On Tour

Chapter 22 - Lunch

GABRIELLA

Joel's call came as a surprise. Our relationship has been cordial and almost friendly during the time spent together during his hospital treatment. When I told Daan that he invited me for lunch, he reacted as surprised as I felt.

Since we returned I've spent most of my time sleeping and eating. Victoria has been the best sister in the world because when I make an appearance, feeling groggy and looking disheveled, she doesn't laugh at me. She simply pushes a plate with cookies my way. She's also avoided asking me about what exactly happened with Joel. Explaining it is not difficult, but sharing the terror I felt seeing him in danger is. 

Whenever I haven't been sleeping, I've been spending time with Daan. I'm glad that I got to introduce my sister to him and they got on really well. Her acceptance gives me the reassurance that if one day I introduce him to my parents, all will be well. Still at my age, I have a huge respect for them and their opinion.

Daan outside of work is so different, in a good way. Whenever he has a chance, he likes to cook and then cuddle on the couch after dining. It's something we can't do when we are on tour with so much to do and so many people around us. When the break ends, I'll miss these moments.

The restaurant that Joel chose isn't far from my apartment, and I find him at the furthest booth from the door. He waves at me the moment he spots me.

"Hey," he says.

"You look well. How are things?" I say after sitting opposite him.

"It's been okay and yesterday the doctor gave me the green light to return to the tour. When I got fed up of being in bed or sitting on the couch I decided it was time to rehearse. This morning I played the whole live set in real time. Left me ready for a nap, but feeling happy," his satisfied smile says it all.

"I'm also happy for you. Is anyone else joining?" I ask when I see there are only two places set.

"No, I wanted it to be just the two of us. Nothing romantic, I'm not Daan or Alec," he laughs mischievously.

"I believe Alec doesn't think about me in that way anymore," I dismiss the crazy thought. "Thank you for the invitation, it's a nice restaurant."

"I wanted you to know that I'm sincere about my apology, and that it wasn't something I said because I was feeling miserable."

"Apology accepted again."

Joel smiles and reclines back on the bench. "I also wanted to thank you for whatever you did to get the shows of next week rescheduled."

"It was a team effort. I hope the extra time helps everyone to get some rest. I've been involved in intense touring previously, but our schedule is mental. We braced ourselves for a negative reaction from the fans due to this unforeseen rescheduling, but on the contrary, all they sent were good wishes."

"I still find it disturbing that if that beer wasn't meant for me it was for someone else," he pauses and stares at the table. "I've been thinking that maybe there's something we can do about it. A donation to help victims maybe? Or an awareness campaign? Hell, if Erica wants me to be the poster boy, I'm willing to do it. I just can't live my life knowing this happens."

His suggestion surprises me. "That's very kind and thoughtful of you. I'm sure she'll agree immediately and make it work."

The server interrupts us to take our drink order, and once we are left to ourselves, we continue.

"Joel, I want you to think about yourself when it comes to the tour. I know you feel very responsible towards the band and the fans, but if one day you don't feel energized enough, we can have your technician substitute you. Or if you want to only sing and have him do the drum work that could also be an option. You can even play a partial set and let him do the rest."