A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(79)
“I’ll guess it will have to wait ‘til later.” Dan stuffed the DVD into his jacket. “See you two f*ckers down stairs.” I was glad Dan had reverted back to his former persona. His kinder, more apologetic alter ego made me nervous and I didn’t do nervous very well.
“Well I guess we better get out the door then,” Alex walked backed into the suite and grabbed his jacket. “You ready?” Alex looked at me strangely, almost as if he was trying to work out what was different about me. Could he tell? Did I look pregnant? As much as I wanted to tell him about the baby, I couldn’t do it now. Not right before we were about to walk out the door. Damn it, it would have to wait.
“Yeah, let me just get my handbag.” I quickly grabbed my bag and phone and slipped on my shoes.
“So, did you bring me anything?” Alex closed the door behind us as we walked out into the hall.
“You don’t think I would come here empty handed?” I smiled as I nestled closer to Alex.
“Did you get me porn too? I don’t think I’ve ever seen Dan that close to tears. You made his year.” Alex looped his arms around me as he guided us toward the lobby where the rest of the band were waiting.
“It was the least I could do. He was being disrespectful but I didn’t need to be so bitchy.”
“Ok, who are you and what have you done with my wife?” Alex stared at me, stopping before we reached the crowd.
“I can admit when I’ve been irrational. Don’t act all surprised.” Look at me with my evolution of emotion. I really had come such a long way. It had been such a herculean effort but one I was glad I had seen through.
“Lexi!” James’ face beamed as he gave me the standard Bowden hug, Hannah and Noah close by his side. “Thanks for looking out for my family.”
“You need to stop thanking me James.” I hugged him back, thankful for the support both he and Hannah had given me over the last couple of months. “I’ll end up with a God complex.”
“Too late, already there,” winked Troy as he welcomed me with a bear hug. “We’ve missed you. Alex has been a nightmare.”
“Truth!” added Dan, “I wasn’t going to say nothin’ but he’s been even moodier than usual. Such a downer and totally nixing the vibe backstage.”
“Hasn’t hurt your averages, Fart-knocker.” Jason piped in before taking his turn to welcome me, “Hey Lexi, good to see you.”
“Lexi!” Matt gave me the biggest hug of all, “We have definitely missed you.”
After our quick reunion we were ushered into the waiting SUVs that took us to Liberty Bowl Stadium. Fans had already gathered out the front, despite show time being hours away.
The band took the stage, warmed up and tested out their equipment and amps. Noah, (with his adorable baby sized ear protection) Hannah, Matt and I sat to the side, enjoying the impromptu performance. They sounded amazing. Even with the stripped-back vocals and simplified sound, there was magic on that stage each and every time.
We patiently waited for the band to wrap, before heading back to the hotel for a group dinner. The conversation had been relaxed and easy and I even managed to nibble on my dinner of grilled chicken and salad. Alex had tried to hide his displeasure about my menu choice but wisely didn’t challenge me.
After dinner we retreated to our rooms where Alex and I spent an hour snuggling before he had to shower and get ready for the show. While Alex had been extremely affectionate he didn’t push for anything more amorous, sensing my reservation. He wouldn’t rush me, he never did and I loved him for it.
The show had been explosive. The new material was met with enthusiasm and excitement. Fans sang back the lyrics, word for word, of each and every song. The roar of the crowd was deafening. Standing at the side of the stage was still surreal, I would never stop being a fan, I would never stop appreciating their talent or loving their music. I smiled as Noah slept in Hannah’s arms, completely unaware of the commotion around him. This would be the only world he would ever know; Airports, hotel rooms, stadiums and a father who would sometimes be away from home. Their talent was too exceptional to be kept hidden. I rubbed my belly, knowing our child would grow up in the same way, surrounded by insanity but unsurpassed love. And for the first time since that fateful day I had peed on a stick, I wasn’t afraid.
Chapter 20 - Mid-air Madness
After the show, Hannah and I had travelled back to the hotel while the band continued their scheduled obligations. A meet and greet after the show, with the usual backstage fanfare, was not something I wanted to subject myself to. I had made that mistake once before when I had been a hell of a lot more rational and not contending with the hormonal crazy I was fighting these days. Instead we said our goodbyes and departed for the sanctity of the plush suites where I would wait for Alex’s return. Of course, the minute I got back to the hotel I crawled into bed and promptly fell asleep. The activity of the day had taken its toll on me. Alex had returned at some point and joined me in bed because when I woke up to pee (nocturnal bathroom visit number 3) I found him naked, lying by my side.
I watched him as I returned from my bathroom visit; the serenity of his steady breathing, the way his hair framed his face. I had wanted so desperately to share the news that we were going to be parents with him but I was still waiting for the right time. He was so beautiful. I quietly slid back in beside him, content to just share his bed. I truly wanted for nothing right at that moment. I resolved to tell him our news first thing in the morning.