Page 72 of Play Me

“This is not...just for here?” She asks, her voice suddenly filled with insecurity.

I thread my fingers through hers and tell her with more conviction then I have ever said anything, “No, it’s for here, there, everywhere and in between.”

And I can see she likes the thought of that.

***

“Over here! Seb! Cadence!”

Over the bobbing heads all going in the direction of baggage claim, I can see Hank waving to us, and I wave back and lead Cadence over to him.

“Fucking hell! All hell is breaking loose! Quick, we better get you guys to the car!”

Cadence looks over at me, and I just shrug. I have as little idea about what’s going on as she has.

One of the SUVs is waiting for us at the pick-up point and I help Cadence get in first, and slide in after her. Hanks throws our bags into the trunk and climbs into the passenger seat.

“Take us back to the hotel, please.” He tells the driver and then turns to us.

“What’s going on?” We ask him.

“Come on! Like you don’t know.”

“We don’t. Hello, the only contact we’ve had with the outside world is my call to you to come pick us up.”

“So, you don’t have something to tell me? About you two?”

“Well, um, I mean...”

Cadence looks over at me. We’d agreed that we wouldn’t be making a big announcement. If one of the guys asked then we’d confirm that we were together, but for now, we’d hoped that we could fly under the radar. Of course, disappearing for three days together was going to get some tongues wagging.

“Just spit it out, Hank.”

“No way, this is Dennis’ territory, I’m just here to pick you up.” He turns and slides his earphones into his ears and tries to ignore us.

***

“What the hell have you done?” Dennis yells at us as soon as we walk through the rehearsal room door. His face is red and it looks like he’s spent the last three hours running his fingers through his hair trying not to pull it all out.

“It’s good to see you too, Dennis! We missed you!” I reply and turn to wink at Cadence.

“No, no, no, there will be none of that.” He points at me, “You! Sit there.” He points at the sofa. “And Cadence. You.” He turns and points to the recliner opposite the couch. “You sit there.”

“Yes, Dad.” We move to sit in our respective assigned seats.

“Now, answer me this time. What the hell have you done?”

“What are you talking about, Dennis?”

“You disappear for three days...TOGETHER! And this morning, I get a Google alert to say that, and I QUOTE, “Sebastian Dupont from Grammy Winner Band Elopes with Oz High School Music Teacher!” He turns to us, his mouth dropping open.

Cadence drops her head, her hair falling in front of her face, a move I’ve become accustomed to now, when she wants to hide her expression. Her shaking shoulders however are giving her away.

“Oh.” I shrug, “That. That’s nothing.” I get up from my seat, “Anyone want a coffee?”

Dennis roars, “Sit your fucking ass down!”

I sink back down into my seat and bite the inside of my cheek trying not to laugh. “Chill, man.”