Along for the Ride

by Casey Peeler

  Telling them bye, I drive back to mine and Laurel's place. I’ve got to pack. Then I get a text, Chase.

  Chase: How are you this morning?

  Me: Good

  Chase: How’d he take it?

  Me: Better than expected

  Chase: Need anything?

  Me: Nah, but thanks :)

  Walking into the house, Laurel is sitting eating a bowl of cereal at the kitchen table. “How’d it go?”

  “Pretty good, even with Beau.”

  “Good because I was worried about that. Now, what can I help you do?”

  “Pack. I have no idea how much or what to even take.”

  “You got it!”

  Laurel and I go to my room and I pack anything and everything I might need. Looking around my room, I debate on a few things, especially pictures, but knowing this isn’t permanent, I decide against it.

  Laurel walks over to my nightstand and picks up a picture that barely anyone has seen. “You taking this with you?”

  Shaking my head no, she shrugs it off and places it back down then walks over to my dresser and takes a picture of Chase, her, Beau, Sarah, and me on this front porch the day they helped us move in. “You might need this one.”

  Smiling, I place it in my suitcase and take a seat on my bed, becoming emotional. “What if I screw this up?”

  She takes a seat beside me, “Girl, you’ve got more confidence than anyone I know. You own a stage when you are on it, and he wouldn’t have done all of this if you weren’t amazing.”

  I look to her, “Thanks, girl. It’s scary though.”

  “I’m sure, but you’re going to be fine. Did you hear from him yet?”

  “Yeah, Mr. Horn has the contract now. He should have his opinion any time now. I know the key to a deal is my first performance. Once that’s done then everything should be pretty routine.”

  “So, basically you’ve got an interview on a stage with like a few thousand people watching.”

  “Yeah, nothing to it,” we laugh as we begin to get ready for another night at Joe’s.

  *****

  “Thanks, Mr. Horn. I appreciate it and yes, I’ll send you free tickets to my next show close to home.”

  Hanging up with him, Laurel's eyes are boring a hole through me. “What did he say?”

  “It’s clean and straightforward. I’ll send you my rent for the next nine months so you're good, okay?”

  “That’s fine, but I know Sarah’s looking for a place to stay. Want me to rent out your room?” Pausing, I’m unsure. This is our first place on our own and to have someone move into my room is strange.

  “Can I think about it?”

  “Sure.”

  Chase

  Looking at the clock, it’s time to pick Bella Blu up for the last night of work. Sliding on my Joe’s shirt, I lock my front door and walk to my truck like it’s any other weekend.

  Arriving at her and Laurel’s, I blow the horn as they walk out the front door. She waves and smiles my direction and my heart drops. She’s leaving and who knows if she’ll be back.

  Opening the driver’s side, she hops up and looks my way, “Get that sad look off your face. I’m going on tour, not leaving forever.”

  The sound of muffled cries comes from the back seat. Looking over, Laurel is doing her best not to cry. “Y’all have got to stop.” She turns to us, putting her arms out and the three of us hug in my truck. “Now, put your big girl britches on and let’s have some fun.”

  Turning up the radio, a smile creeps out as I hear the song that takes us back to that night. Without saying a word, I put the truck in reverse, roll the windows down and sing the entire way to work.

  *****

  Tonight at work, I’ve watched Bella Blu the entire time at the merchandise table. She’s flawless in every movement. Julie works with her tonight and I can only assume that she’s going to take her position starting this week.

  “It’s going to be different without her here, isn’t it?” Mark asks, standing beside me with his arms folded.

  “You have no idea.”

  As last call is announced, we all begin to clean up for the night. As she's folding shirts and rearranging them for the next night, I watch her intently. She counts the cash drawer, and I catch her looking my direction and smile.

  When the house lights rise, the crowd dwindles from Joe’s. However, our night is just beginning. We clean up and as the music continues to play through the speakers, I hear it, and know that Mark had something to do with it.

