Chapter Twelve
Jonathan
Taking off my headphones, I move off my stool in front of the microphone. My throat feels raw after hours of recording, but we got a lot done today. Shane stands from closing his guitar case as I step closer to him and hold out my hand. “Thanks, man. Great session today.”
He shakes my hand. “My pleasure. Always nice to play good music. Think we’ll get through the rest tomorrow?”
I grin. “We better. The label only has us booked for two days. I think I’m the biggest variable, though. My two songs are last.”
“If you want an extra set of ears before you lay down the tracks, I’m happy to listen.”
Reaching for my bottle of water, I unscrew the cap. “Nah. I’ll be fine. Thanks, though.”
“I see how it is. Someone else in mind to sing to tonight?” With a wink he flips the last latch on his case before picking it up and heading for the door.
“Something like that.” I’m actually not worried about those songs. I’ve been playing them so long, I could perform them in my sleep. More than another rehearsal, I need to rest my voice tonight.
“Oh, speaking of your girl, I’ve got the contract and music for her. Plus the address and call time.” He holds the door for me, tapping my shoulder and pointing down the hall so I’ll follow him. “I also included a list of the other gigs that we need someone for. You think she might be able to rearrange her summer? Or does she have other stuff booked after she leaves here?”
“Oh, um,” I clear my throat, feeling a little awkward since her reason for leaving is her parents and not other professional obligations. “I let her know that other gigs were a possibility. She said she’d have to check, but she might be able to extend her stay.”
He throws a look over his shoulder, one eyebrow arched. “I’m sure you wouldn’t object to her sticking around longer.”
Ha. I crack a smile. That’s the understatement of the year. “True.”
When we step out of the building, the heat hits me like a blast from a furnace. It’s amazing how quickly I got used to the cooler summers in Spokane. Sure, I’d come home for visits, but once I moved off campus, I stayed there most of the year. I’m not used to a hundred plus degrees in June.
Shane slips a pair of sunglasses on and heads to a beat-up black pickup, stashing his guitar on the passenger side and pulling out a manila envelope with Gabby’s name written on the outside. “Here you go. Have her email me back the signed contract and we’re good to go.”
“Thanks, Shane. She’ll be thrilled.”
We shake hands again, and his eyes drift to the envelope in my other hand before coming back to mine, a thoughtful look on his face. “She gonna come on tour with us? Maybe have a string section? It might fill out some of the songs nicely.”
I pull my hand back and scratch my cheek, clearing my throat again. “Oh, well, she’ll be back in school by then. Starting her sophomore year in the fall. So if we decide to add a string section, she wouldn’t be able to be part of it.”
His eyes widen for a second, surprise registering on his face. “Got it. Well, all the more reason to convince her to stick around for the rest of the summer then, huh?” His eyebrows bounce up and down a couple of times. “I know my girlfriend’s not entirely thrilled about the prospect of me being gone for a long tour. Have you gotten the final dates of all our stops yet?”
“Not yet. I’m supposed to meet with the label and my manager week after next to discuss release dates and the final tour stops. I do know they’re planning on having us start around here prerelease to help build buzz. Try to get the local fans stirred up.”
He nods. “Solid plan. Hopefully we’ll be able to sleep at home for a bit longer before we get sent all over North America.” After closing the passenger side door of his truck, he moves to the driver’s side. “Alright, man. It’s hotter than Satan’s balls out here. I’m gonna go. See you tomorrow.”
Laughing, I hold up a hand. “Later.”
I make my way to my own car, the other band members having left already. So far we play well together, but we haven’t had a chance to get to know each other. I’ve talked to Shane the most. He’s cool, but I’m a little worried about what the tour will be like if my bandmates continue to barely talk to me. Right now, it just sounds lonely.
Especially after Shane’s reminder that Gabby won’t be with me. When I toured before, I had my brothers with me. While I don’t necessarily want my brothers with me this time, lonely was never something I felt before.
This time? I’m afraid that’ll be the overwhelming feeling. Maybe I can convince them to call it The Loneliness Tour. Sounds cheerful. Sure to draw a crowd.
I snort and shake my head at my own maudlin thoughts, pulling out my car keys. Gabby’s here now. And there’s a strong possibility that she’ll be staying even longer than planned. Even if I have to stay at my parents’ house all summer, it’ll be worth it just to have her nearby and see her every day. I’ll need this time to last me during the long, lonely months of promoting my album and touring while she’s back at Marycliff.
Now is not the time to think about that, though. She’s here, and I’m more determined than ever to enjoy the time I have with her.
Once inside the car, AC on full blast, I pull out my phone and call her. She answers on the second ring, giggling. “Hey!”
I smile in response. “Hey, little diva. What’re you doing?”
She laughs again. “Just hanging out with Marissa. You done for the day?”
“I sure am. Ready for me to come pick you up?”
“Always. How’d it go?”
“We got a lot done. I’ll tell you about it when I get there. I got your music and the contract for the gig next week from Shane, too.”
“Awesome.” Her excitement bleeds through the phone. “Marissa helped me come up with a plan to convince my parents that I should stay for longer so I can get those other gigs too.”
“Perfect.” Holding the phone with one hand, I put the car in reverse and back out of my parking spot. “I want to hear all about it. But I gotta go right now. I’ll be there in about half an hour.”
“Can’t wait.”
And just like that, my somber mood is lifted. Even if she can’t come on tour with me, we’ll figure it out. One step at a time.