A Better Life Part 4
They finished the cookies and chocolates before going home, not wanting to bring anything possibly contaminated into the house. It made for a good breakfast. Jared was showering when Jim’s assistant came to pick up the tuxes and then the Academy official came to pick up the rest of the gift bag and the Oscars he put them into protective cases with Jensen’s name on them. Jensen didn’t really want to give them back.
They caught an early flight home and Jensen was excited to see Jamie. He was scrubbed and ready to hug his baby. He felt buzzed off of the excitement of last night. Jared put an arm around his shoulder, “I’m proud to be with you,” said Jared softly against his ear, “I love getting to be your arm candy.”
“You’re very pretty arm candy.”
“Thank God, I don’t have any other talents.”
Jensen laughed. They landed and, as they didn’t have any luggage, they were straight out of the gates. His parents and Jamie were waiting for them. Jamie actually lunged for him and Jensen grabbed him and swung him up for a hug. “Baby, I missed you.”
Jamie hugged him hard and pulled back so that he could hug Jared. To Jensen he said, “I’m really happy you won the Oscars.” He kissed Jensen and said, “Can I see them now?” Jensen walked out of the way towards his parents.
“They had to take them to get engraved.” He walked to his mom and dad who both hugged him around Jamie and hugged Jared as well. Everyone said how proud they were of him and they went home in his parents’ car. They were in the backseat with Jamie and Jensen got out the Disney pins. “Got these for you, baby.” Jamie exclaimed over them and to the car as a whole Jensen said, “How was your party last night?”
“Everyone was at the house, it was great,” said his dad. “Your momma and I cleaned up with Chris and Steve this morning while Jamie did all of his homework. How was your party?”
“The Governor’s Ball was fun but not enough food and too many reporters. We ditched the Vanity Fair party with Chad and Sophia and went to the Soda Fountain to get real dinner.”
His parents laughed, hard. “Of course you did,” said his mom.
“They took a picture of the four of us with all the Oscars to add to their wall,” said Jared. To Jamie he added, “They had two of your daddy already, one from when he was your age with Grandma.”
“Can we go there when we go on tour?” asked Jamie.
Jensen smiled, “Yes, I asked a waitress there about food allergies, all the nuts, nut ice creams and things with strawberries are kept separate from other ice creams and every single ice cream and topping has its own serving spoon. We can’t eat food there because their kitchen isn’t safe but their ice cream bar is and they do amazing ice cream. We can totally go, it’s a really cool place that’s where I got your pins. It’s a Disney place.”
They got home and his parents hugged them goodbye. “So you finished all your work?” Jared asked Jamie and Jamie nodded enthusiastically. “Well, Daddy was awesome and got you a day off. It’s been a while since you two got a real date night, because of all of the excitement over the Oscars and everything. Would you like to hang out with Daddy by yourself today? There’s always stuff I can do for JT’s; I can get out of your hair.”
Shaking his head Jamie said, “I don’t need as many date nights, you’re family too. What are we going to do?”
Jensen said, “That’s up to you. Anything you want, it’s hooky.”
“Adventure Landing?” asked Jamie.
Jared laughed, “Is that place still open?”
“It’s as good as you remember it,” said Jensen. “They have bumper boats now.”
“That is awesome.”
They had an early lunch and headed out to Dallas. They played mini-golf, ate cotton candy, went on the bumper boats and played laser tag. Jared got a hole in one on the mini-golf course and jumped up and down, freaking out and saying, “This has never happened to me before!” Jamie actually fell over laughing at him. He almost fell into the unnaturally blue water in the fake pond laughing so hard. They went home for dinner and then Jensen gave Jamie a bath and put him to bed a little while Jared did the laundry. It was nice to get back to normal.
While he was cuddling with Jamie, Jamie said, “I’m really glad you won the Oscars.”
“Me too.”
“But I’m worried that you had to give them back. What if the man wasn’t really working for the Oscars?”
“He did, don’t worry, baby. They will be here in eleven days.”
“Daddy, when Annie has the baby will you still call me baby?”
“Yes, the actual baby will need a different nickname.” Jensen kissed Jamie. “You have always been my baby, and when we celebrate your fiftieth birthday, you will still be my baby. You didn’t look like a James when you were born and Mommy and I called you baby until you started to look like a Jamie which took about a year. That’s not going to change any time soon. Now you should go to bed because we have a big day tomorrow, and why is it big?”
