Chapter 10

"So, did you have a good time at Caroline's today?" Brantley asked when we were settled on the bed with popcorn and a movie.

I nodded as I took a sip of the beer in my hand. "I did, yes. Jess came over just before we had a late lunch and hung out to. And those boys, oh my goodness Brantley they are just too damn precious!"

His arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me into him. "Should I be worried about those precious boys?"

"Not at all," I said. I kissed him and smiled. "So, how was your day? Anything exciting happen?"

"Not a single thing darlin." He smiled down on me. "Are you ready to head home tomorrow?"

"Well, in a way yes, but then again no. I love this city." And I did. I felt at ease in this town so full of music and life. It almost felt like home already.

"I guess I won't be having to try to convince you too hard to come back then?"

Laughing I said, "Not too hard at all."

That night my sleep was restless. I kept having dreams that I couldn't reach to realize what they were and that bothered me. They felt familiar yet I couldn't make out exactly what was happening. It'd been a long time since I'd had such troubled sleep.

The next morning I woke at ten thirty feeling groggy and achy. Sometime around two o'clock that morning I'd gotten up and taken a sleeping pill. It must have worked. Memories of dreams lingered but it's if the memory was hidden in a thick fog that I couldn't cut through. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't remember.

"Hey there sleepy head," Brantley said coming back into the bedroom. "I was wondering if you'd wake up or sleep the day away."

"I guess I didn't sleep to well."

"You did a lot of tossing and turning." He took a deep breath and let it out real slow. "Bailey, my manager called this morning. I've got to stay in town two more days. Some songwriter's showcase thing."

"Oh," I said, "Well I mean, if you have to you have to."

Brushing the hair out of my face he said, "I'm sorry, I tried to get out of it but it was a no go."

"Brant, it's fine, really." I forced a smile before I said, "I guess I need to get ready and hit the road."

"Yeah, I'm gonna miss you Baygirl."

"I'll miss you too."

He stood up and forced a smile of his own. "I guess I'll go and load up your things into the truck for you." He kissed my forehead and walked out of the room.

I rolled over and grabbed my cell phone to do my morning check of Facebook and texts. I had four text notifications. When the hell did I become so damn popular?

The first was from Alicia. "I miss you friend. I'm so glad you're coming home today! I want to hear all about it, every little detail!"

I hit the reply button and typed. "I miss you to and there's plenty to tell. Meet me at the house at seven, sleepover style."

The next text was from Luke. I have to admit that one took me by surprise. "Bailey, it was so good meeting you. Thank you for keeping my Caro company yesterday. My kids love you by the way. Stay in touch?"

I smiled. The goof ball had a soft side. Awe how sweet. "I love you kids! And I had a great time with Caroline. She's wonderful and you're not so bad either. Haha, I'll stay in touch if you do!"

Finally the last two texts were from Caroline. "So, you really have to go, huh? Just know that sucks okay? I'm so glad we met. Me and Luke were just talking last night about how we all just kinda clicked. It's like we've known each other for years instead of just a few days. The boys are already asking when you're coming back, so don't stay away. And while you are away, stay in touch. Ugh okay, I've rambled enough, but seriously, I already consider you a friend, one that I don't want to lose. Tell Brantley thank you for introducing us."

Her second message was a picture of the boys with the caption "we miss you Bay!"

"Way to make a girl cry! Ha! I promise to stay in touch and I will definitely be back. You guys are always welcome at my place to. I'm so thankful that I met you and Luke too. I'll text, okay?"

After hitting send I climbed out of the bed and got ready to head back to Georgia. I was dreading the long lonely drive, but it had to be done I guess. I was picking my purse up just as Brantley came back in, a pumpkin spice latte in his hand.

"For the road." I smiled at him and took the drink. His hand found mine and he gave me a sad, pitiful smile. "Let me walk you down to the truck."

We made the walk in silence, not speaking a word until I had put my purse and the latte in the console of my truck. As I turned back to face him, he met me with a kiss. "Drive safe Bay, okay? Text and call when you can."

"I will Brant. I'll let you know the minute I get home."

"Okay then, I love you."

I kissed him once more time. "I love you too." One last kiss and I climbed up into the truck and he closed the door. I waved at him as I slowly pulled away from the curb. As I drove out of the city I rolled the windows down and cranked up my radio. I sang along with the songs on the radio, and let the road lead me home.