One For The Road ✔ | A short novella |

7. Austin

Chapter Seven

Austin, TX

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Well, I'm a wheel that's always turning, oh, I always start out where I end. And, me, I'm like a fire that's always burning." Shakey Graves - Jessie

Austin,Tx, Lone Star State Fest, Zilker Park - August 12th

Jessie

"If we're quick and sprint, then we should be able to make it over in time to see the band play the last ten minutes of their set."

Ellis clutches at the festival map and lanyard guidebook. He's been meticulously planning the feat of watching two bands, at opposite ends of the humungous festival site for the past twenty minutes.

I think he's trying to make up for the day before, at the springs pool. He's been all nice and helpful. A little too much. 

"Whatever you say Captain," I nod, applying another layer of suncream. 

"That's a first," he jokes, taking the bottle of cream. "Here, you've missed a bit." Gently, he rubs the gloopy cream into my shoulders and back with hot hands. 

"Hows the hat?" 

Ellis twists his head from side to side, modelling the backwards black baseball cap bought from a stall at the entrance to the festival site. "Great, thanks. Yours?"

"It'll do." Mine isn't as fancy. It's the stiff sun-faded sun hat my mum insisted I pack. I don't look half as cool as Ellis but it's keeping my scalp from burning in the one million degree heat, because holy moly mother of god is it hot today! 

So insanely hot that we're not half way through and already considering throwing in the towel, to go cool off in the springs pool or lubricate ourselves with icy, cold pitchers of beer. 

For now though, we're roasting near the foot trucks and drinks tent, wondering if we'll make it out a live and if we've got it in us to have another burrito. 

"Will you dance with me?" I turn to Ellis and pull back my shades.

"Right now? Here?" His voice squeaks and he looks a bit panicked. 

I pretend to grab for his hand. "No... I meant later, when we go see the band. I need someone to dance with me."

"Maybe."

"Maybe? That's all I get huh?"

Ellis's lips curl into a smirk. "But what do I get in return, for embarrassing myself with my two left feet and awful rhythm?"

I finish applying the last of the suncream. My hands are all greasy and dirt covered. "You get to dance on, I mean with me."

"Dance up on you?"

"Shut up!" I say, hitting him with the bulk of my satchel, packed full of cream and plasters and melted Skittles. "We're not at a club. To be fair, I should have asked if you'd 'mosh' with me, not dance. Who dances at a rock show?"

"I'd prefer that," Ellis says, with a grin. "But I still feel as if I'm getting the bum deal here."

"Fine. Maybe we can check out that party of yours, after the festival tomorrow." I watch Ellis's eyes light up and though it should feel great to do something I know will make him happy, it doesn't.