“Every day is big.”
“I love you.”
“Love you too, Daddy.”
“Quebec CD?”
“Yes, please.”
Jensen put on the CD, “Night, baby.” Out in the kitchen Jared was folding clothes. “Wine?” asked Jensen.
Jared nodded and Jensen poured them both a glass of red wine. Jared said, “Annie called while you were giving Jamie a bath. She wanted to remind us about the doctor’s appointment tomorrow.”
“She was sober last night, poor thing. But at least Mack was sober too. Nine AM?”
Jared nodded, “I thought it would be faster, I’m not upset, I just thought that the risk was eight babies not no babies.”
“It’s changed. Because it’s fine tuned now they don’t put in as many embryos as they used to, so you don’t get as many multiple births anymore but it also can take longer.” But it sort of surprised Jensen too.
A few days later he was waiting in line at the supermarket he saw the cover of Us Weekly. It had a small picture in the corner of them playing mini-golf. And the cover said “How Oscar Stars Spent the Day After the Big Wins.” Jensen rolled his eyes; he hadn’t even realized there had been any paparazzi there. At least it was nice picture.
When the Oscars finally arrived at the house they went up on the shelves in the family room where all of his awards lived. There were his own ones, the ones that were jointly for him and Tricia and the participation trophies that Jamie got for recitals. Jared’s cooking award had been added when he moved in. The Oscars looked damn good up there. When he watched the Oscars on the Tivo he thought Jared was right: he didn’t look too foolish just really shocked.
The albums hit on Jensen’s thirtieth birthday, March first. They had a celebration birthday dinner just the three of them. Jamie was really excited because of how well the album was doing within its first month. When they listened to pop radio in the car a song would come on from one or the other of their CDs. They would sing along every time. They had their first barbeque of the season in March and it was sort of treated like a release/birthday party. Now Daniel Balfour would come to the barbeque too but Eric declined saying, “Thank you for the invite but it’s for your family and I wouldn’t want to intrude.” There started being commercials on the TV for the summer tour. And Jamie would get over excited ever time one was shown.
It wasn’t until mid March that Annie finally fell and was due in December. They announced it at the April barbeque and everyone was pumped. Mack babysat Jamie on the twenty-seventh so Jensen and Jared got to go out for dinner. Jensen gave Jared a super cool knife block filled with super cool knives and Jared gave him a really nice, masculine gold bracelet.
Annie never stopped puking, she was always tired and thought she was gaining too much weight. As it was Annie she had been reading pregnancy books since October when they’d started talking about babies. Now she was saying it was twins every five minutes. When Jensen asked her why she thought she was carrying twins she rolled her eyes, “It’s a surrogate mother’s intuition.” At the eight week ultrasound her hunches were confirmed and her due date was reduced by two to three weeks. The doctor stared at the ultrasound for a long time and told them that she thought they were fraternal because they were in separate amniotic sacs and had separate placentas.
Jared started to decorate the spare bedroom closest to theirs. It was painted pale yellow already but Chad came over and did a very pale green, subtle pattern of ivy over it. Chad was drinking beer the whole time and saying, “I’m the fucking king of faux finishing. Thank you NYU arts department for allowing me to try everything.” And Jensen kind of agreed because it looked really nice and sort of softened the whole atmosphere of the room, it also looked very gender neutral. Jared hung cute wallpaper border of baby safari animals. They bought cribs, a large changing table, and a very wide pram. He finished shooting the season of his show earlier than usual so that he could work at JT’s more and be free for all of Annie’s doctor’s appointments. He also spent a lot of time reading parenting books.
Jensen thought it was adorable and said, “Jared, honestly, those really don’t help. Babies sort of defy the books. It’ll be like, ‘By ten weeks a baby can do this, this, and this but he can’t do this.’ But in real life your baby can’t do the first three things and can do the forth. All the books do is freak out parents and make them think their kid is weird.”
Annie stopped running, said she was too uncomfortable and so she came over to swim everyday and it was nice to have her around. Then school broke up and it was time to start touring, thirty-two shows over six weeks. Jensen spent a lot of time working on their rider. Jared laughed and said, “That’s the list where you demand that there are no blue M&Ms in the M&M bowl.”
“Yes, if you’re a douche.”
“So what’s yours?”
