Page 40 of The Girl with No Name

While I listen, I wonder:

Are they singing its ‘never this easy’ because this song is all just a fantasy of growing old with someone?

Or is the whole song is just a fantasy and a deep relationship truly is ‘never this easy?’

I make a note to myself to look into the Red Lemons and their romances as a band.

9

REED

“LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH & FAMOUS” – GOOD CHARLOTTE

Alittle while later, taller buildings return to the landscape as we get closer to Lexington.

After parking in the garage adjacent to a hotel, we walk over to the elevator and click the lobby floor to take us up from the basement.

“Guys, there’s a little problem,” Dunn begins as the elevator rises. “I didn’t actually reserve us a room.”

“Uh, excuse me?” I bark.

“Yeah. I didn’t think we’d need one.”

“Are you serious right now? Please tell me you’re joking. You begged me to come here today and we don’t even have a room reserved?”

He shrugs. “We were going to stay with my military buddy when I bought the tickets. He’s in Hawaii now, though.”

“So why are we at the Remington Hotel?” I ask as the elevator doors open in the lobby.

“Don’t worry. I have a plan.”

As we step out, a few young women approach—concert-goers, judging by the Zach Bryan merch they’re wearing.

“You have a plan…?!” I try not to raise my voice.

“Yes. I have a plan. I’m coming up with it as we speak, actually.”

Luna shoots him a funny look.

“Bro, let’s just find some motel out of town,” I say.

The women are chatty as they board the elevator. “Oh my God,” one of them says. “Did you hear the Red Lemons are stayinghere?”

“Where’d you hear that?” another replies.

“My friend’s cousin used to date the bass player.”

“Get out! I’m obsessed with them.”

The door slides closed, and Dunn leans over and whispers in my ear. “It’ll be fine. Just act confident, Walker.”

I groan, but I know Dunn has made up his mind and we’re at least going to give this—whatever we’re doing—a go. There’s no reason to protest.

“Um, what’s going on?” Luna asks quietly.

I try to whisper low enough that the girls in the elevator don’t hear. “Dunn is on to one of his schemes. It could blow up in our faces, but let’s roll with it and see what happens.”

“Ohhh.” She gives me an exaggerated wink and a nod. “A scheme. I like it.”

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