“You meanwe’llbe out ‘til the bars close?” For a moment I consider it. I have one post to schedule for the morning, and one hug to give, but other than that… The timeline takes the forefront of my mind. Tomorrow, down to Birmingham, then to Jackson, then New Orleans. Lord, let us get through New Orleans. I’ll allow myself a drink or two if we can get past Mae’s home town. The state that holds all of Mae’s demons. “Raleigh?” I’ve completely zoned out on Dalton, an embarrassing thought. I could explain getting caught on the thought of New Orleans, but not without Mae’s okay.
“Sorry, I got distracted,” I whisper, raising a finger toward Mae and Trenton sharing a mic to finish off the song. “Maybe another time.”
Turning to go, Dalton catches my hand. I let myself indulge in the soft caress of his thumb, but soon, reality catches up to me. One hard look from his face down to our linked fingers and he lets go. “Call me if you or Mae need anything. I’ll wait up,” I tease, before breaking completely away from him and heading toward the bus. I beat the rush and am able to give myself a head start.
Thinking about New Orleans has me downright spooked. The shows up to this point have gone off without a hitch, but now that the early jitters are out of the way, Mae will be content looking forward and I fear she’ll balk at the sight of Louisiana. As these scary thoughts grow, I absentmindedly reach for my phone.
Scrolling for the contact I’m looking for, I hit the call button despite the late hour. “Hey, this is Raleigh Davis. Is Bill available?”
The sweet voice of Bill’s wife greets me. “Hey, Raleigh dear. Is Mae alright?”
“Yes, yes, we’re fine. Listen, I hate calling to ask you something this late, but we’re coming down to New Orleans for a show soon, and I know Mae is going to ask to visit.”
“They keep sharing about the tour on the news. Everyone isrealexcited, though I’m not sure many could get tickets.” The woman on the other end of the line hums as the phone rustles with movement.
“This is Bill.” The sweet, soft voice of the southern woman is replaced by the voice of a man hardened by law enforcement.
I take a deep breath, thinking of Mae’s small hometown and how everyone there supported her through all the issues with her family. With Bill, I know I can skip the pleasantries. “I’m calling to ask about—”
“Maggie,” he says flatly.
“Yes. I’m worried Mae will want to go see her, and I need to know if that would be a good idea or not so I can plan accordingly.”
Bill clears his throat. “I would never forcefully keep that girl away now that she’s an adult, but if she were still her young self, I wouldn’t let her within 50 miles.” Bill has a bit of a bite to him as he confesses.
“Alright,” I begin. “Thank you.”
“If she does come around, will you call me? I’ll go with her if you think that would help the situation.”
I nod and then remember that he can’t see me. “I will, sir. Thanks again.”For everything.
“Take care, and tell Mae that Lily still expects that signed guitar she was promised.” I take a mental note and bid another goodbye before hanging up.
Knowing how uncomfortable Bill would be with a visit has me on edge even more so than before. The knowledge will haunt me until that tour stop is long gone from the rearview.
Chapter 26
Dalton
THEY SAY NEW ORLEANS has more personality than any other city in the country. I’ve been to a lot of places, but I’m learning quickly that this place is special. Tonight’s performance will be one for the books as well, it being Mae’s home state show and all. Trenton even gifted her a longer set for the night, and the city is practically buzzing for her return. They even decorated Bourbon Street in her honor.
Our accommodation for the weekend is a grand hotel, the nicest I’ve ever stayed in. It towers above the rest near the French Quarter and hosts a slew of food offerings and luxe extras. Even the elevator I am currently in is finished with crystalline touches and dark woods.
In one hand, I hold a bag of beignets, in the other, a coffee for Raleigh. It’s meant to be a nice surprise. The two of us haven’t had any time to talk since Birmingham, and I know she’s been pulling some ridiculously late nights.
Mae has the entire top floor, so as the elevator attendant escorts me up, I take a moment to take in the lavishness and hope that the mood will be stress free. As far as I know, Mae and Trenton are doing well, and the tour has officially sold out. All the more reason to celebrate with some beignets.
As soon as the doors open, my hopes are whisked away. The women are locked into a clear argument; Mae is in tears, Raleigh looks defeated. As Mae looks over her shoulder toward me, she scoffs. “Did you tell him? Tell him and not me? I know you talk.” There’s venom in her words. Suddenly, I wish I’d taken the treats to Mitch and my team instead.
Raleigh hurriedly pulls her hair back into a bun and fans her neck. I can practically feel the heat from across the room. “Mae, I told you. I only called Bill. I didn’t tell Trenton or Dalton or anyone.” There’s a brief pause but Mae doesn’t respond so the onslaught continues. “Maggie’s information is public, you know that. Your relation to her is public. A visit home that spirals could be worse than bad.”
I’m stuck like a deer in the headlights, and Mae catches it. “Raleigh really hasn’t told you?”
My eyes find Raleigh, but she’s hunched over the couch clinging onto it for dear life.
“Hey, Dalton.” Mae snaps her fingers, regaining my attention. “Raleigh hasn’t told you about my mother?” She laughs and continues, all to spite Raleigh who has to take it in stride. “I know you guys share a lot.”
Raleigh and I both straighten at this.
