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Lianne, Carter, and I burst into laughter. Zane and Fee set a load of food down. When we recount the tale, they join in the hilarity.
God, it feels terrific to laugh with my bandmates again. I’ve missed it, so I have.
“So are we back together or what?” Zane says before dunking a chunk of bread into his soup and stuffing it in his mouth.
I nearly choke on a piece of chicken in my soup. Ronni thunks me on the back a couple of times. “Were you in the same room as me?”
“Uh, yeah. Ty’s back in. Jace is in too. Alex wasn’t feeling well, that was obvious.” He shrugs.
Fee glares at him. “Don’t be ignorant, babe. It’s unbecoming. Alex was struggling because Zoey’s about ready to pop. She’s suffered an enormous loss. Jace isn’t going to be touring anytime soon.”
“Maybe we should just ask.” He ignores Fiona’s comment.
Carter is watching Zane thoughtfully throughout the exchange. “Do you need some time, Zane?”
“No.” He keeps his eyes on his soup as he spoons it into his mouth.
Lianne and Carter exchange glances. Ronni and I do too. It’s apparent that we need to leave soon to let the family dynamics play out.
“Do you all mind if I go pick up Mia?” Fee spins keys around her finger. “She’s at my mom’s. I didn’t want her to hear any of this. We haven’t told her about Ty yet.”
Zane glances at her. “Can we please have a conversation about this, Fee? I’m trying to wrap my head around everything. We need to talk it out...”
“Fee, you know I’m mortified. I’m so sorry…” Carter stands and attempts to hug her.
She ducks out of his embrace. “You should be. I can’t help but have sympathy for Ty. The way he grew up. You’re equally as responsible, Carter for what he endured. You know that, right?”
“Now, Fee…” Lianne attempts to interject.
Fiona whirls around. “No. Don’t make excuses for him, Lianne. You’re so confusing. You push Carter away. You…”
“Wait.” I hold my hand up. “Ronni and I are going to leave. This is family business.”
Ronni stands. We say quick goodbyes and depart.
On the way home, Ronni reaches over and places her hand on my thigh. Squeezes. I cover her hand with mine. Glance over. Her smile is radiant, which surprises me.
“Why are you smiling, Mae?”
She shrugs. “I love you. I’m proud to be your wife.”
“Why’s that?” I fish a little.
“You’re a stand-up guy, Connor. For the record, I think they’ll all be okay back there. I’m glad we left, though. It’s important for the four of them to have some conversations that are probably a long time coming.”
I flick my eyes to hers. “Aye?”
“Aye,” she lovingly mimics. “Talking with Fee gave me great perspective. It will all work out. I’m certain of it.”
“I hope you’re right.” I glance over at her. She’s perfection. Utter and total perfection.
Regardless of whether my band and I can pull ourselves back together, life isalwaysuncertain. No matter how much control you think you have.
What is certain?
You can survive whatever life throws at you if the person you love is also the person you trust.
She and I have been through it all. The good: love, marriage, babies, fame, fortune, hot sex, family, and so much laughter and fun. Also, the bad: separation, lies, scandals, lawsuits, public scrutiny and fear.
