“I liked her babe,” is all I would say. I wanted Callie to have her own opinion without mine clouding her judgement.
“Hey, you two, how you doing?” Leanne said. She had taken a seat across from Callie and leaned her elbows on the table, sitting up straight.
“Well, I want to know why you want this job, Leanne. Tell us specifically, please.” Callie said in a confident voice.
“I’ve been wanting to travel the country and I think it would be a great way to see all the states.”
I knew she had no clue what being on this bus would be like. You don’t get to see anything. You sleep as much as you can, grab catnaps and rarely get to watch the world go by through the window. And once at the site, you don’t get to see anything but the inside of the joint and then back on the bus to keep going. Rinse and repeat. I wondered if she could handle living like that. Most of the places we played looked almost exactly the same.
“Besides travelling, tell us more about who you are.” Callie insisted. She had high hopes for Leanne. I could tell she was enjoying her company, and that afterall, was the point to this exercise. They smiled broad, big smiles at each other.
“After I graduated from High School, I got a job working at the local P&A, parts and ads. I learned to write ad copy and moved up from grunt to copy writer. I enjoyed it but I think I’m over the advertising world. I need to stretch myself and try new things.” Leanne’s eyes sparkled and she seemed genuine.
“So how do you feel about hanging out? I’d want you to come to all the shows, you might get sick of it?” Callie urged her to speak her mind.
“After I got this interview, I researched you. I listened to the demo I found online. I love ‘Rock Star.’ I bet it goes to number one. I like what you have to say in your lyrics. Plus, I’m a girl’s girl. I like spending time with my girls.” Leanne said with another bright smile and a shrug of her shoulder.
“We are a busload of men, Leanne, and I don’t want to hassle with you getting involved with anyone. The last thing I need to deal with is my assistant having love troubles with my best friends. Do you think you can keep your hands to yourself?” Callie was brutally frank. I thought it was good to get the big stuff out of the way. “And how do you feel about being away for ten weeks? We barely get breaks ..can you handle that?” Callie added.
“I have a boyfriend, Tommy, at home, so no, there will be no fraternizing. He’s already worried about me being gone, but this opportunity is huge for me. I’d love to make a career out of this, you know use it to get myself into the music scene.” Leanne took a deep breath and stopped short. After a moment she added, “Tommy would never try to stand in the way of something I really wanted.” Good to know.
“We’d try to fly him in halfway through so you could see him. Try to give you a couple of days off to spend with Tom. Does that work for you?” Callie asked, it made me think she was leaning towards hiring Leanne. As long as she was happy, I was too. Leanne’s background check had come back totally clean. Not even a tiny infraction on her record. I was grateful for that.
“Absolutely! That would be awesome.” Leanne sounded so happy, I really thought this could work.
“Okay, you’ll be hearing from me,” Callie stood up and shook Leanne’s hand. As she watched her walk out of the café looking carefree, she said to me, “Hunter, I think she’s the one. What did you think?” She turned to me and slung her arm around my shoulders. I pulled her closer and kissed her neck breathing in her intoxicating scent.
“I liked her. All the reports came back positive. She passed with flying colors. So yeah, I think she’s a great pick.” I smiled at Callie and lowered my head to kiss her sweet lips. I wanted Callie to be happy for the rest of our time out here and I hoped Leanne was the answer to her loneliness.
“Okay, why don’t I hire her on a temporary Trial basis? Like for a week? Try her out?”
I chuckled and said, “Sure, let’s do that. Did you talk money with her? Was she okay with the pay scale?”
In the end we finally decided to give Leanne a go. Callie called her to give her the great news. “Leanne, we’re going to give you a try, what do you think?”
“I think I better pack!”
Leanne met us back up on the bus, rolling suitcase in tow.
We were going to be happy with the new addition, I prayed. Especially Callie.
Now. she’d have a personal assistant to hang out with for the rest of the tour.
I just hoped this worked out.
Chapter 69
Callie
Leanne and I were having a blast getting to know each other. We talked so much; we just couldn’t stop. Our blabbing sessions were awesome, and we had become close already. She helped with my makeup and choosing outfits for the stage. I was no longer lonely. I felt so good about our newest addition.