“Jamie doesn’t have to wear any costumes but I am always provided with a tux. Despite Jamie’s work permits saying he can work thirty hours a week he can only work twenty-six hours a week of total time: concert, hair and makeup and rehearsal. Our instruments are insured. Our concerts begin - at the latest - at seven, no later. A children’s allergy specialist doctor travels with the tour, the same doctor throughout the tour, and vets crafts services so that it is always Jamie safe whether or not he is eating the meal. Should he be hospitalized he is airlifted with me and that doctor to Kim and the tour is canceled, we don’t owe them money and they pay for his medical bills. Our tour bus has three bedrooms instead of twelve bunks. They’re small but there’s more privacy. When you, or any family, fly out there is a car waiting to pick you up and one to drop you off. Should Jamie want to drop out of the tour we are only responsible for five thousand dollars on top of losing his fee per show. If I drop out I owe them fifty thousand on top of losing my fee.”
Jared smiled, “So basically you demand that they keep your baby safe, they don’t stress him out and they don’t break your stuff.”
“Yeah, and the tour manager agrees that they are exceptionally reasonable requests because no one wants to break one of their headliners. We’re living on the tour bus; it’s easier to keep one space clean as opposed to vetting every hotel so it has a bathtub. In the lounge area there’s a DVD player, wireless internet and satellite. Compared to a lot of superstars it’s really not an extravagant rider.”
“It’s not extravagant to me at all. I demand a gummy candy allowance whenever I travel for the show, that’s really my one thing.”
“My main job isn’t to be his manager or his tour coordinator: it’s to be his dad and his advocate. I want him to enjoy this. If he is healthy and happy the tour is a success. If he isn’t healthy and happy then it doesn’t matter what any critic says about the music being great: it’s a failure. He’s losing all but four weeks of his summer vacation, it has to be fun. If I weren’t doing this with Jamie I would just have the clause about the tux and my instruments. I would want a nice tour bus but I wouldn’t need a bathtub, Jamie hates showers so it’s in there. I love touring, I really do. I only ever missed one tour date when my great aunt died. I love the long hours and the shitty food. But Jamie has important needs that come first.”
They were beginning with two in Texas which was good, starting on home soil. Jamie was practicing all the time and Chad made him a new shirt, the piano one was getting a little tight and a little tattered. His new one said “My Name is Jamie Ask Me Why I’m on Tour.”
Jensen asked him if he was nervous while putting him to bed the night before their first concert. With a sigh Jamie said, “I love recitals but I always hold back a little. It’s embarrassing because they all work really hard but I’m so much better and I don’t work as hard.”
“Jamie, you spend more hours on the bench than anyone else.”
“But it’s fun for me; it’s not hard. I’m excited about the concerts because I don’t have to hold back. No one’s feelings will get hurt. I get to show off in all different places for all different people. I can’t wait! Are you excited?”
“I’m so excited, baby. I’ve repacked your stuff and my stuff five times. But for the first two we get to come home to sleep just to ease into the tour. Tomorrow we get to show off in front of thee thousand people at the Bass Concert Hall.” And as it was the day before the first concert and Jensen said, “I got you a touring present. It’s nice because this way any time you look at it you’ll remember that it was from your first tour.” He held out a small box and Jamie opened it and his eyes widened at the watch inside. “It’s waterproof, lights up and it plays Fur Elise as an alarm. We can replace the strap when you get older and have a bigger wrist.”
The face had a piano on it and Jamie put it right on. “This is so cool.” He hugged Jensen. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, baby.”
“Did you get a prize the first time you went on tour?”
“Yes, I did.”
“What did you get?”
“Don’t laugh. I was almost six and you’re already seven so maybe it’ll seem babyish to you but don’t laugh.”
“Okay,” said Jamie.
“I got my big Raggedy Andy doll that’s up on the shelf in my bedroom. And my momma would wash him in our detergent in the bathtub of whatever hotel we were in so he smelled like home. It stopped me from getting homesick.”
“That doesn’t sound too babyish. Can I bring my lion?”
“Of course you can. You gonna be able to sleep?”
“I think so. Will you put on the CD that’s just instrumental?”
“Sure,” Jensen kissed his forehead. “I love you so much, baby. I couldn’t be prouder of you.” He put on the CD.
But Jamie sat up, “Will you still be proud if I mess up tomorrow?”
