A Leap of Faith (12 page)

“Is someone going to wake Dan?” Jason poked Dan’s side.

“Nah, let’s just get them to put him with the luggage and we’ll pick him up at baggage claim,” joked Troy as he slung his backpack over his shoulder.

“I’ll wake him.” I huffed as I removed my lap belt.

“Hopefully not the same way you wake me.” A sly smile crossed Alex’s lips as I passed in front of his seat. I rolled my eyes and smirked as I crossed into the next aisle.

Dan was firmly strapped in, his head tilted back against the headrest, his mouth slightly ajar as he snored softly. His face was devoid of emotion as he slept, blissfully unaware that we had touched down at LAX.

As with every flight, Dan had self-medicated to ease his anxiety for a seemingly irrational fear of flying. I sat in the seat beside him, which had recently been vacated by Troy and softly shook him.

“Dan, we’ve landed. It’s time to wake up”

“Mmmmmmmm,” he mumbled incoherently.

“Dan, we are in LA. It’s time to get off the plane.” I tried again to rouse him.

“Hmmmm Mmmmm” Dan garbled.

“How many did he take?” I shook Dan with a little more force as James came over to inspect. James shrugged as he watched me get out of my seat and kneel on the floor in front of Dan. I took both his shoulders in my hands firmly and shook him violently.

“Dan! Come on!”

A slit of an eye opened as Dan slowly regained consciousness. His head dropped forward as he slowly opened his eyes, the harshness of the overhead cabin lights causing him to squint.

“Dan
!” I reached up and grabbed his chin.

“Lexi?” Dan croaked, rubbing his eyes as he tried to clear his throat.

“Yes, it’s Lexi. You need to get up.” I reached into his lap and unhooked his seat belt.

Dan’s eyes seemed to gain more clarity as he tried to focus on me.

“Holy shit, am I dreaming?” He smiled as he looked at me on the floor.

“Take a good look Dan, cause this is the one and only time you are going to see me on my knees in between your legs.”  I smiled.

Dan fumbled for his phone, “Hold on, I need to Instagram this shit.” Alex gently chuckled as he helped me to my feet.

“Dude, you couldn’t have waited five minutes?” Protested Dan as his iPhone sprang to life.

“Fart-Knocker, you think
anyone
is going to believe Lexi blew YOU, when she is shacked up with HIM?” Troy smacked Dan across the head.

Dan pouted as he raised himself from his seat. Jason and Troy were both still giggling as they made their way to the jet bridge.

James turned on his phone to text Hannah as he strode out behind them, glad to finally be back on US soil and only half a continent away from her.

Alex pressed against my back, his hot breath tickling my neck. “Dan’s going to be having dirty dreams about you for a month.”

“You mean he isn’t already? I’m disappointed!” I pushed back against him.

A soft laugh escaped Alex’s lips as he followed me out the plane.

We passed through customs and immigration quickly, the process for the band made a whole of a lot simpler by being citizens. I flashed my Australian passport in my own line, my working visa stamp and newfound celebrity status also giving me a smooth process.

Our
four-man security team headed out in front as we strolled through the International arrivals area. As always, fans and paparazzi were waiting, the familiar gathering a welcome change from the out of control, fevered crowds of Europe.

My phone vibrated as we were herded into the waiting cars.

- Landed at JFK, on my way to your apartment. We in same country code yet? Matt xo

- At LAX, have I ever mentioned how much I hate LA? Taylah has keys and will let you in. Watch out for the Crazy Cat woman in 3C! She’s very touchy/feely :-P Lexi xxx

- Touchy/Feely? Isn’t that the standard Reed greeting or is that just reserved for me?  Just wondering if “no pants” clause is still in play? :-) xo

- “Guidelines” are as previously agreed :-) I’ll call you in the morning. L xxx

“Good news?” Alex asked, my smile still lingering as I pulled my eyes away from my phone.

“Yes, Matt’s arrived. Things can only get easier from here on in!”  I slid my phone into my bag.

Alex’s mouth twisted into his amazing half smile, “I like this development. It means more time for us.”

I snuggled closer into his side as the car slowly drove down the ramp away from the Airport. It was the tail end of May and despite arriving late in the evening, the weather was still warm. I pressed my head against Alex’s chest as the cars zoomed by us, letting my mind wander.

James’ phone chimed as he received another incoming message from Hannah. While she had been enjoying a complication-free pregnancy, she was glad that James was finally closer to home as she entered her final month. 

The relief was evident on his face as he busily messaged her back, flipping his phone over to proudly show me Hannah’s latest “Belly Shot.” “Can you believe that I’m going to be a Dad next month?” His face beamed as I returned his phone.

“You’re going to be Amazing!”

Alex squeezed my hand as he raised it to his lips. I knew what he was thinking. I knew his desire to have a family was only heightened by the impending arrival of Baby Bowden. True to his word, he hadn’t mentioned it again, giving me space to process my own thoughts but I knew that I would have to make a decision sometime.

“Any word from her Obstetrician on if the baby might come early?”

“Nah, She seems to still be some time away. Her due date is still marked as June 23rd but they say it’s hard to predict, especially for a first.” James lovingly stroked the latest sonogram photo saved as the screen lock on his phone.

“We’ll be home by the 14th.” I assured him, knowing that even if Hannah was to go into labour now at most he was only a 5 hour flight away.

“Yeah, I know. I just miss her. I miss being there.” James brought his fingers to his forehead, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Emotion washed over me as I thought back to the countless times I had seen Power Station tour in the past. I had never cared about what they gave up to take their show on the road so we, the audience, could have our fill. The families, the friends they left behind - they were almost sub-human. It just never occurred to me what a sacrifice it was. Their loss of anonymity, the push and pull of public life.

