What Happens on the Cruise

51. Baby, You a Song

"Thanks for putting us up," Austin thanked Adam as they walked through the airport.

"No problem. Now that you guys are in Nashville, you can return the favor for the CMA fest."

"We'll have to get a couple beds for the guest rooms. Right now they're full of boxes."

"And keyboards, guitars, assorted song notebooks..." Tim added.

"You guys going to write some songs together?" Adam asked.

"Actually, we're great at writing alongside each other, but not with each other," Austin said.

"Our approach to songwriting doesn't seem to synch."

"Here's our gate." Austin turned to Adam. "Thanks again."

Adam nodded, then cleared his throat nervously. "You know if you need to talk about anything... if any memories come back... I'm, uh, well, I'm not great, but I'm available."

"Same goes for you, buddy. Anytime." Austin gave Adam a quick hug.

"See you in Vegas in a few days," Tim said, following suit with the hug.

***

"Hey, guys!" Austin greeted Rob and Kelsey. "Where's everyone else?"

"They're coming. They got sat way at the back," Rob answered. "Where's Tim?"

"Renting a van."

"Have you gotten settled fairly well?" Kelsey asked.

"Yeah. It's been kind of weird actually owning furniture and stuff I can't fit into suitcases."

"You've got a gypsy soul," Rob teased.

"Oh, for Tim's sake I hope not," Kelsey responded to her husband.

"Not leaving anytime soon," Austin assured her.

They looked back, but their bandmates were still not in sight.

"Have you had any more recovered memories?" she asked quietly.

"Flashes," Austin answered. "Some nightmares. Nothing cohesive."

"Have you thought more about getting therapy?"

"We've just been really busy."

"Austin, you've got to take care of your health," Kelsey said, squeezing his arm.

"I know, I know, it's just hard to find the time and figure out how to find someone."

"Austin!" Chris greeted, walking up, followed by Adam and Ericha, carrying Cerise.

"Hi, guys," Austin said. "Hello, princess!"

Cerise gurgled and kicked.

"I need to go change her."

Austin reeled back as the smell hit him. "Whew! Yup. I'll take her after you change her."

"Hello, everyone," Tim said walking up to them. "We ready to go get bags?"

"You guys go on. I'll be right there," Ericha said, motioning toward the ladies room.

"I'll wait for you," Adam volunteered.

She gave her husband a smile.

***

"Ugh!" Kelsey exclaimed as a man passed them, the heavy scent of his cologne lingering in his wake. "That guy was on our flight," she commented toward her right side where Austin had been walking. She stopped short as she realized he was no longer beside her. "Austin?"