Thrive - Side 2
Feel Better Soon
We’re at the end of our tour in the U.S. which was on the first Sunday of August, but now, instead of heading home, we’re headed to Southeast Asia for two weeks worth of dates. It’s a fourteen hour time difference, so trying to figure out when I’m going to be able to speak to Abby is frustrating. It would help if I change my ridiculous sleep schedule, but still, I hate it. Early in the afternoon, Abby called me.
“Hey.”
“Hey.” she said groggily.
She was lying on her side with her head on a pillow.
“Are you okay?”
I wanted to be there right at that very moment.
“I feel like crap.”
“We don’t have to talk.”
“I can’t believe that those words just came out of your mouth. I'm taking every opportunity to talk to you that I can.”
Ouch.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t say that. I still have fatigue and morning sickness. Hell, I haven’t even eaten that much today.”
She groaned again.
“Wish I could get you something right now.”
“I wish that too. You have no idea how much I’d love that right now. Anyway, how are you? How does it feel to be on the last day of this tour?”
I put on a small smile.
“Great, but it’s so fucking hot and sticky here in Florida.”
She laughed.
“It’s pretty hot itself over here.”
“You staying in the air conditioning?”
“All fucking day.”
“How are Baz and Peyton?”
“Good. They miss their daddy.”
“Aww... I miss them, too. They keeping their mama company right now?”
“Yeah. They’re at the foot of the bed actually.”
“Can I see them?”
“Nope.” she tried to say with a straight face.
“Abby.”
“I’m kidding, Alex.”
She turned the phone, so I could see them.
“Hey, guys. You taking good care of your mama while I’m gone?”
There were a couple of barks and sniffing of her phone.
“I miss you both. You be good boys for her okay? I love her, too. Daddy’ll be home soon.”
I miss them as much as I miss Abby and it hurts to be without them just the same.
“They really do miss you and hate it when I’m working. Cooking for a living is the absolute worst job you can have while you’re pregnant.”
“Sorry to hear that. How are your breasts?”
How I managed to ask that question with a straight face, I will never know.
“Still sore.”
“And waiting for my hands.”
The adolescent boy in me could not hold back any longer, but it made Abby laugh which is always a plus.
“You’re so immature.”
“You laughed.”
“I couldn’t control myself.”
“I’m hilarious. Aren’t I?”
She laughed.
“Most of the time.” she said, smiling.
“I love your smile.”
“Thank you. It’s all because of you.”
“I can’t take all the credit.”
“Well, you can take most of it.”
I nodded with a smile.
“Fuck.” she said, making a face.
“I should let you go. You’re clearly not feeling well.”
She opened her mouth to protest.
“No. As much as I wanna continue talking to you, I’d rather you feel better.”
“Ok. You’re right. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Feel better, babe.”
“Thank you. Have a great time tonight.”
Abby was clearly bummed out and sad, knowing all she wanted to do was have a longer conversation with me; I wanted to be there while she feels miserable, but unfortunately, I could not. I hoped these next two weeks, weeks that I am excited for will go by fast because I need to see more than on a phone screen and be able to hold her again. After our show that night, I took a selfie while I was sweaty and smiling from ear-to-ear and sent it to her. I figured it would her smile seeing how crappy she’s been feeling lately.
Looking good, hot stuff.
I was right.
Look who’s talking.
