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He nodded and walked me to the door. I was about ten steps out of his door when he called out to me. “Are you happy?”
I turned and chose to be fully honest for once. “No, but I’ll get there.”
I turned and walked inside. I heard my phone go off the moment my head hit the pillow.
Mr. Grumpy Butt: I’ll see you soon, Songbird.
I couldn’t respond. I just hugged my phone and drifted off to sleep.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Lincoln
Today I leave for a tour with the Reckless Riders. I was only a little truthful in telling Aubrey I was touring with them. I am helping out but don’t plan on staying on tour. The actual The actual plan is even better, but I couldn’t ruin it. It’s going to be perfect.
The show she attends will be my last with them, barring any unforeseen complications with their new manager. They do have one, but he’s still under contract with someone else until the beginning of July, so they have me until then. I don’t mind because it gives me time to relax and look for a place to live. It doesn’t feel like home here without her anymore, so it’s time for a new home that will hopefully eventually have her in it.
Staying with Mom and Pops in their cottage has saved me a ton of money, so I should be good with money for quite some time, maybe even a year. I essentially had no bills other than my phone and a few other small things, plus the band was paying me way too much to do basically nothing. So I can take my time finding the perfect job.
“You ready, man?”
Hunter, the drummer, was picking me up so I could leave my car for my mom if she needed it. He and I were going to meet everyone else on the bus. Hunter was way too excited to get going. I’m pretty sure he’s running from someone or something, but I don’t know the guy well enough to judge, so I don’t bother asking questions.
“I’ll meet you in the car; I just need to say goodbye to Mom and Pops. Give me ten minutes, and I’ll be out.”
He didn’t say anything but gave me a nod like he understood. I walked in and found Mom crying, of course. She’s probably the sappiest person I know.
I wrapped her in a giant bear hug. “Mom, stop. I’m not going away forever, just for now, and I’ll be back occasionally.”
She smiled, or she tried her best to.
“I need you to promise me you will be safe. No being stupid on the road. We will see you at the Connecticut show. We will surprise Aubrey and get to see you both.”
Pops smiled at me from the table, both of us knowing what the real surprise would be at that show. My mom kept speaking.
“Lincoln, do you have a plan? Where will you live? Who’s going to cook for you? What if you are alone and something happens to you?”
“Momma, relax. If things go as planned, I’ll never be alone again, God willing. I have a plan. It just has layers that I haven’t quite figured out yet. Pops will fill you in on everything, okay?”
Mom looked at him, worried like she had just now realized we were hiding something. I kissed her head, and then Pops came up and took my mom out of my arms, probably because he knew she wasn’t going to let me leave if he didn’t. I hugged Pops as well and said my goodbyes.
“Lincoln, you call me if you need anything, you got it? I will get you anything you need to make this happen, son.”
“I know, Pops; I love you guys. I’ll see you soon.”
I got in the car and had an overwhelming feeling of excitement. This is going to be the craziest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but I need to make it happen.
I took a selfie and sent it to Aubrey.
Me: I’m off to tour. Wish me luck trying to keep these dumbasses in line for the next few months. I hope you’re doing well.
Her response came about ten minutes later, and she sent me a selfie back. She was wearing my Reckless shirt and shorts. Her hair was in a bun falling off one side of her head. So, fucking cute.
Songbird: Aw, look at you doing big boy things, lol. I’m proud of you for doing something out of your comfort zone. You’re going to do great, and I’m doing good. I hope you are too. Callie and Brie say hey.
I took that picture and saved it as my screensaver. I can’t wait to see her and make her mine.
AUBREY