Jensen went back to the bed and put an arm around Jamie. “Of course I will. I could never be anything but proud of you. You try your hardest and nothing else matters. I will be proud of you if you vomit everywhere and you get stage fright and we have to cancel the tour. I’m proud you for how hard you try and who you are. I’m not proud of you for getting your album in the top ten list for three months straight, that’s awesome but not why I’m proud. I’m not proud of you just because you’re album went gold so quickly. I’m proud that you made the album; I’m proud of you for working so hard on it.”
“I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you too, baby. Now lie down and close your eyes. Sweet dreams.”
“Night,” said Jamie and rolled over.
Jensen came out and saw Jared smiling, “What?” he asked.
“I’m just so pleased that our babies are gonna have you as a dad. You’re a really good dad, Jen.”
“You’re going to be a great dad, Jared, don’t worry.”
“Want a present for starting your tour?” Jared purred.
“Yes please.”
“You want me to fuck you in the pool?”
“Yes please.”
“You sure? Because we can’t use condoms in the pool. I know we did it once before but that was a spur of the moment thing. Are you sure?”
Jensen nodded, “I’m practically married to you. We don’t need condoms. I’m sure.”
Smiling Jared pulled a tube of waterproof lube, “I was hoping you would say that.” He pulled his shirt off and said, “Want to play?”
“Badly.” Jensen kicked off his flip flops. “Race you.” He ran to the pool stripping as he went. He did left handed cartwheel into the pool. As he breached the surface he said, “I won.”
Jared pulled off his sneakers and said, “You cheated, I was wearing sneakers.”
“Your choice of footwear is not my problem.”
“I can win on style points though.” He stripped naked and said, “Did I ever tell you that I competed at state level?”
“I thought you won nationals for forensics?”
“Yeah, I won national in pair forensics. But my dive team came third in state. Admittedly I dove three meters not one but I bet I can still do this.” He backed onto the board and bounced a few times, jumping and landing on the board again, before jumping high and grabbing his toes before arching back, releasing his toes and entering the water with only a small splash.
Jensen clapped, “That was impressive.”
“Do I win?”
Jensen swam towards him and kissed him deeply, “Whatever you want; however you want.”
Jared lunged, kissing him and pulling him under the water. As they broke the surface again Jensen was gasping for breath he said, “Why didn’t you ever tell me that you can dive?”
Jared shrugged, he shook his head, he looked like one of the dogs. “To be honest?” Jensen nodded. “You like showing off your cannonballs, cartwheels, handsprings and flips you’re proud of them. I didn’t really want to upstage you but as we’re having kids together I figured you should know that I’m good too. Yours are fun and silly, mine are clinical and clean. They’re different styles but I didn’t want you to think I was one upping you.” Jensen smiled. “What?”
“You’re nowhere near as much of a showoff as you let people think you are.” He kissed Jared, “You’re going to be a great dad, Jay, I know it. Will you show me another?” Jared climbed out of the pool did a reverse twisting pike into the pool. Jensen loved the diving at the Olympics and liked knowing what he was watching. “Damn,” said Jensen. “How did you only come in third?”
“Charley Beckins had a bad day. Wasn’t his fault, his first dive was off and made him over think the rest of his dives and he just choked. Poor guy, we were thrilled with third, no one blamed him.” Jensen was stroking himself, enjoying the way Jared was moving. “Do you like watching me? Does it turn you on?”
“Yes, very much.” Jared climbed out one more time and Jensen groaned, “I’m good. I’m turned on. You should just fuck me.” Jared picked up the lube and tossed it to Jensen, “Oh, good thought.”
Jared attempted to do a complicated dive but made a huge splash. Jensen was laughing and Jared said, “Never been able to pull off a somersault tuck on the low board, wasn’t very good on it on the high board either. Go to the five foot part.” They swam to the shallower end and Jared pushed Jensen towards the wall.
Jensen kissed him. “How do you want this?” He handed Jared the lube, put his arms around Jared’s neck and drew him close for a kiss. Jared pulled one of Jensen’s legs around his waist. Using the lube he started to stretch Jensen slowly, Jensen was kissing Jared’s neck and said, “Jay, that feels so nice, I love being this close.” Jared played with him, making him moan and beg before entering him slowly. They sped up, the motions becoming erratic. Jared stilled and Jensen said, “No, no, no, don’t stop, need more. Please.” But Jared pulled out. “Why?”
Jared said, “Move to the ladder.”
“I don’t want to get out, I want to come,” Jensen whined.
