Eddie spends all that week and the next in the studio. Recording the album is a lot of fun but a lot of work, Eddie never anticipated. At least it's Wednesday. Only a few more days until the weekend. He is looking forward to having the weekend off and celebrating his one year anniversary with Chrissy.
Steve bursts into the studio with a huge smile on his face. A couple of months ago, he became the band's manager. The guys are still getting use to Steve. They don't know him as well as Eddie does. Steve's old reputation of being an asshole still lingers in the back of their mind but the fact that he and Eddie are friends now and Eddie vouches for him, helps a ton.
The smile on Steve's face is huge but his face looks like he's in shock. "How much do you guys love me?" Steve asks the members of Corroded Coffin with enthusiasm.
Jeff scoffs. "Harrington, we tolerate you at best."
Gareth and Eddie chuckle but Steve ignores them. "Whatever. Do you know want to hear the good news or not?"
Eddie can't help but join in on teasing Harrington. "What's the good news? You find the Farah Faucet hairspray on sale?"
The guys explode with laughter. Steve, on the other hand, crosses his arms, annoyed. "Very funny. I've got major life-altering news over here and you guys are too busy acting childish to hear it."
"Geez sorry Mom." Gareth says sarcastically.
"We were just having some fun. Get your panties out of a wad." Jeff adds.
Normally Steve is pretty good at rolling with the punches but based on his behavior, Eddie can tell whatever the good news is, it's serious. "Major life-altering huh? Let's hear it."
Steve gives Eddie a quick look of appreciation, then addresses all of them. "I got you guys on the Tonight Show as musical guests. Pack your bags boys, we're going to New York!"
"Dude, are you serious?!" Jeff asks.
Steve smiles. "As a heart attack."
Gareth gawks, "When?"
"This weekend! Billy, at the label, gave me a heads up that the act they had booked canceled last minute. So I called and after some mild convincing got you the spot."
"Harrington you are the man!" Jeff exclaims.
"I know." Steve says proudly.
Eddie can't believe their luck. They were going to be on TV. As a band, it feels like they made it. But then again it felt that way whenever they got signed. It didn't matter. Eddie is so excited. The Tonight Show. Jimmy Carson. This is huge! He can't wait to tell Chrissy. Oh shit.
"It's this weekend?" Eddie asks Steve.
"Yeah. We fly out first thing Friday morning. Record the show on Friday and on Saturday and Sunday the label arranged for you guys to do interviews at a few of the local radio stations. Then we come home on Sunday night!" Steve tells them excitedly.
Eddie's excitement deflates as fast as it came. He's never been so happy yet so disappointed at the same time. His band mates notice his change in demeanor. Jeff hits him with the back of his hand. "Dude what is with you?"
Eddie shakes his head as if he's good. "Nothing. I just… it's mine and Chrissy's anniversary this weekend. Gotta figure out how I'm going to break it to her, that's all."
Gareth slaps his back and tries to comfort him. "She'll understand."
Deep down, Eddie knows he's right but he doesn't like the fact he will be missing this big milestone in their relationship. He knows that this is show business and it doesn't give a shit about his love life. Chrissy will understand. The woman is a saint. But he hates the idea of disappointing her even if he can't help it.
Before he leaves, Steve pulls him aside. "Hey man. I'm sorry about this weekend. I totally forgot about your big night."
Eddie drops his head and shoves his hands in his pockets. Steve knows what a big deal Eddie and Chrissy's anniversary is to the both of them. Steve's been dating Chrissy's best friend, Samantha aka Sam, for almost a year. They moved out to LA a few months after Chrissy and Eddie did. Over the last year, Eddie and Steve's friendship has grown and he is one of Eddie's closest friends now. He's overheard Sam and Chrissy on the phone talking about this weekend and them trying to guess what Eddie has planned for their anniversary. He was there when Eddie got drunk after Chrissy and Eddie's first real fight. Eddie's confided in him, time and time again, about his relationship with Chrissy. He's given Eddie advice. Steve is the only one that knows Eddie has thought about proposing to Chrissy and that he's decided to wait until Chrissy finishes school. He knows what Eddie's feeling right now.
Eddie looks at his friend. "It's okay man."
Steve gives him a thoughtful look. "Blame it all on me. It's all my fault."
Eddie grins. "Oh trust me I will." They share a laugh. Eddie gives Steve a slap on the shoulder. "But seriously, thanks man. This is huge."
It's Steve's turn to smile. "You're welcome. Right now, I may be a pretty shitty friend. But it turns out, I'm a damn good manager."