19. Savannah

19

SAVANNAH

I look out into the empty stadium and take it all in. I know this place will be packed in just a few short hours. Since this is my first night of shows, I came for the entire rehearsal today so I can see firsthand how things will go. I met my interpreter partner a couple of days ago, and we came up with a good rotation of how we plan to break the set list among the two of us.

“Hey, how are you doing? Excited for tonight?” Reese asks as she stops next to me on the stage.

“I am. This is so incredible. I hope I don’t screw up.”

“We all make mistakes, so give yourself some grace if you do and just move on. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve messed up the lyrics or completely forgotten them while in the middle of a song.” She shrugs.

“I always wondered how often that happens to singers.”

“More than you’d think.” She laughs. “If I’ve forgotten the lyric, I immediately hold the microphone out for the audience to sing the next line.”

“Is that why so many do that?”

“Not always. Sometimes we’re just vibing with the crowd and love to encourage them to sing along with us, but yes, sometimes we do it because we’ve forgotten the next lyric.”

“Good to know.”

“Hey, babe,” her husband, Austin, who also happens to be an NHL player for the Indianapolis Eagles, comes out on stage looking for her. He’s got a little one holding his hand as they approach.

“Mommy, Mommy,” the little girl calls to Reese, and takes off running for her.

“Hey, sweetheart, did you have a good nap on the bus?”

“She only slept for, maybe, forty-five minutes,” Austin chimes in before he leans down and kisses his wife.

“Ah, so we probably won’t make it to the end of the show tonight.”

“Probably not,” he agrees with her assessment.

“Savannah, have you met my husband, Austin, yet?”

“Not officially,” I tell her. “I know of him and have seen him around.”

“Savannah, this is Austin, Austin, Savannah. She’s joining the crew as one of our ASL interpreters for the next two months. She’s dating Graham Webber.”

“From the Fusion?” he asks, his eyebrows popping up in surprise.

“The one and only.” I giggle. “And it is nice to meet you.”

“Pleasure is all mine. Welcome to the best tour.”

“Thank you. What I’ve experienced so far has been amazing. I can’t wait to actually experience a show.”

“Is Graham coming tonight?” Austin asks.

“He is, said he couldn’t miss my first night in the spotlight.”

“Awesome, tell him to come find me in the VIP booth. I’m usually in there most of the show.”

“I’ll do that,” I say.

“I think we’re going to go chill for a while. Are you comfortable with everything or need any help?” Reese asks.

“I think I’m good. I’ll probably go find some food and relax myself until showtime.”

“Good luck! I’m sure you will kill it tonight,” Reese says before she leaves the stage with her husband and daughter.

I head backstage and grab myself a plate of food. Tori wasn’t lying when she said catering takes care of everyone. The spread they’ve had for us today is crazy, and if every day is like this, I’ll be well taken care of for the next few weeks.

“Hello,” I answer my phone.

“Hey, baby, what are you up to?” Graham asks.

“Just got done eating. Now, I’m just hanging out until showtime.”

“I can’t wait to see you kick ass tonight.”

“Thank you. Oh, before I forget. Reese’s husband, Austin, told me to tell you to stop by the VIP tent and say hi to him. I guess he watches the show from there.”

“Ah, that’s right, I kind of forgot Austin was married to Reese.”

“It is kind of crazy how many people are all connected through the hockey world.”

“We’re all just one big family. Rivals on the ice, but family off it.”

“That’s kind of cool if you think about it.”

“It is. I have friends all over the league, and many of us meet up in the offseason to train or vacation together.”

“Sorry you can’t go with them this summer,” I say, knowing that he’s coming to see me rather than go on a trip with a group of his friends.

“I’m going right where I want to be. I’d be miserable if I went with all of them, as I’d be the only one without their significant other.”

“Okay, as long as you’re sure. You can change your mind, if you want.”

“Are you trying to get rid of me?” he asks.

“No, never. Just giving you the out, if you want it.”

“I can’t fuck you if I’m not with you, and we all know how cranky I get when I’m away from you for more than a few nights.”

I laugh at his crassness, but he’s also not lying. “Is that all I’m good for now?” I ask, teasing a little bit.

“Baby, you know that’s not the case. Now, when should I come down there?”

“Anytime you want. I left your pass on the kitchen counter, so you can come to the back employee entrance and get in anytime.”

“Maybe I’ll head down now. I think everyone else will come closer to the doors opening.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you when you get here. Just call once you’ve made it through security, and I’ll meet you there.”

“Will do. Love you,” he says.

“Love you, too.”

I hang up and head into one of the lounge areas set up for the crew. A few of the backup dancers and band members are hanging out here. I’ve gotten to know them a little in the past few days I’ve been here. They are all super nice and welcoming.

“Are you ready for your first show?” Claudia, one of the backup singers, asks.

“I think so. Nervous, but also know that once that music starts to play, the signs will flow.”

“It is such a rush. I’m sure you’ll do great!” she assures me. When I talked to her the other day, I found out she’s been with Reese since she started her career in country music, and has been on every tour she’s done.

“I’m excited, as my family and a few friends are coming tonight, as well.”

“Aw, that’s awesome. I’m sure they will have a great time.”

