“Will you ever tell me about our wedding?”
I stiffened until I shattered into leathery pieces. “Don’t know. Maybe not anytime soon.”
“Okay. I get it.” Her hand splayed across my chest. “Can we sleep a little more?”
“Yeah.” I kissed the top of her head, even with the lead pipe lodged in my chest. “Let’s go back to sleep.”
Michaela headed out on tour with The Devon Chambers Band three days later. I saw her one more time, at her sixteen-week OB appointment. Got to hold her hand while we listened to our rock star baby’s heartbeat. She laughed at the litany of questions I had for Dr. Gupta, but damn, the mother of my child was leaving for weeks, and I’d never felt so out of control.
Me:You get to L.A. okay?
Michaela:Yes, I’m here. It’s already a disaster. The venue was locked when our lighting crew showed up, so guess what they did. GUESS, Mo!
Me:Uh, they called you?
Michaela:One would think, but no. They LEFT! One guy lives all the way out in Orange County. He got halfway home before I caught wind of the situation. He had to drive his ass back here in L.A. traffic.
Me:Jesus, wtf?
Michaela:Stuff like this always happens, so I’m prepared. But I tell you, sometimes the stupidity of people stumps me. I wonder how they are able to get dressed in the morning, let alone set up complicated lighting systems.
Me:Are you stressed?
Michaela:No. I took a walk around the block a few times, and when I got back, Orange County guy was here and he had brought me a strawberry milkshake. He brought one for himself too, but I had him give it to my assistant.
Me:I am laughing so fucking hard right now. Remind me never to work for you.
Michaela:Do you think he deserved that milkshake, Moses? Tell me right now. This determines the future of our friendship.
Me:Nope. He should never have another milkshake for as long as he lives.
Michaela:Damn right. Glad we can still be friends. :)
Michaela:Hey! I have five minutes, so I thought I’d check in. I was surprised I didn’t hear from you last night.
Me:Miss me?
Michaela:Yeah, I do. I did last night. I’ve gotten used to your goodnight messages.
Me:Damn, now I feel bad. But also kinda good knowing you like me messaging you.
Michaela:Have I not made that clear? I like your messages. I like talking to you, even though it makes me homesick. Did you do something fun last night?
Me:Define fun. I went to a dinner thing with the band and some guys from our label. Got kinda drunk. Hung out with Murray, Santi, and Maeve at my place. I guess that part was fun.
Michaela:It’s cool you’re friends with your band. I’ve seen a lot of bands go their separate ways the second they leave the stage.
Me:Is Devon Chambers friends with his band?
Michaela:LOL. He named his band after himself. Do you think he actually cares if he’s friends with his band?
Me:Is he giving you a hard time?
Michaela:No, I know how to handle him.
Me:Uuuuuuuuugh.
Michaela:Rough day?