Chapter 129: Lover
Saturday, January 7th, Morning
The light interrogated his eyes through his closed lids. This gave him a reddish peach view of the world. The first thing his mind did was reject the natural call to wake up. Turning his head away from the offending light he draped an arm over his eyes. Yesterday was too long of a day, that was preceded by a series of the long days, so all he wanted to do was sleep.
He felt a finger trace along his chest. It took a moment for it to register, and pull his mind out of the will to sleep. This tactile engagement brought its attention to the world beyond his eyelids. Finally, his mind settles its internal argument and he opened his eyes.
The light that came through the window and gave a yellow halo to her hair. His eyes shot around the room, which ranges alarms because he didn't know how he got there. His body tensed up, becoming alert.
"Relax, Liebling," a woman's voice said.
He turned and saw Alix laying in bed next to him. Tucker Baker shook his head and looked at Alix.
"Where are we?" Tucker asked.
"A hotel room, in Northern California," Alix said.
"What are we doing here?" Tucker asked.
"We got in early, and have an off day," Alix said.
"Oh," Tucker said.
"You were barely awake when we go here," Alix said.
Tucker nodded, "So, what is going on today?" he asked.
"Yeah, it's business as usual," Tucker said.
"I know, but I get to spend time with you," Alix said.
Tucker nodded, "What do you want to do?" he asked.
Alix smiled; Tucker smiled back with a nod.
"Well, I want to spend the day here with you," Alix said.
"So, do I," Tucker said.
"We're going to need breakfast," Alix said.
"That's the sucky thing about staying in a hotel," Tucker said.
"One second," Alix said and rolled out of the bed. Tucker watched her as she walked across the middle range hotel room. Alix was wearing short running shorts, a grey and blue tank top.
Tucker watched as she dug through a pile and came up with a smartphone. She pressed a button and waited.
"Hey Binks, yeah, I'm up; what is the nearest place for breakfast? Yeah, for me and Tucker. Okay, just knock on the door, thanks Binks," Alix said, she put her phone down and looked at Tucker.
"So, what's the deal?" Tucker asked.
"Binks is getting us breakfast," Alix said.
"Did you order him to do it?" Tucker asked.
"No, Binks volunteered," Alix said.
Tucker nodded, "So, what do you want to do?" he asked.
"Well there's what I want to do, and what I really want to do," Alix said.
Tucker laughed, "So, what do you want to do?" he asked.
"I like to walk down to the venue and look around before we do press and stuff. Somehow, I feel things changing," Alix said.
"How are they changing?" Tucker asked.
"I don't know, yet," Alix said, "Just different."
Tucker nodded, "I didn't tell you, did I, that I was surprised you're not with me on the Nordwind tour," he said.
"Arne and Kat talked us about going as the opening act," Alix said, "We decided not yet let us be us and not be Kat's little sister's band."
Tucker nodded, "I get that," he said.
"That's why I still live with Opa, I don't want to live off Kat and Arne, and Opa is well, alone," Alix said.
"Who's watching him now?" Tucker asked.
"Friends," Alix said.
Tucker nodded.
"How about you?" Alix asked.
"What about me?" Tucker asked.
"Ever thought of moving out of the Clocktower Apartment? Out of your Mom's house," Alix said.
Tucker shrugged, "No, not really. My dad rents a place there, hell even Trin lives under our Mom's roof," he said.
"Trin is buying the New York apartment, and still, Tucker, you're twenty-seven," Alix said.
"As you know I'm hardly home," Tucker said.
Alix made a face that she understood. That was when there was a knock on the door. Alix nodded and went to the door.
"Who is it?" Alix asked.
"Binks," was the answer.
Alix opened the door, and Binks came in. He put the bag down on the room's table. Looking around the room, his eyes settled on Alix.
"We have some press in the next hour, it's a call-in," Binks said.
Alix nodded, "Good, I don't have to get dressed," she said.
"They also want to do a meet and greet before the show tomorrow," Binks said.
Alix nodded, "Sure, I'll be ready to head over early tomorrow," she said.
Binks nodded, and looked at Tucker, "Sleep well I trust?" he asked.
"Yes, I did," Tucker said.
Binks smiled, "I'll see you later," he said and showed himself.
Alix smiled, "I guess breakfast is served," she said.
Tucker nodded and threw the covers off of himself. As typical Tucker slept naked. Walking around he found his bag and pulled out a pair of shorts. Pulling them on he walked over to the table. Alix took a seat across from him. Alix passed out the breakfast food.
"Radio phone-in interview, today?" Tucker asked.
Alix nodded, "I'm surprised, they usually don't want to speak to us," she said.
"Well, you'll do well," Tucker said.
"Thanks," Alix said.
"You're welcome," Tucker said.
"Well after the interview, we'll head out and see where ever we are," Alix said.
"Sure," Tucker said.
"Of course, we have to dinner with the band," Alix said.
"Sure," Tucker said.
"I need a shower before we head out," Alix said, with a suggestive tone.
Tucker smiled, nodded, and ate breakfast.
