Along for the Ride

by Casey Peeler

  “Soon, there’s not too much longer on the tour. Now, where are those keys to the truck?”

  Smiling, I motion toward the bowl at the entryway.

  Climbing in the passenger seat, Chase closes the door and walks around to the driver's side. “All right, now how do I get there?” he says and I laugh.

  “Remember how to get to the interstate?” He nods and drives toward it. Rolling down the windows, we turn up the music, he weaves my hand in his, and we enjoy the ride.

  Tonight’s show is as phenomenal as last night but tonight, when it’s over, we watch Jake. Chase and I sing along to the songs, I dance in his arms, and we even make out in the pit. It's freaking amazing. As the show comes to a close, we walk backstage and wait for Jake finish up. Exiting the stage, Jake picks me up and swings me around.

  "Jake, you were amazing tonight."

  "Yeah, I know," he laughs as we look at each other. "I saw y'all in the pit bumping and grinding," he begins to move his hips in a very inappropriate way and we all laugh.

  "What can we say? There's something about Jake Bryant that makes you wanna fall a little harder in love."

  "All in a day's work," he says with a wink. He gets called over by Joe and walks toward the bus.

  "You ready for a night out?" I ask Chase.

  “As long as I'm with you, I don't care where we are." Pausing, I look up to him, "How'd I get so lucky?"

  "Bella Blu, this isn't luck, it was meant to be from the get go. Luck runs out and this is for forever. When we're no longer walking on this Earth, we're gonna be holding hands where there are streets made of gold."

  This man in front of me never ceases to amaze me. Not only does he have the most perfect words, but he's not ashamed to lay everything out there.

  "Chase McSwain, have I told you you’re one in a million?"

  "Nah, I'm one to infinity and beyond," he bends down, kisses my lips sweetly and we walk to the bus.

  Jake

  Joe and I have a brief but informative meeting after the concert. It was a quick regroup, get ready for a quick meeting with the label, and prep for what's next.

  Walking to the bus, I see Chase and Belle and they look like they are heading somewhere. “Where y'all off to?”

  “Downtown, wanna go?” Belle asks.

  “Nah, I’m calling it a night. I got a date with Laurel tonight.” They both look at me funny, and I laugh. “On the phone. I swear, she takes that bartending serious. I tried my best to get her out here, but she said it was too late notice for Mark.”

  “Yeah, she’s one that takes everything seriously, but especially her job.”

  “Okay, well, I’ll see you later.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Once I'm on my bus, I quickly text Laurel, shower, and wait on her to call me. As my phone rings, I realize I must have dozed off.

  "Hey there, country music hottie," she says and as much as I've never liked the reference, I love how it sounds coming from her sweet lips.

  "Hey, how was work?"

  "Another night at Joe's. I actually got out of there early tonight." Looking at the clock on the microwave, I realize she's right. Maybe I didn't sleep as much as I had thought.

  "How'd that happen?”

  "Mark hired a new bartender to help out. He said I'm amazing and all, but wants to have someone that can help me out when needed. I think he thinks I'm going to leave him, too."

  Pausing, I don't know how to approach it because she will probably think I'm completely nuts. "What if he's not crazy? Laurel, I know you love that job, but I want us to make a go with us when this tour is over."

  "Jake, I do, too, but I love working here. It's like home."

  Closing my eyes, I pray my next words are right. "Laurel, I want to be your home. It might sound crazy, but I want home to be us."

  Silence fills the line.

  "Jake, I want that, too, but right now while y'all are on the road, I've got to focus on what home feels like to me. Please don't take that the wrong way, but it's hard without them home. Not to mention, I'm kinda falling hard for this man named Jake." She called me Jake and didn't joke around. In this moment, I know that she wants this, too, but right now her heart won't let her fall completely. "Speaking of home, have you talked to your parents lately?"

  Over our late night calls, Laurel and I have talked about a lot of things, including my relationship with my dad. She's encouraged me to reach out to him, invite them to a show, and I’m trying. I've talked to them more than once a week and I actually call instead of Mom calling me. They've been working on coming to Nashville, and even thought about trying to come these couple of days, but Mom had a function she had already committed to.

