"Okay I like it but I'm thinking bigger, you know?" I said to Harrison, our creative art director. He was in charge of all graphic effects on tour and he truly was a genius. "The floating shit should come in from this way," I said, pointing up at the empty arena that would soon be bustling with people tonight. "So then I can go across the entire GA."
"I like that. And it's completely doable." He said with a nod as he wrote down on his notepad. "Also, I had this idea when I was going over the lights. What if the bottom of the prop had shortened stream lights that hangs, you know?" I hummed and looked at the floating flower (that was our entire theme). "I was thinking it could be green."
"Ah like the stem of the flower?" I asked and he nodded. "You just made this thing ten times better, man. Genius." I rubbed his shoulders as I nodded. "I love it. I'm gonna head to catering, need anything?"
"No thanks. I'm gonna have tech get this straight before set up." I gave him a thumbs up before walking away from the seats and towards backstage. We still had about four hours before show time and two before soundcheck so I decided to do a little hometown catching up. It has been about three years.
I went into the catering hall and saw the girls all eating on the tacos and feeding Rosie whatever she wanted. Perks of having three spoiling aunts. I walked over and sat besides my daughter, my hand landing on her small head. "Hey babes, wanna go somewhere?" She looked up and nodded softly. "Okay, come on." I said and turned my back to her, letting her climb on. I turned back to the girls and smiled. "I'm gonna take her to that park we use to go to."
"Ah I've missed that place. I got so much pussy there." Ellie smacked Vivian's shoulder and motioned to Rosie who was absentmindedly playing with my hair. "What? She's oblivious."
I chuckled and shook my head at my sister before turning with my baby and walking away. "Don't eat too much and puke Viv."
"That was one time!" She exclaimed as I rounded the corner, coming face to face with Alexa who was leaning her head on the wall, phone pressed to her ear.
"Yes I understand but I'm not-" she stopped and brought her hand to her face as she sighed. "No I'm not huffing Rich... dad."
"Alexa!" Rosie suddenly shrieked and my eyes widened when she looked up at the two of us.
"Sorry uh.. my bad."I said bashfully and tried to duck away but she reached out and softly grabbed my arm, her head shaking.
"I have to work, I gotta go." She said, holding my eyes. "Yeah I'll call you." She then hung up and slid the phone into her pocket. "Sorry, my dad.."
I nodded and watched as her eyes dropped down. "Everything okay?"
She cleared her throat, her head raising back up. "Yeah, just his daily reminder on how much of a failure I've become." A frown crossed my lips when she chuckled and grabbed her beanie from her back pocket before pulling it on.
"Alexa.."
"Where are you guys heading?" She cut off, changing the subject with pleading eyes so I nodded softly, abiding by her wishes.
"Going to this park I use to always go to.. wanna join?" Her eyes sparked with joy as she nodded. "Ok, it's not far so we'll just walk." I said and nodded my head over my shoulder and I slowly let Rosie stand on her own feet, leaving the arena and heading to the park.
-
"Can I go mommy? Pleaseee!" Rosie exclaimed once we stepped foot into the park gate. I nodded and she squealed before running full speed to the slides while I walked to the swing set and slowly sat down, a smile on my face.
