Page 26 of Anchor Grey
“We ate on the way up here,” Jeremy said. “So, what else have you been doing besides sitting in the hot tub?”
“We’ve played a lot of board games,” I said.
“Went fishing,” Devon added.
“Did you catch anything?” Jeremy asked.
“No, but it was fun. I’ve never fished before.”
“Never?” Mateo asked.
“Never.”
“So, you two have been up here for a week fishing and playing board games?” Jeremy asked as he plopped onto the couch.
“Pretty much,” both of us said at the same time.
“Have you practiced?” Mateo asked and unlocked the case to his acoustic guitar.
“Nope, not even once,” I said.
“Whoa, how was that?” Jeremy asked but directed it at me.
“It was amazing,” I said, and led Devon to the couch. “Want to watch a movie?”
Twenty-Two
Devon
“Who are you and what have you done with Johnny?” Mateo asked and clutched a pillow from the couch to his chest.
“There’s a lot we need to talk about,” Johnny said.
“I knew it, you two are getting married,” Jeremy said.
Johnny’s eyes met mine before the two of us dissolved into laughter. “God no. We haven’t even talked about that. I’m not sure I want to stay in the band,” Johnny said. The same way he’d say he wasn’t sure he wanted more ice cream, or another beer. His mind was made up.
“Have you talked to Tanner?” Jeremy asked.
“Not yet. I wanted to talk to you guys first.”
“Guys, I feel the same way. I thought being in a band was my dream. But it feels like it’s stealing my life now,” I said. A look passed between Mateo and Jeremy before Jeremy took his hand and nodded.
“We feel the same way. I want to do more than just travel all week, practice, or play gigs all weekend,” Mateo said. “Sorry, guys, we didn’t want to let you down.”
Johnny looked between them before letting out a deep breath. “I have been so stressed out about how to tell you all. I didn’t want to disappoint you. We’ve all worked so fucking hard, but—it’s just not what I want anymore.”
“So, what do we do now?” Mateo asked.
“We’ll need to talk to Tanner and see what obligations we still have. I’m willing to guess the show in Sacramento isn’t negotiable,” Johnny said.
“As long as we know there’s an end then I’m fine playing Sacramento,” Jeremy said. Everyone nodded in agreement.
“Maybe it could be our last hurrah,” I said, and let the feeling seep over me. I’d still have Johnny, but we’d be free. We could both do whatever we wanted.
“I love that!” Jeremy yelled.
“Hopefully Tanner does,” Johnny mumbled.