“I’m not going to leave you hanging, move to the ladder.” Jensen did as he was told as started to climb out but Jared grabbed his hips, “stop right there. Hold on.” He moved one of Jensen’s legs to the ledge of the pool so he was spread and then Jared started to lick his hole and stroked his erection.
“Oh God, Jared. Thank you.” Jared chuckled against his hole and Jensen loved the vibrations. “Oh God, Jay.” He felt himself spill over Jared’s hand.
Jared licked his hand clean and held Jensen’s waist, “Now let go of the bars.”
“No, I’ll fall flat on my face.”
“No, I wouldn’t let anything happen to your face, I love that face.” Jensen let go and felt himself fall backwards against Jared. “See?” Jared cuddled him close. “I would never go without making you come. I just knew I couldn’t last long enough to make you come while I was in you.” He was stroking Jensen’s nipples and Jensen felt sleepy and content. “I love when you’re like this.”
“I don’t think I can walk to bed, you melted me.”
“Okay, I’ll be super manly.” Jared scooped him up and walked to the stairs in the shallow end. He carried Jensen all the way to the bathroom in the master bedroom. “You have to stand up while I dry you off.” Jensen laughed as Jared put him down. Jared handed him a towel and dried off the bottle of lube. He kissed Jensen and said, “Dry off and get into bed. I’m going to get our clothes and shut the pool.” Jensen nodded slowly. Jared kissed him again. “Beautiful.”
“You taste of come, chlorine and ass.”
Jared shrugged, “You’re kissing me back.”
“Yeah, well, I like you.” Jensen dried his hair as Jared left. He took out his contacts and put on his glasses, pulled on his pajama pants on and got into bed. Jared came in five minutes later. He dumped their clothes in the hamper and put on pants before he slid into bed next to Jensen. Jensen curled around him and said, “I’ll be the big spoon.”
The next morning Jamie came and got into bed with them earlier than usual at about four thirty. “Is this okay?” he whispered to Jensen Jared was snoring.
“Of course it is.” Jensen wrapped his arms around Jamie. “Go back to sleep, baby.”
At seven thirty they ate breakfast and went to the concert hall to rehearse. They’d run it through several times. It was easier for them as they didn’t dance. There was no choreography and they knew their songs back to front. They played, enjoying it and went home for lunch. They then spent the rest of the afternoon swimming. They showered and ate dinner before going back to the hall. They did one final sound check and then got off the stage as people started to come in. they had their hair and makeup done and were ready. Tim and Daniel were backstage and Jamie was laughing and having a good time.
It was only when the hall was full that Jamie freaked out and Jensen said, “What do you want to do?”
Jamie said, “I have a plan; it’s a good plan.” The tour manager had rented Jamie a tux with tails, white gloves, a bow tie and a top hat. Jamie had refused to wear it. But now they went to the tour manager while the warm up band was on and Jamie said, “I will wear the stupid outfit if I can have ten minutes on stage alone and without the orchestra.” The man agreed and Jamie went alone onto the stage in the tux and miked up. People were hooting and hollering and he waited until they calmed down.
“Hi, I’m Jamie.” People cheered again. “I’m really nervous. There’s a really big difference between knowing you’re playing for three thousand people and seeing three thousand people. This is my first concert and I’ve never even been to one before. I didn’t want to wear this getup. I think it’s sort of demeaning and condescending to make me wear this just to make me look cute and young. But I agreed to wear it for my first set so long as I could play alone. I can’t wear dress shoes to play the piano so they had to let me off of wearing them. Today is my school’s summer recital. I missed it for this. So, if it’s okay with y’all, I’m going to play the song I planned on playing for the recital because that relaxes me. Is that okay?” People cheered. “I have a feeling you would agree with anything I say right now but I’m taking the win.” He leaned over the pit, speaking to the orchestra he said, “If you guys want a cigarette break or to use the bathroom now’s the time.”
To the audience he said, “This is Beethoven’s twenty-seventh opus as deconstructed by me.” He sat down and removed the white gloves he’d been given. Then he nodded his head to the beat that only he could hear and the audience fell completely silent as he began playing. Jensen’s breath caught in his throat, he loved listening to Jamie play things he’d created. Jared came up behind Jensen and put an arm around his waist. Jensen watched and could see that Jamie was relaxing until he was just having a good time and smiling. The opus as Jamie had rearranged it lasted twelve minutes but the audience was totally silent the whole time. He finished and the crowd went crazy. Yeah, they were there for pop music but Jamie was a pleasure to listen to.
