Chapter two hundred and forty-nine:

After arriving in the next state for the following show, the bus pulled into a back alley between two buildings. While Christy and Jen were napping, and Becky was on the bus with the body guard, Luke left to help Zac and the roadies unload the trailer.

Luke lifted one side of a massive storage container while Zac held the other.

Luke grunted as they maneuvered through a doorway. “You know, I was thinking.” He moved his hands to get a better grip on the awkward box. “Maybe we can give the body guard a night off tonight. I’m here, and if the girls just want to hang out at the hotel tonight, I’m sure I could take care of it.”

Zac shrugged, “Yeah, I don’t see why not. The girls will probably be happy to have the night alone… we’ll have to convince Isaac and Taylor, though.”

“Yeah, I know.” They carried the box onto the stage, and gratefully put it down.

Isaac was seated on the piano bench, re-tuning a guitar that had been bumped in transit.

Taylor was talking to one of the back-up musicians.

Isaac looked up. “You know we have roadies to do that.”

Zac shrugged.

“I wanted to help.” Luke replied, sitting on the bin they had carried. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you.”

“What’s up?” Isaac asked, laying his guitar aside.

Zac sat beside Luke. “What if we give Jimmy the night off?” He asked.

Luke continued. “I could stay with the girls in the hotel, and hold things over, you know? And I bet the girls will probably just want to stay in and hang out. I’m sure I could handle it. And I can call the bodyguard if I need it.”

“I don’t see why not… that’s actually a pretty good idea.” Isaac nodded. “I’ll think about it, and let you know, okay?”

“Yeah.” Luke stood. “I’ll see if there’s anything else I can help with.”

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Isaac jogged down the three temporary steps at the front of the stage and crossed the auditorium. He found Taylor standing at the bar with a five dollar bill in his hand.

“What are you doing?” Isaac asked, leaning on the bar.

“I’m waiting on the bartender. She’s gone to see if she can find any water bottles.”

“We’ve got water on the stage.” Isaac responded.

“I know, but I want cold water.”

“Oh.” Isaac replied. “Listen, I wanted to ask you… what do you think about letting Jimmy have the night off?”

“Who’s Jimmy?” Taylor asked obliviously, playing with the bill in his fingers.

“The body guard.”

“Oh, right… but who’s going to look after the girls?”

“Well, Luke offered to stay in the hotel with the three of them.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Taylor replied immediately.

“Why?”

“I… because… I think… it’s just not safe!” He protested.

Isaac smiled. “You think it isn’t safe, or you don’t want Luke to be alone with Jen?”

Taylor sighed and dropped his had onto his hand. “You’re right. I’m insane, aren’t I? I mean, it’s never going to happen. I know that.”

“Then you have no problem with Luke watching the girls tonight?”

Taylor opened his mouth to protest.

“It’s not like they’re going to have sex or anything. Becky and Christy will be there.”

 

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