Second Chance at Love...chapter 53
Damn you guys get a looooong chapter. This chapter is more Neal centric, (cause I'm a sucker for him, haha). Hope you guys like it. And I promise the next chapter is gonna be David and Abbi....and a bit of a hot chapter. ;)
September
It had been three months since little Adam was born and the tour was still going strong. The bus was a little cramped with all 5 guys, Abbi, Lauren and two children. Kyle had brought Hayden on the road with them after their last break. Things were more chaotic than before, a newborn baby didn’t make things easy on anyone, but so far everyone was adjusting well, or so it seemed. Abbi had the feeling that Lauren wasn’t as happy as she pretended to be, but she couldn’t figure out why. The boys had just finished another show and Lauren had joined Abbi on the tour bus. “How was the show?” Abbi asked when Lauren sat down on the couch next to her. “Amazing as usual.” Lauren said, and Abbi detected that something was off with her by the tone of her voice. “I wish I could’ve watched.” Abbi said. “Yeah, it was…..well amazing.” “Laur, is something wrong?” Abbi asked. “Why do you say that?” Lauren asked, picking up a stray piece of trash and then setting it back down.
“You’ve been acting different….like you’ve changed your mind about being here or something.” Abbi said. “It’s…..complicated.” Lauren said. “Well enlighten me then.” “I miss home. I miss my friends and my folks…and I really feel Neal and I are…” “That you’re what?” Abbi asked as the door to the bus opened and Kyle and Joey walked in, Abbi could have killed them for interrupting the conversation. “Hey guys.” Abbi said. “Hey.” They both said back. “Dave wants you Abbi.” Joey said. “Ooh okay, I’ll head on out there. Where is he?” Abbi said standing. “He’s signing autographs. He said something about wanting water?” Kyle said. “Of course he does.” Abbi said, walking over and grabbing a bottle out of the fridge. “Like he doesn’t drink enough water on stage.” Abbi said laughing. “I’ll go with you.” Lauren said as the two headed out of the bus.
Abbi looked around for David and saw him standing at the farthest end of the venue’s parking lot signing for some fans. As she started to walk over to where he was she heard Lauren from behind her say “I knew it! What the hell!?” Abbi turned to see Neal standing about ten feet from them talking to a fan and smoking a cigarette. “He’s just talking to a fan.” Abbi said, seeing no harm in the situation. “Look how close he’s standing to her…..and how he’s smiling at her. He’s fucking flirting.” Lauren said starting to walk over to Neal and the girl. Abbi grabbed her arm before she could get too far. “Don’t go over there and do something rash. He’s just talking to her….like all the other nights fans stop him. It’s nothing.” Abbi said. “She’s been here before…..she’s talked to him numerous times…..I don’t like the way she looks at him…..” Lauren said breaking free and walking over to where they stood. “Lauren!” Abbi shouted after her as she walked over to Neal. Something inside her was telling her this wouldn’t end well.
Neal immediately looked over to where Lauren was and said “Hey babe. What’s up?” Lauren shot the girl a glare before turning to Neal and saying “Don’t hey babe me.” “What’s wrong?” Neal asked. “I come outside with Abbi for air and see you chatting up and flirting with some random groupie. What the hell Neal?” “Hey, don’t get all uptight. I’m just talking to her. She told me she enjoyed the show tonight.” Neal said and then the girl said “Yeah don’t get all protective jealous bitch. I was just chatting with him.” “Don’t call me a bitch. And don’t come near Neal again. I’ve seen you hanging around Dave’s shows before…this isn’t the first time you’ve been around Neal. Well I tell you what, if you want some random fuck with a rockstar go ahead be my guest.” Lauren said and then she turned to Neal and said “We’re through.” As she turned to walk away Neal grabbed her by the wrist and spun her around to face him. “What the fuck Laur? What do you mean we’re through?” Neal said with a growl. “We’re done, over, finished Neal. I don’t want you anymore.” Lauren said and it caused Abbi to flinch. Poor Neal, he didn’t deserve this treatment.
