Chapter 55
The next three days I spent with Greer were exactly what I needed; it was a magical time with my sister, and I couldn't bear to part with her not just yet. So, I phoned our father the night before and, reluctantly, he gave his permission for Greer to come with me on the first leg of the tour. But I had to promise him that she would be on a plane headed for home before her senior year of high school began.
The next morning, a limo was sent for us from the studio and Richard Porter, the apartment manager, said that I could keep my VW Bug there. I was hoping that Logan would have come to say goodbye, but it was just as well. I hadn't seen him since that night. At that point, I didn't know how I would react if and when I saw him again.
Greer had helped me clean up the apartment over the last few days, and now, I turned to lock it for the last time at least for a while. The tour was supposed to last for nine months, but I wasn't sure if I would come back or not. For one thing, it would be too close to Logan, and for another thing, there were just too many memories.
"Come on. Let's go!" Greer said as she moved her long blonde hair aside and slung her purse over her shoulder. "You don't want to be late."
I laughed as we walked down the stairs to the waiting limo. "I think you're just as excited about this tour as I am."
Greer smiled. "If it were my tour, I'd be jumping up and down right now."
I laughed at the image. "Come on."
The chauffeur held the door for us as we slid in.
Greer chatted animatedly as we pulled around the corner of my apartment complex, but I paid no attention. I was looking out the window toward Logan's apartment that he shared with his friends, but he never appeared. I stopped looking, and, within minutes, we pulled out of the parking lot and were on our way to the studio. I silently vowed to leave Logan and that time in my life behind me.
I stared at the window as Greer prattled on. When she realized I hadn't said anything, she reached over and squeezed my hand, understanding. "Everything's going to be okay."
I forced a smile. "I know."
Within minutes, we pulled into the studio parking lot. Everything was a buzz as instruments and suitcases were loaded as musicians milled about.
When the limo driver reached out to help me from the limo, Noah saw me and gave a low whistle. "Well, well! Look who's riding in style!"
I laughed. "Yeah, right! The studio sent a car for me. They were probably afraid that I would be late."
Noah smiled as he approached. "Come on. I want you to meet Sue."
I followed him across the parking lot to a very pregnant but beautiful woman with long red hair and green eyes. I extended my hand to her after we approached. "It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Grayson! Noah's told me so much about you!"
"Forget the handshake, lass," she replied with a pronounced Irish accent, just like Noah's. "Come here." She reached out and pulled me in for a tight hug, and then she pulled back to look into my eyes. "And you can forget the Missus stuff, too! Mrs. Grayson is my mother-in-law! Call me Sue."
I liked her already. She was a strong woman-strong enough to handle Noah, I was sure. "Are you going to be alright while we're away?"
"As right as rain!" she said, smiling warmly. "Now, you take care of my Noah here and don't let him get into any mischief."
I laughed. "Well, that'll be a tall order."
"Hey! Now, wait a minute!" Noah objected as a broad smile spread across his face.
Sue and I shared a laugh.
"Well, it was very nice to meet you," I said as I gave her another hug. "I'll let you spend some time with Noah before we go."
"The pleasure was mine," she said as she released me. "You take care of yourself on the road, too."
I nodded. "I will."
After saying my last goodbyes, I walked back over to Greer, who was talking animatedly to Brett. I knew I'd have to head that off immediately.
"Are you ready?" Craig asked as he approached. "The bus is packed. You can bring your old guitar on board, if you like. I won't pack it."
I smiled. "I don't go anywhere without it."
He nodded, and then looked around. "Okay, everyone! Time to lock and load!" he said in a loud voice. "Time to say your last goodbyes. We have to roll!"
Around me, everyone was hugging their loved ones, saying their last goodbyes as a familiar pain pulled at my chest. I looked around, hoping to see Logan, but he was nowhere to be found. I gave Nashville one last look as I silently said my goodbyes, and then walked over to Greer.
"Let's go," I said, ignoring Brett.
Brett placed his hand on the small of Greer's back as we stepped up into the bus. Greer slid into a seat, and I slid in beside her before Brett could.
"Jailbait!" Noah said loudly as he pretended to cough. "Jailbait!" he coughed again as he covered his mouth with his fist.
I suppressed a smile. "Catching a cold there, Noah?"
"Come with me," Noah said to Brett as he gave him a dirty look. "Let's chat." Then, he forced Brett to follow him to the back of the bus. Noah gave me a wink.
I mouthed the words thank you as they passed, and he gave me a quick nod. Then, I turned my attention to my sister. "Brett is twice your age," I said in a low voice. "And if you're going to flirt with my band members, then I'm sending you back home."
She smiled. "I like it when you get all sisterly."
I shook my head. "I mean it."
"But Brett's cute!"
Everyone on the bus laughed. I could see that there were no secrets while traveling with a bunch of people on a bus.
