In My Life

Chapter 29: Glendale

The next few tour dates went smoothly.  The group traveled well together and the drives between concerts were usually only a few hours rather than the marathon trip they began with.  Camila talked to Lauren daily, sometimes they were able to Facetime but mostly they talked.  They texted during the day as well.  Despite all of the talk, Camila still missed Lauren terribly.  She tried not to show it but she really wished she could see her in person.

They arrived in Glendale and drove straight to the concert arena.  Normani had called ahead and had food delivered.  Camila, Mike and Zayn were all starving and sat down to eat.  Normani was in the hall arguing with someone as they began.  She huffed out an angry, "Get it done, now!" as she walked into the office and plopped down at the remaining seat.

"What's going on?" Camila asked.

"It'll be fine," Normani said, still sounding angry.  She grabbed a slice of toasted bread and took a bite.  They all looked at her quizzically and waited.

"There's no piano," Normani said sullenly.

"What?" Camila asked, her voice panicky.

"Relax, there's one here," Lucy said, "Someone screwed up and they didn't move it to the stage.  Plus they're rushing someone over to make sure it's tuned.  It'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" Camila asked, trying to relax.

"I'm sure," Normani said, "And please don't tell Lauren .  I mean, you can tell her after it's all said and done but I can handle this so don't text her what's going on.  Please."

"I won't," Camila said, realizing that Normani was worried about her own job at the moment.  "Mani," Camila said, waiting for Normani to look up at her, "Really, I won't say anything.  I trust you to get it all straight."

"Thanks, Mila," Normani answered, sincerely.

Normani's phone went off and she looked at her text.  She glanced back at the group, "By the way, Mila, there's a radio station contest going on here.  You're stuck with a fan meet and greet after the show."

"For me?" Camila asked, "Not for Taylor?"

"First of all, your song hit number one so you might as well get used to the fact that you're famous," Normani said, "And, second, I'm sure Taylor has to do it too."

"What am I supposed to do?" Camila asked.

"Just say hello and be polite and take a couple of pictures," Normani said, "It'll only take ten minutes."

"Okay," Camila answered.  She took a deep breath and couldn't help the grin on her face.

"Just thinking about your song hitting number one, aren't you?" Mike teased.

"Yes!" Camila said, her grin widening. "I can't believe it.  Lauren called first thing this morning to tell me and then my family and friends all texted. It's amazing."

"It's a great song," Zayn said, "One of many, actually.  Do you know which one is being released next?"

"I think Lauren already has me set to do the video when we get back," Camila answered, "It's gonna be Fighting Back."

"Perfect choice if you ask me," Normani said, "Not that anyone asked me."  The group all chuckled.  "It's a little peppier than My Own Way but still your signature sound."

The stage manager popped his head in and looked sheepishly at Normani, "They're rolling it out now and the tuner is on the way.  He'll be here in ten minutes then you guys can sound check."

"Thanks, Frank," Normani said, sounding relieved.

"It's gonna be a good night," William said, "I can feel it."