Our Story So Far

Chapter 22

I felt like my fingers were going to fall off: and not in the good way. You know, the good way like after you play an entire show and your fingers are completely exhausted, but the crowd shouts for an encore and even though your fingers feel like they might snap in half you keep playing?

Yeah... no. It was definitely the bad way.

"Guys, we've been couped up in here for six hours." I groaned, giving my fingers a much needed stretch.

"And more importantly, we haven't made any progress." I looked over to Drake who was clenching his fists: no doubt to get rid of the numbness that was gathering in his fingers. "My fingers are about to fall off." I chuckled and gave Drake a knowing smile.

"Okay, I agree: we definitely need a break." Luke ruffled up his hair. "We've got a show to play later, and we need to conseve our energy." We were all sprawled out on a number of couches, but I knew what he meant. If we kept playing any longer, we would all go insane.

Gotta love the writing process.

* * * * *

"It's so hot down here." I fanned myself as I walked into the stadium.

"Oh please. It's not that bad." Les laughed, walking alongside me. He looked considerably less sweaty than I did.

"I'm a city kid. And not only that- but I'm a New York city kid. The concrete jungle hasn't exactly prepared me for this." I raised my arms out to the side, gesturing to incredibly humid air that was pressing down on me.

"Well it's the middle of June... and it's Altlanta, what did you expect?" He laughed. I sent a half-hearted jab into his ribcage as I let the air conditioning wash over me.

"Gahhhhh!" I looked up at the enormous ceiling fans that were strapped to the ceiling. If I was grateful for any human innovation, it would be air conditioning. I mean, every time I step into an airconditioned building, it's like the first time. It's a magical experience.

"Oh my god you're such a freak." Les was trying not to laugh, I could tell.

"And you're not?" I retorted, letting myself comfortably adjust to the cool air.

"Touché." He let out a slightly defeated chuckle. "So, are you excited?"

"About what?"

"Well, we're offically on the east coast now- only a few more stops until you're home." Instantly my eyebrows raised. I hadn't really thought of it like that; and I had to admit, I was looking forward to it. I hadn't been home in months... I was looking forward to seeing my dad again, and Carly- and sleeping in my own bed. Is it bad that I'm the most excited by that last one? "Ahaha oh my god, you're cheesing so hard right now. I knew you were looking forward to it." Les gave me one of those million dollar smiles of his, and I couldn't help but blush a little bit.

Ever since the kiss, things have been a little strained between the two of us. Obviously the two of us haven't really talked about it, but there's definitely been a shift in our relationship. He treats me more like a sister now, and strangely I was okay with it. Sure there might have been a time where I had felt something for Les, but not anymore.

"What're we talking about?" I looked past Les to see that Jason had caught up with us.

"Mac's excited to go home." Les teased me again. 

"Oh hey, that's right!" Jase grinned. "Sooooo are you gonna introduce us to all your fraaaands?" I narrowed my eyes aas he exchanged a grin with Les. It was official: the two of them were making fun of me.

"Alright assholes." I laughed, shoving Les so he knocked right in to his partner in crime.

"Oh come on! I wanna meet your friends!" Now Les was nudging me repeatedly with his elbow. But I wasn't going to crack that easily.