take charge of my life.”
“But I get to be in it, don’t I?” He teased.
“Of course you do.” She turned in his arms and reached up for a kiss. Peter set his lips upon hers. The touch of his kisses lit her on fire. They relaxed together renewing their passion.
Content to be together and need nothing more, they hung out at the top long enough for clouds to move in and shed a light sprinkle of rain. On their way back down the mountain Peter told her about the preparations for their upcoming tour, appearances on the Video Music Awards and Saturday Night Live. She told him about her preparations to start colege in Boston this fal and the heartbreak of her failed efforts to track down her dad. Now that she had her independence, she would keep her name public so he could easily find her. No more hiding.
# # #
When they returned to the hotel, Peter needed an hour to shower and catch up on some band obligations. After that they would go to dinner.
DarLynn waited for her in their hotel suite. “You two have a good day?”
She bubbled with excitement like one of her boys on his birthday. It was apparent how much she wanted Libby to find happiness. “We did, thanks. I can’t believe we’re actualy here. I can never thank you enough.”
“Aw, it’s been my pleasure. I haven’t had this much fun since, wel, since never. I got to see a Jamieson concert, make friends with Peter’s momma and stay in this swanky hotel. The boys wil never believe al our stories. Look at al the amazing stuff Karen brought over for the boys, and it’s al autographed.” Libby looked through the pile of Jamieson t-shirts, hats and CD’s. The boys would love the gifts.
“Oh, and Peter’s dad had the truck fixed, so we can head back anytime.”
Libby’s head snapped up. She knew they needed to leave soon, but stil, the announcement caught her off guard. She didn’t want to face reality yet. She needed a little longer.
“And none too soon,” DarLynn continued. “I caled home today and al hel is breakin’ loose. The motel over in Greenvile had a fire and now the Twilight is plum over flowing. The baby’s got the flu, so Bea’s been cleaning up hurl al day. Jimmy’s momma can’t handle stress too wel, sounds like she’s hitting the bottle again.
She’s better as a glittery ornament than as a grown up getting her fingernails dirty. Oh, and she said Penny’s short another waitress.
Apparently Vera ran off with her boyfriend. Can you imagine so much happening in just a couple a days?”
Libby pictured poor Penny trying to keep her business running when she was short two waitresses. The woman must be exhausted. And Robby sick, the little sweetheart. The realities of life slapped her cold across the face; time for her fantasy trip to end and go back.
“When do you want to leave?” Libby asked, wiling to do whatever necessary. She and Peter hadn’t figured out the future yet.
She didn’t want to leave him, but knew she couldn’t stay either.
“Oh honey, we can wait ‘til tomorrow. I don’t want to spoil your reunion with that hottie boy of yours. Darned, you didn’t tel me he could melt chocolate with those smoking good looks. You’re the luckiest girl I know.”
Libby smiled at her remarks. Lucky yes, despite al the loss and pain in her past. Just then Peter let himself into the suite. His eyes glittered with excitement.
“Hi DarLynn.” He greeted.
“Hi there yourself.” DarLynn smiled coyly.
He crossed the room to Libby. “I talked to my mom and dad and we’ve got it al worked out.”
“What are you talking about?” she asked.
“Us. Our plans.”
“Oh.” She swalowed, the time had arrived.
“There’s good news and bad news.” He looked like a little kid with a big secret.
“Okay, tel me.” She fought back her laugh.
“First, the good news.” He paused for effect. “You’re coming on tour with me. It starts in early September, but you can stay with us. You’l get to travel the country. We have a second bus now, so we won’t have to be hassled by my family al the time. Of course, my parents insisted that one of them, or Roger, be around, but we’l be together.”
She’d never seem him so elated.
“Now the bad news. I have to leave tonight. I can’t believe this is happening, but the first release from our new album is due to hit in a few days