“Huh. I – wait,” Darcy cut herself off before she asked the questions that were undoubtedly forming in her head. “I won’t – you go, answer.”
She escaped to the wraparound porch, finding it easier to breathe as soon as she reached the fresh air. By the time she’dwalked over to the railing, leaning heavily back against it, she realized she’d missed Laura’s call.
Which might be for the best, anyway, right now. She was positive Laura would have something to say about Juliet coming out to Pineford the day before her final show, rather than staying in Nashville and resting.
Laura – 3:37P.M.
Just calling to check in and make sure everything is good to go for your final show. I’ve prepared everyone with lists down to the MINUTE of what they should be doing
Juliet – 3:38P.M.
Everything is good. I’ve checked in with everyone I need to check in with. Don’t worry about it. Enjoy your family, it’s not like you see them often
Laura – 3:38P.M.
Well. I’m going to worry a little when I hear from Lyle that you left the hotel this morning and no one’s heard or seen a peep since
Of course. Lyle, her tour manager, loved to gossip, and she’d checked in with him before she’d left.
Laura – 3:38P.M.
Of course, then, I started to think: wait, I know someone who lives less than two hours from Nashville
She breathed out a groaning laugh.
Juliet – 3:39P.M.
Yes, you’re utterly brilliant. I’m glad to see you’re staying sharp even on your off time
Laura – 3:39P.M.
Look, I’m thrilled. I want you to have an all-day fuck fest before you have to go to Texas right after your show, it’s an early holiday celebration for you
She was halfway through typing back that she wasn’t, in fact, experiencing an all-day fuck fest with Darcy. She was standing on Blythe’s porch, looking out over sprawling acres of farmland, hearing snippets of Christmas music and chatter from inside.
Then she paused, her thumbs freezing right above her screen, as her heart skipped a beat rereading what she’d written.
Whatwasshe doing here?
Was she ready for whatever Laura would say about it? Maybe… maybe she needed whatever Laura would say about it?
Huffing out a breath, she quickly finished typing and sent it. Anticipation curled through her as she bounced back on her heels, waiting for what Laura would say back.
Juliet – 3:40P.M.
It’s not a fuck fest. We’re at her sister’s house preparing decorations for a holiday party. They’re singing and drinking cider
She hastily added:
I’m sure there will be fucking later, though
She hoped there would be, anyway. Sometimes, it was a little painful, needing to wait for at least a week or two until their schedules could align.
Did that make her trip to Pineford seem more normal or less? She frowned down at her phone, unable to tell. She certainly didn’t enjoy how long it was taking Laura to send her response.
Laura – 3:41P.M.
Good for you