  "I talked to Mom this afternoon. She had the Junior Charity League Gala tonight and didn't feel she could miss it since she is heading the event. I get that, but they are talking about coming to Vegas. I don't think they will though."

  "Why not? You've got to have some faith."

  "I don't know. Guess because it's always been that way.”

  “You can't have that attitude. I've got an idea. What if after the tour is over, you go visit them? I’ll even go with you if you want.”

  “I’d like that. I mean, at first I'd like to take a little time with you, if that's okay. You’re coming to Vegas, right?"

  "Heck to the yeah! I've got it marked off at work, but you haven't told Chase and Belle have you?"

  "Nope. It's our secret. Laurel, I really am working on making things better with my dad. It's not like I don't want it to work. It's just hard after so long to patch up the holes."

  "I get that, but I promise you'll be grateful you did."

  Laurel and I continue to talk into the wee hours of the night and when we can't keep our eyes open, we say our goodnights, and drift off to sleep.

  Belle

  Jake goes his own way as Chase and I walk hand-in-hand around the back of the arena toward town. Stepping out onto Broadway, I give Chase a minute to soak up the sound of the crowds, the music coming from all directions, the neon lights, and the feeling of this town. “Come on, let’s go." We walk toward that famous purple building. Approaching, the guy checking IDs notices me and motions for us to walk on in. People are shoulder to shoulder and there's no room at all. I love it. Looking at Chase, he looks as if he's about to freak out. Taking his hand in mine, I lead the way to the steps. "Hey, I know you can’t move in the place but if you come to Nashville, you’ve got to visit Tootsie’s. It's like one of the ten commandments of Nashville." Reaching the rooftop, we grab a beer and peer over the brick & mortar to the streets. This place is alive with visitors, locals, and people hoping to make their mark on this town. It’s crazy, that wasn’t even an option for me. It's like I skipped this part of the road to stardom.

  “Whatcha thinkin’, Bella Blu?” Chase says as he wraps his strong arm around my waist and pulls me in tightly.

  “How I never had a chance to leave my mark on this town. You know, like I didn’t pay my dues in the local honky tonks.”

  Chase pulls me into his side, “Maybe not, but you paid your dues at Joe’s. That has to count for something.”

  “Maybe, but I feel like I'm stealing someone else's dream."

  "No, everyone has a plan and yours was different. You know you could always leave your mark tonight."

  Looking at him, I realize what he's saying. Looking around, I know what I can do. It's something small, but why not.

  "I've got an idea."

  "Oh gosh. Do I want to know?” Laughing, I don't give him a comment. Instead, I take him by the hand, walk to the band currently playing, and whisper to the drummer. It doesn't take him but a second to realize who I am and they are more than willing to help out. Smiling at Chase, I let go of his hand and step up on the stage. Taking the microphone in my hand, I close my eyes and thank God for this opportunity. It’s not the conventional way, but it’s better than never experiencing it at all. As I sing a Miranda Lambert cover, I look to Chase and h
e is beaming with pride, and I’m thankful he is the one that gets to share this moment with me. Looking at the crowd around us, some have stopped to watch, listen, and pay attention while others continue to drink, dance, and enjoy their company.

  Without asking, the band begins to play my current chart topper. Singing the words and notes with ease, my eyes connect with a young girl in the cutest Shug and Honey tank with amazing blonde hair. She does a double-take before excitement covers her face as she grabs her cell phone and snaps a picture. Motioning to her, I tell her to come to the stage. Taking the phone from her, I turn it around and take a selfie with her. As I hand it back to her, she says thank you as I continue to sing.

  Handing the microphone to the lead singer, he shakes his head for one more song. Knowing exactly what it should be, I let them know, turn toward the crowd, and look right to Chase. A smile radiates across his face when I look at him as he hears our song being played. Slowly, sweetly and meaningful are the words as I look directly at him while I try not to ignore the crowd. When the song comes to an end, the crowd goes crazy. Telling them as well as the band thank you before handing them my microphone, I step to the side of the stage, and right into the arms of my very own Prince Charming.

