I would like to think I took an even quicker shower, but I spent a lot of time under the drizzling lukewarm water relaxing my muscles. I wanted to see Nashville, but going to bed would be a welcomed sight too.
I came out, and Julie wasn't there. I quickly slipped into my shoes, grabbed my money, and phone, and went to Liam's room. Julie was there, talking with Hilary, while Liam fixed his hair.
“We thought you might have drowned,” Hilary replied, laughing as Julie braided her hair.
Liam, watching us in the mirror grinned at me. “He had a lot of ugly to wash off. Right?” he asked.
I gave him the middle finger and held up my phone. “While Prince Charming is finishing his hair, I'm going to call Ava,” I told them.
For a moment, Julie looked hesitant, then she softly smiled. “We'll be out in a few minutes,” she replied, and turned her attention back to the complicated braid she was doing in Hilary's hair.
I knew her conversation with her parents hadn't gone well. The only thing I was afraid of was that Ava might have sobered up and wasn't happy either.
But when I called, she answered with a cheerful 'hello'. I sighed in relief. “We made it to a motel,” I told her.
“You mean you've been driving since you left?”
“Liam and I took turns,” I replied.
“Where are you at?” she asked.
I laughed. “If I tell you, are you going to send police after me?” I asked.
She laughed in return. “Of course not. I won't tell a single soul,” she replied.
“Nashville.”
“Nashville!” she said excitedly. “If you meet anyone that even looks remotely famous, you better grab an autograph for me.”
“I will,” I promised. I leaned against the wall, and I sighed. “Did you tell Julie's parents?”
“Yeah. They immediately called me when both Julie and Liam were gone. They didn't seem to pleased that they both had left, and Hilary's mother,” Ava made an exasperated sound to show her frustration. “That woman is a bundle of unpleasantness. Not that she can really do anything. All of you are over eighteen, except Julie. But, I think the Michaels are going to get over it.”
I sighed in relief. “I think they might have gave Julie a few choice words,” I told her.
“Probably just upset. I would have been if you had left without telling me,” she replied.
I knew that was true, but she was also not losing a dying daughter. We would be back, but I think they feared losing Julie before we did.
“Did you tell them when we would be back?”
“Yes. I thought they might have a heart attack. Everything will be okay down here though. You four have fun and bring back souvenirs,” she told me.
“Alright, we will.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
The phone clicked off, and I slid it into my back pocket. I knew Julie was thinking about her parents, but she would keep playing happy camper until she was alone.
I had a feeling she would break down when we came back.
♥
They finally came out, and Liam struck a pose. “Beautiful, huh?” he asked.
I rolled my eyes. “More like conceited.”
He shrugged. “Whatever works.”
I laughed, and Julie came to me, hooking her arm with mine. I smiled at her, and she returned it. I took that as a sign that she would be okay for a while.
“So, where are we going to eat?” Hilary asked, holding to Liam. He was like her guide dog when we walked, and he took that honor with seriousness.
“Somewhere within walking distance,” Julie replied. “I'm tired of sitting for one day.”
I squeezed her arm. “How about we eat at the first restaurant we come to?” I added.
Julie smiled and looked to Liam, who looked amused and interested in the idea. “No matter what type of restaurant it is,” he replied.
Hilary actually looked scared. “Says the pickiest eater. Liam you rarely eat normal food,” she told him.
“So? I like this idea. Come on,” he begged her.
Hilary sighed and leaned against him. “Fine. Lead the way,” she told him. He took the offer and started walking.
The first restaurant we came to was iHop.
Some times you win some, and some times, you just get lucky with pancakes and waffles.
♥
It was a wonder they didn't kick us out. It was also a wonder that Liam didn't throw up, but we managed to both walk out willingly, and avoid a vomit scene of iHop.
Liam loaded his pancakes with cream cheese, and whipped cream and sugar. Plus the colossal amount of strawberries he had asked for, all of his teeth should have rotten off.
Julie and I shared a plate of waffles, neither of us being too big about breakfast foods. Hilary ordered a stack of pancakes, covered in syrup.
I whispered to Julie that we could order pizza when we got back to the motel. She smiled in approval.
We left, and walked along the streets. The lights were on, and Nashville was lit up beautifully. Seeing Julie beneath those lights was mesmerizing, and I got Liam to take a picture of us together. Then some stranger took a picture of all us.
The girls wanted to stop by a boutique as we passed, so all of us went inside. It was, well, chic. The clothes were high end, and expensive. I lifted a blouse, thinking the pale pink tone would be beautiful on Julie, but when the price tag assure d me that it was over three digits, I immediately removed my hand and kept walking.
“May I help you?” a woman