Jensen walked out in his tux sans tails and he was miked up too, “Feeling better?”
“Totally. I don’t feel like puking anymore.” The audience laughed.
“Great.” To the audience he said, “A couple of our orchestra members aren’t back yet. So I’m going to take this time to tell y’all a joke. A young man goes up to Mozart for advice on how to compose a symphony. Mozart says that he should start by composing ballads because they’re easy and work his way up to a symphony. The young man says, ‘But you wrote Andante in C when you were only four years old.’ Mozart says, ‘Yeah, but I didn't have to ask anyone how to do it.’” The audience laughed but Jensen thought it was polite laughter. “Our orchestra is back so let’s get started.”
The orchestra started in on the play list and Jamie came in three beats later, four beats after that he started in on singing, it was one of his pop songs. Jensen did his backup vocals and played his guitar. It went perfectly. There was no pause between that song and the next, just enough time for the audience to cheer before they launched into one of Jensen’s songs with Jamie singing backup. Then they switched and Jamie played the guitar and sang one of his songs while Jensen was on the violin doing his backup again. All their instruments were set up on stage so they would be easy to grab. In the lineup was Tricia’s cello and Jensen wasn’t sure he could play it with an audience. But it was still there just in case. Jamie’s guitar, Tricia’s cello, and Jensen’s violin, guitar, bazantar, viola, violotta, bass and harp were set up in a line for easy access. They played some of Jensen’s old stuff because the crowd expected it. He worked his way through all the instruments but left the cello: he couldn’t face it.
About an hour and a half in Jamie said, “I need a break.”
“Cool, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back out very talented opening band, Little Feet.” Little Feet came back and Jamie was undoing the tie before he got backstage. He ate two cookies, had a few orange slices and drank some water. Then he changed into his new Chad tee-shirt and jeans. Their makeup was touched up before they went back onto the stage. “Are you having fun?”
“So much fun. Best summer break ever.”
“Good,” said Jensen. Jensen and Jamie walked out and Jensen turned his mike on and said, “Let’s give it up for Little Feet, you guys rock.” The crowd cheered. They made it through the rest of the set list in another hour and then Jensen said, “Thank you very much. We hope you had a good time.”
Jamie chimed in with the punch line, “And if you didn’t that’s really not our problem.”
Laughing Jensen said, “Good night and thanks for coming out.”
Jamie couldn’t stop giggling and said, “I made myself laugh.”
“I think you’re tired, straight to bed when we get home.” He smiled at the audience. “Give it up for the orchestra.” People cheered and Jamie and Jensen took a bow. They exited the stage, turned off their mikes and the audience was instantly cheering for an encore.
Jared meanwhile scooped Jamie up in a hug and kissed Jensen. “That was awesome you guys!”
Jamie sighed at the crowd’s chant, “I’m done. We just finished. I don’t wanna go back.” It was whiny and Jensen saw that Jamie really was tired.
With a nod Jensen said, “Stay with Jared and I’ll do it.” He kissed Jamie and said, “You were so great out there.”
Jensen went back out and people cheered. He turned on his mike and said, “Jamie’s done for the night. He’s cuddling with Jared and half asleep: when the adrenalin wears off you’re done. So it’s just me. Let’s do some oldies but goodies.” He had already arranged the encore, it was a couple of hits from his old CDs. It was nice in a way, just to be out there by himself. He loved having Jamie but this way he wasn’t worried about his baby he just played. When he was done he bowed while he had a standing ovation.
“Goodnight, y’all. Get home safe.” He exited and took Jamie from Jared as he switched off his microphone and hugged him tightly, “You did wonderfully. Did you have fun?” Jamie nodded. Stage hands started to pack up the instruments and Jensen knew that they would be safe until their next concert. They had their makeup taken off and handed in their mikes before going home.
The next day was going to be quite, a day of rest before the next night. Jamie fell asleep in the car. Jensen was exhausted, coming down from his high, and he and Jared just fell into bed. While they were lying in bed Jared said, “May I ask you a very rude question?”
“Go for it,” said Jensen.
“How much did you make tonight?”
“I make one hundred and fifty thousand a show. Jamie makes fifty. You don’t actually make much from CDs, I mean, relatively speaking over the short term. So for the tour as a whole I’m making four point eight million and he’s making one point six. Compare that to how much we make off of the CDs in six weeks, it’s way more. There’s his house bought and paid for with a lot of change left over.”
