Wild Horses

TWO

"Same hurt in every heart, same trailer, different park..."
- Kacey Musgraves; Merry Go 'Round

"You're joking, right?" asked Brendan. "We just drove all the way to Nashville for nothing?"

"Not for nothing," Amber shook her head. "We played a festival. That's huge, Bren."

Amber knew it had been a mistake not to tell them they weren't getting paid for the gig. Her bassist scoffed just as her guitarist interjected.

"She's right, bro," said Johnny. "At this point, exposure is more important than how much money we made."

"But we didn't make any money!" exclaimed Brendan.

"Enough!" shouted Carter, banging his fists on the table. The entire band stared at him, wide-eyed. "It's already over and done. We got to play a major gig. You got your own fucking hotel room. Now let's move on and shut the fuck up about it!"

Amber cleared her throat, nervous to say anything else.

"Um...yeah. Let's just...move on."

The band was just outside of St. Louis, on their way to Kansas City. It was roughly an eight hour drive from Nashville, and they probably could have made it in one day. But with having a gig the next evening, they'd decided to break up the trip, leaving the festival after they'd played and spending the night along the way.

Grateful for a little silence, Amber finished her BLT and fruit bowl while the boys all scrolled through their phones, an occasional snort or grunt coming from each of them. She thought briefly about Harry Styles and how he'd been so kind to her earlier that day, rooting her on before she'd stepped out onto the stage, and staying for their entire set. Just before their last song, she'd turned, grabbing her guitar for the acoustic number and catching his eye as he watched from behind the equipment. He was clapping, his arms raised above his head, a huge grin on his face. She couldn't help but feel the spark of electricity jolt through her veins as he lowered his arms and gave her a thumbs up. She felt like she played the final song the best she ever had, whether or not her bandmates noticed.

She really wished she could have stayed and seen his set. She was a fan of his, always had been, the music lover she was. She credited Faith for the One Direction introduction in her early teens as they'd argued over who was the cutest, but eventually it was more about the music for Amber, even after Faith had moved on to new obsessions.

She wondered how Faith was. It had been a while since she'd heard from her. She made a quick mental note to text her later before she wiped her hands on her napkin and rose from the table.

"You guys can stay if you like," she announced to the boys. "I'm heading back to my room."

Brendan and Johnny each gave nods and waves, but Carter watched her with questioning eyes as she made her way to the exit. Then dropping a couple ones on the table, he stood up so quickly, he knocked it with his knee, nearly making the drinks spill.

"Hey, watch it!" yelped Brendan.

"Sorry," Carter breathed. "I'm gonna turn in, too."

"Turn in?" Brendan looked at his watch. "It's 8:30."

"I know, but...I need a shower and...I could use a good night's sleep."

Running a hand through his hair, Carter turned for the door, stopping when he heard Brendan mutter under his breath.

"Could use some pussy is what you mean. Good luck with that."

With a huff, Carter pushed open the door hard, making it rattle. He didn't feel like taking any more of Brendan's shit. Crossing the parking lot with a jog, he called out to Amber just before she reached her room. Looking over her shoulder, she slowed her pace before stopping. Carter caught up with her, shoving his hands in his pockets.