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“Thanks Troy, but I’m good. War is taking good care of me. You don’t have to worry while you’re on tour because I have my own personal warrior.” Then she laughs. I note by the stunned looks on their faces that this is something that rarely happens.
“We’ll be gone for eight weeks. I have a list of places we’re going to be. You have all our cells. If you want the studio I need to make some calls to reserve time, so just let me know.” Paul is running through his checklist still constantly looking at Maddie searching for warning signs that there might be a problem.
“She is getting her own studio.” I pipe up.
“What?” Paul asks but all eyes turn to me, including Maddie’s.
“It’s being designed and added. You guys won’t have to worry about studio time from now on. You just come and do your thing. I want Maddie to be able to do what she wants when she wants.”
“Are you for real? Do you know how much that’s gonna run?” Paul continues to stare.
“Don’t care. It’s done.”
I can hear the side stage mumble, “Fuck.” “Are you shitting me?” “Unbelievable.” And the one that makes me laugh, “I have to get myself a Satan’s Pride member.”
Alex reminds them all, “We have to hit the road if we want to get there in time, Paul.”
I could see that Maddie’s brother is struggling to leave her.
“Go Paul. I. am. fine.” Maddie says confidently, smiling at him.
“I got her Paul. Go do what you got to do. Call her every night so she doesn’t worry.” I get closer to Maddie and stretch out my hand and she takes it, making her way to my side where I wrap her in my arms.
“Okay, but I have to tell you I’m freaked out by this.” Paul says waving his arms at me and Maddie.
“We didn’t plan it, but it works. We’re both happy with each other. The situation has moved things along a little faster than usual, but I swear that she is always going to feel safe. She is my priority. Her happiness is important to me.”
He nods to me and I give him a chin lift back.
“I love you Maddie” he says and kisses her cheek. “I’ll call you every day to check in.”
Maddie puts her hands on either side of his face and kisses his cheeks. “Love you too, big brother. You better call me.”
Goodbyes are finally done and although Maddie sheds a few tears, she assures me she’s good and snuggles deeper into my arms. I want to get her to my place so we can find our own new rhythm.
“Baby, where are your bags?” I keep my tone light.
“In the bedroom.”
“I’ll go get them.” I move to her room. It’s soft and sweet. Robin blue walls with a white wrought iron bed covered in a pink and blue comforter in a simple swirl pattern. Her shelves hold CDs, movies, and books, all neatly stacked. My Kitten made her nest in this room. I wonder how she is going to fare in my home.
I come out to find Cris waiting at the door. “Grab a bag, let’s get moving.” I say.
Cris and I loaded the car he brought with him because women pack far too much shit and I want Maddie to be able to ride comfortably on my bike with me.
“Baby, what did you pack? No way this is only clothes,” I grunt.
“Um, well, I have tons of my music on my iPod and phone, but I also brought some of my favourite CDs and some books, and sheet music that I have been working on. I need to get my guitar.” Her voice starts to fade, and she looks away.
“Hey, I was just teasing Kitten. Bring the whole place with you.” I’m planning on having her apartment emptied any way. I kiss her on the forehead. “I’ll see how we can get more of your favourites later.” I whisper in her hair. I want Maddie to feel comfortable and know that I want her with me.
She lifts her eyes and smiles. She’s good to go and so am I.
Nine
Best Morning Ever
Maddie
