Page 3 of Desire

That’s the thing; I’m not sure I want to go back to living on a bus, seeing different towns through the rolling asphalt. I’m getting to the point I want to settle down, put in some roots, maybe even have a family. I don’t know if that longing comes from seeing how happy my brother and Jacey are now or not; I just know I need a change. I briefly wonder if I can talk my brother into doing less shows so we can create more albums. It’s always been about the music more than the touring. Then I feel bad because our fans are what made us a huge success. Something to think about, I guess.

“I don’t really miss that,” I admit. “Aren’t you tired of a different town every day? Never getting to take the time to sightsee? Nameless, faceless men only wanting to be with us because of who we are? Because I am, Billie. I’m so damned tired of it all.”

“Then this break is needed,” she says. “You know we’re going to go back on tour again at some point, right?”

I sigh before nodding. “Maybe we can lighten the tour load a bit somehow. It’s not like we need the money.” I see a glimmer of something come into her eyes before she nods back at me.

“Something to think about, I guess. Wonder how Sibley feels about it?”

“Who knows? I know that majority rules so if we go with our normal schedule, I’ll just suck it up,” I reply.

“And be miserable. Yeah, that’ll be fun on the bus,” she chides.

“Whatever. So, he’s taking me to the steakhouse outside of town. I know the jeans and boots I’m gonna wear, what about the shirt? You wanna help me?”

“Hell yes, I’ve been waiting for this day forever. Wait, does Rayne know?”

“Not yet. I’m heading over shortly to spend some time with Hadley while they go out, so I figure I’ll tell him as they’re leaving to give him time to process it all. I’m sure Jacey will help in that aspect.”

She giggles before looping her arm in mine. “C’mon, I’m sure you have to be there at a certain time, and we all know how the princess hates to be kept waiting!”

Sebastian

I can’t keepthe smile from my face. Deciding to take the bull by the horns, I utilize the Bluetooth in my car to call Rayne. “Hey, man, what’s going on?” he asks when he answers the phone.

“Needed to talk to you, are you at home?” I ask.

“Yeah, what’s up?” he replies.

“Nothing much, just wanted to discuss something,” I tell him, maneuvering to his house.

“Well, I’ve got time now. Justine will be here in a few hours to watch Hadley but I’m sure that whatever you’ve got to talk about won’t take that long.”

I shake my head even though he can’t see it. I figure I’ll say what I need to, he’ll punch me in the face or the gut and then I’ll still take her out. “I’ll be there in a few then,” I advise.

“See you when you get here,” he says, then disconnects the call.

As I drive, thoughts of her invade my mind. I’m not quite sure now why I thought she wasn’t within reach and it pisses me off that we might have wasted valuable time when we could’ve been together.

I’m so lost in my reverie that I pull into their driveway and stop the car before I’m ready. Sighing, I pocket my keys and get out of the car, grinning when I see a little one running full speed toward me while Rayne watches from the door. “Unca Bastian!” Hadley screams as she propels herself into my legs. I scoop her up and blow raspberries on her neck which has her giggling.

“What are you up to today, Princess Hadley?” I ask as I reach Rayne.

“Me and Annabelle are going to have a tea party with Auntie Justine when she gets here,” she announces. “I gots to get ready, so puts me down now, please.” I do as she requests, and she runs off toward the kitchen.

“She’s something else, isn’t she?” I muse.

“Yes, she is,” Rayne replies. “C’mon into my office so we can feign having privacy.” I follow him into his office, and he shuts the door. Going over to the mini fridge he grabs out two bottles of water and hands one to me. Opening it, I take a huge gulp since my mouth is suddenly as dry as the Mojave Desert. “What’s going on, Sebastian?” he asks once he’s seated behind his desk.

“I wanted to let you know that I made a decision about something that’s been on my mind for a few years now,” I state.

“You’re not thinking of leaving us, are you?” he questions. “Because that would wreck the girls, especially Justine.”

“No, no. I’m not leaving you, but I asked Justine out today.”

Silence.

Not a peep.

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