What Happens on the Cruise

47. Crazy Life

"So what's the rest of your year look like?" Eli asked over pizza.

"We've got a recording studio in Toronto lined up for recording part of our Christmas album," Chris said. "We're also doing a short lunch show up there while we're there. And then there's a trade show after that. A bunch of fairs and college shows, the CMA show, as well as finishing up the Christmas album in Minnesota. And then we kick off the Crazy Life tour in the fall. Then a Christmas tour."

"Sounds like a crazy life, for sure," VJ commented.

"Yeah, we don't spend very much time at home," Tim said.

"Tim and I are talking about moving to Nashville before his lease expires in May, but it's going to be fun finding the time to check places out."

"So what's on the horizon for you guys?" Rob asked.

***

"This has been so much fun, guys," Austin said, giving hugs down the line. "We definitely need to keep in touch and collaborate on some stuff in the future."

"Definitely," Geoff said.

"Agreed," Niko chimed in.

***

"Ah. RV, sweet RV," Rob exclaimed as Kelsey followed him on.

Adam and Ericha boarded next, Adam holding Cerise and Ericha carrying a diaper bag. "You got that?" Adam asked his brother.

"Yup," Chris answered, wrangling a stroller and pumpkin seat onboard.

Austin bounced on, cheeks red from the cold. "How long is the drive to Duluth?"

"About four hours," Nate answered behind him.

"Everything loaded?" Chris asked him.

"Allen and Johnny are getting the last of it."

"So that's everyone but Tim," Rob said.

"And Satchmo," Austin added.

"Going to be close quarters," Adam said, trying to get his coat off while still holding Cerise.

"Let me hold her," Austin volunteered. "Hey, baby girl. She's gettin' so big."

"Babies do that," Ericha said, handing Adam her coat.

"Such a doll baby. Do you ever just look at her and think, 'We made that'?"

"Every day," Adam answered.

"Up!" Tim's voice sounded from outside the bus. Satchmo appeared followed by his owner holding his lead. "We all set?"

"Just a couple more things being loaded," Nate answered.

"Sit," Tim said, and Nate looked around at the available seats before realizing Tim was talking to Satchmo. Tim dropped the lead and pulled off his coat. "It seems like forever since we've done a full show."

"It's gonna be fun." Austin sat down next to Ericha, still holding Cerise. The baby flailed at his face, landing on his mouth. "Omnomnomnom," Austin made noises, pretending to eat her tiny fingers.

"Ew, Austin, you don't know where her hands have been," Tim objected.

"Can't be any worse than where his mouth has been," Ericha replied, then let out a little eep and slapped her hand across her mouth in shock.

The entire RV erupted into laughter. "Man, I love my wife," Adam said, kissing Ericha's cheek.

***

"So are we going to the place across the street again?" Austin asked as they were finishing the autograph line.

"I'd be good with that," Rob said. "I'll need to find Kelsey."