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Steven and I met in grade school and bonded over the record player in the teacher’s lounge. We’d sneak in there after school and listen to whatever new albums they were listening to. It wasn’t long before Steven’s parents caught on and made sure they had the latest records at home for us to listen to.
We were probably a terrible influence for Steven’s little sister. I’m an only child, but growing up, I liked to think she was like a little sister to me too. Only, I didn’t find her as annoying as Steven did, not that I’d let either of them know it. The first time I met Betty, she was around seven and just wanted to listen to the music with us. She offered to share her snack and keep quiet so she could hang out too. Sometimes, she did.
I’m pretty sure I spent more time at the Robertson’s home than my own. Not that my father minded, he was probably grateful. He worked long hours and sometimes had to spend the weekend in the city. He provided financially; I didn’t exactly go without anything except his presence.
He moved to New York shortly after the band headed to Los Angeles. Something about better opportunities for himself. He told me he wasn’t getting any younger and still had something to prove to himself. He calls on my birthday to check-in and see if I need anything. They’re never deep conversations though. Then again, he was never one to talk about his feelings.
“It’s a bummer being back.” Howard turned away from the window. His head rolled back as if it was going to be the most boring summer ever.
Maybe he forgot the possibilities of this place, the brief moments of inspiration that disguised themselves as distractions. I hadn’t.
“Speak for yourself.” Andrew grinned.
“Excited to see Mary and the boy?” He’d been away from his wife and son for the last three months. I’m sure he was ready for a couple of months of more family time with them.
“He said his first word last week. I don’t want to miss a bunch of firsts.” Andrew turned back to face the window, a smile lingering on his face.
“Then you won’t.” I glanced around at everyone sitting around and waiting as we slowed down to turn down Olive Street.
“The folks are throwing a little party at the house tonight,” Steven spoke up.
Andrew laughed. “I’m going straight home to be with Mary and Jude, I’ll catch up in a couple of days.”
“You’re just the drummer.” Mick joked as he fidgeted with his guitar pick.
They were all chatting and goofing around when it hit me, just how different we were since we left Cedarville three years ago. I understood why Howard was hesitant. We’d gone from small town living to living it up with rock stars and celebrities in California. It was a high that couldn’t be replaced anywhere.
CHAPTER THREE
BETTY
I blew the smoke out of the bathroom window before softly closing it, put out the cigarette, then hid the butt in the little ceramic mushroom next to the cotton balls. Mom didn’t want anyone smoking in the house, and normally, I wouldn’t. I’d dispose of the evidence later. For now, I was too nervous to think logically.
Would the guys be happy to see me? Part of me hoped they would be mad that I ditched them shortly after we got to Los Angeles that summer. It would mean they cared I was with them and not just Steven’s little sister tagging along. Would they care at all?
The commotion carried up the stairs and to the second floor where I was currently hiding and not doing a very good job convincing myself to go down there. I took my time getting ready after working my shift at the diner. After my shower, Dorothy arrived just in time to witness me try on half my closet. I’d changed again after she was already downstairs.
Who was I trying to show off for? This was me, Betty Robertson, hair a little too wild with a personality that matched far more often than my mother would like. I settled on jeans cutoff shorts and a simple white tee that tied in the front. Simple enough to not look like I was trying, hopefully. My favorite pair of brown platform boots completed the look.
I glanced in the mirror to touch up the minimal makeup I wore. I knew I’d changed since that summer. My legs seemed longer after losing a little weight, mostly because of working two jobs that kept me busy. My hair wasn’t the same boring dark brown it once was, I’d gone bottle blonde and loved it. After a quick pep talk, I was ready. Or, as ready as I could be tonight.
After making my way down the stairs, I’d barely stepped away when Steven was pulling me in for a hug. He seemed thinner than usual, was he not eating enough? He may be my big brother, but I was allowed to worry about him.
“Little sis!” He moved like he was going to mess up my hair, so I pinched him in the side. He laughed and released me. “I was starting to think you weren’t even home.”
“I debated.”
“It’s good to see you too.” Steven shook his head.
“I’m going to grab a drink.”
“That stuff will kill you.”
“I’m sure you’re already doing worse.” I didn’t mean for it to come out snappy. Maybe I was more on edge than I thought.
He raised his hands in defeat. “Clearly, you need something stronger.”
I nodded in agreement before stepping away and towards the bar in the corner to fix myself a drink. After a couple of sips, most of the nerves hid away, and I was able to focus on being happy about them being back.
