Fair point.
“We’ve worked together for more than a decade, and it’s never been like this. It’s like you’re excluding us from everything,” Zac adds.
If my cool-as-a-cucumber drummer is piping up, we’ve got a real problem. Nothing fazes Zac, and he rarely gets involved in any nonsense, preferring to stay focused on his work.
“I see.” I wrack my brain for the best way to respond. What do you say when your closest friends call you out on being absent from their lives? On jeopardizing their careers? When didn’t you anticipate any of these comments?
“Shit. This is not how we wanted to have this conversation. But things came to a head today with the equipment malfunction, and it couldn’t wait until we were back in Nashville to have a proper sit-down.” Shane rocks on his heels again. “Some of us are worried about what your lack of focus means for the band long-term. If you’ll even continue to tour. Record. All of it.”
“Yeah. Do I need to find a fucking new job?” Jimmy asks, standing with his arms crossed and his face a mix of fear and worry.
And it’sallmy fault.
Talk about a figurative punch in the gut.
“No one needs to look for another job,” I state, making eye contact with everyone to reinforce my words. “I didn’t mean to exclude any of you from the process of making this album. It’s been a different experience for me since it’s heavily focused on my relationship with Kate. I guess that led to some unintended consequences.”
“No shit,” Jimmy mutters, rolling his eyes.
Shane glares at Jimmy, almost like he’s silently telling him to shut the fuck up. Alex doesn’t say a word, listening to the entireconversation with no obvious indication of how he feels about my recent behavior.
“I’m going to keep touring. I can’t promise there won’t be changes to future schedules as Kate and I start to blend our lives, but it won’t significantly impact any of you. I don’t want any of you to doubt my commitment to music or you. I’ll work to fix this. I promise.”
There are silent nods from the group as the tension eases slightly. Not gone completely, but at least Jimmy no longer appears like he could pop a vein in his forehead at any minute.
“Let’s plan on getting into the studio together when we’re back in Nashville on Sunday. We can spend a few days riffing on everything before we have to work with producers to lay down the final tracks.”
“It’s about damn time,” Shane replies, a smile growing across his face. “Cannot fucking wait to hear what you’ve written.”
“Same,” Zac chimes in.
When I glance at my watch, there’s about an hour before I need to start getting ready for the VIP performance and meet-and-greets, giving barely enough time for an impromptu listening session. “How about I grab my laptop and we give a quick listen to my demo tracks on your bus?”
“Fuck yeah,” Jimmy shouts, pumping his fist in the air.
Everyone else takes a calmer approach before splitting up with plans to meet back on the band bus in five minutes.
Looks like I’m not doing as stellar a job at merging my professional and personal lives as I thought. I’ve spent the past couple of months worried about how Kate was adapting to all the changes, never thinking about how our relationship was going to impact the rest of the team. It makes me question whether Max, Anna, and Jason are feeling the same way. If my focus has been hindering their ability to do their jobs effectively.
After running my hands through my hair, I groan loudly, grateful no one is around to hear me.
I need to double down on my career for the next few weeks. At least until the album is done.
Fuck. I’m going to miss looking at houses in Chicago with Kate. The realtor has all the appointments set up next week.
Kate will understand. Or, at least, Ihopeshe will.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
kate
“You haveto buy this house for this bathroom alone,” Chelsi declares, gawking at the enormous soaker tub and steam shower. “You could fit two people in this tub. Do you have any idea how much funthatcould be? And the shower bench is at the perfect height?—”
“We should check out the closet,” I say, attempting to prevent Chelsi from making another sexual comment in front of the high-end realtor working with us. Danica was not pleased when she found out Jake couldn’t join me for the showings, so the last thing I need is for her to get a full dose of Chelsi. Danica gives major ice-queen vibes and definitely does not get Chelsi’s sense of humor.
“Oh my God. This closet is bigger than my bedroom.” Chelsi disappears into the walk-in closet. “Holy shit. There’s another one. Please tell me you’re going to put an offer on this house.”
“We’re only just getting started. I’m sure there are lots of options for us to consider. Danica had two more homes lined up for us to view next,” I reply, trying to dampen Chelsi’s excitement a bit because there is no way in hell my cautiouspersonality would allow me to make such a rash decision. Especially without Jake here.
