“The old one was bloodstained.” Niko frowned as he pulled out into traffic and headed home.
“Thank you for this one.”
He grinned. “You’re welcome.”
Several blocks went by before he spoke again. “We were supposed to dine at my parents’ tonight, but I’m thinking we should stay home so you can rest.”
“I’m sorry to ruin your holiday. You can go.”
“You didn’t ruin anything. It was an accident, and I’m glad you weren’t more seriously hurt. My parents will understand. Perhaps mom could bring food to us and stay for a short time?”
“That would be nice since we don’t have much in the house to eat.” Tia closed her eyes.
“Wake up, sweetheart.” A blast of cold air hit her as Niko helped her out of the car.
“We’re home already?”
“You fell asleep.” Niko guided her up the steps and down the hallway to their apartment. He removed her coat and pulled her boots off.
Tia snuggled under the covers on her right side, which hadn’t been battered. “You’ll be here?”
“Just going to call mom and dad and I’ll be back in soon.”
“Thanks, Niko. I love you.”
“I love you too, babe.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind,
flight to the imagination, and life to everything.
Plato
Niko set the bags by the door, ready to leave. Tia slept straight through dinner with his parents the previous evening, but they understood. He didn’t mind that she’d gone out alone after her time with his sisters, but he thought she’d be safe in town. He didn’t anticipate jealous fans here. More than anything, he was grateful she was going to be okay.
He awakened his wife every few hours, and she’d mumbled nonsense to him. He’d kiss her forehead and tell her to go back to sleep.
With little sleep himself and their ride coming soon, he went to the bedroom and kissed Tia on the lips. She smiled and moaned. Her eyes fluttered open. “Niko? Is it time for dinner?”
“No, sweetheart, it’s time to leave for the airport. You need to get dressed.”
He helped her out of bed and made sure she could walk to the bathroom. He heard her groan. At least this time she didn’t sport a black eye, and the knit cap would cover up the stiches and messy curls she couldn’t wash.
She came back out and dressed. It was the first he saw of the bruising on her back, side, and arms, since she had gone to bed fully clothed last night. He winced along with her as she dressed. “I’m a mess.”
“A cute mess.”
She giggled. She slipped on her dress boots. “I ache all over.”
“I never did ask you why you went to the Post Office.”
“Shipped clothes to Texas. It was cheaper than checking an extra suitcase.”
Niko nodded. She wore some new clothes his sisters must have donated to her wardrobe. The top hung loose, and he could only imagine what she would look like as the baby grew.
“You okay if we eat at the airport after we get through security?”
“Yeah, as long as you promise me some coffee too.”
“I do.” He kissed her lips and helped put her parka on.
“I’m going to look silly in Texas with this hat on.”
“Nah, people down there still wear hats even when it’s hot. I’ve even been known to don a fedora when I perform.”
“I like your fedora.” She winked at him.
The doorbell rang, and Johnny greeted him. “Hey, Ginny’s driving us. Marc’s here too. Let’s go.” He picked up the carry-ons, and Niko grabbed his guitar and escorted Tia to the car.
Tia was sandwiched between Johnny and Niko as Marc sat in the front with Ginny, who he’d been dating.
“I hear you couldn’t stay out of trouble on vacation.” Johnny addressed Tia.
“Yeah, well, trouble seems to find me. I certainly don’t go searching for it.”
“We’re glad you’re going to be okay. We were all worried when Niko texted us yesterday. Lots of prayers lifted for you.”
“Thanks, Johnny. Did you enjoy Christmas?”
“Yes, it was wonderful. Say, Niko, did you like your gift?”
Niko grinned. “I loved all my gifts, but if you’re talking about the custom guitar, absolutely the best ever. Thanks for helping her with that.”
“You brought it?”
“You bet.”
“Can’t wait to see and hear it.”
“If you’re nice to my wife, maybe I’ll let you touch it.”
“I’m always nice to Tia.”
“Guys?”
“Hmmm? Can you tone it down? No need to be this loud so early in the morning. Besides, I’ve got a headache.”
“Sorry, Tia,” Niko and Johnny both whispered.
Ginny dropped them off. They made it through security, and he fetched Tia coffee as she sat and guarded the luggage. He went off in search of breakfast and returned with Marc, having left Johnny to stay with his wife and the bags. Roger, Sam, and Wayne soon arrived.
Niko let Tia slump against him to rest, grateful the neck brace seemed to help in addition to the medication. The guys were unnaturally quiet, but it was pretty early—their flight didn’t leave until 7:15.
Niko brought out his new journal and pencil and scratched some words down.
Almost lost you once,
Don’t want to be there again
The empty space where you once sat
The special spot in my heart
Is yours alone for
You are mine.
Can love be tossed about?
Will my heart ever recover
For every chance to keep you here
Grows love deeper for my heart
Is yours alone and
You are mine.
The future stretches out
Dreams of together in years to come
Growing old with you by my side
More beautiful for in my heart
I am yours alone and
You are mine.
