What Happens on the Cruise

63. We Shall Be Free

"So I'm thinking we should work on a new album this spring and summer to be released in time for the fall tour," Chris said in their weekly Skype call.

"Have we got a theme or a title track you're thinking of?" Austin asked.

"I was thinking of calling it Country Evolution," Chris answered, "because I'd like to include some covers of older songs, some covers of newer stuff, and some originals."

"I like that. That's good," Tim said, "because I have a surprise."

"Oh, guys, you will never believe who Tim met!" Austin's eyes were shining with pride, his grin full of excitement.

***

"Oof," Rob gasped as he pulled his boots on.

"What's up, buddy?" Austin asked.

"I'd forgotten how much cowboy boots chafe."

"Chafe?"

"Yeah. I mean, a thinner guy like you might not have experienced it, but for a bigger guy like me, they really get to the back of my calves."

"Sounds like you need to stop wearing them," Austin commented.

Rob looked up at him in surprise. "But they're part of the look."

"What look? We've all got our different aesthetic. I like piles of accessories. Tim nearly forgets his earrings multiple times a year, which is literally his only accessory. Wear what makes you feel good."

Rob considered Austin's words. "So Chuck Taylors would be okay on stage, you think?"

"Sure. Cowboy boots are classic country, but half the country grew up wearing chucks."

"I'll think about it. But for tonight I'm sticking with boots."

***

"This fucking sucks," Austin growled.

"What sucks?" Tim asked, walking over to see what Austin was reading on his notepad.

"Oh, just, all the garbage anti-LGBT legislation being proposed. Do you know they've got a proposal here in Tennessee where a student in a counseling major who refuses to work with gay clients can't be punished in any way for that? Texas and Georgia aren't any better. Why does the South have to suck so much?"

Tim began massaging Austin's shoulders. "People are stubborn, especially when they think they're morally superior."

"But why does it matter to them what I do with my body if I'm not doing it to them? Why do they think they even have a say?"

"I don't know."

Austin sighed. "Can we go out for Valentine's day? Somewhere nice with candles and wine and really stupid prices?"

"Of course we can," Tim said. "Wherever you want."

"I want to hold your hand."

"At dinner on Valentine's day?"

"Just in general in public. I want to be a couple where everyone can see it. I'm tired of acting like I'm ashamed of us, of you."

"That's kind of a big decision, don't you think? One we should discuss with the guys?"

"Why? No one else asks permission to date. Rob and Kelsey didn't come to the band and ask if they could get married."

"That's because no one cares if they're married," Tim responded. "I mean, they care, but--"

"But no one disapproves. Not like us."

"The band doesn't disapprove."

"Really? Is that why Rob still jokes about walking in on us? You think he'd do that if you'd been with a woman?" Austin demanded.