“We have a short break in February. Only a week, though, then we’re right back out there,” she answers.
I see a couple of the guys slump in their seats. I understand now. Luke has two small girls at home, and Chris and his wife are expecting their first in a couple of months. I’m sure Kip and Kenny miss home too. As for me, well, I’d like to see a little more of my hometown.
“We’ll be back in Texas again in March, right?” Chris asks.
“Yes, then the south through April, then you’re off until time to hit the studio. I’m thinking June at the earliest.” Chris sighs in relief. I was very insistent when we made the schedule to have him home for the birth.
“I promise you’ll be there, no matter what,” I assure him. “I didn’t spend all of my time hiding during Christmas either. I’ve almost finished a new song for the next album. If we can put a couple more together while we’re driving, I think we won’t need to spend a lot of time in studio.”
“I’m game,” Luke agrees. The rest of the guys nod.
“I’d like to debut this first one when we’re in Texas next, if that’s okay.”
“That would be perfect,” Robin says. “I’ll make sure it gets leaked as a preview exclusive. They’ll go wild.”
She’s talking about the social media influencers who follow my every step. I work really hard to keep on their good side. They’re like paparazzi for today’s world. “Will you for sure have it ready for Dallas?” she ask.
“If we can sneak in some extra rehearsal time.”
“Consider it done.” Robin hurries to the back of the bus to start working on the promo side of the release.
“Can we see it?” Kenny asks. He’s the band’s bass player. I can’t write his part, but I have no doubt he’ll have something amazing put together in no time.
“Yeah, let me grab it.” I pull the song from my closet in the back of the bus and return to the table. I feel my anxiety amp up when I set the lyrics down. I grab my guitar and play the opening bars for them.
“Wow, Harmony. This is the best thing you’ve written. What happened during that week in Texas?” Kenny says. He slides the pages to Luke. They each take a turn looking at the song before the brainstorming starts.
I love this part of music. I might be the main vocalist, but we all have an equal stake in writing the music. It’s why we’re one of those rare country western groups instead of a solo artist or duet.
It takes hardly any time at all before we’re practicing the new song in the very limited space we have. Now, I just hope he shows up to listen to it. It’s about him, us really. It’s the most personal thing I’ve ever written. It’s about going home.
seventeen
BEAU
Reacher is still moping aroundthe house. And, unless it’s my imagination, Joe isn’t acting his usual peppy self either. He only met her once, but she must have left a lasting impression on the horse.
Hoss couldn’t care less—he doesn’t give a crap about much of anything. I think he might be getting irritated with the other two though.
I don’t blame them. I feel grumpier than my usual sunny self. It’s ridiculous how much better I felt after just a few lines of texts last night. How does anyone stand to be separated from their person? I know families do it all the time, but I’d never thought about it before.
“What should I make for supper tonight?” Reacher answers with a snort. He’s watching me from his pillow in the kitchen with his head resting on his paws. His big sad gaze stares up at me. “You have got to snap out of it, buddy. You’re bringing the whole house down.” He doesn’t look convinced.
“Fine, you’re getting your regular supper, and I’m having chili.” I stop, remembering our conversation about the perfect thing for a cold winter night. “Maybe leftover meatloaf instead.”
I dig through the refrigerator until I find the wrapped plate. Reba sent a whole meatloaf over yesterday. I think it’s a pity meatloaf. Doesn’t matter, I’ll still eat it.
With my microwaved meal, I walk into the living room and flop down on the couch. There’s another old movie already queued up in the player.
Soon, I should have a better selection to choose from. They come next week to install my new satellite internet. It’s really more for safety than anything. Don’t get the wrong idea and think it’s so I can communicate with a certain someone better.
“I can’t even fool myself,” I explain to Reacher, who’s moved to his space in front of the fireplace. He watches the lights flicker on the Christmas tree.
Yes, it’s still up. Also yes, it’s after New Year’s Day. The tree itself looks like it’s on its last leg, but I haven’t had the heart to take it down. Jesus, I’m totally whipped from long distance. I’m not all that upset about that either.
After taking a bite of fucking hot meatloaf, I hit play on the remote. My gaze drifts to my phone just in case there were any texts. Nothing.
Popping another bite in my mouth because I forgot how damn hot the first one was, I refocus on the movie. At least Mom had pretty good taste in entertainment.