  His arms engulf me, "Bella Blu, you never cease to amaze me."

  Looking up at him, I press my lips to him and whisper in his ear, "You wanna get outta here?” A smile escapes his lips as his arms relax around me, but his hand intertwines with mine as we walk through the crowded bar toward the nearest exit. The limelight of Broadway is great, but right now, all I want to do is go somewhere smaller, almost off the grid, to where I can enjoy the night without being noticed or better yet, if I am noticed, it’s like I’m an average old Joe. It’s somewhere that I know will have great music, is low key, and a place we can cut loose.

  As we cross the street and walk toward the back of the arena to my truck, Chase never lets go of my hand. It’s little gestures like this that make me appreciate what we have in this crazy world we’re living in. My mind goes into overdrive as I can’t wait to have Chase all to myself in one of my favorite hidden Nashville treasures.

  Chase

  Something is going on with Belle Blu, but I’m not sure what it is. She’s quieter than normal and almost unsure of what God has given her. Getting in the driver’s seat, I wait for her directions, but before I put the truck in drive, I look to her.

  “What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?”

  She smiles my way, “You needed to experience Tootsie’s, but for me, it was overwhelming once I got on stage. I know I wanted that experience, but the moment the crowd started to recognize me, I knew there was no way we’d be able to enjoy ourselves. I want to go somewhere we can relax and enjoy the night.”

  “I get that, but you looked amazing up there and the crowd was all about you. You know what the best part about it was?”

  She looks at me with question, “What?”

  “That you’re my girl. The one meant for me, and even though those people love you as a performer, I get to love you for you. The girl that stole my heart all those years ago, and the one that will be by my side when we’re old on a front porch swing.”

  Moving closer to me, she leans in and kisses my lips sweetly before moving back to her side. “Take a right out of the parking lot and then turn onto Third,” she says with a smile.

  “You got it.”

  Following her directions, we are there in a few short minutes. Pulling into the small parking lot, it’s crowded and I can’t help but wonder how she’s going to keep things low key. Putting the truck in park, I walk around to help her from the passenger side. Taking her hand in mine, we walk to the glass door as we are greeted by a guy with a sheet of names.

  “Hey, Brad, probably not on there tonight, but you got room for two?” she questions.

  “Absolutely, Belle.”

  Walking inside, it’s dark with a bar to the right and tables all around. Pausing, Belle looks for an open table. As I’m about to walk toward the bar, she takes me by the hand and ushers me toward a small table in the corner.

  A waitress approaches us and gives us a warm smile while taking our order. Once she walks away, Belle slides her chair around to me I wrap my arm around her.

  Listening to the cover band, we sing along, enjoying just the two of us and a bucket of beers, but there’s still something off with Bella Blu. What could it be?

  “Bella Blu, you sure you're okay?”

  “I’m good.”

  “Liar, liar, pants on fire.”

  She smiles my direction, “Fine, I’m worried about that meeting Monday.” Reaching for her hand, I hold it in mine.

  “There’s no need to worry. They are going to offer you a headline tour. You’ve got to know that.”

  “Maybe, but what does that mean? Does that mean we won’t be able to do this anymore? Go to grab fries at the golden arches? Walk in a store without being recognized? Does it mean we will lose who we are?”

  “No, we will never lose who we are. In fact, the best way to do that is keep the things that are important to us priorities. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and it’s my job to make sure that never changes for you. Any time you feel that way, please tell me. It won’t take but one front porch swing and a tallboy to fix it.”

  Laughing, she leans up to me and kisses me gently, but it’s full of meaning. “How ‘bout one of those bottles right now?” she says, motioning toward the bucket.

