Wild Collision (Us 4)

I slip outside and into the chilly air, walking the few blocks to the studio.

I slow down when I see Hayes unlocking the door.

There’s nowhere for me to hide so I pray he doesn’t see me.

No such luck.

He looks up as he opens the door and smiles in greeting.

“Morning Hollis. You’re here early and … why are you coming from that way?”

Why are you coming from that direction? Huh, Hollis? Any other reason except you’re fucking his daughter?

“I … um … decided to go for a walk,” I lie. “It helps clear my head.”

“Oh, okay,” he says. “Well, get in here it’s freezing.” His breath fogs the air as he speaks.

I do as he says, breathing a sigh of relief my excuse was believable.

“Will the other guys be here soon?”

“No idea,” I answer honestly. “I left a while ago.”

I mean, it’s not a total lie. I did leave the hotel a while ago.

“We can start with you first this morning,” he says, turning on lights as he moves through the studio.

I take off my beanie, leaving my sweatshirt on for now, and head into the booth when he’s ready.

Once I’m seated behind the microphone I feel at peace. I’ve always felt most comfortable with a mic in front of me.

I’ve never had stage fright like some people. I love singing. I love entertaining.

I don’t know how long I’ve been recording—mostly re-recording parts that need work—when the other guys arrive. I get so in the zone when I’m recording nothing else exists.

By the time I’m done and taking a seat on the leather couch Mia arrives with a carrier full of coffee and a bag from Chick-fil-A.

“I brought breakfast,” she announces, shaking the bag.

Maybe it’s just me tooting my own horn, but I swear ever since we’ve been together she seems happier. Like she’s glowing from the inside out.

“You’re a saint,” Fox says, taking the bag from her. “I’m starving.”

He pulls out one of the wrapped sandwiches.

“There are two for each of you in there and one for me,” she tells him.

“I fucking love you,” he cries, taking out another before passing it on.

“Language,” Hayes warns.

“Like you don’t cuss,” Rush chortles.

“Not in front of my kids I don’t.”

“What kids?” Fox jokes. “I don’t see any kids.”

“Yeah, I don’t either,” Mia pipes in.