“Why? Cause I was chatting up a random fan?” Neal asked, throwing his hands up in the air. “No, not because of that. Because of all the other times you’ve looked astray, because of all the drama here on tour, all the groupies wanting to fuck you, wanting to get their 15 minutes of fame. And because….because I miss New York. I was stupid to think I could drop everything and come on tour with a rock star. Stupid for thinking this was something. I miss my family, my friends, my old apartment, but most of all I miss normal. This…this isn’t normal. I can’t handle it anymore.” Lauren said, voice never wavering. That was what she had been trying to tell Abbi. “Laur, don’t go….we can fix this….you can go back to New York, go back to your friends and family, but…just don’t say it’s over.” Neal said, voice full of emotion. By this time David had finished signing autographs and had walked over to where Abbi stood. “What’s going on there?” he asked taking the water from Abbi. “Lauren’s breaking up with Neal….” Abbi said. “What, why?” “I honestly don’t know….I think she’s making excuses.” Abbi said.
“No Neal. We can’t fix this. Don’t you see I don’t want to be with you anymore? I don’t want this life on the road, I don’t want to constantly worry about the groupies and if you’ll tire of me, and I don’t want you.” Lauren said turning to walk away. “Lauren, don’t go.” Neal said reaching for her again. “Don’t Neal. We’re done.” Lauren said as she walked onto the bus to gather her things. Five minutes later, she walked off the bus and without a second glance headed for the street to call a cab.
David and Abbi walked over to where Neal was standing, frozen in his spot and eyes looking in the direction Lauren had just walked. “Doc?” David said. “Doc, you okay man?” David said and Neal turned to look at him. “She left…..I don’t even fucking understand what the hell just happened.” Neal said. “I don’t either Neal…but she was wrong for leaving.” Abbi said. “I wasn’t fucking flirting….and I would never cheat on her….how could she even think that?” Neal said. “I don’t know man…but you’re better off without her.” David said, putting his hand on Neal’s shoulder. “Yeah….you know what man? I am. Obviously she never cared about me as much as I did her…..I’m over it. Let her leave.” Neal said, pulling out another cigarette. Abbi and David shared a look, knowing Neal wasn’t over it at all.
That was three weeks ago and even though he hid it well, Abbi could tell he was really hurt by Lauren’s decision to leave. She had been his first serious relationship since Mac and Abbi was scared Neal would write off ever falling for someone else again. Neal was honestly like a big brother to her, he had helped her with so much over the past few months and she didn’t know how to thank him for that.
Abbi walked outside to get some fresh air, Adam was down for a nap and Kyle and Hayden were on the bus so she felt comfortable with leaving him for a few minutes. She saw Neal sitting at an old abandoned bench with a notebook and a pack of cigarettes. As she walked up she could see that Neal had closed the notebook and pushed it aside. “Stupid song…stupid girl….why do I always let myself fall for the wrong fucking girls?” Neal said, not knowing Abbi was there. “Because you’re human.” Abbi said, sitting down. “Hey Abbi.” “Hey. You okay?” Abbi said, already knowing the answer. “No…not really…I was writing this song, but I’m stuck….I just can’t get it out…I’ve never had this problem before.” He said sighing. “Maybe Dave can help.” Abbi said. “Maybe so. I’ll show it to him…” Neal said. “You really loved her didn’t you?” “I was starting to fall in love with her….damnit every time I fall in love or start to fall in love, I get my heart shattered. Why can’t I find something like you and Dave have?” Neal asked. “You’ll find that. I just know it. Somewhere out there is someone who is gonna knock you off your feet and be the girl you spend forever with. You deserve that and it’ll happen.” Abbi said. “Thanks Abbi…that means a lot…even if I don’t think it’ll happen.” “It will, just have faith in that.” Abbi said getting up and walking back toward the bus.
