“Nah, man, she’s gone. It was just a fling. What happens at Fest, stays at fest.”
32 - Connie - Now
Jennifer Lux and I haven’t spent a lot of time together, so I’m still very starstruck by being in her presence, but I try not to let it show.
This day has been insane; performing, being sort of kidnapped, that confession from Eric, and now this?
I desperately need a shower, and maybe a drink.
Jennifer is wearing her last costume from the setlist, which means that somehow, it’s been nearly three hours since I was on stage.
“Hey, Constance, how are you doing?” Her voice is gentle, surprisingly enough.
Exhausted. “I’m alright.”
Jennifer has a water bottle in her hands, a reusable kind with a straw, and for some reason, I’m fixated on it. I wonder absently if I’ve ever seen her with her hands empty before. “I am so sorry you had to go through such an ordeal today, but you handled it with grace and poise. It’s irresponsible that Michael snuck someone in without going through the proper identification protocols. He’ll be dealt with.”
I see Eric’s shoulders set. I know he wants to voice an opinion, probably to ask about more punishment, but thankfully, he keeps his mouth shut.
“Okay,” I nod, because I don’t know what else to say, and it feels like she’s waiting on a response.
“It’s my sincere hope that this doesn’t discourage you from working with Ripple Records in the future,” she says earnestly.
I know my mind is mush, but maybe hers is too? Is Jennifer getting me confused with Lilli?
“Lilli is still all in,” I say, trying to navigate this conversation.
“That’s good. You both are such great songwriters, and I was able to see your performance tonight! I really look forward to working together. I don’t want to push you right now, though—you need to go rest.” She takes another drink of water and smiles warmly. “Tops will give you my personal number. We’ll talk later this week, okay?”
“Uh, sure.” What’s happening? I can’t keep up.
As Jennifer Lux leaves, Tops joins us and hands some keys to Eric. “Just leave it with the valet, and I’ll pick it up from there.”.
“Ash and Lilli are already there,” he tells her, leaning against the doorframe, Tops outside in the hall. “I think our plan is to head back tomorrow afternoon.”
“Okay, good. I need to get the bus reset for the next opening act. Ash should know the process by now. Are you going to come with us for the next act?”
Eric shrugs slightly and looks back at me over his shoulder. “I go where I’m needed.”
Tops pauses as she looks at Eric, then around him at me, and back up to Eric again. “Well, Ash will let you know. I thinkyou did some good work, kid.” He closes the door and lets out a long, slow exhale.
“Are you going to stay on the tour?” I ask.
His shoulders slump. “I need a nap before I make any decisions like that.”
33 - Eric - Now
I slept in Connie’s room that night, trash television on the hotel’s wall-mounted flatscreen. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s more rattled than she’s letting on after the day she had yesterday.
She fell asleep with her head on my chest, her legs wrapped around my thigh. She snores a little bit with her neck at this angle, and I adjust so she can breathe easier.
Ash and I are texting as she sleeps, and Connie’s phone lights up on the nightstand a few times with messages from Lilli.
Check out is 11, and it’s already 9:30. If Connie has to be rushed out the door because I let her sleep in, I’m pretty sure she’ll kill me.
“Hey there, Stardust,” I whisper in her ear. My voice is low, and she nuzzles into me as she wakes up. Her bright eyes flutter open and lock with mine. “Good morning,” I say.
“Hi,” is her breathy reply. I give her a squeeze, not wanting to get up from our spot on the bed. I couldn’t sleep last night, replaying the day in my head.
