Leather and Lace (Eddie Roundtree)

Ship To Wreck

"And, ah, my love remind me, what was it that I said?/ I can't help but pull the earth around me to make my bed/ And, ah, my love remind me, what was it that I did?/ Did I drink too much? Am I losing touch?/ Did I build a ship to wreck?"

The tour carried on as it had been. Eddie and Layla were hot and cold. Daisy and Billy were hot and cold. And everyone was trying to act like everything was fine. Same thing, different city. Shows were selling out and to the outside eye they were all on top of the world.

But today, was Layla's birthday. She wasn't expecting much, being on tour and all, so she was surprised when she went downstairs into the hotel lobby to see everyone waiting for her. They had a table full of breakfast foods and a couple gifts.

"Happy Birthday!" They all yelled when she came into eye sight.

"Aw, you guys!" She gushed. It was a good start to the day, and thankfully everyone was getting along.

She had opened some of her gifts. Jewelry from Karen, a book by an author she loved from Graham, a couple records from Billy, an embroidered vest from Warren.

"This is so sweet! Thank you!"

"Well, Eddie was going nuts making sure we didn't forget it, like we haven't known you forever." Warren laughed.

"Eddie?" She asked, turning to look at the man in question. He looked like a kid getting caught, pink tinting his cheeks. He just nodded shyly. "Thank you."

"Of course. It's your birthday." He said softly. "Here, I got you something." He handed her a bag.

"You'll get my gift later." Daisy said from beside her with a wink and a smile.

"Uh oh, what does your husband think about that?" Layla teased and the two girls laughed.

Layla opened up her gift from Eddie.

"Oh, wow." It was a collage of pictures of Layla, Billy, Graham, Warren, and Eddie from when they were younger. It was the perfect gift. "Thank you." She looked up at him smiling. And then she did something that surprised the both of them- she hugged him.

"I thought you'd like it." He said.

"I love it."

The group spent the rest of breakfast looking at the pictures and telling the stories of each one. For a moment, Layla thought that just maybe her and Eddie could find their way back.

...

Layla was on stage doing soundcheck for her set.

"Then I'm back against the wall. What kind of man loves like this? What kind of man?" Layla finished her song. It was different, singing angry songs when she wasn't angry, not anymore, not today. But who was she kidding? She was good at her job. She knew how to sell her performances no matter what she was feeling.
She heard applause behind her, which wasn't usual for soundcheck, but before she could turn around she heard a very familiar voice.

"Well done, darling!"

"Freddie!" She exclaimed. Turning towards the voice she saw that it wasn't just him, but all of Queen, with Daisy standing next to them. "What are you all doing here?" She asked, running over and jumping into Brian's outstretched arms first.

"We came for your birthday." Roger told her, lifting her up when he hugged her.

"This is your present!" Daisy said. "I invited them."

"Oh my God! Thank you!" Layla said hugging her best friend.

Eddie saw the reunion happen from the other side of the stage, where he stood with Graham and Warren.