  Belle looks my way from her table and smiles, placing the stack of tanks where they belong before walking behind the counter toward me.

  Smiling, she steps into my arms and we dance and sing to our song. We sing as if nobody's watching, and right now in this moment, the hope I had pushed away sparks again. As the song comes to an end, our eyes hold a little longer than they should. She wraps her arms around my waist and I pull her in for a hug. Resting my head on hers, I admit, “I’m gonna miss you, Bella Blu.”

  “Same here. What am I going to do without you?”

  “I’ll still be here. You can call or text me whenever you want.”

  Looking at me, she points her finger into my chest, “That goes for you, too. You better text me every day.” It makes me smile, but let’s see how long it lasts.

  Chapter 9

  Belle

  Walking out of Joe’s the last time is hard. Way harder than I imagined. These folks aren't just people I work with, they are like family. As we reach the truck, we all look at each other, “I know. Y’all are starvin’.” Laurel and I smile at each other, and we have a typical ride home.

  Arriving at the house, Laurel hops out of the truck quickly, leaving Chase and me alone. “Hey, I’m gonna miss you,” he says as his hand finds mine.

  “Me, too. I really don’t want to go in yet. Everything’s packed up and I know I’m not going to sleep. I don’t have that much longer anyways.”

  He looks my way and smiles, “Wanna go one last time?”

  “Thought you’d never ask. Hold on, though,” flinging my door open, I hurry into the house and grab two tallboys as Laurel smiles my way.

  “Y’all have fun,” she winks and I roll my eyes.

  Hurrying back to the truck, I pass one to him and we both pop the top as he puts it in reverse and we drive out to the trestle.

  Chase puts the truck in park and we walk through the overgrown weeds to the opening path. He grabs my hand as we walk out to the trestle, with me balancing on the metal rails as we cross to the other side. Taking a few minutes, we take a seat on a fallen log.

  “Are you nervous?” he asks.

  “Terrified.”

  “Bella Blu, you’ve got this, but I have to say I’m scared for us.”

  “What do you mean?” But I know exactly what he means. Me leaving changes things for us.

  “What happens if you become this big country mega star and forget about me, Laurel or this place?”

  Sliding closers to him, I cuddle into his shoulder, “There’s no way I could forget you, her, or this place.” Looking up to him, I can see what he’s thinking and I’m thinking it, too. As his eyes smolder looking into mine, I have to decide, and tonight, I choose to let go.

  “Chase, kiss me.”

  He doesn’t ask for reassurance, instead he cups my cheek, pulls me onto his lap and kisses me. The taste of his lips and the hunger in his eyes lets me know that he still feels what I did that night eight years ago. It wasn’t the train or tallboy we’d been drinking, but now that I’m leaving, I can’t act on it. It’s not fair to either of us.

  Chase

  The moment she says those words, I don’t give her an option to change her mind. The only thing I want to do is remind her of what we could have. It’s probably going to be the worst decision of my life come morning when she leaves, but right now I don’t care. I want her lips on mine, and I want the last thought of us to be right here and now.

  Pulling away
from her is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. There’s no way I’m going further than this because that will damage the both of us. Resting my forehead against hers, she smiles. “Chase McSwain, what am I gonna do without you?” A tear falls from her eye.

  “You're never without me, I’m just further than a few farms away for now.”

  Her smile radiates through the darkness and I pull her into my arms. Sliding from my lap, she takes her beer and takes a long pull. “Guess we better call it a night?” she questions.

  “That’s up to you. We’ve only got two hours before that bus shows up at your house.” She shakes her head like she’s trying to wrap her brain around it. “It’s real, Bella Blu. This is your real-life fairy tale.”

  Pulling her into my shoulder, we sit and listen to the stillness of the country, finish our beers, and walk back to my truck.

