Not Letting Go

Chapter 27

When they reached the car, Vi unlocked the doors and sat in the front passenger seat with the other two right behind her. As they approached Betty, Vi said, "Hope you don't mind, angel. I need to sit up here with Maxie to copilot."

"Of course," Kate said cheerfully and sat behind Vi so she could better see Max in the driver's seat. The bags of costumes were tossed beside her on the other side. The plastic axe stuck out awkwardly from one bag.

Max came around the other side and looked hesitantly through the window at the steering wheel for a moment, then opened the door slowly. She sat down and Vi thrust out the keys and said, "Here you go! Betty's in your hands...and feet too I guess. Wait no, just one foot. No one uses both feet, unless it's manual do they?"

"Oh thank dog, it's automatic. I wasn't even paying attention before," Max said looking down.

Vi grinned and said, "Relax, Maxie. You'll be fine. Now start that engine." Kate wanted to say something supportive, but guessed anything would just add pressure, so she stayed silent.

Max put the key in the ignition and turned. The car roared to life and she took a deep breath.

Vi held her chin and then tapped her head before saying, "Okay, now that I'm thinking about it more, maybe I should get us to a parking lot first and then you start there? Or are you good?"

Max didn't think that simply driving would impress Kate, but having to start off in a parking lot would be a little embarrassing. She went against her better judgement to seem confident to her girlfriend. "I'm good."

"Okay..." Vi said hesitantly, sensing her apprehension, but instructed Max, saying, "So just drive down this street for a while. Don't worry about turning anywhere."

"'Kay, sounds good....I can do that."

With her foot still on the break pedal, Max looked for a moment for the parking break and then released it. She put the car into drive and checked for incoming cars, but saw none. No more excuses to not to get going now, she thought. Max slowly pressed down on the gas pedal and they were moving.

After a few seconds, Max felt completely sure of herself. It really was like riding a bike, she thought with relief.

"Doing good, Maxie," Vi said.

"Yeah, I got it now." She didn't know why she was so worried. As they continued straight down the road, Kate made small talk with Vi, trying not to distract Max, just in case.

"So what does your band sound like?" Kate asked.

"Well...I have to admit...we are less punk or metal than I'd like...actually not at all...okay, confession time..." She sighed and said, "We're a post-rock band..."

Kate and Max were both smiling at her odd embarrassment. Vi had her head in her hands.

"I play synth keyboard for god's sake. Where did I go wrong?!" Her hands flourished out in exasperation, revealing a smile with eyes squeezed shut tight.

Kate put her hand on Vi's shoulder from behind and said, "I'm sure you're great, punk or not."

Vi tilted her head and said, "Actually...there's a thing I'm working on in the CD player...it's short as shit, but that's why I'm listening to it all the time to figure out where to go with it. It'll give you some idea of our sound."

She turned on the CD player and started the song sample.

"I like it," Max said sincerely.

"Yeah, what's it called?" Kate asked.

"No name. No words yet either. But yeah...this music is honestly my true musical self, or at least my roots. I wasn't always the badass I am today," Vi said, turning around to have a side view of Kate.