A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(26)
“So, any questions? Lexi we’re going to need a tour announcement drafted in the next few days.” I hadn’t noticed Chris’ long detailed run down had concluded.
“I’ll work on it this afternoon. Matt can hit the social media and get the buzz happening. I’ll map out when to make the announcement, we want to hit as many time zones as possible.” I amazed myself how easily I slipped back into business mode. Like a drunkard falling off a bar stool, some things just came naturally.
“Excellent. James? Anything to add?” Chris turned to James as she closed the folder in front of her.
“Thanks Chris.” James took his opportunity to speak. “I’m really excited for this tour. No matter how many times we go out on the road, just playing with you guys… well it’s why we’re all here right? I know it’s going to be weird having my little guy with us and I know it isn’t very rock and roll but I’m not willing to be a part-time dad.” James had discussed his family-on-the-road stance with the band before, it had always been the plan, but I guess he was giving the guys their chance to air any grievances now or forever hold their peace.
“Are you kidding? Raising a kid on tour is total rock and roll!” Alex enthused. “Noah is part of this now, he belongs with his dad and with us.” I expected nothing less from Alex, he was James’ best friend. They really were more like brothers and they would always have each other’s back. Given the bond Alex had shared with his own father, there was no chance he wouldn’t support the decision to have Noah be with his father. Besides, everyone was rather fond of the tiny Bowden. He was already a heart breaker with his cute little dimpled grin.
“Just get the little dude some kick-ass hearing protection cause I plan on going full beast on the skins.” Troy’s eyes gleamed with excitement.
“All good here man. Though Dan might be pissed if Noah gets more attention than him.” Jason snorted.
“Shhhiiiiiitttttt.” Dan’s head snapped up in attention, “Girls are into babies. They are going to be all over you.” He pointed wildly at James as he pondered a solution. “I think we need to have, at the very least, a rotation system. No point on the residual * going to waste and Noah loves his uncle Dan.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Alex squeezed my hand and closed his eyes as he sighed heavily under his breath. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to decipher that this was going to end badly.
“Dan you are not using my son as a prop and he is not going to be rotated. Even if I did agree, which I won’t, Hannah would kill both of us before she’d allow you to use Noah to get girls.” James shook his head in disbelief. He was right, Hannah was a fierce bear with her cub and while she was coming on tour, I expected her to still adhere to her strict parental guidelines. There would be no backstage partying for that tiny tot.
“James, you’re a business man. This is smart business.” Dan tried to clarify his stance. “There’s some kind of full on chemical reaction that happens when a chick sees a baby, they get crazy horny. It’s like some throw back from nature so that they mate. It’s scientific, pretty sure I saw it on the Discovery Channel. You can’t squander an opportunity like that!”
“Dan, could you be any more offensive?” Chris glared. Apparently no matter how long you knew Dan there was no desensitization. I guess in a small way Dan was right, our evolution depended on it but only Dan could simplify it so crudely.
“Indeed, in case you hadn’t noticed there are two women currently in the room that are resisting the chemical reaction that happens when we see your face. It too is like some throw back from nature and makes us want to kick your ass.” I added coolly as I straightened in my chair. Alex raised his eyebrow, surprised I had remained calm during this little discord. Huh, maybe therapy was working? Or maybe my anger had been redirected these days?
“Numbnuts, you should probably shut up right about now.” Troy smacked Dan across the back.
“Geeeeezzzzz everyone is so f*cking sensitive today. I thought this was a rock band not a freaking knitting club.” Dan slouched down against the back of his chair.
“On that note, I would say that concludes our meeting.” Chris stood and smoothed out her jacket before turning to me. “Lexi I have some additional information for your press packs if you have a minute.”
“Of course.” I closed my folder and gathered up my personal belongings.
“Gentlemen, email me any concerns. Have a good afternoon.” Chris nodded, signaling to the band that they were free to leave.
“Rehearsal at mine?” James offered as he rose out of his chair, “Han’s taken Noah to see her folks.”
“Sure, all this talking of touring has got me itching to play.” Troy cracked his knuckles as he pushed his chair away from the table. “Bye Chris, Lexi.” Troy winked as he moved to his feet and made his way to the door.
“Yeah, sounds good brother. Just got hit a gas station and fuel up the ‘Stang then I’ll head over.” Jason ambled his way to where Troy was standing. “See ya Lexi, See ya Chris.” Jason waved goodbye.
Dan simply shrugged, following Troy and Jason’s lead and took his exit. “I got nothing better to do.”
“Thanks Chris.” James smiled as he turned to me, “Thanks Lexi, let me know what you need from us.” His goodbye was his standard hug, “Get D to drop you off at my house. We’ll be jamming for a while and Hannah would love to see you.”