  Belle

  Walking back into the house, Laurel is asleep on the couch with the TV on. Quietly, I try to slip past her. “Hold up, hot stuff! You better start talkin’,” she motions for me to take a seat.

  “Let me start some coffee first.”

  “Y’all didn’t!”

  “No, but I did totally kiss him,” I turn toward the kitchen. Once the coffee is complete, I pour each of us a mug and walk back into the living room.

  “So…”

  “Laurel, don’t go getting all team Chase on me. It just happened, but that’s it. Nothing more. I’m leaving today, very soon, and there’s no way it can go further. It’s not fair to either of us, but especially him.”

  She takes a sip of the hot liquid, “And you think it was fair to kiss him on the run? I don’t care what you say. There’s always been something there and there always will be until the two of you get on the same page and act.”

  “He’s my best friend.”

  “Oh, hogwash. He might be your best friend, but y’all are both so in love with each other it’s ridiculous. If not…” she starts to say and I shut her quickly. We’re not going there.

  Chapter 10

  Belle

  At seven-thirty, my entire family is at our house along with Chase. Mom has brought breakfast and has several grocery bags of my favorite snacks. Sitting at the kitchen table, we enjoy a breakfast of homemade biscuits and gravy. It’s my favorite. Glancing at Chase, he smiles but doesn’t say a word.

  Looking at the clock, I know that time is ticking. A few minutes before eight, a large motor coach pulls parallel with our road. Pausing, I’m unable to move as I look at it outside the house. “That’s sweet, sis!” Beau says, standing and walking toward the front door. I, however, am frozen in the moment.

  “You’ve got this,” his voice whispers. Glancing his direction, I nod as he places his hand on the small of my back for reassurance.

  Walking out the front door, down the steps and toward the bus, a man steps around from the other side. He extends his hand, “Rollins, I’ll be your driver.”

  “Belle. Belle Montgomery.”

  He opens the door as I step onto the bus and I'm unable to take everything in. This place is spick and span with the newest appliances, technology, and it's beautiful. Laurel jumps up on the bus with me and everyone else follows. Walking around, I open the bathroom door and am impressed with the room inside, then I enter the master bedroom and can’t believe it looks like a southern girl's dream.

  “Dang, they must know you,” Laurel laughs.

  “Guess I need to get my things,” I say, turning to her. Entering the house, I grab my suitcases, check my room once more, and stop by my nightstand. Looking at the picture, I debate on taking it when I hear Beau calling me. Putting it back down, I walk out into the hallway to find him.

  “I wanted to tell you I’m proud of you and sorry for my actions yesterday.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “No, it’s not. Come here,” he opens his arms for a hug and I fall in, holding on a little longer.

  “Now, let’s get this show on the road,” he says, stepping back and grabbing the bag on the floor.

  Heading toward the bus, everyone is waiting on me. They’ve each inspected the bus and given their approval. Hugging my grandparents, Mama, Daddy, Beau, Laurel, and Chase, I realize that letting each one of them go is harder than I imagined.

  Chase

  Watching her step onto that tour bus pulls my heart out, but even so, I’m happy for her. It’s the strangest feeling I’ve ever experienced. As it vanishes in the distance, we all begin to go our separate ways.

  Walking toward my truck, Beau approaches me. “Since we’re missing church this morning, wanna go fishing?”

  “Sure. Think Laurel will want to go?”

  “Doubtful,” he laughs.

  Loading up the truck, we go to the local fishing hole and take a seat. We don’t talk; instead we fish, enjoying the peace and quiet, both silently missing her already.

  Chapter 11

  Belle

  As the door closes, I watch my family and friends get smaller by the minute, and when I can no longer see them, I take a seat on the couch. Looking at the table, there is a stack of papers with a pen.

  “Miss. Montgomery,” Rollins calls over the intercom. “Mr. Bryant said to sign those papers soon as we were on the road.”

  “Will do,” looking at the contract, I glance over it once more and sign it.

