On Tour

Chapter 29 - Song

OZZIE

Joel and Lexy kissed. I came back to ask something and saw them kissing. Since then, I haven't asked him what is going on between him and Lexy, but whatever it is, I hope it continues because I haven't seen him so happy in a while. Working on the new song has made them spend time together, so it wasn't odd seeing them together at meals or sitting next to each other. What surprised me when I saw them kissing was that I thought Lexy was dating someone. She talks in whispers or giggles when she's on the phone. I seem to have been wrong.

Erica and I talked briefly on the phone about what happened and she sounded so excited about the idea of Joel and Lexy being back together. She's been back in Greenwood to attend meetings related to the planning and launch of our upcoming album, and I miss her. This time apart has made me figure that I love her more than I thought I did. The bus even feels colder without her laughter and energy. She'll be back for the last shows and I'm planning to ask her to move in with me.

"Oz, have you seen Alec?" Gabriella asks as she comes in.

"He's recording the bass tutorials for the company that manufactures his instruments. I think Lex is with him as a special guest. They asked not to be interrupted, so here I am," I don't feel bad about lying to Gabriella since it's all for a good reason. Lexy, Alec and Joel are rehearsing the new song and someone needed to keep an eye out for our manager.

"How are you doing?" Gabriella sits next to me. "You've been quiet lately."

"I can be quiet at times," I give her my best smile. "I miss Erica, but I'll see her again soon."

"I miss her too. She's become a wonderful friend and it's so much fun to be around her. Her energy is contagious. I'm in awe of everything she does for you guys."

"What both of you do for us," I say and she blushes at the compliment. "To be honest, you are the best supporting team we've had in a long time. Do you also feel this...? I don't even know how to describe it. It's like a mix of boredom and emptiness when Erica is not around. Is it the same for you with Daan?"

Gabriella smiles. "I get what you mean. You don't feel bored because there's more than enough to do, but it's not the same without them. I always hold on to the idea that it is for a short time and we try to make it up when we see each other again."

My phone lights up with a random message from a subscription service and Gabriella picks it up.

"This is a great photo," she says and hands me the device back.

"It's the first one that got published on the night that Erica and I decided not to hide anymore. For years, they have plastered my photos over every media outlet during my past dates. It bothered me a lot, but this time it was different. I wanted them to see us together and to let the world know. I'm even smiling in those photos and I've never smiled before in any photo taken by a pap. Usually it's me frowning, dragging my date behind me or shielding my face. And look at her face in this photo, she doesn't give a shit about being surrounded by those vultures."

"She's a very confident woman. She's taught me to find the positives whenever anything negative about the band and even about me comes in the press."

"You've been targeted too?" I feel surprised that even Gabriella has been on the news.

"Mostly around the time of Joel's hospitalization. I was being compared to your previous manager. A man even approached my sister at her bakery and tried to get her to make a statement about my capabilities as your manager. Erica made everyone eat their words."

"Nothing stops those people. It's the part of this life that I wasn't ready for."

"I believe no one can prepare for that, but as long as you are honest and transparent, they have no news."