“He okay?” David asked as Abbi walked back on the bus. “Snooping were we?” Abbi said walking up and giving him a kiss. “I was not…I was about to go for a run and I saw you two talking.” David said. “I was teasing. And to answer your question, no he’s not. He’s a mess but he’s not showing it to everyone….” “That’s Neal for ya….he’s always trying to be so tough.” David said. “He’s stuck on a song idea. I saw him working on it and suggested he show it to you.” Abbi said. “Yeah, I’d help. I’m gonna go talk to him.” David said, kissing Abbi and walking off the bus.
Two days later, as Abbi and Neal were sitting on the couch of the tour bus watching tv, David walked up and handed Neal his writing notebook. “Take a look Doc.” David said, sitting down on the other side of Abbi. “Make Believe?” Neal said. “Yeah…I got to playing around with it and thought that was the perfect title….whatcha think?” David asked. Abbi read the lyrics over Neal’s shoulder and then turned to David and said “Dave, it’s brilliant…” “Yeah man, it’s crazy good.” Neal said and David smiled. “I’m glad you like it.” “I do...and we should play it man.” “Yeah?” David said. “Yeah man. It’s the perfect time in tour for a new song. Let’s shake it up a bit.” Neal said standing and grabbing his guitar. “Well let me get all the guys and we’re run it through.” David said, heading off to get Monty, Andy and Kyle. “He’s a great songwriter. This song is wicked brilliant.” Neal said when David had left. “He is….and you know he wrote that for you…as a tell off to Lauren.” Abbi said. “Yeah, I do…..and I can’t wait to play it.”
After 6 runs of the song, everyone thought they had it down enough to play it that night. Neal added it to the setlist and that night during the show they performed it and the crowd went wild. Neal told David later that night that he should definitely consider putting that song on his next album cause it would definitely be a huge hit. Abbi thought that maybe, just maybe, Neal was starting to get over Lauren and that thought made her smile.
As Abbi sat outside with little Adam on a bench away from the venue, reliving those memories, her phone rang. It was her old roommate from college, Bailey. Bailey was from Virginia originally but had always wanted to move to the Midwest for college. Abbi remembered clearly the day she met Bailey at freshman orientation. She was tall, 5’11-6’2 tall, had short pixie cut hair that was blonde but had streaks of blue and red in it. From the second she and Abbi met, Abbi knew this girl loved life and loved to have fun. They hit it off immediately, becoming nearly inseparable and becoming best friends fast.
They remained that way until the day they graduated college. Bailey took off for a job in California - her dream job of working for a major label. Abbi had stayed in Tulsa…until the day she left for France. She hadn’t seen Bailey since then, but they’d kept in touch for the first few months after Abbi left. She knew this was gonna be one exciting phone call.
“Hey chica.” She said, answering the phone on the third ring. “Hey babe. What’s up? France being good to you?” she said. “Actually I’m not in France anymore. The job didn’t….work….out….but anyways, how’s San Fran?” she said. “Not in France? What happened?” “It doesn’t matter. It all worked out for the best. And you didn’t answer my question.” Abbi said, as David walked up and took Adam from her. “This job kicks ass. I get to work a rock concert tonight, part of the perks of being A&R.” Bailey said laughing.
“Oh yeah? Which concert?” Abbi said. She was secretly hoping Bails would say David’s, she was dying to see her best friend again. “Well that’s actually why I’m calling…..its David’s show…that rockstar of yours finally made it Tulsa girl.” Bailey said, calling Abbi her old nickname. “Yeah I know.” She said, smiling. “I figured. I mean you two were always together in college. You still close? Or did fame go to his head? Bailey said, laughing. “We still talk….as a matter of fact….well never mind, I’ll save that for tonight….” Abbi said. “Aw come on, don’t leave me hanging Tulsa!” Bailey said and she could just imagine Bailey standing there with her hand on her hips. “Well how bout we talk tonight and I tell you?” Abbi said. “You’ll be at the show!? Awesome, I’m on the way there now. Gotta get in line early, beat the crazies.” She said, laughing. “Well I’m sitting outside the venue so I’ll see you then.” Abbi said. “Definitely Tulsa.” Bailey said as she hung up.
