to go.
When we got to the Andrews, Mark and Derek went straight into the studio. Despite Mark being upset over having to do the song from Hedwig and the Angry Inch that he didn’t want to do, a bet was a bet. If I had to show Derek the pictures I had gotten done for a Valentine's Day the first year we were married, then he could do this. He’d been rehearsing it and was now working on the actual performance.
“It’s going to be so much fun. This is the first time ever we are going to wear actual costumes. The label already has someone working on ideas,” Cleo went on excitedly about their future plans. Her cell phone started ringing and she jumped up.
“Oh! I have an errand to run really quick. I’ve got to go. Why don’t you go check out the guys for a bit.”
I gave her a look, but she ignored it. She grabbed her keys off the counter and practically ran out of the house.
I did as she recommended. It was so cute watching my husband trying to dance. Despite being a drummer, he didn’t have great rhythm. For dancing anyways. He saw me sneak in and blew me a kiss. They paused their rough recording of their song and he put his hand on his hip.
“I’m not wearing heels. That’s gonna be a bitch to change in and out of. We need quick transitions. I’ll wear red shoes, but that’s it,” he told Derek. Derek gave him a face but turned the music back on to start back on the dance moves.
I had to admit, what I had heard from their work in progress album was pretty damn good. It was going to be successful. I was so proud of all of them. It was interesting to watch their process. I didn’t get to see it often, but when I did, I enjoyed it. Well some of it, I guess. The technical stuff was beyond my knowledge, but when they discussed costumes and lines, they wanted to borrow from the musicals I liked to sit in.
Soon Adrian joined them in the room and they decided to work on another song. Even though Cleo was gone, they could still work on their parts. I had fun trying to guess what songs they had taken pieces from. I recognized West Side Story, Hedwig, and a few others.
After awhile I stepped out to use the restroom and when I was on my way back, I heard Ethan call my name.
“Renee, hold up.” I turned to see him leaning against his office door.
“What’s up?” I asked, taking a few steps his way.
“Can we talk? In private?” He asked, moving from the door to let me inside. I went in tentatively, and he shut the door quickly. Sitting in one of his chairs, he sat behind his desk and leaned forward.
“Do you think Cleo has been acting weird lately?”Yes.
I shook my head.
“No, not that I have noticed,” I lied. He frowned.
“I feel like I'm paranoid but the last few weeks she’s been- off. We saw her ex at that restaurant and things have been different. I don’t know, I just got a weird vibe from him. Like he knew something about her I didn’t.”
I started twisting my hands together. I didn’t like where this was going.
“Have you tried talking to her about it?”
He shook his head.
“No. She gets so defensive when I bring him up. Like I'm throwing it in her face again. We’ve gotten past all of that, so I don’t want to keep bringing it up. I just thought maybe she had said something to you at one of your lunches.” His eyes were pleading for me to give him some shred of information. I wanted to confess everything. He deserved to know. I couldn’t believe she still hadn’t told him she had talked to him. I sighed deeply and lied again.
“She hasn’t mentioned anything to me. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Maybe her hormones are going out of whack with the pregnancy,” I offered, but the guilt of using Tot to lie made my stomach turn. I had to get out of this room. He chewed on his lip some and finally nodded.
“You’re probably right. I’m sorry for putting you on the spot. I just-” he paused and looked away. Turning back to me I saw his eyes were shiny. “It took so long to finally get her. I don’t want to lose her.”
I gave him a halfhearted smile and tried to assure him it would be alright. He thanked me and I practically ran from the room.The next time I spoke to him we were putting the final bags in our vehicles to leave for our vacation.
“Does Cleo need anything to snack on for the drive?” I asked.
