To the Moon and Back

Two Hearts and a Tour Bus

After his sound check, Hunter lead me onto his tour bus and gave me the ins and outs. "Coffee here, bunks for the band, bathroom there and bed over there." He smiled, grabbing a seat on the couch.

"Perfect." I smiled pulling up next to him. "What time is the show? Do you like to take a power nap or what?"

"I'm probably going to stay up since you're here, and we can get food delivered to the venue." 

I put a hand up, interjecting him, "Don't go changing your routine to accommodate me - I want to follow your routine."

"Okay, to be honest I would've had a nap between noon and two," he laughed, "I'm sorry I should've told you. I could probably have a rest now if I set an alarm..."

"How about we go lay down," I stood up and outstretched my hand, "if it helps, I can give you a back rub." His eyes got wide as he hopped  up and lead me to the bed.

We laid down and I set an alarm for an hours time. I stared working on Hunters lower back, he let out a little groan, "That's the spot." With in minutes he was pretty well asleep, I continued gently massaging his back until I too began to doze off.

I feel like I had just closed my eyes when I heard the blaring alarm going off next to me. I turned over to gently nudge Hunter awake. He rolled over and stretched his arms, "That was the greatest nap," he chuckled, "you are officially the queen of massages!" I laughed it off and got up to make us coffee.

"It's five, do you have a meet and greet?" I asked passing Hunter a mug. He took a sip and nodded just as we heard a knock on the bus door.

"Hey it's Sam," he opened the door, "thought I'd come check on you lovebirds." he said jokingly.

"We are all good," Hunter smiled, "I'll get changed and we will head over to do the coffeehouse." Sam nodded and headed back out.

"Am I..." I pointed out toward the venue.

"I would like for you to come if you're up for it." He placed his mug down and stood up, gently wrapping his arms around my waist, he pulled me in close and kissed my lips. "Sorry if that was too much." he spoke barely above a whisper, still holding me close. I kissed him back, gently running my fingers through his hair. 

I pulled away just a bit, "I think I will want your fans to like me and if you're late to your own coffeehouse because you're making out with me..." he didn't let me finish because he placed another kiss on my lips. He sighed and pulled away.

"You're just so beautiful, I couldn't resist." I felt my cheeks redden as Hunter turned to grab a clean shirt from the closet. 

"What should I wear?" I asked. Hunter looked over at me.

"Well, you look stunning as is." I smirked and playfully rolled my eyes. My hair was straight and I had a grey plaid shirt with a black tank underneath and blue skinny jeans. I looked myself over in the mirror and decided to keep it the same and tied up the laces to my converse. We headed out hand in hand toward the venue. Fans were lined up across the street and began screaming when they saw us. Hunter had a space backstage for fans to get her for a private, acoustic three song set and pictures. 

"Sit here," he said pulling up a chair, "hang out and relax. The guys are coming over then the fans come in!" I was petrified, afraid to move but I was situated in the back, slightly off to the side so hopefully no one will see me. The guys came in and fans began to find seats among the tables that were set up. Coffee and cookies lined the table adjacent to me. I sipped on a coffee to try and look like I fit in but the laminated pass hanging from around my neck was a giveaway that I wasn't just a fan. Within moments of the fans coming in, Hunter came out and welcomed everyone. He played a song and took a few questions.

'Yes, you with the red tee shirt, what's your question?' Hunter smiled toward the fan.

'Would you ever date someone who wasn't famous?'the young woman said, her eyes looked hopeful. 

Hunter kind of chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. He made eye contact with me, like he was looking for approval. I nodded and smiled. If he wanted to tell the fans - he could. "Well, I would, and I am." A few of the fans let out groans of disappointment. "It takes a special person to be able to come on tour and be selfless enough to allow me to pursue my career and dreams." He pursed his lips together in a small smile and winked at me. I smiled back and enjoyed the rest of the coffeehouse. After the fans were ushered into the main venue, Hunter guided me toward the bands green space. "How you doing Jen?"

"I'm good. I'm still trying to digest that I'm here. I'm pretty excited." Hunter held my hand.

"I meant what I said earlier, about you being special and selfless. I know I was really egging you to come do this and I want you to know that I appreciate everything you put on hold or the plans you changed to be here." Hunter lead me to a space side stage where we could watch the opening acts, Chris Jansen and Danielle Bradbery. We sat on top of some speakers, watching the fans sing along and have a good time. Devon came over and flagged Hunter back to the green space to get suited up. I sat and watched the crowd get excited as the lights changed and the guys took their places. The crowd began to cheer as the music began, they were opening up with Wild Card.

They continued playing all of the big hits including 21 and storm warning. Hunter took a moment to talk to the fans, 'As many of you know, I went through a really public break up last year. It was hard for me to be so invested in something one day just to turn around and it be gone the next. Recently, something changed, I took that emotion and I turned it into music. I have anew song I would like to play for you tonight, if that's okay?". The audience erupted and the music began. "This song is called 'Over Yesterday'". I hadn't heard this song either, but was intrigued by the lyrics. It started out sounding like a break up song but over the second verse it became more positive, like moving on and welcoming new beginnings.

The show was amazing and I sat and watched the entire thing from the side stage. Hunter did an encore and then the stage lights flicked off and the venue lights allowed the guests to see their way out.

Hunter, sweaty as ever came over, beaming. " I loved that song!" I hopped up off the speaker, we walked back to the dressing rooms.

'Thanks. I wrote it the day after I met you,' he was beaming and I am certain my jaw hit the floor. 'The whole experience, being publicly dumped, feeling like crap to making a connection over spilled drinks. I couldn't help but be moved by it." He held my hand and placed a kiss on it. "There's going to be food in the bus, did you wanna head up there - I'll shower and we can go from there?" I nodded, lacing my fingers through his and heading back to the bus.