They slept late and had a big fried breakfast. Jensen was grateful for the quiet. Jared looked up the reviews on line and read them aloud. People were praising the concert for its laidback feeling and how clear it was that Jamie was incredibly talented and happy to be there. They talked about how nice it was to see a natural, uncoached kid and how refreshing it was that Jamie wasn’t forced to smile and come back for the encore when he didn’t want to.
They watched food network and ate food all day in PJ’s. Concerts were fun but draining, especially for kids. It was nice to relax. Annie came over late in the afternoon to swim and Jared made them all delicious lamb kebabs with mint sauce and a barbequed pepper and tomato salad for dinner.
Annie came with them to Casa Manana the next morning as it was a Saturday. As they were driving Jensen said, “It’s only two thousand people tonight. It’s a lot smaller.”
Jamie smiled, “I don’t think I’ll be nervous tonight. I’m okay.” They did a run through and hung out in Fort Worth. Jared had done a lot of research and found them a restaurant for lunch and afterwards they went to the zoo. Dinner was going to be laid on by the tour and they had assured Jensen that everything had been checked by the doctor to whom Jensen was introduced. They ate a big salad with meatloaf and roast potatoes. Once their makeup and hair were done and the hall was filled with people. “How you feeling? Need to wear the tux as a bartering chip?”
“No, I’m good.”
“You sure?”
“You’re making me a little nervous by asking me if I’m nervous so many times.”
“Okay, I’ll stop.” Tonight Jamie was wearing his Harry Potter tee-shirt and blue corduroys. “I like your outfit.”
“Thanks. You like you’re tux?”
“Love it.”
“I don’t know how you can like them, they’re not comfortable.”
“Y’know, Grandma always says that it was the sign to her that maybe I was gay. Josh would be so angry about wearing church clothes. But Macky would be excited about wearing a Sunday dress and I would say, ‘If she gets to wear a pretty dress then I get to wear a tie and good shoes.’ Wearing a tux has always been one of my favorite parts of touring. It’s playing dress up.”
Little Feet started to play. In New Mexico they would have a new opening act. They were bopping along backstage. One of the P.A.s came and asked if they were ready and Jamie said, “I’m not nervous tonight; I’m ready.” After four songs by Little Feet they were announced and Jamie practically ran onto the stage smiling.
“Hey, y’all,” said Jensen. “How are you?” Everyone screamed and cheered. “Good! Let’s get to work.”
Jamie sat down at the piano and nodded to Jensen who nodded at the conductor. Jensen started to play the violin. Jamie hit his cue and started to play the piano. It was one of Jamie’s songs and he sang in his strong, clear little boy voice. Jensen felt himself smiling through the song and then they switched. Jamie was still playing piano but Jensen played the guitar for one of his faster pop songs.
Just like the night before it was fun. But tonight it was Jensen who said to Jamie, “Want a break? Jared made us banana cupcakes as a treat.”
“Ohh, yes please. I’m getting sweaty from the lights and I want a new shirt.”
“Great. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back to the stage Little Feet.” As Little Feet came on Jensen turned off his mike and then did Jamie’s. “How are you feeling tonight? Still fun.”
Jamie nodded enthusiastically. “It’s awesome.” Jared Annie and Jason came to him and Jared held out the Tupperware.
“Have a cupcake.”
Jamie grab one, “Thanks, Jared.”
“Welcome, Jamie.”
Annie smiled, “I’ve had three.” Jensen laughed and she said, “I’m eating for three, so shut it.” Jason hugged her and Jensen kissed her cheek.
He ate one too and said, “Damn that’s good.”
“Well, I figured you guys would get hungry playing so hard.” Jared kissed him gently. “You guys are so awesome out there.”
“This is really good,” Jensen repeated. Jamie didn’t say anything because he was too busy jamming his into his mouth. “Jamie, chew.”
“I am chewing,” said Jamie through a mouthful. “It’s yummy.” Once he had finished he ripped off his shirt. “I’m so hot.” He used it to dry his face and Jensen heard the approaching makeup artist hiss through her teeth.
Annie held out two tee-shirts. “Transformers or Jared’s show?”
