Five
TATUM HOLLOWS
“I think you’re wrong, but we’ll go with that.
I might not be able to jump back in as your wife and part of the family.
” I open up the passenger side door and slide in.
Baldwin shuts it and walks over to the driver's side. We make our way through rush-hour traffic to the radio station. “I need to grab the camera to take pictures.” The ride was quiet. I didn’t want to say anything to make this situation any more difficult for us.
We ride the elevator up to the booth. “Tatum, just breathe,” Baldwin tells me as soon as the bell dings and we walk out.
“What’s up, motherfucker?” I hear Aaron’s voice first. Baldwin hugs everyone and then the chatter dies down when someone says my name.
“Holy fuck! Is that Tater-tot?’ I hated that nickname all through school, even more when we were married. I can feel my face turning beet red.
“It’s me,” I reply shyly.
“Get over here, girl, and give me a big hug.” Aaron opens his arms for me and I run right into them, almost knocking him over.
“Damn, girl, you're looking fine as hell.” I smile and laugh.
The rest of the band comes over and gives me hugs and tells me how much they missed me.
It feels like no time has passed between us.
The radio producer lets the band know their spot is up.
“Where do I go while you're doing your radio show?” I asked Win.
“Well, since you are here following the band, you need to be in with us if you want to get the pictures,” he tells me as we walk into the radio booth. I set my camera bag down in the corner and take out my Canon digital camera.
“You are not going to believe who this DJ is staring at right now. Your morning DJ Aggie coming at you at the top of the seventh hour. I am here with my favorite band, Winston Sellars. Good morning, guys.” They all say “hello” and thank him for being here.
“Alright, let's talk about your upcoming tour. Can you tell me about it?”
“Good morning, DJ Aggie. This tour is all about getting back to our fans. They have been with us for the last ten years. We are doing concerts at colleges, bars, and stadiums.” I click pictures as they talk and tell a lot of jokes.
“After this tour is over, we are taking a much-needed break. We are going to get back into the studio and make some new music and spend time with our families.”
“When we told the listeners you were going to be here today, we were flooded with questions. Can I ask them?” They all agree.
I’m sitting on the floor now with my notebook open, making notes.
I scribble down new music, and why the tour to colleges and bars.
I’m not paying attention to the questions until I hear ‘married’ in the sentence.
The guys all answer and when it comes time for Win to reply, I put my notebook down and lock eyes with him.
“That’s a fascinating question. It’s a complicated situation for me.
” Win won’t stop looking at me. I raise my eyebrow, challenging him.
“I am married but estranged from my wife. I’m hoping that once the tour is over, I’m going to get my wife back.
” I swallow hard. Oh boy, am I in trouble.
I’m screwed, because once Win sets his mind to something, he's not going to stop. I sigh.
“Well, man,” Aggie starts, “I wish you all the luck in the world.”
“Thanks. I’m going to need it. My wife is a stubborn woman.
” I chuckle, shaking my head. The guys do an acapella version of their hit song, Love Doesn’t Lose.
I take the camera out and start taking pictures.
When the guys sing, they throw so many emotions into their songs, especially the love ballads. It gives me chills watching them.
“Guys, that was freakin’ awesome. I can’t wait to see you live tonight at the Colosseum to kick off your tour.
Thanks for coming in and good luck. Once the new album is complete, you better be here to give me the scoop.
” I gather up my stuff while the guys are talking to the DJ and producer.
I feel a hand on my shoulder and I turn to see Stuart standing there.
“You okay? Win making his declaration to you.” I laugh.
“I don’t think he’s going to win this one.
I served him with the divorce papers,” I tell him.
“I can’t go down that road again.” I give him a fake smile as I walk out of the room.
I need to catch my nerves and slow my heart down.
Win has a way of getting under my skin. My heart needs that wall built around it and fast or I’m going to stay his wife.