“I hope so,” I say.

I get pulled into the conversation, really just listening to some stories of their time on the tour so far and some interactions with some rowdy fans in the last city. Before I know it, my phone pings again, and Graham is texting that he’s here and headed to the back entrance. I excuse myself and head that way, waiting just inside the security checkpoint for him to be cleared to enter.

“Hello, gorgeous,” he greets me as he sweeps me off my feet and kisses me.

“Hello, yourself,” I say as he sets me down on my feet. “Want a tour?” I ask.

“Sure,” he agrees, and I slip my hand into his and lead him around, showing him the setup and where my section is located. He’ll have access to the VIP section, where Austin will be, along with other VIP guests.

“Will every show be like this?” he asks.

“From what I understand, yes. Obviously, each venue is shaped a little differently, so things might be slightly different, but the stage setup is always the same, and they said they like to place the interpreters in the same general area so we can see the stage with just a quick turn of our heads. I also have that small monitor showing me what is displayed up on the screens for everyone to see, so that will be helpful to make sure I know what is happening and can adjust, as needed.”

“They’ve thought of everything.”

“They have, and it is really nice to know that they’ve done their research and are making these tours as accessible as possible for all fans.”

“That was amazing!” I say as I jump into Graham’s arms. The first show ended a few minutes ago, and we’re all backstage celebrating another successful show.

“You were amazing. I told you, you’d kick ass tonight.”

“Savannah.” Reese comes running over. “You were incredible out there tonight! Thank you so much for joining us for this leg of the tour. I know with you on the team, things will be just incredible.”

“Thank you so much. I don’t even know what to say to that. I appreciate the opportunity.”

The rest of my family and friends who came are let backstage and congratulate me on my performance tonight. I’m not used to getting so much praise, so it’s a little overwhelming.

“Ready to get out of here?” Graham asks. Since this is my home city, I’m not staying at a hotel, but at home. I’ll start staying on the bus when we leave here and head to Indianapolis in a few days. I still need to finish packing my bags for when it is time to leave.

I sit back and look off the balcony overlooking the city of Zurich. Graham booked a suite at the hotel the crew is staying at, a little nicer than the ones I’ve been provided these past few weeks, not that I have anything to complain about. I can’t believe this is my final city. My last three shows on this tour. I’ve made some amazing memories as I’ve traveled with this crew. Reese is the most amazing and generous person I’ve ever had the chance to meet and get to know.

“You ready to kick off these last few days?” Graham asks as he joins me out on the balcony.

“It is surreal. I don’t want it to end. I’m going to be so sad to leave the crew on Sunday.”

“Maybe you can go back out with them on another tour next summer, or whenever Reese tours again,” he suggests.

“Maybe. This experience has opened my eyes to so many new things and made me start thinking about whether I want to continue teaching. I love my students, but being out here has opened my world up so much.”

“I think you should do whatever makes you the happiest.”

“I’m just scared to take that leap. What if I fail?”

“But what if you soar?” he asks. “If you fall, I’ll be there to pick you up, dust you off, and get you back on your feet.”

“And I appreciate that, I really do. I’m just at this crossroads in my professional life. Do I continue teaching little kids, which was once my passion and calling in life? But now that I’ve had this taste of something else, I can feel the pull to chase it.”

“I’ll support you with whatever decision you make. Do you think you want to turn in your notice for next school year?”

“Maybe, gah, I don’t know. The money I’ve made thanks to this contract has made it so I wouldn’t have to worry about finding something more permanent right away. I know I can’t stay on this tour, as the new interpreters are already joining the crew this weekend.”

“Or you could move in with me. That would free up the costs of your apartment, that you are hardly ever at, and work only when you want. You could be picky with what contracts you take.”

I turn to look at Graham, the ideas running wild in my mind. I already practically live at his house. Even when he was on the road, I’d sleep at his house. Most of my clothes and things I need on a daily basis are there, and I really do think of it as home.

“You’d be okay with me officially moving in?” I ask.

“Like you even have to ask?” he questions.

“Not really, but just voicing it out loud makes it all that more real. I know I’m already there all the time, but that’s a big step. If you get mad at me, you can’t kick me out and tell me to go home. Well, I guess you could kick me out, but I’d have nowhere to go.”

“Stop spiraling. I’m not kicking you out. Not today, or ever.”

“Sorry.” I slap a hand over my mouth. “Yes, I’d like to move the rest of my stuff over to the house and give up my apartment. That would be a really great next step. And I’ll think about resigning from my job over the next few weeks. That will give me some time to explore some other job options. I don’t want to stop working, as I think it is important for me to have a job. I don’t want to become a moocher off you. I’m not a puck bunny looking to ride your coattails.”

“But you like riding my cock.” He smirks.

“Way to be crass.” I smack his chest.

“You know you love my crass and cock.” He laughs.

“What am I going to do with you?” I ask, leaning in for a kiss.

“I don’t know, but I’m willing to find out.” He pulls me onto his lap.

“I’m not riding you out here on the balcony,” I tell him as he rolls his erection into my core.

“Damn. Exhibitionism isn’t your kink?”

“Hell no. Is it yours?” I ask.

“No, but you should see the look on your face.”