Motivation of Memories: The Second Book of the Labors of Love Series

On the Road: Part 2

Prince's POV

We've been in the road for about 10 hours and we're getting close to our first test stop. Some people followed Genny's lead and went to sleep, some people ate snacks and talked, a few even played cards. I've mainly been sitting here thinking over things and waiting for her to wake up. When I get like this she's the only one I want to talk to. I've been going in circles about this tour. Are the arrangements right? Are the songs in the right order? Are our harmonies good enough? I want to wake her up but I know she'd kill me. I guess I'll just have to wait until we stop.

"Hey, Andre. Pass me a water." He looks up from their game of spades and reaches into the case pulling out a water bottle and passing it behind his back.

I open it and take a sip, grimacing at the room temperature feeling. I really wish this was cold, but Genevieve gave us this whole lecture about why cold water is bad for your throat when you have to sing.  Something about it shocking your vocal chords after you warm up. I down more of the water only stopping as the bus does. The jolt shakes me causing a little bit of water to spill down my chin. I wipe my hand with my sleeve as the driver begins to speak.

"Alright, everybody. This is your first stop. You've got an hour to get something to eat, take a walk, take a leak, whatever you've got to do. Inside this building is a food court. Be back on the bus by 3:10. I will be on the bus so feel free to leave any belongings or stay if you feel so inclined."

I look around as people get up and make their way to the building. Andre is the last one to leave.

"You coming?"

"Yea, I'm gonna wake Genny up first. We'll meet y'all inside."

"Alright. See you in there." He pats my back and makes his way off the bus. I squat in front of the low bunk and pull back the curtain. I smile seeing her in her favorite position, curled up in a ball on the far side of the bed. I take a moment and lay down beside her. I wrap my arm around her holding and rubbing her stomach. I missed the feeling of her body. I pull her close to me and she slowly conforms to the shape of my body.

"Wake up, sleeping beauty." I whisper softly, kissing the base of her neck.

"Is the bus on fire?"

"Would I be this calm if it was?" I smile against her warm skin.

"Why're you here?"

"It's lunch time, mama."

"What're we eating?"

"Sounds like there's a whole food court inside. You can pick when we get in."

"Okay." I let out a gentle sigh rolling on my back in this tiny bed. She immediately turns over, her leg and arm find their way over my body. Her head rests on my chests and she squeeze me just a little. "We're not leaving until you tell me what's wrong."

"How can you tell?"

"I can hear it in your heartbeat."

"I'm just nervous. Are we ready? Will they like it? Have... have w-we rehearsed enough?"

"Prince, breathe. We've all worked so hard. You have the tightest band since James Brown! Of course we're ready. As far as people's opinions I don't think it matters. Do you like your music?" I search my mind and all I can think of are things that might make it better. Better drums? Better licks? Better bass? "You're working yourself up. Stop looking for flaws. Do you like your music?"

"Yes."

"That's what's important. As artists we have to understand some people will love our work, some people will hate it, and some people just won't understand. It isn't our job to try to fix anyone's opinion it's only our job to create." I'm trying to process her words but I'm still feeling jumbled. A lot is riding on this and I need everything to work out. My thoughts fade as her hand begins to move. Her hand slides under my shirt, touching my bare stomach, rubbing it gently. The warmth of her skin soothes something inside me. My heart rate slows and I can feel my mind clearing. "Baby, look at me." I tilt my head a little as she adjusts to look at me. Her eyes open and I see her golden irises for the first time since this morning. "You are an amazing artist and performer and so is everyone in the band. You make beautiful music that touches people all over the world."