But I Do

Chapter 7

Chapter 7.

“So why are you here again?” Jeremy asked Cristi as he picked up one end of the overturned couch, Taylor taking the other. 

“Adam offered to fly me in for a day.. I was worried,” She trailed off. It was obvious she was referring to Hayley’s troubled love life.

“Right.. Sorry. I’m okay,” Hayley glanced at Lights as she said this, though she wasn’t looking. “That’s so nice of him though.”

“Yeah, but you know I’ve had him owing me a favor for years now,” Cristi laughed, clapping her hands,  turning and changing the subject, “So. You’re the notorious Lights!”

“That’s me!” Lights smiled, throwing a paper towel into the trash bag that was filling quickly as they finished with their cleaning.

“I’ve heard so much about you actually,” Hayley’s mom told her as Lights cocked her head in curiosity, “This one,” She motioned to Hayley who stood frozen, clearly not liking where this was going, “This one here wouldn’t stop talking about how excited she was to be touring with you. You have no idea how many times I heard ‘Lights this, Lights that!’” Lights was confused, looking to Hayley who was quickly turning the same shade as her hair.

“I thought you said FBR never told you who you were touring with..?” She said, remembering Hayley’s flustered excuse from a couple days ago. Hayley shuffled her feet uncomfortably.

“I.. Uh.. Yeah..”

“So you lied?”

Hayley briefly considered an excuse, but disregarded the idea quickly. “Yeah..”

Lights frowned, “Right..” Cristi looked between the two, trying to will some of the tension out of the air.

“Why?” Lights asked Hayley.

“It was an honest mistake,” Hayley stated earnestly, desperate to redeem herself, “I just was so nervous and flustered and it just came out, and then I guess I felt like I needed another excuse, aside from the fans, since I was so nervous just around you..” At this Lights sighed, causing Hayley to bite her lip worriedly.

“..Hayley, if that wasn’t so cute I’d be a lot more pissed. But that’s.. Actually adorable though, so you’re off the hook..”

“Sorry,” Hayley grinned, relieved. 

“Alright, alright, let’s get going, yeah?” Jeremy asked, making a face at the sudden cute.

“Right, 15 minutes, guys,” Cristi agreed as she checked the time. They finished up cleaning and everyone managed to pile into the rental car once more as they headed out to the venue. Hayley had to sit on Lights again, since the back still was full of junk. This time, though, it wasn’t as bad, and Hayley didn’t hit her head on anything. Everyone talked excitedly about the first show of the tour, and moaned about how early soundcheck was. As they got to the venue and found the crew and Adam, he thanked Hayley for having turned her phone back on. As they parted from a hug, Hayley laughed uncomfortably, not wanting to think about what felt like a bomb burning a hole in her pocket.

Soundcheck went slowly and was not without frustration, as per usual. It was fairly dull until they just about finished up and Justin decided to start playing covers. They tore through a few acoustic measures of Jimmy Eat World, and then suddenly the next chord progression particularly caught Hayley’s attention, as she looked around for Lights.

“Hey, I know this,” Lights smirked from sidestage, recognizing her own song.

“Come sing it with me,” Hayley motioned for her to join her. Lights strode to the center of the huge stage where Hayley met her, relinquishing control of the mic.