What Happens on the Cruise

30. Any Way the Wind Blows

"Okay, before we go talk to anyone else, we need to sort through a couple things first," Chris said the next morning after breakfast in their suite.

"That's my sign to skedaddle." Kelsey rose. "I'm just going to shower while you boys talk."

Tim stood and got the coffee pot and some creamer and sugar. He refilled his cup, then went around the table refilling any others as needed.

Chris continued as Tim returned the pot and sat down, "First, album. We need to decide on the balance of covers to originals. Do we want to do any originals?"

"I think we do," Austin opined. "Tim's got a bunch, for one thing. And for another, we don't want to just be known as a cover band."

"I agree," Adam said. "We might be able to commission some originals from Tim's contacts in the songwriting world as well."

"Austin's got some songs under his belt, too," Tim pointed out.

"I'm not sure any of them would work for us," Austin warned.

Chris held up his hand. "We can go into details later. For now, yes, we want to include originals. Covers?"

"We definitely want some covers," Rob said. "That's part of the appeal of a cappella -- taking a piece with instruments and showing off what the human instrument can do."

Everyone made sounds of agreement.

"All right. So a good mix of the two," Chris concluded. "Let's talk schedule. The Sing-Off is airing Christmastime. The tour will be starting late January or early February. Rob is getting married in October. Adam is having a baby in February unless she comes early. I'd like to have an album out by the tour. It would be crazy busy, but what do you guys thinking of getting into a studio later this month?"

"Can we do it near home?" Adam asked.

"We can talk to Darren and see if we can get in at Skyland."

"Who's this?" Austin asked.

"An awesome music producer with his own studio near Minneapolis," Tim answered. "Used to sing with an a cappella group called The Blenders. Actually, they still do some local Christmas shows."

"Sounds perfect," Austin said.

"Okay, I'll get in touch with Darren and see what we can work out.

"Now... On to something maybe a little more delicate..." Chris sat back and looked at Austin and Tim. "You two have been pretty open about your relationship here. And, to be clear, we're absolutely fine with that."

Rob and Adam both nodded.

"But, I don't know what your intentions are. The publicists are going to want bios and pictures and personal data, and we don't want to make any missteps. Are you intending to be out?"

Austin and Tim looked at each other, obviously unsure. Finally, Austin spoke. "If we're out, the entire group is going to be known as 'that gay group', whether that's accurate or not. I think 'gay country a capella band' is too many adjectives."

There were a few chuckles around the table.

"Also, this is a pretty new relationship and I want to be able to focus on it without the pressure of public scrutiny." He took Tim's hand. "Unless Tim objects."

Tim shook his head. "I'm with Austin."

"Obviously," Rob quipped.

"I don't want to claim to be straight or do things to give that impression," Tim spoke, "but I'm not ready to be some sort of LGBT representative in the country music industry."