One Simple Step (Journey #3)
C.A. Williams
Chapter 1
Ally
You know that feeling? The one where everything in life is going too perfect and you’re just waiting for something to come along and screw it all up? Well, I was normally the kind of girl that would take whatever shit life dealt out and turn it into a pretty rainbow, that’s just who I was, but something was definitely off in the world of Ally and I couldn’t put my finger on it.
Maybe it was due to the fact that I had just left my best friend, Leah, behind again. Being on the road with my husband and his band for basically the past four years meant we didn’t get a lot of time together. I always felt like I was in a little bit of a depression after having to leave her and Caleb. They were like family, and now there was another addition: sweet, precious Ava.
The minute Leah called to say she was in labor and headed to the hospital, Teddy and I hopped a plane from Virginia. Luckily, the Major Hoosiers were in between gigs on their summer tour, so we didn’t have to worry about rescheduling. When it was time to go I just couldn’t make myself leave, and Teddy flew back without me so I could help the new mommy out for a bit.
But I was really kidding myself there. I think I forgot that Leah had already handled the whole baby situation before with Caleb. She was practically a pro, and although she thanked me over and over, I felt like I was in the way more than anything. Leah and Chase had a perfect little family, and they were so in love with each other. It made me feel a little left out.
As soon as I stepped off the plane and was officially in North Carolina my phone rang, and I smiled when I saw it was Leah. When I told her that morning that I was heading back a few days early, she was a little bummed but understood that I just really missed Teddy. Her and Chase could barely go a day without seeing each other, there was no way she would be able to live out on the road like I did.
Just because we were stuck on a bus most of the time didn’t mean that I was with Teddy constantly. Usually, he was either working on something new with the band or getting ready for a gig, and we probably saw each other less than if he were to have a regular, everyday job. Sometimes I wondered how I did it.
“Hey, Mama, miss me already?” I answered as I followed the arrows to baggage claim. I had become an expert in airports over the years, flying back and forth to visit with my family. Luckily, this was one of the easier ones to navigate so hopefully I would make it on time.
“Of course, Al, you know I always do. Since you’re answering, I’m guessing you made it alright?”
“Yup, just landed and I’m getting my bags. How’s everything going there?”
“Oh, you know, the usual,” she replied as a loud crash came through the phone and Ava’s sweet baby cry started up. I heard muffled yelling, and I’m fairly certain it was directed at my sweet nephew Caleb, who was just growing up way too fast. Time was a bitch.
“‘Kay, well it sounds like you’re busy.…” I trailed off as she started talking to Chase, mentioning something about pickles and ice cream. “Jesus Christ, Leah, that hot ass husband of yours hasn’t knocked you up again already, has he?”
“She wishes!” I heard Chase’s low voice pipe in before Leah snorted loudly.
“You wish,” she replied to Chase before answering me. “Of course not, Al. Chase is running to the store for me to grab a few things. Is Teddy picking you up from the airport?”
“No, I’m surprising him since I wasn’t supposed to be back for a couple of days. They are supposed to be finishing up their show right about now, so I should be able to catch the bus before it takes off.”
“Should? Ally, don’t you think you should give someone a heads up? What are you going to do if you get stranded there? Do you ever plan anything ahead of time?” She blew out a loud breath just as I stepped out of the air-conditioned building with my bags and into the mugginess of the North Carolina air to catch a taxi.
“Chill, L. I have plenty of time. You really shouldn’t worry so much. Just breathe.”
“Oh, please don’t start with all of that breathing bullshit on me again. Call as soon as you get there so I know you made it. You seriously stress me out.”