“Avery convinced me to go watch her boyfriend play in his bandagain.”
“Ah, yes. The Band. Did you know, there was a band in the sixties with thatsamename?”
“Funny you should ask. Rainier started playing with them and said something about thatrecently.”
“Really?”
“Yep. And they’ve had this contest all week to renametheband.”
“Sounds like fun. Did youenter?”
I laughed to myself thinking of all the names I suggested. I might not be teasing Rainier at work, but that didn’t mean I didn’t have fun with the names I’dentered.
The RainierSeason.
A Bowl Full ofRainiers.
Rainy DayMusic.
His name was just too perfect. I couldn’t help it. I even came up with one only hewouldget.
VolvoOrigins.
I knew it wouldn’t get chosen. The name wasn’t edgy enough. If I was honest, it wasn’t even that funny. I just hoped Rainier would see it and know I was thinking about him and that his secret was safewithme.
“If I know my daughter, and I think I do, I’d say that smile on your face is a good indication of whether or not youentered.”
“Idid.”
“And I bet whatever you came up with will win. You’re abrightgirl.”
I threw a pillow at him. What was it about parents and them thinking you must be the best at everything because you were their child?You’re the prettiest girl in your class. You’re the smartest girl in your school. You are the best at coming up with names for small-town garagebands.
“We’ll see. They plan to unveil the new name at the showtonight.”
“You’ll keep meposted?”
“Sure thing, Captain,” I said, with asalute.
He smiled at that, but his face quickly got serious. “Princess, you know I love youright?”
“Of course. I loveyoutoo.”
“I know you think I’m too tough, but it’s never out of anger. I need you toknowthat.”
“Ido.”
“Good. I’ll let you get back to your weddingshowthen.”
My dad's sudden change of mood was weird, and I had no clue what could have brought it on. I only knew it was essential for him to know I loved him, so I had answered him sincerely, without any of our patented sarcasm. I spent several minutes trying to figure out what was going on but came up withnothing.
Eventually, I went back to my television marathon. I spent the next several hours in a comatose state on the couch. I watched episode after episode of pure garbage and loved it. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. So after binge-watching until my eyes burned, I reluctantly acknowledged it was time to get showered and ready for the day. It was late afternoon,afterall.
I straightened my hair, contoured my face and put on my favorite shirt and skirt combo. I opted for cheap shoes that wouldn’t get trashed and headed out. Avery asked me if I would meet her at The Farmhouse before the show and I was running late after my day spent on thecouch.
My best friend was already sitting in a booth when I walked in. Thankfully, Katie wasn’t working. In fact, no one I recognized was working. It was more than a small mercy. I let out a sigh of relief when I sat down that Avery completelymisinterpreted.
“Okay, so I know you hate TheFarmhouse.”
