Better in the Long Run

I Hold On

Our time in the UK was busy between doing an acoustic show at the Ticketmaster UK headquarters and my interview with UK Cosmopolitan. Hunter and I realized this was a serious in-depth work trip contrary to our usual laid back summer festivals. "Mom?" Easton poked his head around the door of the office I was in.

"Sorry," I turned to the interviewer, "Yes Eas?"

"Where's the bathroom?" I looked at the interviewer who gave directions.

"Take your brother and sister. Sutton, just stand by the door please and watch the boys." She nodded and they headed off together. "So sorry about that."

"No problem, where were we..." she scanned her notes, "I was actually just gonna ask you about the kids. How are they liking it out here?"

"They think it's so cool. They love seeing the older buildings, bridges and the big double Decker buses. This is the first really big trip they've ever been on." We were in Manchester for the first of two shows. We continued the interview, dropping hints about new music coming, "I can say new music is in the works and it will be a little bit beyond what people have come to expect. I am super excited for it." We wrapped up the interview and I corralled the kids into the car that brought us back to the hotel.

"Hey mom," Sutton climbed on the bed beside me, "did you and dad know about all these interviews? I feel like we are living in the hotel and bus."

"No sweetie, we didn't, at least not for me." I pursed my lips together, "I am sorry you feel that way. This wasn't what I expected. Did you guys want to go for a walk and look around? Maybe grab something to eat?" They agreed and we dressed to brave the notorious, drizzly weather. We wandered along the River Irwell and eventually made our way to a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. "That's where dad and I are playing tonight and tomorrow." I said quietly, pointing across the street to the white building called the Opera House. Just as we sat down, my phone buzzed.

H: You guys out exploring?

J: Yes, just having lunch across from the venue....a place called Alice. Come join us?

H: Wish I could, two radio call ins to promote tonight. Can you bring something back for me?

J: Yes :)

I slid my phone back in my pocket and enjoyed lunch with my kiddos. We talked about everything from what we will do when we get home, to missing Millie and summer camps. After we finished our lunch, I ordered a soup and sandwich to go for Hunter. I paid and turned as I heard a squeal from behind me. Three girls, maybe in their mid teens frantically pulled out their phones.

"Jenna - can we get a picture?" They were on the border of very friendly and almost crazy but I agreed to snap a quick selfie. I was saved by the server who told the girls to shoo and let me be on my way. She handed me my order and I gathered up the kids.

"Does that happen at home? Like people stopping you to take your picture." Beckett said, holding my hand as we crossed the street back toward the hotel.

"Well, it happens sometimes. Where we live, it's normal to see celebrities and musicians walking about. It doesn't happen here." We returned to the hotel just as Hunter wrapped up his second phone call and I handed him his lunch. As he ate, Beckett told him about "the girls shouting and squealing when they saw mommy".

"Your mom is sort of a big deal," he smirked, "but really, if anyone ever makes you feel uncomfortable by taking your picture - you can tell them no thank you." Hunter reminded the kids. We wanted them to be polite about it but keep in mind they are allowed to say no. Easton told his dad about the cool bridge and path along the water.

"We should take your dad there if we have time tomorrow," I smiled, crashing down on the bed, "what's going on tomorrow?" Hunter shrugged and eye rolled my eyes. "Well, I don't know about you guys, but I need a rest before sound check."

"That's a good idea for all of us." Hunter cleaned up his lunch and drew the curtains as the kids grumbled about not being tired. "If you're not tired you can play on your tablet quietly. No tv." I walked over to the adjoined room and Hunter followed, propping open the door in case the kids needed us.

"What's really going on tomorrow?"

He sighed, "Can I apologize in advance?" I nodded, and he pulled me in close to him, "morning tv interview, two radio visits and a magazine."

"It's okay," I whispered, "maybe we can cut this nap a little shorter." I pulled away just enough to look at Hunter's eyes, "On our walk, Easton said 'Dad would love this bridge', and I think they would love it if we made the time, just a ten minute walk to see it."

"Absolutely. I can do that." He set an alarm on his phone. The two hour nap was much needed and very refreshing. We got ready for sound check but Hunter asked the kids if they could take us to the bridge beforehand. "I'm sorry I'm out the door early tomorrow, but you can watch me on tv." Easton grabbed Hunter's hand as the bridge came into view.

"Isn't this cool?" He said with a ton of enthusiasm.

"It is! Can we take a picture here?" We tried to make a selfie happen but a kind passerby offered to take it for us. "Thank you guys for showing me this bridge. Mom said you guys also know where we are playing tonight." Sutton pointed to the white building that came into view as we got back to the street level. We walked over and found the guys inside.

"Ready?" I asked.

"Let's do it."