close.
Security brought DarLynn back stage. The parking attendant eventualy believed their story about Libby being “the girl” and he got DarLynn inside to see the concert. Together they left Red Rocks in the Jamieson tour bus.
Libby had never seen anything so fancy in her life. Plush carpet covered the floors. The back of the bus featured a large screen TV and comfy seating for a smal crowd. Guitars were secured to the wals as décor and for easy access. The roling reunion bus took them to an upscale hotel in downtown Denver.
Jamieson occupied the entire executive floor. Peter’s parents were kind enough to give a suite to Libby and DarLynn.
Libby and Peter talked late into the night. She dredged up al that happened to her from the drug bust, the horrors of the group home and her eventual escape. Peter relived the experience with her as she recaled the painful memories. She shared stories about the kind people of Pebble Creek, how Jerrold helped her navigate the legal system and her plans for colege in the fal.
DarLynn stayed up late watching them, but eventualy climbed into her plush king bed. She left the door open to the sitting area to remind them of her presence.
Peter told Libby about their new album and that most of the songs were about her. He shared news that he planned to buy his own place. While he loved his family, he needed more independence and time away from their constant intrusion. He even convinced his parents to agree on a second tour bus so they al could enjoy more privacy. Late in the night they fel asleep, snuggled together on the sofa.
Morning arrived too early with the sound of DarLynn filing the whirlpool tub. Libby woke and snuggled into the comfort of Peter’s arms, unwiling to leave his side. A loud knock and the sound of the suite door opening forced them upright.
“Good morning,” Peter’s mother said brightly.
“Mom, this is child abuse.” Peter groaned. “I should have you arrested for waking us up so early.” He tossed a throw pilow at her.
“Doesn’t look like you two got much sleep.” She gave them a pointed look, bustled into the room and returned the pilow to the sofa. “You kids don’t need to use up al your words the first day.”
“See what I mean.” Peter leaned into Libby and rested his head on her shoulder. “I get no privacy. Nothing is sacred.”
“I don’t mind.” She turned and inhaled. Peter smeled like their warm sleepy bodies and her faded perfume. Sleeping in Peter’s arms felt like pure heaven, but now his mother pretended not to watch them. Libby sat up straighter and smoothed her rumpled clothes.
“Bring it right in.” His mother held the door to the hotel suite open.
Two waiters wheeled in carts filed with food. As they set up a breakfast buffet on the table, the aroma of bacon, pancakes and mini quiche filed her nose. On the road trip to Denver she only ate fast food, Cheetoes and red licorice.
“Lordy, look at al that food. Are we having a party?” DarLynn wandered into the living area wrapped in a fluffy robe embroidered with the hotel logo.
“Good morning, DarLynn, did you sleep wel?” Peter’s mother asked sounding chipper.
“The bed sure was comfy, but I barely slept trying to stay awake and keep an eye on these two. Let’s just say I’m not looking forward to al the late nights chaperoning my boys.” Libby’s face warmed. “Oh my God.” She said under her breath to Peter. Chaperoned? How humiliating. “You didn’t need to stay up? We were just fine. Plus Peter’s eighteen.”
“Now, now, I’l hear nothing of it. He may be eighteen, but you’re not. If your mother were here, do you think she’d leave you alone al night with a boy and a hotel ful of beds?” DarLynn crossed her arms, a gesture Libby’s mom often used when irritated.
Heat crept up her neck again. No doubt, Mom would have done exactly that. Peter squeezed her hand.
“By the way, something’s wrong with that tub in there. It’s al sparkly and pretty, but the darn jets are so strong they kept shooting me from one side to the other. I’m surprised such a fancy schmancy place would have a faulty tub.”
Peter winked at Libby and grinned. Little tingles shot down to her toes.
“DarLynn, why don’t you and I fix a plate and visit while the kids wake up and plan their day.” Peter’s mom said. “Plus, I can’t