Page 22 of For Her
I keep glancing back beyond Josh, trying to see if there’s anyone else we know showing up, and I’ll be damned. We all look up to The Shock Wave immensely, but Jack O’Donnell is a classic; an original. As much as I would love to shake the guy’s hand, I can tell by the look on his face that he’d rather be anywhere but here. His jaw is set and only relaxes when he looks at his lady companion at his side. It’s like he has a very short supply of smiles, and gives them to no one but her.
“How’s the album doing?”
“When does the next one come out?”
“Jack, Mayzie! Over here!”
The photogs are desperate for any bone we might throw at them with their incessant questions as their camera flashes go off at rapid speed.
“Mayzie, how’s the pregnancy going?”
“When’s the baby due?”
We’re well-versed enough in this situation to just smile politely for the cameras, but I can’t help myself and lean in close to Maze and place my hand on her bump. Mayzie smiles brightly at me and then to the photographers that are now going ape shit with their cameras, the shutters clicking away at rapid fire. Hilarious. It’s something any expectant father would do at any time, but when I do it, it’s a media frenzy and that photo will pay a pap’s next month’s rent.
When we get closer to the entrance, we’re called over to where Rick and Sabrina are set up. They co-host a morning show and are one of our agreed upon interviews. Mayzie and the other ladies hang back while the quirky duo questions us about the awards we’re nominated for, what we think of the other bands, and all that.
“Jack, can we get a moment with you and Mayzie?” Sabrina asks, as the other guys saunter back to their ladies.
“Sure,” I smile back. Rick and Sabrina are definitely bold in their questioning, but they’ve always been respectful and I don’t mind giving them a little extra time. I hold my arm out to Mayzie, gesturing her to come join me. She smiles as I tuck her in at my side and stuff my other hand in my pocket so I don’t fidget. An arena full of fans? No problem. A single camera with a spotlight? That’s another story, but I’ve gotten more comfortable over the years.
“So I think you two know what we’re going to ask,” Rick snickers playfully, and Mayzie blushes.
“How’s the pregnancy going?!” Sabrina belts out, and we both nervously chuckle.
“It’s been interesting, that’s for sure,” Mayzie beams at them, and I’m happy to let her take the wheel on this.
“How are you feeling?”
“Oh you know, up and down.”
“Any cravings?”
“Hot sauce,” I pipe up with a smirk and roll my eyes playfully. “Oneverything.” That gets a laugh out of both Sabrina and Rick, and I start to loosen up just a little.
“So… the burning question,” Rick tries to level us with a serious look, but fails miserably, “Do you know what you’re having?”
I feel my heart do an epic leap in my chest and a smile spring across my face and I open my mouth to answer, but before I even know what’s happening, Mayzie’s hand is covering my lips.
“Mmmph?” Is all I can do as her wide grey eyes that Enrique’s team made to look cat-like shoot lasers at me that totally contradict that sweet smile on her beautifully painted lips.
Don’t you dare, her eyes say, and then I realize what I almost just did. Apparently, Jack Krasinski likes to blurt shit out without a thought when he’s excited. Fuck.
I hold my hands up, letting her know I surrender. She can take her hand down, I’ll be good. Her face relaxes and she drops her hand and turns back to face our questioners.
“I take it that’s still classified?” Rick heckles with a cheesy smile.
“Sorry,” I shrug playfully and return my arm around my lady’s waist. Her hand joins mine on her hip, letting me know we’re okay as we cordially wrap up the interview.
Once we’re inside,we find our seats and find that we are seated near some other rock bands that are up for the same awards, including Lyrical Odyssey who have the row right in front of us. We take a few minutes to slap hands and catch up with them and as the lights dim, and we wish them all the luck. We also notice across the aisle from us are the guys of 4Clover, an incredible rock band from Ireland.
My hand stays in Mayzie’s for the whole show, with the exception of when we have to go on stage to performStill Her, during which I belt out the lyrics with all I have, making sure the world hears the emotion in them along with the energy from the music. Our finish is met with roaring applause and a standing ovation, and we take a moment to bask in it, nodding our thanks before exiting the stage.
Before heading back to my seat, I opt to stay in the slacks I wore on stage because I can’t take another minute of the damn leather pants, but of course, I still have no boxers so the snake is still uncaged. As happy as I am for us to win Best Rock Album, I have to think of my old little league coach and the time Chris brought his spoon collection on tour and spent the distance between Des Moines and St. Louis showcasing them to keep the snake down. Longest fucking Grammys ever.
Nine
Jack