The boarding call came. Niko woke Tia, and they slowly made their way to the gate. Tia had her purse with her journal and meds, so they checked both carry-ons, Niko keeping his guitar with him.
Soon they sat, and Niko was grateful Tia had been able to get them seated close together on the plane. She was sandwiched between him and Johnny. Before the plane even departed, she had drifted off again.
Johnny started to talk. “Niko, is she really okay?”
Niko shook his head. “Physically, she’ll recover. She’s been having flashbacks, but now they happen during the day. That’s new. She had one after the accident too. Kept a first responder at bay until a female paramedic was able to help her.”
“What can we do to help?”
“Pray.”
“Did you have a good Christmas?” Johnny asked.
“It was good but disturbing too.”
“Why?”
“I need to think about where we’ll live after the tour is over. Pops thinks we should buy a house.”
“Could be a good thing, Niko. Maybe touring this much isn’t in our future.”
“You want out of this?”
“Nah, I’m just saying it’s not a good life for a family man. Look at what it did to Donna and me.”
“Traveling wasn’t the problem, Johnny. She could have come with us at any point and we’d have welcomed her. She took advantage of your absence. She was a loser.”
“Yeah, wish I recognized it before she trampled all over my heart.”
“She hasn’t ruined you for other women, has she?”
“Definitely made me wary of the gender. If Tia didn’t think you hung the moon and stars, I might have tried for her.”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”
“I envy you. Yeah, I know there’s tough stuff in marriage and life, but you got a great gal here, and she loves the Lord
and would never betray you.”
“Thanks, Johnny.”
“Hey, if you need any help with figuring out the house buying thing, let me know.”
“It’s not even the house so much as having to furnish it. You’ve seen the dump I live in. I’m surprised Tia has been content to be with me there, but with a baby coming? We need better furniture and baby stuff. How am I supposed to afford all that?”
“Didn’t Tia say the tour is doing well?”
“Yeah, but I’ve no idea yet what it means to each of us financially.”
“Until you know, you can’t move forward.”
“I guess it means I can’t live the starving artist lifestyle anymore.”
“I never doubted for a moment you would move past that, Niko.”
“Why is it you and Tia see things far more positively than I do?”
“Perhaps because you’re a passionate, moody Greek musician?”
“Like you aren’t as well, Johnny?”
“Yeah, but I don’t have the burden of leading the band.”
“It’s not a burden.”
“It is. It’s one you gladly assume because God called and gifted you, but it is a responsibility you take seriously, and sometimes that’s a weight you bear.”
“Maybe so.”
“Get some rest, Niko. During our layover in Atlanta, you can show me your Christmas gift and play me the new melody you’re working on.”
“How did you know…?”
“You were scribbling and humming deep in thought. It’s what you always do when you’re writing a song.”
Niko nodded and leaned his head to rest on Tia’s. Lord, I remember being content, for the most part, when I was alone. Sure, I wanted a wife someday. Now? I couldn’t imagine not having her to love and care for. Thank You.
* * *
In Atlanta, they managed to arrange for transport to their next gate so Tia wouldn’t have to walk. The found a spot near their departure, where they sat to eat lunch.
“Let’s see your guitar, Niko.” Sam pointed to the case.
Niko slipped it out of its case, and the guys took turns oohing and ahhing over it. Johnny asked for it. “Mind if I try?”
Niko shrugged. “Go ahead.”
Johnny did some of his fancy finger picking. When he finished, he stared at the guitar shaking his head. “If I’d known it would be this sweet, I would have had Tia order me one too.”
Niko took the instrument and put it on his thigh, and Johnny pulled out his as well. They started to play together, and people began to gather. Wayne tapped his sticks on his lap and the chair. Niko began singing their single, and Tia joined in along with Johnny. They finished the song, and applause filled the terminal. Tia stood to answer questions and handed out information on the band and where they could purchase music. The call for their flight came over the speakers, and they packed up and headed to the boarding gate to Dallas, where Rocco would pick them up in the bus.
Marc nudged Niko. “We should play airports more often, huh?”
Niko smiled. Tia was in pain but had been gracious to people as she handed out information and told them who they were. It had been impromptu and fun. They settled into their seats, and Tia quickly fell asleep as Niko tried to rest as well. Tomorrow they hit the ground running with interviews and a concert. He’d had his vacation. How come he wasn’t rested?
* * *
Tia slowly recovered and within a week, abandoned the neck brace, at least in public. She’d wear it in the bus and even at night for a while longer. Niko treated her like fragile china, and while she appreciated it, he withdrew into himself and hadn’t been talking much. He’d been writing, though, and she figured that was good. She was sad he hadn’t sat with her to work on lyrics.
Two weeks later, he broke the routine of their concert.
“I want to sing a new song for you. Not even the rest of the band has heard it. Are you okay with that?”
The crowd roared, and Johnny shrugged and stepped back, giving Niko the solo spotlight.
“I wrote this for my wife.”
Tia stood on the side of the stage, and Johnny caught her eye and nodded. When did he ever not include Johnny in a song?