Yeah I know- Don’t feel sorry for the Rock Stars, their lives are fucking amazing and if all they have to do is travel and play like trained monkeys then they really shouldn’t be bitching and moaning. I used to be one of those people, feeling entitled to their time -how quickly my attitude had changed, now I was immersed in it.

~~~~~~

I wasn’t a fan of Los Angeles. This attitude had accumulated from my first ever trip overseas. Rather than take the traditional boozy trip with my friends to “Schoolies”, an Australian rite of passage for post-graduation high school kids, similar to the American “Spring Break” I decided not to follow a trend and opted to take an adventure by myself to Hollywood. Eighteen years old, naive and with no real life experience, I hopped aboard a Qantas flight
bound directly for Los Angeles.

How
rude an awakening it had been for me. Having limited funds, I stayed in a “questionable” part of town, which saw me narrowly miss a drive-by shooting at a Jack-in-the-box.  The large expanse of concrete and pollution made up the majority of the landscape and with no real interest in the theme parks; my first impression of the city was that of a functional mess with no redeeming features. The food was bad, you couldn’t walk anywhere and it seemed everyone was either a tourist or a wannabe “something”. I know I probably was skewed by my own unrealistic expectations but it left a bitter taste in my mouth and though I have returned numerous times I liken it to a bowel movement, a means to an end, necessary but don’t expect a postcard.

It was nothing like New York with its vibrancy of the people, the architecture, the museums, the restaurants, the atmosphere. It was a city that seemed REAL. I loved it, it stoked my soul, my heart and my creativity.

“Ugggghhhh” the sound escaped me unintentionally.

“What?” Alex questioned looking up from his iPhone.

I pointed out the window, “I hate LA. It reminds me of a girl you used to date, fake and full of shit.” I was inwardly amused by my analogy.

“Lexi, LA is not that bad,
” laughed James.

Alex shook his head. “Firstly, lets agree to not waste anymore of our time discussing anyone I used to date, especially Marcy.  Secondly, any city that has you in
it, I am instantly a fan of.” A cheeky smile flirted on his lips.

He was right, we were together so the geographic location shouldn’t matter. Besides, this wasn’t where we were going to set up roots.

“Ughhhhh, I’ll just suck it up I guess.” My lips curved in amusement.

Alex groaned, “I have something else I’d rather you suck.”

“Hey! RIGHT HERE GUYS!!! I’m right here.” James quipped. “Can you keep your hands off each other until you reach the hotel? I know it’s a challenge but I’d rather not have to give a play by play to Dan later.”

“Wouldn’t it be a blow by blow?” I laughed, unable to resist the pun.

“You know what, you guys are freaking just as bad as each other.” James chortled, not the least bit annoyed.

Alex nodded in agreement, “My perfect woman.”

~~~~~~

LA was tolerable. It was as most of the tour had been, a blur of interviews, performances and appearances.  American fans were a lot more subdued than their European counterparts. We blazed across the country, sometimes spending little more than a day in the city before
plane hopping to the next.

The guys were tired and I realized it was because my schedule had been
gruelling. My intention was to condense the tour into two months rather than drag it out longer and have James possibly miss the birth of his child. A little suffering now for a greater reward later had been my mantra.

Matt was on fire in New York. He had taken over most of the extended commitments so I could concentrate on just the tour. I loved that he didn’t try and take over; he did his job but allowed all major decisions to be vetted by me. We were so in tune. I was so grateful to have him in my corner, not only for his impeccable work standard but his unparalleled loyalty. I loved him. Not in the same way I loved Alex, but in a way I hadn’t experienced with a man before. Friendship seemed like such an understatement of our connection, he was pure sunshine that warmed my soul.

It was thinking of Matt and my adoration of him that gave me an idea. It had been something that had been on my mind for a while but I needed to check the logistics and legality of it before speaking to him. After everything he had given to me, I wanted to give him something back. Something that would convey to him, what he meant to me. I was ecstatic when Emily Mathews, a lawyer I’d recently retained emailed me confirming the details.

We were on
board a plane bound for Miami, our final destination for this tour when I send him an email.

From- Lexi Reed

To- Matthew Burns

Subject- Do you like Cuban Food?

Hiya Cowboy,

I’m currently traveling at 36,000 feet, isn’t technology grand!

Can you do me a favour? Book first flight out of NYC and come to Miami! I hear the food and clubs down there are amazing. Pack a swim suit, we’ll do business by the pool.

Lexi xx

Alex slept soundly in the seat beside me. I could tell he was exhausted. I was glad we were going to be able to take a break soon. I relished in the idea of spending a few days in bed with him, not having to be anywhere.

My iPad pinged, alerting of an incoming message.

From- Matthew Burns

To- Lexi Red

Subject- Don’t fall out of the sky!

Lexi,

I still don’t trust wi-
fi on planes. How can it have “affected instrumentation” before and now it’s cool?

Cuban food sounds interesting but surely whatever business needs attending can be done from our office? Anything up? Or is this some elaborate scheme to get me in a swim suit by the pool? :-)  I’ll remind you that as my boss, you are restrained by the sexual harassment in the workplace legislation. :-P

How’s Rock Star?

Matt xox

From- Lexi Reed

To- Matthew Burns

Subject- Insubordination

Mr. Burns,

I’ll remind you that according to the terms of your employment you are required to be at my beck and call.

Come on it will be fun! So stop arguing with me and HAUL ASS.

Rock star is astoundingly perfect. I love him so much.