My thoughts unintentionally turn to Raleigh. She seemed unlike herself tonight. Of course, I don’t know her all that well, but when I saw her off stage toward the end of the set, it almost looked like she was sad. Raleigh is never sad. Annoyed, yes, but never sad. She’d met my glance for just a moment, but the way she was observing Mae and Trenton, I thought that maybe she was looking for the same thing I’ve been looking for for years. In her eyes, I saw my own loneliness and it was enough to bring moisture to my eyes.
The no nonsense publicist with white streaks through her fiery red hair and a kind hearted nature hidden behind a tough exterior. My smile turns into a frown when I think about the scene after the show. Raleigh was letting herself get walked over by her client and her good for nothing boyfriend. It was so unlike her, but sadly, I don’t believe this was the first time something like that had happened.
Feeling the need to put my worries at bay, I text out my inquiry.
Dalton:Did you get Raleigh home alright?
Mitch:Safe and sound. Hope I’ve eased your conscience.
Dalton:Consider it eased.
I wouldn’t actually consider it eased; something about how Raleigh was so complacent with how she was treated isn’t sitting right with me. She had seemed more angry at me stepping in than she had been at the idea of walking home alone at night. Looking back on it, Trenton had seemed unbothered and Mae seemed trapped.
Dalton:Is she all good?
Mitch:Not really the talkative type. Refused to look in my direction the whole four block drive. Did mumble a thank you.
Mitch:Any reason for the sudden interest? *raised eyebrow emoji
Dalton:Not necessarily. Just sick of how Travers treats people.
Mitch:Don’t let him hear that, you’ll be out of a job.
Mitch:I do agree with you though.
Instead of texting back, I let the message sit with me. There are lots of security jobs in a town like this, but would I feel the same amount of importance if I had to start over again? With Trenton’s crew, I have the best schedule and get paid a hefty salary. What would leaving look like? I slap a hand across my face and rub at my jaw. There is no need to be stressing myself out in the only place I don’t feel on edge.
Without bothering to move to my bed or change into anything comfortable, I let sleep find me while thinking about anything but Raleigh and the way she looked at me at the concert.
***
My alarm, AKA Merle howling at the door, wakes me from a deep sleep. Sun falls through my apartment’s only windowsignifying that it is indeed time for a new day. “Alright Merle, I’m getting up.”
My phone is nearly dead, but I have a need to annoy my brother since his dog is annoying me.
Dalton:Your dog wants out.
I think I might have some time before he answers, but I forget that his road schedule typically has him up and out to the next town by the early morning hours. He messages me back almost immediately.
Dustin:Good, some time outside will be good for both of you.
I roll my eyes as my phone dies and Merle whines louder. Jumping into action, I run into my bedroom and throw on a t-shirt and jeans. All the while, I mumble to myself about my brother and his need to make me feel insecure about my life. He often, unapologetically, tells me that I’m lonely. Honestly, on days off, I would have to agree with him.
Connecting my phone to a charger, I grab a leash and tumble out of my apartment to the stairwell. Merle has abandoned his whining and drags me down the stairs, wagging his tail. Every few steps he looks back at me, willing me to go faster.
Outside, Nashville is just now waking up. Merle and I take our normal route toward the river trails and do our best not to get distracted by anything and everything. Unfortunately, a massive billboard with Mae’s face on it flashes on the side of a building. I smile to myself knowing that I’ve already heard a majority of the song it’s teasing.
One of the perks of my job is hearing things before the public. I’ve grown to love Mae’s music more and more recently and Trenton’s less and less. Though, the song he played last night really was pretty good. I doubt it ever sees the light of day because of label issues. Merle pulls me forward as we make ourloop back toward home and thoughts of label battles leave my head.
When we finally get back through my front door, Merle leaps from his leash and lands on the ottoman, immediately falling asleep. “Lucky,” I mumble.
My revived phone buzzes from the counter, and I flinch when I see that I have messages from Mitch and Trenton. It takes two seconds for the nerves to ease, both reiterate that I’m not needed today. Something about plans on staying in and writing with Mae.
A whole drama free day? Well, maybe dog drama, but that I can handle.
Chapter 7
Raleigh
