Page 89 of Strum Me

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Brad

The show goes on, but I’m only there in part, mentally. It’s not enough to call attention to myself from the other guys though, and the crowd doesn’t seem to have any problems with our performance at all. But I sit out any optional solos that I might normally do, and when the main set is done and we’re backstage quickly discussing the encore, I’m okay with Marius and Jez going up to do a duet on their own.

As soon as they start their song, I leave my violin with Sebastian and tell him I need to run. He doesn’t bother questioning me, just gives me a nod and tells me to go.

I run down the stairs behind the stage, pushing against the crew and other bands. I barely stop when someone pats me on the back to congratulate me on our performance.

None of it registers.

I just need to get to Ben. And Emily. I need to get to them.

Throwing the tent flap aside, the brightness inside blinds me for a moment.

And I come to a stop. The tableau of Ben sitting on Emily’s lap swinging his legs, while she holds open a book reading aloud to them both makes my chest tighten, then swell like a helium balloon. A warmth spreads over me and the worry of the last half hour melts like cotton candy in my mouth, and what is left is sweet and comforting.

“Hi,” I say. Not sure what else I want to say.

Emily looks up and the fatigue in her eyes tears at me, but she doesn’t begrudge me a smile. “Hey.”

“Everyone okay?”

“We sure are, Uncle Brad! Mommy gave me a lollipop. You want a lick?”

His sweetness does what it always does, steals another corner of my heart to reserve just for him.

“I’m good, buddy. Trying to watch my teeth.” I go over and gently stroke his forehead. “You had a bit of an adventure, didn’t you?”

“Yup. Everyone was really worried! But I was okay. I knew I’d get back to Mommy.”

“We sure were worried, buddy. But we’re glad you’re back now. The guys can’t wait to see you. Now, should we hear the rest of the book?”

“I already know the ending,” he beams.

“Oh, well don’t tell me!”

Emily opens the book and goes back to reading aloud, each word slow and clear, her finger following each word. I kneel down next to them and put my hand on her back. She stumbles over a word, but then continues. I run my hand up and down her spine, and I feel her skin turn from ice cold to warm under my touch.

She knows. She knows that I’m there for her. That I’ll always be there for her.

***

It’s late.

Ben and the rest of the band are in their beds. The day is fading from their minds and their bodies as they rest for what comes tomorrow.

I gently knock on Emily’s door, and she opens it without asking.

Her hair is wet from the shower, and she’s wearing the same nightie she wore the other night. It’s champagne-colored and silk so fine, I can see her silhouette through it.

“Put on a jacket,” I whisper.

“Why?”

“Just do it.”

When she’s done what I asked, I take her hand and she follows me out of the bus.