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It’s not like I’ve been purposely avoiding watching their sets. But by the time I’m done with my own, I’m emotionally and physically spent, and always craving the peacefulness of the empty bus and a long shower.
But it’s time I show Walker the same support he’s been trying to offer to me this entire tour, which I have been trying to accept little by little.
“Tomorrow night,” I respond with a nod, making him a promise.
Walker’s face lights up as he begins to walk backward to the studio, eyes burning with a fire that stirs something low in my stomach, causing me to shift on my feet and I see him note the movement. “I’m holding you to it,” he calls out, happiness clear in his voice.
I stifle a smile and finally exit the studio, the noise of the city greeting me as I step onto the pavement. People rush past me on the sidewalk, not sparing me a second look and I welcome the chill of the air against my warm skin as I begin to stroll, no destination in mind and enjoying the knowledge that I’m free to wander wherever I please, no meeting or show to prep for, for the rest of the day.
And giving me the chance to clear my head as the only thought that occupies it is a certain drummer.
15
SCAR
Just as I’m about to slide my key into the lock on my hotel room door, a door swings open behind me and I’m hit with a draft of cool air against my back.
I peer over my shoulder and see Carter exiting the room across from mine. Her short hair is full of static as she pulls the collar of her puffer jacket around her neck.
“Hey.” She smiles as she steps out into the hallway. “Didn’t realize we were neighbors.”
“I didn’t either,” I respond, pulling my key away from the lock and turning around, leaning back against the door. “I haven’t seen you around since we got here yesterday.”
“Been catching up on all of the content from the recent shows so I really haven’t left this room much.” She laughs but it falls flat.
In the New York City and barely leaving the hotel room?
I feel bad for her.
“Have you been here before?”
Carter shakes her head, some of her hair catching on the gloss on her lips.
“C’mon! You gotta get out and see some of the sights then. Or at least get out to try some of the food.”
Her eyes fall to her feet. I should’ve thought to try to find her this morning before I went out and about and invited her to tag along. I check the time on my phone, noting that I still have about an hour before I need to be heading over to the venue for the show tonight.
The pull for a nap is strong, but the desire to try to get Carter out to enjoy at least a small part of our time here is stronger.
“Wanna go grab a bite to eat? There’s a great pizza spot just down the street from here,” I offer. She doesn’t need to know that I already ate dinner before coming back to the hotel, but I can most certainly always go for a slice.
Carter hesitates, looking at her phone. “I don’t know. Daniel said to stay here so he can come and get me and the equipment before tonight.”
My face twists at the way she just said that, like she’s a child waiting for her parents to pick her up from school and not a grown ass adult with autonomy.
So where the hell is he if she’s been stuck here in the room all day?
“Then come down to the bar off the lobby for a drink with me?” I hate the idea of her just sitting around here by herself.
She pauses, but only for a moment. “I’d love to.” She checks her phone once last time before turning it off and following me toward the elevator.
We make small talk as we ride down to the first floor and take up two empty seats at the bar. The cushions are plush as we sink onto them, the lighting bright and airy, sparkling off of the white tiled floor.
The bartender meanders over, polishing a glass in her hand as she does so. “What can I get for you?”
“I’ll take a Red Bull,” I order, then look to Carter.
“Diet Coke.”
