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Chapter Thirty Three

"If you need anything give us a call. We'll only be a half a world away," dad said with a smile.

I laughed.

"Listen to Uncle Bri and Aunt LeighLeigh," mom said.

"Of course."

I had my carry-on bag over my shoulder and my boarding ticket in hand. Mom hugged me tightly.

"Be safe BooBoo."

"You too, mom. Have fun."

She smiled. I turned to dad. I hugged him tightly around his neck and kissed his cheek.

"Bye daddy."

"Bye pumpkin."

With a wave I handed over my boarding ticket. I didn't stop waving until mom and dad faded from sight.

I was on my way to Atlanta. Kayleigh had been calling me daily. I think she was almost more excited about me coming than she was about her birthday.

That made my sad. She really didn't have enough faith in the people who loved her.

I took my seat in first class. This was only the second time I had travelled alone and there was no way dad was putting me in couch. I stretched out my legs and looked around. I always kept my eye out for famous people.

As it turns out, I was the only famous person on the flight. The stewardess asked for my autograph for her daughter. A businessman a couple rows up did the same.

Once we reached altitude and the seatbelt light went off, I pulled out my laptop.

Mom had instilled in me the importance of keeping in contact with my fans. She had set me up with a little blog. The only rule was that I was never to divulge my location.

Like I would be stupid enough to do that.

I was busy typing about the upcoming tour dates when my phone rang. The ringtone told me it was Trevor. Noah had decided to be a smartass and put Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings" as Trevor's tone. Anytime he called, I heard 'Did you ever know that you're my hero' on a loop until I answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey Brooke."

I smiled. "Hey."

"How's it going?"

"Good. I'm headed to Atlanta for my best friend's birthday party. What about you?"

"I've been stuck in choreography all day. They want us to increase the energy of our live show. The minute I learn a step I forget it."

I didn't have that problem. For some reason I just picked up on the steps easily.

"Well my Uncle Howie always had that problem too, but he did just fine."

"Uncle Howie?"

Even though he couldn't see me, I blushed.

"I call all of dad's bandmates Uncle. I've known them all my life," I explained.

"That's cute. It's nice that you have such a big extended family," Trevor said. He sounded sad.

"Well, I'm sure once you get to know the other guys better you'll feel the same way," I said.

Trevor snorted. "I doubt it. The rich guys don't like that I'm getting longer parts on the songs."

I frowned. "That's not your choice, it's the producers."

"Try telling them that."

"Maybe you just need to go solo," I suggested.

"That's my dream. I--"

I heard a shout.

"Ugh, I've got to get back to rehearsal. Maybe I can see you when you get back?"

I made a face. I'm heading out on tour right after. But, my first show's here. Maybe you can come."

He laughed. "I'd like that. I--"

There was another shout.

"Damn. Alright, I'll talk to you later. Bye!"

I smiled. "Bye."

I hung up and turned back to my computer. I liked talking to Trevor. It was easy. With both of us being in the business, it was easy to relate to him. He didn't make me feel nervous.

So far there were a lot more good things about Trevor Tylers then there were bad.

--------------------------------

"AHHHH! BROOKEY!!!!"

Kay tackled me the moment she saw me. I stumbled backwards under the weight of my bag and laughed.

"It hasn't been that long!" I said. She stood back and sighed dramatically.

"It's been forever."

"Hey Brooke."

I smiled at Uncle Brian. Like dad, he was aging well. Dad told me once that's because Carters have good genes. Littrells, on the other hand, had hair plugs and Botox. I didn't know if he was telling the truth or not, but either way, it worked.

"Hi. Thanks for having me!" I said.

"C'mon," Kay said. She took my hand and walked over to baggage.

"The pink ones right?"

I laughed. "Of course."

Two hot pink bags came rolling along. Kay grabbed one and I grabbed the other.

"How was your flight?" Uncle Brian asked. He took the suitcase from Kayleigh and held out his hand for the one I was holding. I gave it to him.

"Uneventful," I said.

"You brought your swimsuit right?" Kay asked.

"Of course I did."

Even though I didn't like the ocean, pools were okay. Laying out by the pool was even better.

"Excellent. Of course, we can't let you burn. I'm sure they don't want a crispy lobster on stage when you get home," Kay teased.

Unlike Peyton, I never tanned. I was either pale white or lobster red. Peyton turned so dark she looked Latino.

It just wasn't fair.

"Well, Leigh and I are taking you girls out for some fondue tonight," Uncle Bri said. "Then maybe a movie."

Kay rolled her eyes but I smiled. When we were younger, I used to love going out to some expensive Atlanta restaurant and seeing a move with the Littrells.

Obviously Uncle Bri was feeling sentimental.

"I'd like that," I said.

Kay picked at the tip of her finger, flaking off a little chunk of pink nail polish along the way.

"Have you heard from Trevor?" she asked.

I felt my smile widen. "He called during the flight."

Kay's eyes lit up. "Oooh."

I laughed. "He wanted to see if we could hang out when I come back but I start the tour. But he might come to my first show in Tampa."

"I'm so there," Kay said. "I can't wait to meet this guy."

Uncle Bri glanced at us in the rearview mirror.

"Kay-d bug, you're going to have to catch a show another time. With the wedding coming up, mom needs you here."

Kay's eyes widened. "What? That's not fair. That's b--"

I knew what was going to come flying out of her mouth. I pinched her arm.

"I'll be touring well into August," I said. "Hey, you should come out to Cali and make it a real trip."

Kay looked at me. Her cheeks were stained with pink.

"Hey, that's a good idea!" Uncle Bri said. "We'll make it a family trip."

Kay slumped in her seat. I couldn't tell whether she was still pouting about not coming to Tampa or whether she was upset that she had to go to Cali on a 'family trip.'

Even though she was my best friend, sometimes Kayleigh Littrell could be hard to read.