You Need the Darkness to See the Stars.

In The Middle Of A Lions Den

*2 Months Later* (Friday, August 5, 2016)

Brantley's POV

The tour was under way. Tonight we were in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Being on the road has been great. I loved playing for my fans, especially since I can actually remember each show. The best part is not waking up feeling like shit the next morning. The worst part was not waking up next to MacKenzie. Not seeing her every day made me realize how attached I had gotten to her. She was my rock. The one thing that kept me grounded. We talked every day, of course. But not actually having her around was starting to make me a little depressed and grouchy. I hadn't seen her in two months. She didn't go and see me while I was in Georgia. I tried to talk her into going but she said she was trying to finish her album. When we both left Georgia she only had 8 songs. I couldn't blame her for wanting to finish it. Hell even I was excited to hear the hard work she's been putting in at the studio. But damn, did I miss my girl.

I've kept in touch with Kolby too. So far there seems to be no signs of life from Charlie. And I hope it stayed that way. I still had two months left on the road. I just hoped it went by fast. I've been feeling a little homesick lately. Or was it guilt. I wasn't sure. I let her go back there. If something happened it would be my fault. I'd feel worse for not being there. I tried to not let these thoughts fill my head. It was a battle sometimes. But I had faith that Kolby would keep her safe for me.

But on the plus side of things Justin Moore and I release our new song 'More Middle Fingers' in seven days. I was really excited about that. We recorded it back when we were in Nashville. All the fine tuning was done. I couldn't wait to start playing that in shows. It was a fun song. We had a great time recording it. Justin's a good time. He's one of my good buddies. I loved touring with him.

Colt Ford was on tour with us as well. I've known Colt for a long time. We go back. He's been a mentor and friend for about 8 years now. Since 'Dirt Road Anthem'. He's a great time. He's one of my best friends and we always have a good time together. So it was great that he's around to help me keep my mind from wandering too far. I was grateful for that. I was grateful for the both of them.

Everyone was scrambling around getting ready for the show tonight. But I sat in my dressing room waiting for MacKenzie to answer my FaceTime. It took a few seconds. When video connection was finally established I saw Kolby waving at me.

"Kolby? Why do you have Kenzie's phone?" I asked.

"She's recording. Listen to this, she's about to do another take." He smiled flipping the camera around.

"I am so jealous, you get to hear all this stuff before me." I huffed. I was definitely a little whiny too.

"Not all of it. I'm not always allowed in the studio... I have a tendency to touch things. The engineer doesn't like that." Kolby spoke, he sounded a little sad. "Now hush up." He said. Causing me to chuckle just a little. The music started up.

MacKenzie's POV

I was in the sound booth about to do another take on this song I've been working on. The music started. I closed my eyes and just focused on singing the song.

"Blood on my sleeve from where my heart used to be. I've learned to keep it out of reach. Cause I've let it flee with a few too many thieves. Always returns to me with a missing piece. But then you came along like high tide at dawn and washed me clean. And I must admit this feeling of bliss, darling I can hardly breathe. We're standing hand in hand. In the middle of a lions den. Bracing for attack at any moment. Wounds heal but love is ruthless. And all that I can bring myself to do is pray we make it out alive, by the morning. When it comes down to us the strength for what we like and love. You've got your scars and hell I've got mine. Til I saw your face didn't what it meant to feel safe. I won't let you go I know you're my only line. We're standing hand in hand. In the middle of a lions den. Bracing for attack at any moment. Wounds heal but love is ruthless. And all that I can bring myself to do is pray we make it out alive, by the morning. By the morning. Lover, kiss me between the thunder and lightning. However this ends tonight, at least we'll go down fighting. We're standing hand in hand. In the middle of a lions den. Bracing for attack at any moment. Wounds heal but love is ruthless. And all that I can bring myself to do is pray we make it out alive. Oh I pray you will stay by my side til the morning. Til the morning. Till the morning. Til the morning." I sang. When I finished I sipped on some water. "How was that?" I asked.

"I think it's good, why don't you come take a listen." The producer spoke. I pulled my headphones off and left the sound booth.

"Hey Brantley's on FaceTime." Kolby said giving me my phone as I went to sit down.

"Thank you." I smiled at Kolby. "Hey babe, how's Albuquerque?" I asked.

"It's great. It's a little hot today but other wise pretty good. How is the studio? That was a great song." Brantley smiled.

"Oh you heard it? I'm glad you like it." I smiled. "The albums going well. I'm almost done with it. We've got to iron out and fine tune somethings but we should with it hopefully before you get back from tour. Latest by the time you get home."

"Well I hope you finish it soon. Or at least find some time to come out and join me for a couple shows. I really miss you."

"We'll see how things work out. But I'll call you before you take the stage tonight. Tell the guys I wish them luck." I spoke quickly, trying to end the conversation. So that way I could get back to work. Everyone in the studio was waiting on me. I hung up with Brantley and we picked up where we left off.

A  Couple Hours Later.

Brantley's POV

I was about to go on stage. We just finished our prayer circle and I was waiting on MacKenzie to call. I was moments from going on stage. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, when my phone rang.

"Hey babe." I spoke.

"Hey, I know you're about to go on stage but I just wanted to call and wish you good luck for the show tonight."

"Thanks baby girl, that means a lot. I love you and I miss you, Kenz." I spoke.

"I love you and miss you too." I could hear the sadness in her voice.

"My next stop is Indiana, so if I have time maybe I can catch a quick flight to Nashville and come see you." I said, hoping she wouldn't fight me on this. Mentally making a reminder for myself, to text Rachel and get her to talk my girl into coming out on tour with me.

"Yeah, I would love that. Or maybe I'll just come out to Indiana. Watch you play." MacKenzie said.

"God that would make this ol' boys day." I chuckled. "But I have to get off here babe. I'm about to take the stage. I love you. And I'll give ya a call later, okay?"

"Sounds good handsome. I love you too. Good luck tonight." MacKenzie said, before we hung up the phone. I slid it in my pocket, just as I was about to hit my cue to walk out. The crowd roared. Making me smile. I needed this. Even if it was to keep Kenzie off my mind just for a little while.

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Sorry it's been a while and I've been terrible with updates. But I promise I'm gonna do better by you guys.

Also I love how the picture for this video looks kinda like the Cover for the story.