Ah chapter 13 the so-called evil and bad number. Enjoy!

"What is it Irene?" I ask my voice squeaking as if I were a teenage boy of all things, thank goodness neither Irene or Annie who is standing next to her side notices.

"Annie was just informing me her parents are suppose to meet us in Las Vegas in about a weeks time. Now I don't know if we'll have time for it. As it is our schedules for that night is pretty tight, taking extra time to wait for an airline just isn't on the schedule." Irene, Irene fool of nonsense Irene. I swear there was a time long now past that she was able to put down her guard and have some unexpected fun.

"I am sure we could arrange or figure something out that shall back all parties involved happy. Where and when is our show on the 20th?"

"At 7:30 in Utah."

"Well that's not bad at all Irene. Why don't we actually spend the night in Vegas, I frankly could use a break from that wonderful rock of a bed and don't to mention just a tad of a rest even if it's only a few hours. I am also pretty confident that I am not the only one to feel this way, a grumpy crew and musicians are not a good thing." It's actually an understatement, the past few days I have been getting the strong expression from them that if they don't get a rest sometime soon a walk away could take place. In all likelihood they would not reach that point, but I might.

"Molly I don't know…."

"Irene I am asking you not as my manager but instead as a friend, slow it down please."

"Fine I'll figure out a way. But we'll have to be back on the road by 7:00!" I have to plenty time to convince her that 10 is such a better and happier time. Plus Ned will be back and in charge of driving again by that point. I turn myself to face Annie who had taken a seat in the common area during my previous conversation.

"Annie do you think you're parents will be able to get a flight to Las Vegas sometime on the 19th or early the 20th?" She nods her head as a response; I suppose she's still pissed off about the LA thing. She'll get over it. I look up to see Jack sitting by himself doodling on a scrap piece of paper. Soon he'll be gone off to college, in two months time actually. He received his letter of approval a few weeks ago telling us that Jack Phillips will be gracing the halls of the University of Colorado. It seems as if it were only yesterday that I was pushing him into his kindergarten class while trying to act as if his tears and screams had no effect on me. He is growing up so fast no longer my little boy but instead my mature and strong man. Horribly depressing actually.

"What is it mom?" He caught wind of my staring.

"I was just thinking about your first day of school. I have never seen anyone so scared in my life."

"Oh great not this story again!" But his voice held a hint of laughter.

"Why I don't tell you about your sister's first day of school than? It was a horrible rainy day and she had gotten up at the bloody crack of dawn to make sure she wasn't late, you couldn't find your –"

"Mom!"

"Okay okay fine I'll finish it another time." I tell him teaseally and find myself unexpectedly caught off guard when Carey walks into the room.

"Finish what?" He asks the both of us unsure to whom direct the question towards.

"Telling embarrassing stories of my youth."

"Oh you want embarrassing huh? I can do that. Let's see there was the time you found my makeup and –"

"Mom!" He once again yells behind the laughter coming from both Annie and Carey.

"Alright Jack I am sorry I'll stop now." I reassure him just as the other two start to protest their complaints demanding for more. They quickly give it up as Annie picks up a book lying on the cushion next to her and while Carey takes a seat across from Jack. I hadn't forgotten what had taken place a few minutes ago. Though it was like a dream, but if a pleasant one or a nightmare I am completely at a lose to say. In fact I didn't want to pick one or the other.

"Are we?" I am broken from the thoughts by the sound of Carey's voice.

"Are we what?" He smiles sweetly, oh God what a beautiful smile.

"Is it true we're going to stay in Vegas for the night?"

"Yeah it's true but that's not for over a week from now. Plus you have to be 21 to gamble so I don't see why you're getting so excited." Holy crap he can't even gamble or drink yet! I had known the entire time but now somehow that knowledge and realization is quite different.

"I don't know it just sounds like fun. Where are we staying? On the strip?" He tells me than calls out the rest for his mother to answer.

"Carey I doubt it okay?"

"Why not it'll be fun, come on fun is good mom." If anyone can get her to drop the guard it's always been one of her boys, it's strange Jack and Fi have the same exact same effect on me 90 percent of the time.

"Staying on the strip costs more honey."

"Actually Irene there are always deals and specials at various hotels and casinos taking place. I'll call up a few later and see what I can do, okay?" I throw my ten cents into the mix; hey if I am going to be staying in Vegas it's sure as hell not going to be a run down Motel 6 on the wrong side of the tracks.

"Fine but it better be a damn good deal."

"Yes ma'm."