Four
BALDWIN HOLLOWS
The dinner with Mom and Tatum was like the good ole days.
I better not get too used to it. I’m hoping over the next two weeks, I can prove to her that I’m worthy of being her husband and figure out what went wrong.
I don’t understand why she thinks I cheated on her.
I’d never do that to her. I love her too much for that.
I’m quiet in Mom’s kitchen, getting ready to head over to Tatum’s before the radio interview. I get into my car and drive in her direction when my phone rings and it’s Tatum’s number.
“Morning, Sunshine.” I smile when I answer the phone.
“I hate that you’re such a morning person. When do you think you’ll be here? I need to finish getting ready,” she asks.
“It’s going to be about a half-hour. Can you leave your luggage by the door so I can load it up into my truck? That should give you some more time.”
“Okay, sounds good. The door is unlocked for you. Bye.” She hangs up before I could say anything else. I remember the code from the other night. I drive around looking for her car and I pull into the spot I left yesterday morning.
I feel so nervous about this because there are some unresolved issues between the two of us. I ride the elevator to the fifth floor and I knock on her door before walking in, but there’s no response, so I walk in and see the suitcase and backpack laptop case.
“Tate? You here?” I holler down the hall towards her bedroom.
“Yeah. I’m getting dressed. Give me about ten minutes,” Tatum yells back.
“I’m taking the bags out. Don’t forget your cell phone and laptop charger.
” I chuckle as I hear her tell me to fuck off.
When she traveled with us in the past, she would always forget her chargers.
We had to buy one every two weeks it seemed.
I put her luggage in the backseat with mine and I’m contemplating going back in to see if she has more things.
I sigh and head back in only to see Tatum standing there with two cups of coffee.
“Do you have any more bags?” I ask her. She hands me another suitcase. “You know we’re only on tour for two weeks right?”
“I have the camera in there, so it’s precious cargo.” Tatum smiles at me.
“I always thought you were the precious cargo.” I stand in front of the elevator doors so she can walk in. I take in a deep breath as she walks past me. God, she smells good.
“I’m nervous,” Tatum tells me.
“Why?” I ask her as we walk to my truck. All you hear are the sounds of her high heeled boots clacking on the pavement, car doors slamming, and people laying on the horn.
“Being on the tour bus with you. It’s been three years since we’ve all been together. I haven’t talked to anyone since I left.” We stop at my truck and I grab her elbow so she’s looking at me.
“Everyone is going to be so damn excited to see you. The guys missed you. I bet you are going to get a lot of hugs and kisses. This band is our family.” I’m trying to reassure her, but she looks a little green.