“Who was that?” David asked as he walked up and kissed Abbi. “Bailey. She said. “Bailey? As in your college best friend/roommate Bailey?” David asked. “Yep, her. She’s coming to the show tonight.” “Oh really? Hmm…” “What’s going through your head rockstar?” Abbi asked, turning to put Adam in his bassinet. “Well….I was just thinking….she always wanted to meet Neal cause I talked so much about him and she never got the chance to actually meet him at the few gigs you dragged her to cause of Mac. Maybe I could introduce her to Neal….you know, boost his spirits a bit….” David said.
“That’s perfect! She’d be great for Neal.” “Oh yeah, she’s just as wild as he is.” David said and Abbi laughed. “Yeah, she was quite the wild one.” She said as she heard Bailey yell “Abbi!” She turned around to see her best friend standing there in a red halter top and a black leather skirt, with the same pixie cut blonde hair as in college, only this time she had purple streaks in it. “Bails!” Abbi said, running over and hugging her. “Gosh, you haven’t changed one bit Tulsa.” Bailey said. “Oh yes, I have Bails…you couldn’t even imagine how much…..” Abbi said. “Well fill me in babe.” Bailey said, grabbing her hand and walking towards David.
“Hey there Mr. Superstar.” Bailey said as they walked up to where David stood. “Hey Bailey. Nice to see you.” David said, reaching in and giving her a hug. “Glad to see you’re finally made it, I always knew you had it in you….as did this one here.” Bailey said, pointing at Abbi. “Yes she did. She always did. Even when I didn’t give her reason too.” David said looking at Abbi and back to Bailey. “Hmm, what am I missing?” Bailey asked, but before they had a chance to answer Adam started crying. Abbi looked over to see Neal taking care of him and when she looked back saw a look of shock on Bailey’s face.
“Is that your old guitarist? Neal right?” Bailey asked, not able to take her eyes off Neal for long. “Yep that’s him.” “Who’s kid is that?” “Ours.” Abbi said. Bailey’s head snapped back around to meet Abbi’s gaze so fast Abbi swore it looked like something out of a cartoon and she fought back a laugh, and saw David do the same. “Wait. Ours? As in yours and his?” Bailey asked, pointing toward Neal. “But all those years in college you only had eyes for David. And Neal isn’t your type to be honest Tulsa. He’s more MY type.” She said looking back at Neal and whistling. “That’s not what I meant.” Abbi said as David wrapped his arms around her waist. Bailey turned to look back at them as the realization hit her. “Whoa. You meant….that the kid is yours and Dave’s?” Bailey asked and Abbi nodded. “I swear I can be so blonde sometimes….I always knew you two would end up together.” Bailey said. And then she hugged both of them and said “I’m so happy for you two. Now Tulsa….” “Yes Bails?” Abbi asked. “Introduce me to that hottie puh-lease?” Bailey said and Abbi and David both laughed. “You haven’t changed one bit Bailey.” David said as Abbi grabbed her hand and pulled her toward Neal.
“Neal I have someone I want you to meet.” Abbi said as they walked up to where Neal was putting Adam back in his bassinet. “Oh yeah?” Neal asked as he looked up. “Yeah, this is Bailey.” Abbi said as Neal and Bailey made eye contact. She could tell from Neal’s expression that he was instantly attracted to her, and she knew Bailey was attracted to Neal. “We were roomies back in college.” Bailey said, holding out her hand to Neal. Neal shook it and said “I’m Neal….David’s best friend and lead guitarist…we were in a band together in Tulsa….MWK.” Bailey shook her head, “Yeah I remember. Abbi took me to a couple shows at that old bar Dave worked at….you’ve got more tattoos now.” She said laughing. “Yeah, I uh, kinda can’t quit getting them….” Neal said, running a hand through his hair. “I think it’s hot. But that’s just my opinion.” Bailey said with a wink. “Oh really now?” Neal said, his trademark smirk forming on his face. “Yes, I have two myself…one on my ankle and the other…well maybe I’ll show you sometime.” Bailey said. “Hmm, maybe I’d like that.” Neal said as David yelled at them to go in for soundcheck.
