Nikolai: Yeah he found a great house up in Joshua Tree that we can get for a couple nights intwo weeks
Me: So what exactly were you planning on doing if I said no?
Nikolai: Use it as a mini vaca with Jane
Me: Of course. Well you better get the other two onboard
Nikolai: No problem. You were the biggest obstacle in the way
Me: Fuck off
Nikolai: Do you wanna send the text in the group or should I?
Me: …you’re kidding
Me: You send the text this was your idea
Me: Plus no one will respond if I do it
Nikolai: Fine! I’ll do it
Nikolai: Jane says you need to grow some balls
Me: I didn’t hear any complaints about them from her before
Nikolai:
A few minutes later though,a text comes through in a group chat with the four of us with the proposition.I wait a few minutes to respond to see if the other two do first. But it’s crickets, and I’d bet big money that Walker and Hayden are texting each other on the side to see what they’re gonna do.
That’s how it’s sort of been the last couple of years.
Walker and Hayden.
Me and Nik.
Although Nikolai’s always been the middle man, hence why he’s the one getting this plan rolling.
Me: I’m in
Nikolai immediatelyheartsthe message. I grab a meat stick from my pantry and eat it while walking around my house. My phone is quiet. I didn’t expect to feel…nervous, waiting for their replies. I was so concerned about deciding if I wanted to do it or not, that I didn’t think about the fact that the other two would have to decide as well.
And they both could very well say no. Especially while Walker deals with his shit with Scar, and Hayden is planning his goddamn wedding.
I walk by the shelves filled with pictures, memories I’ve tried to block out but never want to forget. The four of us traveling the world, doing what we love. Together.
A buzz in my pocket has me almost dropping my snack as I scramble to grab it. I read the text over and over again, for the first time in my life allowing something like hope to bloom in my chest.
They’re both in.
Nikolai sends through more details and everyone agrees on the dates.
Two nights in Joshua Tree, just the four of us.
Mere months ago, I truly never thought something likethis would come together. My heart pounds in anticipation, and I feel the need to move. To do something. I already worked out this morning after Penny left. But this restless energy needs some sort of channel.
My feet move on their own accord, like they have a destination but don’t want to tell my mind yet. I walk to the staircase leading to the basement and pause at the top step.
I force myself to stare at them. My guitars, hanging lifelessly on the wall where they have never belonged. They belong in my hands, on the road, in the studio. Being played, being loved, being a vessel for art.