“Honey, I’m so happy we hired Leanne.” I said one morning.
“That’s awesome babe, I’m so glad she’s working out for you.” Hunter kissed me under my ear where I was most sensitive. We were lounging in bed, and I rolled over on top of him. I kissed him with passion. He was incredible, he always made sure I had everything I needed, that’s for damn sure.
At every stop, Leanne got off and scoped out the scene before I even got off the bus. I loved how she looked out for me.
That first night she ran back to the bus, her cheeks rosy, red from the blustery wind, she said, “You won’t believe this! I ran into your crew, and I know Maggy. She worked at the Starbucks I went to downtown. We became great friends, but I haven't talked to her in a while. Last time we spoke she said she was starting a new job. I had no idea it was with you. How cool is that?” Leanne beamed.
“That’s amazing! I love a coincidence.” I smiled. I was sure it would be nice for Leanne to know someone travelling with us. I just hoped it didn’t get in the way of her job. I wasn’t going to worry about that now. “How fun.”
Hunter and I were laying down for a few minutes to rest. I started nibbling on his ear when Leanne popped her head into our room.
“Callie, you there? I just wanted to tell you I’m going in. I’ll let you know what I find.” I nodded to let her know I heard her. Then I got up and watched through the window as she quickly disembarked, looking oh-so-cute in her little summer dress. It was so humid here in North Carolina. I felt like a wet blanket walking around here. NC was beautiful besides the sticky air. Gorgeous scenery surrounded us, and I wished I had time to explore. I hoped someday we’d be back through Charlette to check out the area.
Leanne had been with us for about three weeks, and she fit in so well I never had to worry about anything. She was lively and happy all the time. She had a bubbly personality that everyone loved. We spent most of our time laughing when we were together. This girl really was becoming a friend.
I loved to tease her, too. Tom was planning on meeting us in a couple weeks. He really wanted to come in during our last stop in the east, NYC. We had a big show there to close out the four-month tour. Though it wasn’t really our last date. We had some catch-up shows to do on the way back home. After Hunter mixed down the tapes, we’d be back on the road to support the new album when it hit the stores.
This was our lifelong dream. I wanted to live on the road, and nothing had dampened my enthusiasm for being out here. It was everything I dreamt it would be and more. Even though we had some hiccups along the way, nothing would stop us from reaching our goals.
Leanne came back up the stairs skipping onto the bus, she looked adorable swinging her hips and smiling a huge ass smile. She called out, “Callie, this spot is awesome! You’re going to love it. Everything is set up for you, all you have to do is hit the stage for sound check in....” she looked at her watch and then back up at me, “in an hour and ten minutes. Okay?” She nodded at me, smiling more.
“Sure, I’ll be ready. I’ll eat a little something before the show. Are you sure I should wear this outfit?” I pointed to the hanger with my new flirty dress on it. We
had picked out some new clothes just yesterday. I needed new show clothes and Leanne turned out to be an excellent shopper. She helped me choose six new dresses, shoes and everything else I needed. The girl had a real talent for this.
“I love it, you look so sexy in that one. Yes, of course, I’m sure.” She gave me a bright smile and my nerves instantly calmed. I trusted her opinion and basically found I was relying on her more and more. I even shared some secrets that I wouldn’t talk to Hunter about. I told Leanne about our hot sex! I mean that’s what girlfriends are for, right? We shared details that I would never want to get out.
Leanne talked about Tommy, too. We both shared sex stories and laughed our asses off. She told me about the goodbye sex and then the makeup sex when they fought over goodbye. We giggled like only two crazy girls could over that.
“We had this huge fight after our goodbye sex, girl, he was livid. I think it had to do with his fear of me being gone for so long more than anything. But once we had sorted out our feelings, he grabbed me and threw me down on our bed. He ripped my clothes off and slammed into me before I could catch my breath. Dude, he pounded me so hard!” We fell over laughing. I knew exactly what she was talking about. There had been times when Hunter and I had the same sex romp after a fight. Not that we fought often, but when we did, that make up sex was fucking hot. Made me secretly wish for more arguments.
