Page 20 of Not the Punk

I wasn’t used to such a small facility, and it was different from what I expected, with a small parking lot and main building. I went in and was greeted by a friendly young man. “How can I help you today, sir?”

“I’m waiting for MH Management, scheduled to land in about fifteen minutes.” I wanted to be early, just in case, but not too early.

He looked at his clipboard. “Yes. They’re scheduled and on time. But I can’t tell you any more than that.”

“That’s okay. Can I wait here?”

“Sure. Would you like coffee, a soda, or something stronger to drink?”

“Oh, no thank you. I’m good.”

“You’re welcome. Let me know if you change your mind or need anything else.” He went about whatever work he was doing on the computer, and I walked around, looking out of the big glass windows. I could see all the way down the runway, making it easier to anticipate their arrival. With every minute that ticked by, my heart pounded harder. I was so enthralled with Joe and hoped like hell we’d make something work. When I saw a jet in the distance coming in for a landing, I held my breath. It was them.

In a few minutes, the plane, all decked out in the new MH Management logo wrap, taxied in, closer to the building and stopped. The door opened and the stairs came down. The first one off was Pierce. Why didn’t that surprise me? He was always such a diva, but as long as he wasn’t mean to Joe and Kay, I could live with his attitude.

Some of the other guys from Soul Shred followed, and then there he was. Hair flowing around him, jeans tight, dark shades over his eyes, he was the epitome of rock stardom, but he also looked incredibly vulnerable as he scanned the area. When he spotted me, his face lit up with a giant smile, and he took off running.

I headed to the door, but he barreled through before I could open it. Then I had my arms full of the best rockstar in the world.

We pulled into the driveway of a cute mid-century modern house with a perfectly manicured front lawn. “This is where you live?”

“Yeah. It’s a rental.” He shrugged as if it were nothing, but the house was great. “I settled on this one because it has three rooms and an extra bathroom.”

“Why do you need three?”

He ticked off his answer on his fingers. “One for me, one for music, and one for an office.”

“Alright, that makes sense.”

After we brought in his luggage, he held my hand and showed me around the house. It was in great condition and immaculately cleaned. “Hungry?” he asked, leading me into the kitchen. “I have someone come clean and restock food before I get home. Got that trick from Don and Kay, but I think they got it from Jinx.” He shrugged again.

“You know you’re perfect, right?”

Joe snorted. “Not at all. Nope.” He pulled peanut butter and bread out of the cabinet before opening the fridge for jelly, but when it was all laid out, I stepped in front of him to make his sandwich.

“You don’t have to—”

“I know. I want to. Sit down.”

Instead of an island in the center of the kitchen, he had a big bar-height table with four chairs around it, and he sat at it. I slid him the finished sandwich and poured him a glass of milk.

“Ma-oo-one…” he said with a mouthful of peanut butter and blueberry jelly.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

He swallowed. “You need a Sammy too, Daddy.”

“You’re right.” I made one and sat beside him. “Are you ready for Christmas?”

He shook his head. “I’ve barely had time to shop, and this tour is just getting started. I won’t have time for anything after Christmas until like mid-summer.”

“It’s alright. You just do you.” I was super happy I’d ordered all the presents now, because he was so sweet and I wanted to surprise him.

Christmas Eve

Saxon and his guys helped me wrap the gifts, and by help, I mean they did them all and brought them over. I sure didn’t expect that, and it made it easier for me. Kay and Don set them in the living room and looked around. “Unca Colten? Where’s your tree?” Don glared at me like I’d let down the world. As if I’d ever forget the tree.

“I haven’t got it yet. I’m going out after lunch to pick it up.”