Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“It’s a new era,” I tell Nola. “We’re allowed to have long engagements.”
“Are we though?”
I honestly don’t know.
After Nola and I stuff ourselves on hotdogs, which I have to admit are pretty damn good, we make our way to our seats. The stands are filling fast now that the opening musical act has finished their melody of hits. As a manager, it troubles me that people opt to forgo opening acts. The artists playing deserve and have earned their time on stage, and it leaves an empty feeling in their stomachs when they look out to the crowd, knowing it’s a sold out showing, and hardly anyone is sitting. You’ll never see it on their faces because they’re grateful for the opportunity to play, but as a manager, it’s irritating.
Nola goes to sit, while I head to the front row and nestle myself between my grandparents. I put my arms around them and pull them to me. Neither protest as I squish them into my sides. When I release them, my grandmother looks at me with a sad smile.
“Why are you sad, Elle?”
How does she know? It’s a stupid question, really, because grandmas know everything. “I’m just tired.” It’s not a lie. Living in a hotel room sucks. I miss my house, my bed, and my Ben. “I’ve been really busy at work. I have two new bands, plus Sinful Distraction is going on tour soon.”
Grandma smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She brushes my hair behind my ear and her fingers rest on my neck for a moment.
“Are you sure?”
I nod. “I promise. It’s exhausting building a business.”
“You need a partner,” Grandpa says loudly. “Tess and I worry about you kids all the time, overextending yourselves. Hire some help.”
“Yes, sir.” I don’t argue with him because there’s no point. Plus, he’s not wrong. I have one assistant, who could probably use an assistant. It’s bad enough I have to replace Ben. In the six weeks we’ve been apart, I’ve gone through two marketing companies and neither of the people they’ve sent over can deliver the way Ben could.
When I hear my mother behind me, I kiss my grandparents on their cheeks and tell them to enjoy the game. It’s not that I don’t want to sit with them, I do, but I want to hold Oliver and if my grandmother gets him first, I won’t stand a chance.
I linger on the steps for a minute because my mom has handed my baby brother to Julius Cunningham’s girlfriend. She bounces Oliver on her legs and makes the same faces I do at him. My mom had a custom jersey made for Oliver, with Westbury on the back. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, aside from Oliver. I can’t take it anymore and head to the aisle where he is and hold my hands out for him. Autumn hands him over and I go sit down.
“I’ve missed you,” I tell him. I rest my feet on the seat in front of me and set Oliver on my legs. He’s wearing shorts and a pair of baby Nikes which match his jersey. “Look at you, being the cutest boy here.”
Oliver coos in response and lets out a small giggle.
I play with his legs, touch his cheek, and love on him until I feel a tap on my shoulder. I look at Oliver and shake my head. “No, we don’t care who’s behind us, do we?”
He smiles. Another tap.
“Who is it, Oliver? Can you tell me?”
When the person behind me clears their throat, I know it’s my sister.
“Oh phooey,” I say to the baby. “Do you want to see that other sister of yours or stay with your favorite.”
“We’re both his favorite,” Peyton says. “Now hand him over.”
I bring him to me and kiss his fat cheeks before handing him to Peyton. I think about joining my mom, but decide to stay where I am. I turn in my seat and touch Oliver’s leg. “Is Noah ready?”
Peyton shrugs. “It’s a big stage. The biggest of his life. He’s as ready as he’s going to be.”
“It’s too bad you can’t sit with us,” Nola says as she leans into my sister and touches Oliver’s cheek.
Peyton smiles and makes some baby noises at Oliver, which earns her a soft coo. “I’m right where I want to be.”
“How’s Uncle Liam? Did you see him before you came out?” I ask my sister.
“No, he and Dad are in the dressing room.”
“Uncle Jimmy is pissed he’s not here,” I add. “Mom said Eden has some huge event in Australia tomorrow, and they had to fly there early to kill the jet lag.”
“Liam said they’re going to livestream the game. Although, it won’t be the same. The atmosphere…” Peyton pauses and looks around. “This is incredible.”
I tap Peyton on her knee. “You’ve earned this too.” I pick up on bits and pieces of Nola’s conversation with Autumn. The poor woman is thoroughly confused by our family dynamic. It’s comical, in a way, but I get it. Peyton likes Autumn, and so do I.