Jake Agent:
Missed call
Missed call
Missed call
5 iMessages
Johnny:
Denton what the fuck is going on?
Grady:
Jake told us about the tour we got offered. Why didn't you tell us?
Parker:
That’s fucked up man.
Johnny:
Band meeting NOW! We're coming to get you Denton.
Fuck.
—
The next day I borrow Sorrel’s Dodge Cummins to drive into town for our band meeting. I figured it’d be best to meet on neutral ground, back where we started this adventure. The boys were serious considering they hopped on the first flight out and got here this morning.
I enter into the hazy little bar and sit at the same table we sat at all those months ago. I haven't been back to the Wagon Wheel since the night Kenzington showed up and ruined it all.
We were having a blast up on that stage, and in a way, I felt at home up there. I could picture myself living at the ranch with Sorrel and coming into town every weekend to play here at the Wagon Wheel. Sorrel would be sitting at that table in the corner with Charli, watching us and sipping on their whiskeys. I’m sure the pay wouldn't be great, but we’d be having fun and I'd be happy. We could keep playing at rodeos too in the summer. No,it wouldn't be the big stage dreams we’ve always had but maybe it would be enough.
Is that what the other guys want though? Well, I guess I’m about to find out.
There they are—everyone except Ray—rolling in like a pack of pissed off hyenas. I can practically hear them growling. I’m smart enough to have four long necks sitting on the table ready for them. I hope it’s enough to ease some of the tension.
They all sit down and I put my arms on the table ready to let them have at me.
“Well, have at it, y’all. Who wants to start?” I gesture to Johnny knowing it’d be him.
“You done playing cowboy yet, Denton?” Johnny asks.
I don’t mean to, but I take up a defensive stance squaring my shoulders at him. “I’m not playing, Johnny. Never was.”
“Yeah, sure,” he says, crossing his arms.
“Why didn't you tell us about the tour?” Parker asks.
“I was going to. I meant to already. Things got crazy here at the ranch and then the fire happen?—”
Johnny cuts in, talking over me. “Yeah, the fire Sorrel’s crazy fucking ex started that almost cost us everything. What if your vocal cords had never healed Denton?”
“There are no what-ifs. They did heal and I can sing just fine,” I say firmly.
Everyone is talking at once now and I can’t hear myself think. Grady slams his fist on the table, bottles falling over and beer spilling. A stillness comes over everyone. Grady has always been the quiet one of the group but also the most level-headed.