  ****

  Arriving at the first stop, I try to fathom what it will be like when I’m on stage, but it’s no use. As the bus comes to a stop, I turn off the TV, text my family that we’ve arrived, and exit the bus. Stepping off the bus, I’m met by Jake.

  “You did make it. I was starting to worry.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “We’ve got a show in four hours.”

  “Four hours?!” My heart starts to beat quickly and Jake looks at me.

  “Take a deep breath. Tonight, you’ve only got three songs. If it goes as planned, then you’ll do a set list of six to eight. Now, let me show you around.”

  Jake takes me around to meet the crew, his driver, manager, and a few other folks. We walk to the stage as it’s almost finished being set up.

  “Wow, how long does this take?”

  “Six to eight hours. Sam and the guys have it down to a science at this point, but it’s hard work. They’ll take care of ya up here. One of them is always close by.”

  “Great,” we walk around and he takes me into a room filled with a bright mirror, clothes, and a girl about my age with perfect makeup and hair.

  “Belle, this is Morgan. She’s your personal stylist on the tour. She’s got your clothes, makeup and hair covered. There’s nothing to worry about here.”

  “Nice to meet ya,” I tell her and we continue to walk around the open pavilion. Arriving back at his tour bus, we’re met by a man that looks like he knows more than any of us.

  “This is my manager, Jim. He knows what’s going on before we do. If you need anything, feel free to ask him. Once everything is official tonight, we’ll discuss the logistics of how this business really works. Sound like a plan?" Nodding, I wait for what’s next. “So they’ve got some burgers on the grill, you hungry?”

  “Starving.” Walking to an area off to the side, there’s a grill with a picnic table and a ton of food.

  “Better eat up. It will be late before you finish up tonight. It’s always best to get a full meal before hitting the stage or cracking open a beer to relax before a show.”

  Following him, I make a plate, take a seat, and mingle with everyone around me. As my phone begins to vibrate, I pull it from my pocket. Chase. Standing, I excuse myself to take the call.

  “Hey!”

  “Hey, how is it?”

  “Good, I was going to call but I only had time to text Mama I was here before getting the grand tour and how everything works. Chase, it’s crazy! I can’t wait for y’all to come to a concert.”

  “Me, either. Well, I’ll let you get back to it. I don’t want you to miss anything, but wanted
to make sure you got there okay.”

  “Thanks, Chase. I’ll call you later tonight.”

  “You don’t have to do that. Just play it by ear.”

  “Okay, talk to you soon.”

  “Bye, Bella Blu.”

  Hanging up from Chase, I wish he was here along with everyone else to see this. I had no idea that my performance would be this fast. Arriving back at the table, Jake stands. “In fifteen minutes, you need to be in makeup and wardrobe then you need to have a run through with the band.

  “Jake, am I going to be okay up there?”

  “You’re going to be perfect. I gave the band your set list from Joe’s. That way you’ll be comfortable.”

  “Thanks.”

  Chase

  The moment I hang up from her, I miss her more than before I called her. It’s strange and I shouldn’t feel this way.

  Glancing down at the time, it’s early for a Sunday night, but I really don’t have anything to do so I decide to take my dirt bike out for a ride. Sliding on my helmet, I ride the country roads and let my mind wander to her and what she’s doing. When I come to a stop, I realize I’m at the trestle, but I’m not alone. Beau’s truck is here as well.

  Leaving my helmet on my bike, I walk toward it and see him sitting in the middle.

  “What’s up?” I ask, taking a seat.

  “Just thinking.”

  “Yeah, me, too. It’s weird without her here and it’s not even been a day.”

  “I know. Have you talked to her?” he asks me.

  “Called her a little bit ago. She was about to get ready for a show.”

  “A show?”

  “I know, they didn’t waste any time, did they?”

  Taking a beer from the cardboard, he passes it my way. We sit there like earlier today fishing, without a word. It’s what we do best.

  Chapter 12

  Belle