Niko began finger-picking a melancholy chord progression.
Almost lost you once,
Don’t want to be there again
The empty space where you once sat
The special spot in my heart
Is yours alone for
You are mine.
Can love be tossed about?
Will my heart ever recover?
For every chance to keep you here
Grows love deeper for my heart
Is yours alone and
You are mine.
The future stretches out
Dreams of together in years to come
Growing old with you by my side
More beautiful for in my heart
I am yours alone and
You are mine.
Was that at the core of his withdrawing? He’d been afraid of losing her? The song ended, and the band stepped back up during the applause and launched into another tune. Tia came out to sing For Love of You, and they stepped off the stage and returned for their usual encore. Tia was even more moved by Niko’s words of devotion to her than she had been on their wedding day.
Tia grew larger and managed to see a doctor in January while she was in Texas to make sure everything was fine. Niko went with her and was moved to tears as he heard the heartbeat of their child. Tia experienced tickling sensations as the baby moved, and her tummy had a little pooch now, making her normal pants uncomfortable.
A rare day opened up where they didn’t travel, so she rented a car and kidnapped her husband. They were in Phoenix for a show and planned to head to Las Vegas for a two-night gig there, but not at a casino. Instead, they would be performing at a local church trying to reach out to people who lived in the town.
Tia drove Niko to a park early in the morning, and they walked hand in hand. Finally, she sat him down. “We need to talk.”
Niko raised an eyebrow. “’bout what?”
“About why you’ve seemed depressed since Christmas. Was it my accident or something else?”
“Worried, I guess.”
“About what?”
“We need a better place to live. I don’t know if we can afford it. How will we furnish it? I’m a poor provider for a wife and child. I don’t want to leave you for another tour, but can we put out an album and not tour with it?”
“Whoa, baby. Did you think these were issues you had to deal with alone? I thought I was your wife? Your partner. Co-laborer. Yes, you are the spiritual head of our home, and I love your leadership, but still, Niko. Let me help.”
Niko placed his hands on his lap palms up. “There it is. It’s out in the open. I’m letting it go. Help me, Tia. I want to be a good husband and father but don’t see how I can.”
Tia knelt down before him on the grass. She placed her hands, palms down, on top of his. “We are in this together. Let’s talk this through. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“First of all. I possess savings. I’ve invested over the years and not spent much. Secondly, the tour is doing well. We should be able to support our family. We won’t be wealthy, but we’ll be okay. Does that help?”
“Pops showed me the house a few doors down from them. I think it might work for us.”
“Wherever you go, I go, Niko.” She giggled. “Sounds like a child’s rhyme.”
“Maybe you should write lyrics too?”
“I used to help you.”
“I need help.”
“Well, stop shutting me out.”
“You love me better than I deserve.”
“Yeah. I’ve known that for a long time. Glad you finally realize it.” She winked at him and came to sit up next to him. “You are the best husband I could ever ask for, and you are going to be a wonderful father. I know it. But you’re human and
will fail. As for a future tour, why don’t we see what happens? I’ve booked a few festivals during the summer but none far away. Whether we go with or you go without me, we can decide after the baby is born. Too many things could happen in the future. My preference would be to always be with you, but how’d that work with the bus and a baby? Initially, it might not be a problem, but as the child grew? I don’t have a clue.”
“We’d need our own private bus.”
“Perhaps.”
“We can’t afford that.”
“You don’t know that yet.”
“Okay. I’ll lean on you for this. I’ve been miserable trying to figure it out on my own.”
“That’s why God gave me to you as your wife. He knew what you needed.”
Niko nuzzled into her neck, giving her tingles to her toes. “He did. But are you sure we should stay here? I’m thinking I need a nap.”
Tia giggled. “Really? A nap?” She lifted his face up to hers and kissed his lips. She closed her eyes to revel in the sensation he conjured up in her like a magician. With him, she experienced heights she never even dared dream of. She pulled back. “A nap it is, then. Let’s go.”
Niko jumped up, and they ran back to the rental car and drove to their hotel. They ordered room service that night.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
If all men were just there would be no need for valor.
Greek proverb
Las Vegas’s brilliant lights greeted them first—and the pastor of their venue was equally effusive in his welcome. Niko wondered if his tongue had been sewn with sequins. Tia took the man aside to talk about the up-front expenses. Roger stood against the wall, and Niko noticed when the former United States Marshal began inching closer to the pastor and Tia.
Niko set his guitar down and walked down the aisle to listen to what was being said.
“The fact is, Pastor Matthews, your check bounced. Either you pay me the cash up front or we leave. I won’t countenance fraud.”
“Listen here, missy. We are an honest church, and I can provide you with another check if you wish it—tomorrow.”
Tia shook her head. “That’s no good. If you get it now, I can take it to your bank and cash it to make sure it’s good, but I cannot in good conscience expect these men to pour their hearts out and not be paid for their labors and the expenses associated with being here. You even neglected to pay for our hotel rooms.”
Feta and Freeways Page 17
