Legends

Being Professional

February 2018

Allie's POV

"I know Dad," I grumbled into the phone pinching the bridge of my nose as I leaned my head back against the seat. I was riding shotgun headed to my latest assignment. My dad's voice got louder in my ear making me close my eyes against the brewing headache. This is exactly why I didn't tell him about this latest job. I had known at Christmas, but I just told him nothing had come up yet. I had a gallery show in Atlanta later this year I would be working on as well. "Daddy! I am almost thirty-three years old! I can be a professional about this okay."

"I know you can sugar," my dad's Texas drawl echoed through me ears as he sighed. "I just worry okay. I don't want to see you hurt again."

"Dad," I said my voice getting softer. "I'll be fine. I'm a big girl now. I can tie my own shoes and everything."

"Smartass," Dad growled in my ear before I heard a chuckle making me smile. "I'll try to come out and see you at some point okay."

"Oh, that should go over so damn well," I muttered making my driver snicker because I knew he could hear. "I'll be sure that security frisks you to check for guns."

"The fuck I will," the guy to my left said shaking his head as his whole body shuddered. "That man scares even me."

"Pussy!" Dad said with a laugh. "Allie, honey, just be safe okay. I love you."

"Love you too Dad. You know that I am well taken care of," I said with a soft smile looking through the windshield to see that we had arrived. "Got to go. I'll call you soon."

The truck came to a stop as I slipped my phone into my jacket pocket. I bit my lip debating with myself again. I had thought about changing my mind a million times. Almost didn't even get on the plane earlier, but something told me I had to do this. I was a professional. I could keep my cool. I was here to take pictures and work on photos for my show as we traveled, thats it.

I slipped my black North Face jacket on then grabbed my small camera bag that was at my feet. I would get the other stuff later once I found out where I was staying. Opening the truck door, I shivered against the Massachusetts cold as I walked to the front of the truck. At least it wasn't snowing. I paused looking at the buses and the flurry of activity in and out. I felt my stomach flip with nerves before I took a bracing breath of cold air to settle them. I jumped when a big hand landed on my shoulder.

"You gonna be okay Allie Cat?" they asked with concern. I groaned at the nickname I hadnt heard in years. Professionally I had started using Allison along with my maiden name Walker. I narrowed my eyes at the man beside me then reached up to adjust the messy bun I had put my hair in this morning because I knew I would be traveling.

The flight from Nashville hadnt been that long thankfully. Because even as much as I traveled, I still wasn't a fan of flying. Leggings and a pair of black Uggs kept my feet warm against the chill and a long blue sweater under my jacket. I was warm, comfortable, and ready to get to work.

"Ugghh," I grumbled elbowing him. "Please don't call me that PJ."

"Why not?" he asked with an amused smirk before placing a hand on the small of my back guiding me to the doors. PJ tugged a lanyard with my access pass out of his pocket handing it to me as we walked. I slipped it over my neck as we walked. We made our way through the corridors dodging roadies and techs in a hurry to get things set up. I could hear the beginnings of sound check as we got closer.

"So," I said looking up at PJ biting my lip. "How did he take the news?"

"Huh?" PJ asked faking a puzzled look scratching the back of his neck. "Ooohhhh that news. Ummm, he doesn't know."