Just Hold on, We're Going Home

Timing is Everything

-lights-

A day off is very rare and always very appreciated. Unfortunately, this day off was going to be spent relearning a new setlist. We decided to stop in LA, where we could practice at a nearby studio owned by a friend. Rocket was staying with some old friends so her mommy could have the whole day to focus on her next stretch of shows. I would've liked it better if she stayed with me, considering learning setlists is always a drag.

I snuck out of the studio halfway through. Starbucks run was my excuse, fresh air was my real motivation. I walked a few blocks to the nearest Starbucks, enjoying the chance to stretch my legs. The Starbucks was packed. I didn't mind, the longer the line, the better.

Taking my place at the end of the line, I pulled out my phone to occupy my brain while the over-worked baristas served the large crowd ahead of me.

"Long line," someone commented as they joined the line behind me.

I turned around as I replied, "You would think they'd hire more people."

When I looked up from my phone to face my new friend, I realized that it wasn't a new friend at all.

"Beau," I said with smile.

"Lights," he mimicked, "It's been a long time."

"Yeah, it has," I blushed, embarrassed, but not sure why.

Beau and I met at a show, one of mine actually. A mutual friend of ours introduced us, thinking we would be fast friends. He was right of course, but I was dating Rocket's father at the time and was too caught up in that relationship to explore others. We lost touch as our lives moved on, both touring different parts of the world at different times.

"I totally promised I would call whenever I was in LA," I remembered, "Sorry I forgot, it's been really crazy lately."

"Don't worry about it. I've been seeing your posts on Instagram. You seem busy. I'm surprised you have time to walk into the most hectic Starbucks in Los Angeles." He joked, placing a hand behind his neck, feigning casualness. He seemed almost as nervous as when we first met, which I guess is understandable since we really haven't been able to talk much since then.

"I really don't.. I snuck away," I explained, chuckling.

"You what?" he asked, surprised.

"I snuck away from the band. We're learning a new setlist before our next show and I'm just so bored!" I explained. It felt good to share a light-hearted conversation with someone who understood how unexciting touring can sometimes be.

He laughed, then suddenly dropped his expression, clearing his throat and pointing ahead of me, "It's your turn to order."

I quickly spun around to see the barista staring daggers as I held up the line. I didn't realize Beau and I had been talking for that long.

"My bad," I apologized, then ordered my drink.

I walked over to the next counter and waited for Beau to join me. I suddenly felt nervous too and found myself fidgeting like a school girl at her first dance.

He walked over, laughing under his breath. "Man, she was pissed!" He commented, nudging me in the side.

"Haha.. yeah," I agreed, biting my lip, hoping that Beau wouldn't notice any anxiousness.

They called our drinks and Beau laughed as he picked up his cup, "Bow," he told me, showing me the Barista's spelling error, "I think she did that on purpose."

"You think that's bad?" I teased, "Apparently this barista thinks I'm a creepy-crawly." I showed him my cup where the word "Lice" was written in typical sloppy barista scrawl.

He laughed boisterously, causing a few heads to turn from the other customers sitting in the cafe. "Okay, that's pretty bad," he admitted with a smile.

"We're you taking that to-go?" I suddenly blurted, "Because I think there's an empty two-seater near the corner if you had time to stay and chat."

Beau's eyes perked up when I said that. Hesitantly he responded, "Yeah, I've got some time."

Well, that makes one of us. My band is going to kill me by the time I make it back to the studio.

We walked towards the table, Beau gentlemanly gesturing for me to sit first. Our feet touched when he sat down and I quickly jerked mine back under my chair. I don't know why I did that. I don't know why I do a lot of the things I do when I'm around him.

As we talked, I noticed Beau devoured his frappechino almost instantaneously. My black coffee, however, sat nearly untouched.

We talked about a lot of things, but nothing too serious. We talked about my tour, his upcoming album release, the current hockey season. I wanted to bring up Rocket, but I didn't know how. He never liked my ex, but I always figured it was just jealousy. I wish I would've listened to him earlier.

My phone rang, a flood of angry texts from my band took over my lock screen.

"I guess I better go buy some more drinks and a peace offering," I joked, showing my phone to Beau.

He laughed, then commented on the picture the texts were covering, "Is that your niece?" he asked.

I looked down, putting my phone away.

"Um, actually, no. That's my daughter," I explained quietly.

I expected him to get uncomfortable, or even angry but instead he kept his bright friendly smile and said, "She looks just like you. What's her name?"

"Rocket," I commented, offering a small smile, "Look, I should probably get in line now so I can get those drinks and head back to my band. before they blow up my phone again," I said, standing up from the table and grabbing my things.

"I had an amazing time," Beau said, standing up beside me.

"Me too," I said shyly as I started to head off. This wasn't like myself at all.

"I hope we can get together again. How long are you in LA?" He asked, stopping me from walking any further by placing a hand on my arm.

"I play a show tomorrow night, but then I'm on the road again," I answered, slightly unnerved by his forwardness, but also slightly intrigued by his interest. "It's sold out, but if you're free I can sneak you in backstage."

"You can?" He exclaimed excitedly, "I'll be there!"

"I'll tell the bouncer to expect you. See you then," I concluded, finally heading back towards the long line.

"See you then," Beau repeated, nodding his head towards me as he left the cafe.

How strange that I would run into Beau the one day I'm in LA, the one hour I leave the studio. Of all the people I could run into, of all the places he could be. Why him? Why here?

I tried to focus on that oddity rather than how Beau was barely effected by the news of my daughter. He did say he had seen my Instagram posts. Perhaps he already knew but wanted to give me the chance to tell him myself.