To the Moon and Back

Three Chords and the Truth

"Please be safe," my mom hugged me at the airport, "FaceTime us please."

"Have fun, be good and remember to study," my dad hugged me after. "Safe travels Jenna."

"I will be good, I promise. I'll email you and everything as often as I can." waved as I walked into the airport, checked into my flight and trekked across the terminal to find my gates. It took a few months of convincing, but Hunter asked me to join him on tour after officially asking me to be his girlfriend when I last saw him in Myrtle Beach. With school behind me, I was able to take some time to see what his life was like- the travelling, the road and the shows. 

I found my gate and waited for the announcement for boarding to New York. Hunter had a press event in the city before beginning his eight week tour. I texted him to let him know I made it to the airport.

J: Hey Hunter, I'm at the airport. Boarding soon and I can't wait to see you!

H: thank you for the update. Travel safe sweetheart!

I flipped my phone into airplane mode and began boarding the plane. A stewardess directed me to the first class portion of the cabin. Within twenty minutes, we were boarded, buckled and preparing for take off. The flight was only two hours, and as quickly as I got on, I disembarked the plane and grabbed my suitcase off the carousel. 

I switched my phone back on and received a message from Hunter.

H: I'm with Matt at the Starbucks.  Keep walking through to the exit like you're going to get a cab.

J: perfect see you soon!

I followed his directions and strolled through the airport following all of the signs to get me to the cabs. I pushed through the last security gate and saw the Starbucks cafe and Hunter sitting with a hoodie and ball cap. Obviously without drawing attention to us, I walked over and when I was within war shot I said, 'Hey goodlookin'.'

'Jenna,' he opened his arms for a hug and kissed my cheek, 'good to see you. This is Matt.'

We shook hands and Hunter grabbed my suitcase as we headed toward the parking garage. The drive to the hotel was mostly small talk, Matt asking about Toronto and school. Hunter updated me on the tour plans.

"I'm so happy you're here," he reached for my hand, "everything kicks off tomorrow!"

"I can't believe I'm here," I said quietly, "thank you." I squeezed Hunters hand and he squeezed mine back. We arrived at the hotel and Hunter walked me hand in hand toward the elevators, explaining how just like Myrtle Beach, he wanted me to be comfortable and gave me a room adjoined to his.

"Thank you, I appreciate it," he unlocked the door and pushed it open,"have you eaten? Do you want to just sit and talk?" I asked, placing my bag down and climbing onto the bed.

Hunter smiled and greatly obliged, kicking off his shoes and propping up a pillow beside me. "Well, what would you like to talk about?"

We discussed everything from the tour, the other acts, and then the questions became more personal, like sleeping arrangements and our relationship going public. "I wish I could tell you what to expect, and how to prepare for it..." his voice drifted off, "but honestly Jen - the last relationship I was in was public but we both made efforts to keep it private. You might find it helpful if you consider making your instagram private?"

"That's a good idea," I smiled, "I will do it right now." And I did right then and there. We continued talking more about our relationship and boundaries.

Hunter held my hand and wanted to be honest when he told me he wasn't a virgin, but he didn't want to rush into anything because he wanted to know me more first. "I completely agree," I squeezed his hand, "I'm not perfect. I'm not a virgin either but I respect and appreciate wanting to get to know each other better. To be honest, I was a bit nervous bringing that up with you."

"You don't need to be nervous Jenna." We continued talking and before we knew it, it was time to grab lunch. "Let's go eat, I have a three o'clock sound check at the venue.' He said checking his watch  it was ready one  we had spent a good amount of time talking, lying the foundation of our relationship for the next eight weeks.