“Yeah, I remember Hunter throwing me down the same way, girlfriend! He and I had fought so hard over nothing really. Probably just stress. But when it was over, we had the best sex of my life. He was so passionate and the kisses. Damn those hot kisses.” Leanne was happily nodding, a huge grin on her face. Yep, we connected alright.
“Hey Callie, I was thinking it would be so much fun to have a girls’ night on the bus. I could invite Maggy, and we could kick the men off. I bet she’d love to hang with us for a night. We could do our nails and makeup and have some blowout fun. What do you say?” Leanne looked at me with hope sparkling in her eyes. It sounded like a blast.
“I think we could work something out. I’ll talk to Hunter and figure out when is the best night. You call Maggy and see if she’s down for a little fun?” I was all smiles.
“Hell yeah! I’ll make the call now. I can’t wait, woohoo! I’ll get the bottle of Tequila, okay?” Leanne was jumping up and down in the aisle. Joni had told Hunter to go ahead and finish the tour with her bus. She was so generous.
“Hey Hunter,” I grabbed his hand as he tried to walk past. He looked at me with concern. “We want to have a girls’ night on the bus. You think that’s okay? Leanne wants to invite Maggy. You know I haven’t hung out with her yet. We want all you stinky men to leave for the evening.” I was so excited by the idea of more female companionship and a party too. This could really give me a break from shows. And I couldn’t wait to party with Maggy either. I really hadn’t had a chance to spend any time with her since she was gone by the time I appeared. Anyway, Leanne had told me so many stories that included her, I felt like I already knew her.
“Sure, why not? I think Tuesday would work. I’ll get the boys to go out with me.” Hunter gave me his sexy grin. Oh, was he gonna get paid back for this. I couldn’t wait to strip him tonight to thank him for letting this all happen. “I’ll get her background check started right now.” he added. “When I hired her and her husband, I did one, but I’ll do the more extensive one just in case.”
“Oh boy! Oh boy I can’t wait!! Girls’ night[SO43] yay!!” I yelled out with my hands around my mouth to shape a little megaphone. I was so happy he was going to take all the boys out too. We could have some real alone time, do our nails, play with makeup, eat crap and drink booze. Sounded like a perfect night!
Leanne ran back to our room and poked her head in, “Maggy said yes! She’s so down for girls’ nIght!” She wore a huge grin on her pretty face, and I got even more excited. I dropped Hunter’s hand and went to Leanne’s side,
“That’s awesome, Hunter said Tuesday night he’d take all the men out for drinks and dinner. We get the bus all to ourselves.” Leanne and I grabbed each other’s hands and started jumping up and down, giggling the whole time.
“Whoohoo!” Leanne yelled out and we both laughed even harder.
I couldn’t wait for Tuesday night,
No shows, no boys, just girls’ night!
Chapter 70
Callie
It was Tuesday night finally. Hunter kissed me goodbye and left with all the men in tow. They were going to a local pub for burgers and beers. I had to say they looked really happy to have their own night out. I squeezed him tight just before they left and whispered, “Thank you. honey,” by his ear. “I owe you one.”
He leaned back and looked me in the eye, “Babe, I’d do anything for you.” Then he put his arms around me and gave me a tender hug. I loved this man so much.[SO44]
“Be good, okay?” I encouraged him to look back at me. “Stay safe, be good, hon.”
“You know it, babe. We won’t be gone but a few hours. I’ll see you soon, miss you when I’m gone.” Then he whistled and yelled out,
“Time to go boys!” Ted and Marko trooped out together, and Sean and Lip came from the front. The five of them high fived and trooped off the bus.
When the door clanged shut, Leanne and I looked at each other and clapped. “Yay, girls' night!” We both shouted.
“Leanne. I got a couple things to do, I’ll be right out.” I went to the bedroom where I had a few things hidden. I had snuck away a few times by myself to get them some surprises. I got the girls a present to commemorate the night. I pulled the bag out of its hiding place in my drawer. This one had See’s Candy across the front. Inside, there were two gold wrapped boxes, 2 lbs of chocolate for each of us. And then I went to the closet to find the other bag. I bought jewelry for both women. I hoped I chose right, gifting them some tiny diamond earrings seemed pretty perfect for the night.
