“Yeah, yeah it’s me.”
Brian was the first to stand up and make his way over to me. My eyes filled with tears as he wrapped his arms around me, bringing me into a bone-crushing hug.
“We thought… we didn’t think we’d ever see you again.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” I just kept saying it over and over again.
I knew that no matter how many times I said it, it wouldn’t undo all the damage I’d caused but I could try I guess.
Next to come up was Johnny and finally Zacky, they both gave me bone-crushing hugs themselves.
“Here, here’s one from The Rev, I’m guessing you know what happened.”
I nodded sadly and then Brian gave me another, EXTRA bone-crushing hug.
“Um, I know that it’s REALLY not my place to ask but, um, where’s Matt?”
“He went to go find a bar. He said that this city reminded him of…”
“Of a promise he made me when we were kids?” I interrupted, remembering myself.
“Yeah.”
“When we were kids Matt promised to take me to New York one day, just the two of us. He promised me that he would never hurt me or leave me like everyone else I’d ever known. Well, I guess you could say we were doomed from the start huh?”
I looked at the ground for a moment, thinking back to the day he made me that promise. It was the same day he found out what Trace had been doing to me.
“Natalie, are you okay?” James’ concerned voice brought me back to reality.
“Yeah, thanks James, um, I’ll see you later, I’ve gotta take these guys out to see New York. Come on guys, follow me.”
I led them out to my car and Zacky chuckled.
“What?”
“You still got the Impala then?”
“I’ll never get rid of it, too many GOOD memories from this car.”
“I’m JUST making an observation.”
“Wow Zack, that’s a big word for you isn’t it?”
“Yay! The gang’s back together.”
“Jesus Christ short shit, you make it sound we’re like Scooby Doo or something.”
He pouted and I just laughed and messed up his Mohawk.
“Why did you leave us with THAT Natalie, you could’ve at least cleared him out with you.” Brian joked.
“Come on kids, get into the car. I’ve gotta show you some stuff.”
“Yes Mom!” they sang in a chorus, causing me to giggle.
*After their meeting*
“..So if you guys could make a final decision by next Saturday I’d really appreciate it. Natalie, um, they have something they would like to discuss with YOU and before you answer them, I’m okay with it.”
“Okay… What’s going on?”
Brian pulled me up out of my chair and dragged me down the hall to a more recluse place while the guys followed close behind.
“What’s he talking about?”
“Natalie, the bus hasn’t been the same since you left, our new assistant manager/tour manager is absolutely crap and she can’t seem to take a joke. We want you to come join us for the last couple of months of the tour.”
“What about Matt?”
“Screw him, he did this to himself and if he isn’t okay with it, that’s HIS problem, plus, everyone misses you.”
I thought about it for a minute and then as I looked up all three, fully-grown men with tattoos, piercings and muscles galore may I add, were giving me the puppy dog eyes.
“Dammit guys! You know that’s my weakness. Okay, I’ll come with you but if I have to share with someone it sure as hell ain’t gonna be Matt.”
“Okay, you can share with Johnny or me.”
“What ‘bout Zacky?”
“I got a girlfriend Sneakers.”
I smiled at him and then gave him a hug.
“Congrats on the girlfriend and you remembered my nickname.”
“We never forgot anything about you Angel, you were gone but you will never ever, no matter how hard you want to, be forgotten.”
“Thanks guys, I’ve missed you.”