  Taking the bucket, I grab her one from it. We sit, talk, laugh, and when the band plays a slow George Straight song, I take her by the hand and walk her to the dance floor. Placing my hand in hers and the other on her lower back, we two-step with the others on the floor. She looks to me and her eyes never falter. When the song ends, I lean in and kiss the most beautiful girl in the world.

  As my eyes open, she whispers, “Take me home, Chase.”

  “Your wish is my command.” Walking to the table, we grab the waitress’s attention, pay the tab and take the last swig of our beers, then I take her hand in mine and walk my beautiful girlfriend to the truck, granting her wish.

  ******

  Pulling off of the highway, I’m a little nervous about the surprise I have for Bella Blu. In fact, I wonder if she is even going to notice what I had done while we were gone. Who am I kidding, there’s no way she’s going to miss it. Trying my best not to smile, she keeps looking my direction. She gives me a cautious look as we drive closer and closer to her house.

  “What are you up to, Chase McSwain?”

  Shrugging her off, I don’t say a word. Instead I smile, but as my headlights turn toward her house, she gasps as they land on the most perfect tire swing this side of Lattimore.

  Without waiting for me to put the truck in park, she opens the door, jumps out and runs toward it.

  Putting the truck in park, I step out and walk toward her. She has her legs through it and is swinging through the humid night air.

  “Push me,” she says as I walk around to do as she asked. For the next few moments, we don’t say anything; instead, we enjoy the peace and quiet.

  Slowing, she comes to a stop and looks up at me, “How’d you do this? You left with me.”

  “It pays to have friends.”

  “Right? What did you do, have Sam come by and hang it?” she says, joking.

  “More like Lamar, but does that really matter?”

  “Not at all because all that matters is right now.” Leaning down, my lips find hers and this moment is as perfect as the girls whose lips I’m kissing.

  “Take me inside, Chase,” she says and I do as she wishes.

  Chapter 42

  Belle

  Waking up Monday morning to the sound of my alarm clock, I want to hit snooze but when I reach for it, Chase’s arm grabs it first.

  “Rise and shine, it’s headlining time.” Rolling toward him, I lay my head on his chest and let out a push of air, processing what he has said.

 
; “Can’t we stay like this all day?” Then it hits me that today is the day I’ve been waiting on my entire life. “Oh my gosh, Chase! It’s today! We’ve got to get going.” Jumping up from the bed like something is on fire, I hurry to the bathroom, shower, and attempt to get ready. What in the world do I even wear for this? Going through my bags, I look and look and finally decide on a cute pair of skinny jeans, top, and my boots. Walking to the bathroom, I fix my hair and makeup. Looking in the mirror, I take a deep breath because today, I’m a ball of mixed emotions. I’m excited, terrified, nervous, and almost sick to my stomach. If this is how I am now, how will I handle being in that room? Taking another breath, I close my eyes and focus on the positivity of the day.

  Walking from my room, I walk into the kitchen and see that Chase is dressed in a nice pair of jeans and a fitted tee that makes me want to peel it off of him. Taking a step toward me, he hands me a cup of coffee. “Come on,” he says as he leads me to the front porch. Taking a seat on the front porch swing, I rest my head on his shoulder between sips as he moves the swing with his feet.

  “What time is it?” I ask.

  “Eight-thirty.”

  “Good.” Looking up at him, he bends down and quickly kisses my lips. Enjoying the next thirty minutes, we sit, swing, and enjoy the peace and quiet. Suddenly, Chase begins to rap "Dirt Road Anthem," and laughter fills my soul as he stands and sings it directly to me.

  When he finishes, he reaches for my hand. Standing face to face with him, we sway to the sound of the country—quietness, the wind dancing through the trees, and the sounds of farm animals in the distance.

  “Belle Blu, no matter what happens when we leave this house today, know that it doesn’t matter to me. I don’t care if you headline, sign a contract, decide to work on a farm, or even wait tables. As long as we’re side by side, my life’s worth living.”

  “Chase, how do you always know what to say to me?”

  “I don’t. It comes out and I can’t help but tell you what I’m feelin’. You need to know how important you are to me. How important you’ve always been to me.”