I had already wrapped the small boxes and so I took ribbon out and tied each box of candy and earrings together with a gold, sparkly bow. They looked sweet as pie. I was so excited to get this party started. I hoped it was about time for Maggy to arrive.
“Maggy!” I heard Leanne call, then, “Oh Maggy, it’s so good to have you aboard.” I came out of the room in time to see the two girls hugging. They both were misty eyed, and it was awesome that we all got to be together.
“Callie, come meet my girl.” Leanne called to me loudly. I walked quickly down the center of the bus, straight to where they were standing. I stuck my hand out and said,
“Hey Maggy, nice to meet you.” I gave her a warm smile as she took my hand. “I’m sorry we haven’t met before this.”
“Hey Callie, it’s nice to meet you.” Maggy smiled warmly. She was a nice-looking girl taller than me, but not as tall as Leanne. She had gorgeous ruby red hair that fell down her back in silky waves. It was a really good dye job. Dressed in a pair of jeans and a black hoodie, she seemed casual and relaxed. And very sweet, yes, I’d say sweet as could be. And strong---I could see her muscled arms as I took her hand to shake. I got this sense of deja vue out of nowhere. I had those feelings sometimes, but I didn’t pay much attention to it.
“Why don’t we grab some snacks and sit over here?” I went to the fridge and started pulling out dips and strawberries. I grabbed the Tequila out of the freezer and found the limes on the counter. “What ya drinking?” I turned and looked at both girls, eyebrows raised. I started cutting the limes into wedges.
“Let’s do shots!” Leanne giggled and held out a shot glass.
“Yes! I want a shot!” Yelled Maggy. We were excited for the fun to come, and our exuberance was spilling over.
I lined up all three shot glasses and filled them to the brim. We each held up our glass in the air. “Here’s to girls' night!” Leanne yelled. We licked salt from our hand and knocked back our shots in one go. Then we took the lime and wedged it into our mouth to suck on. “Ugh.” we all said at the same time and held
out our glasses for more. That set us on a tear through the bottle. We were getting really goofy and wobbly on our feet. We were giggly girls, falling all over each other with huge grins smattered across our faces.
“Why don’t we go to the back and do our nails?” I got up and the three of us started walking to the back, a bit unsteady on our feet. Both girls moved in the same direction I was going. I grabbed the chips as I stood up, dragging the bottle of Tequila and limes with me. I thought we could snack a little and file our nails. I had bought some crazy cool colors of polish for tonight. And I wanted to gift them now before we were trashed.
“I want to paint my nails green.” I said, as I plopped down on the armchair next to the bed.
The presents for each girl were sitting in the middle of my bed. “Hey, there’s one for each of you.” I giggled and handed one parcel to Leanne. “I think you are a wonderful assistant. I just wanted to show my gratitude.”
“This is so sweet of you!” Maggy shouted and ripped open the boxes with both hands. I watched with glee, I loved giving presents. Leanne held the earrings up.
“Callie, I love these! Are they real? Oh my god, they’re real!” She was brimming with joy. She pulled the earrings she was wearing off, and put the new ones in. Then she went to the mirror. “These are gorgeous!”
“I’m so happy you like them!” I was over-the-moon happy.
I pulled out the polish and everything else we would need. Pretty soon we were all filing our nails and choppin it up. These two were hilarious together and I just sat back, cracking up as I listened to them tease each other. They had mad history, that went back to when they met years ago. They knew where all the dead bodies were buried and laughed over shared memories. I wasn't in on the joke, but still giggled along.
I had given Maggy her presents and we were chowing down on all the delicious chocolates. I felt that deja vue feeling again and looked into her eyes this time. She felt familiar to me, but I couldn’t put my finger on how, so I pushed the feeling away. By this time, I was getting pretty drunkity-drunk. My mind skipped around, and I had no real focus.
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