What Happens on the Cruise

32. A Little Bit of Everything

"Do you think I could get a ride to a store to replace some, uh, stuff that was in my lost luggage?" Austin asked over a breakfast of blueberry pancakes and sausage links.

"I was going to go to the grocery store while you guys were working," Ericha said. "Is it anything I could get for you?"

"Some of it's, uh, a little personal," Austin answered. Tim's face was slowly turning pink.

"Oh! That kind of stuff." Ericha giggled. "Do you want to just borrow the van?"

"If you don't mind, that would be awesome."

"No problem."

***

Austin was getting ready to walk out as Rob arrived early.

"Where are you going?" Rob asked.

"Shopping," Austin answered. "Replacing some supplies and also picking up some drinks."

"Oh, are those blueberry pancakes?" Rob asked.

"Yes! I have extra batter. Do you want some?" Ericha offered.

"I would love some."

Ericha handed Austin the keys. "Oh, be careful at the intersection three blocks down. It's a two-way stop the other way, but a lot of people don't seem to realize you have the right of way. There've been some really bad accidents there."

"I'll watch out," Austin assured her.

***

While Austin had had some basic toiletries in his carry-on, he'd lost his razor, fingernail clippers, cologne, hair bands, makeup, and larger sized toothpaste and hair care products. He decided to worry about replacing the cologne and makeup later, making a quick run through the toiletry aisles.

He'd just picked up condoms and lube and was heading for the beer when a familiar voice said, "Austin?"

"Hey, Matt!" he greeted the man he'd replaced in Home Free. "How's it going?"

"Great! How was The Sing-Off?"

"It was awesome!"

"Can you tell me how it went?"

Austin considered. "We're all under a non-disclosure agreement, so I really shouldn't. But we are all here putting an album together."

"Oh. Oh, I am so happy for you guys!" Matt glanced into Austin's cart notably avoiding looking too closely at the condoms and lube. "Stocking up?"

"The airlines lost my luggage. Like, lost lost. Not a clue where it is."

"Oh, wow. Were you still couch surfing between gigs or did you have a place?"

Austin shook his head. "Pretty much everything I own is in those suitcases."

"Man. I hope they find them. If you need any help, call me, okay?"

"Thanks, man. I will." Austin started to turn away and then stopped. "Oh, Matt, one more thing."

"Yeah?"

"Tim and I. We're together."

Matt smiled. "Good. I'm glad to hear it. Tell everyone I said hi."

"Will do."

***

"You want another, babe?" Austin asked as he got up and stretched.

"Sure," Tim answered before returning to the arrangement. "Then let's have Austin come in here."