Page 59 of Hung Up
We’re sitting at the dinette booth and I don’t think I’ve said a word for almost an hour.
“He always gets off beat before a big show, Sorrel. Don’t take it personal,” Parker tells her.
She gives him a tight smile and looks back to me expectantly.
“He’s right. It’s just nerves. I’ll be fine once I’m up there.”
“No problem, I get it,” she says sincerely. “I always get nervous before a big rodeo. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll be here, but if you need time to yourself, that’s cool too.”
“Thanks, baby.”
She smiles back and opens one of the seven new books she bought at a local bookstore when we were driving through Kentucky. She’s excited to finally have time to read so I leave her to it. I stand up, then lean over and give her a kiss.
I walk to the front of the bus to go sit in the front seat by Ray. He isn’t much for words and I know I can just close my eyes and meditate while I’m up here.
. . .
We arrived at the Thompson-Boling Arena a few hours ago. Mentally I feel rested and much better now that we're here. We went through sound check and rehearsal. Now it’s time to get ready and hangout for a while before the show.
Sorrel comes out from the bathroom and my jaw drops to the floor. She has a little more makeup on than usual and curled her hair. Her short denim skirt shows off her long sleek legs and she has on a pair of boots I haven’t seen her wear before. She bends over looking for her cowboy hat in one of the cabinets and I can see down her tank top. I instantly feel turned on. Man, this is going to be more distracting than I thought.
She plops her cowboy hat on her head. “I’m ready. Bathroom’s free.” she calls out to all of us.
We all let her get ready first. Johnny lets out a whistle and I glare at him in return.
“You look awesome, babe.” I reach for her hips and pull her into me.
“No PDA on the bus,” Parker says, handing Sorrel the drink he poured for her.
She takes it and thanks him before taking a sip.
“Woo, that's strong!” She cringes down at the cup.
I chuckle. “I should have warned you. Don't let Parker make you a drink. He’s got a heavy pour.”
“Clearly,” she states. “You gonna go get ready?”
“Yeah, I’ll see you in a bit.” I kiss her on the cheek instead of the mouth not wanting to get anymore turned on than I already am. I can’t be up on stage with a hard-on all damn night.
When I come out from showering and getting dressed, there’s a new face on the bus. She looks me up and down like I’m a tasty sirloin steak she’s about to devour.
I look around at the guys with confusion like,Who the fuck is this and what did you do with my girlfriend?
The mystery woman gets up and strides over to me. She’s about average height with a short brown bob, dark brown eyes, and an alluring smile.
“I’m Emily, your tour manager,” she says, putting out her hand to shake mine. I shake hers back. She holds onto my hand for a beat too long as I try to pull it away.
“Denton,” is all I say to her. I look past her at the crew. “Where’s Sorrel?”
“Oh, I asked her to step out so we could go over some things. I know boys will be boys, but I suggest no groupies on the bus before showtime.”
I don’t even respond. Storming past her, I walk out of the bus to go find my girlfriend. The sun is setting now and Sorrel is nowhere to be found.
“SORREL!” I call out to her.
“I’m over here.”
I hear her small voice come out from behind the bus. It looks like she’s hanging up a call.