“Jared’s show please.” She handed it over and Jamie pulled it on quickly. Then Annie fixed the wires for his mike. “Thank you.” Jensen chugged some water from the bottle Jared handed to him and passed the bottle to Jamie who finished it. “I’m still thirsty.”A P.A. rushed over and handed Jamie another bottle of water. “Thank you.” He chugged more and then handed it to Jensen who drained it. Jamie turned his face up for the makeup artist and Jensen sat for her to do his.
They sat for ten more minutes. Jensen liked that the warm-up band got to play during their intermission because it gave them more exposure. He knew that some people went to the concession stand or to the bathroom but he still thought it was nice.
They went back out and finished their set and when it came time for their encore Jensen said, “How are you feeling tonight, baby? Steve and Chris are here if you don’t want to go out.”
“No I want to go out. Can they come out too?”
“Sure,” said Jensen. “That’s cool.” He waved Steve and Chris over and saw that they had their makeup done. “We’re doing this all together.”
Chris smiled, “Awesome.” He handed Jamie a set list as the crowd was screaming for them. “This seem good to you, little man? Do you want to do the lead on one?”
“Can I sing Wasted Jamie?” asked Jamie.
“Sure,” said Steve whose song it was. “May I play the piano on Middle America Saturday night?”
Jamie nodded happily. “Okay,” said Jensen. “With that sorted let’s get out there.”
They walked back on and the crowd got even louder. “Last night,” Jensen, “Jamie was really tired and didn’t do the encore so tonight Chris Kane and Steve Carlson from the band Kane,” people screamed, “offered to come out. But Jamie isn’t tired and wanted to be here so we’re going to do a few songs of theirs together.”
“We get two more low country rock stars up here and this legally becomes a charity benefit,” said Chris and everyone laughed.
Jamie said, “Wait, I have a question.”
“Go for it,” said Steve.
“Well, when we did the televised barbeque,” the crowd cheered again and Jamie smiled, “we had all those problems with song rights. So is this okay? Because it’s not really your concert.”
Chris smiled, “When you were being christened I gave you a gift as your godfather.” Jensen felt himself smiling, remembering the conversation. “I gave your momma and daddy a legal document that said that you have distribution and cover rights to all of Steve and my songs because Steve and I own all our songs together. Your momma said that maybe you wouldn’t be musical and we laughed but I put in a clause that said that if you weren’t musical I would buy you a car when you were sixteen. So, moment of choice: singing and covering and doing whatever you want with all our music or a car?”
“Songs,” said Jamie without hesitating.
“That’s what I thought,” said Chris. He picked up his guitar and played the first few cords of Middle America Saturday Night. Steve sat down at the piano and joined in as Jamie started on the guitar and Jensen started on the base. Jensen sang lead, then Chris sang lead on House Rules, Jamie did Wasted Jamie and finally Steve did If it Ain’t Easy.
As they finished Jensen said, “Give it up for Little Feet, our orchestra and Kane!” People cheered, “Goodnight, y’all, get home safe.” They waved as the lights went out. As they went back stage Jensen said, “How was that?”
Jamie smiled, “Awesome.”
“The tour bus is coming super early but don’t worry, I’ll carry you if you’re still asleep,” Jensen smiled and all four of them sat down to have their makeup removed.
Annie and Jason came to say good night and said, “Jared, I’ll see you in thirteen days for the ultrasound. Boys, we’ll Skype soon.”
Jamie hugged her tightly before saying, “Night, Annie. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby. You let me know if you need anything and I’ll make sure it gets to you.” Then she hugged Jensen and whispered, “It’s good to see you back on stage, Jen.”
He smiled and whispered, “It’s good to be back on stage.” He changed into street clothes and then they were done for the night.
They went home, taking their guitars with them to have them on the tour bus, and Jensen’s parents were already there. They were coming with them for the first two weeks. Jensen’s mom put Jamie to bed while the others had sodas. Jared smiled, “You look exhausted, Jen. The bus is coming at six thirty.”
Jensen nodded, “Dad, is everything sorted for tomorrow?”
“Your Momma and I did everything while you were at the show.”
“Thank you.”
Jared led him to bed, undressing him once they were there, “You’re dead on your feet.” He removed Jensen’s contacts for him.
“It gets easier, give me a few days to get used to it.” He pulled Jared down on top of him and stroked them both to hardness. “Not too tired for this.” He got them both off easily and then he pulled Jared close. “The bus will be here in a little over eight hours.” Jared was kissing his neck as Jensen fell asleep. He was so happy to be touring again.
The next story can be found here.