Later that night they all sat around in the tour bus in route to their next show in Los Angeles. Bailey had the rest of the week off so she rode with them. This was a good thing, because she and Neal had been nearly inseparable since they met. They were currently a third of the way through a bottle of Jack and Abbi could already tell they were going to get along fine. “She’s making him happy.” David said, walking over and wrapping his arms around her waist. “She is. I haven’t seen him laugh in weeks.” Abbi said. “Not since Lauren…” “Lauren broke his heart, I know that much…..but Bailey, she seems better for him…Lauren wasn’t half the person Bailey is….inside or out. Neal barely knew Lauren….she’d never talk about her family, her life, what she liked to do. So this new thing is good for him.” David said. “I agree…..I just hope this one works out…” “Me too.” David said as they watched their two best friends interact, hoping for a happy ending this time…..
Later that night, as everyone was falling asleep in their respective places at David and Abbi’s house, Neal and David sat up working on a few song ideas they’d been bouncing around for a few days, Neal did something he usually doesn’t do - thanked David for introducing him to Bailey.
“Thanks for tonight D. Bailey’s great….I really like her, she intrigues me. And is a kickass drinker.” he said, taking another sip of his beer. “It was really all Abbi. I’m glad you two hit it off.” Dave said, taking a sip of his Coke. He hadn’t had a drop of alcohol since the night he almost lost Abbi and little Adam, and he came to find he didn’t miss it as much as he’d thought he would.
“There’s just something about her man. She’s so much like me. Rough around the edges, but with a soft heart. She likes the same bands I like, loves the same alcohol I do, and also has tattoos. She’s awesome. I think she ….well I don’t wanna jinx it, but I think she may be the one.” Neal said. “Wow. Doc I’ve never heard you say anything like that before.” David said. “It’s different with her. We connect so well. It’s like I’ve known her all my life.” Neal said. “Just promise me you won’t move too fast. I don’t want you to get hurt. “I won’t. But man, she’s something else.” Neal said. “That she is.” David laughed and then Neal said. “She’s a kindred spirit….definitely an independent woman…that’s sexy as hell….” David had to laugh. “Yeah, she’s always been that way, even back in college.” “I wish I’d known her back then…why did you never introduce me to her?” Neal asked, getting up and grabbing another beer. “I dunno…I guess since she was Abbi’s friend and me and her were just friends back then…I guess I thought it’d be weird?” David said, shrugging. “It’s all good…but man I wish I’d have met her….I definitely would have hit that.” Neal said with a wink in Dave’s direction. “Oh of course you would’ve Doc…you’ll sleep with anything with a nice pair of legs.” David said. “Hey now. Not anything with a nice pair of legs…I do have some standards.” Neal said with a laugh as Abbi came downstairs. “Dave, it’s 2am, you coming to bed?” she said, looking very sleepy. “Uh, yeah babe, I’ll be right up.” Dave said standing up and putting his guitar away. “Just remember Doc…take it slow.” He said, with a wink. “Sure, sure. Always.” Neal answered with his trademark smirk as David followed Abbi upstairs.
“What was that little convo downstairs about?” Abbi asked as David laid down next to her and pulled her close. “He was thanking me for introducing him to Bailey…they hit it off pretty well…he thinks she’s the one.” David said. “Really?” Abbi asked, turning over to look at Dave. “Mhmmm….he said it’s like he’s known her for years. He really likes her.” “Well good cause Bailey told me that she’s already falling for him, as insane as it sounds.” Abbi said, snuggling into David. “Well here’s hoping this works out….I hate seeing Neal like he was when Lauren first left.” David said, kissing Abbi’s hair. “So do I. He deserves someone like Bailey…someone he can party with.” Abbi said with a laugh as she drifted off to sleep. As David lay there with Abbi in his arms, he thought to himself that maybe Neal and Bailey would end up having a love like his and Abbi’s after all.