My Reality (Fourth in the "Baby Brother series)

2

Andy sat in one of the weekly in person classes he had to attend, attention drawn to his phone. Bill had a meeting with Sumerian and they told Bill it was urgent. Andy wanted to go with him but Bill had already dug himself into an academic hole and didn't want Andy to follow him into educational hell. Andy tapped his foot and tried to focus on writing notes and listening to the professor drone on about whatever psychological shit that Andy needed to know about.

Bill had promised to text him, but Bill had been breaking a lot of promises lately. Bill had driven with Damon all the way to New York City to meet at an affiliate office and Andy couldn't even go with him. Damon told him when arrived but he didn't give him any updates beyond that. He zoned back into the class, robotically taking notes and asking questions. If Bill was texting him, he clearly didn't have time to do it.

As Andy is walking from the room at the end of the class, his phone chimed. A text from Bill telling him he had a huge surprise for him. He went to call him when Bill did instead. He answered the call and he couldn't even understand Bill with the way he spoke.

"Slow down, pet. What happened?"

"I am going to be the backup guitarist for literally the most talented band under this fucking label. They need a fill in for the tour because the other backing guitarist needed to take a leave of absence."

"They're taking you on tour?"

"They're taking us on tour! Aren't you excited?"

"What about school?"

"We wouldn't be leaving until like November. I'm sure we can work something out neither once of us really needs to be in class."

"November. That's in 2 months. What will you be doing until then?"

"Rehearsing with the band, I need to learn their set list. I already know all of the songs but I'm doing backing guitar, so I have to definitely learn new chords."

"Oh, will you be staying in New York."

"Just for a few days," Bill replied.

"Oh, did you pack?"

"Tom's going to drive up my stuff tonight. You should pack something and come too. I don't really want to do this without you," Bill smiled.

Andy held back a small whimper and took a deep breath.

"Okay, I guess I could. That would be fun," Andy replied.

"Great! I'll see you tonight!" Bill chirped, hanging up the phone.

And yet again, Andy was let sad, Bill forgot to say goodbye again.

***

Andy and Damon walked to the elevator, luggage rolling on the gold cart being pushed by a bellhop. Andy had been silent the whole ride and when Tom told him he couldn't even go up with him, Andy was even more anxious. When they arrived at the room, Bill was in a video call with Nikhil and few other managers that would be walking him through rehearsals, tour schedules and tour dates. Nikhil made a note that Bill was epileptic so they had to also provide rest periods as well. No one saw his face drop momentarily before he put on his megawatt smile.

Once Bill had hung up, he stood up to embrace Andy. He had missed him and wanted him to be there in New York while he started the first real stepping stone of his career. Hundreds of people would see him perform and hear him play. Andy had to be there to share all those special moments. Even when he played to an empty venue, Andy would be right there.

"I have a rehearsal tonight with the band, but we can grab dinner now," Bill chirped.

"Oh. What band is it?" Andy asked.