Olivia pulled up in the driveway behind Noah’s truck and shut off the car. Mia was awake and babbling in the backseat, telling her stuffed rabbit an elaborate story. Olivia turned and smiled at her. “Ready to go inside, little one?” Mia squealed and threw her bunny on the seat. Olivia laughed and got out […]

Andrew was sitting in Olivia’s car, putting off going inside. After the scare yesterday, he was exhausted and jittery at the idea of going back. They’d been fine for a little while after Noah left. The pizza had arrived, and Andrew and Olivia had both eaten some. Even Mia had tried a little. She’d loved […]

Cleo and The Blossom Step were sharing a suite for the few nights they spent in Nashville. A friend of Ryan’s had hooked them up with three shows in Nashville and the surrounding area. So rather than try to get hotels all over the place, they’d decided to just set up a home base for […]

Roman made his way up the steps to Minnie’s house and knocked on the door, three efficient raps. Then he waited, shifting the pizza box on his hip as the damp January air settled onto the parts of his face that weren’t guarded by his hat. The footsteps seemed to come more slowly today, but […]

Hours later, Andrew was sitting on the couch catching up on some work when an email alert buzzed on his phone. It was from his landlord. Heart pounding, Andrew opened it. Mr. Harris, I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to inform you that your lease, which expires in July, will not be […]

Andrew felt his stomach drop as the phone rang once…twice…three times. He was so tempted to hang up. He could hang up, not tell them, and just tell them the story after he was released. Then his mom could yell at him, they could have a right laugh, and none of them could ever set […]

The last vibrations of the final guitar chord were dying out as the roar of the crowd reached Cleo’s ears. She looked up, squinting into the blazing stage lights. She could barely see the packed club beyond them, but the cheers shot directly into her bones as she gave a quick bow. “Thank you,” she […]

If Andrew was going to keep eating at Olivia’s house, he was at least going to buy groceries this time. The only thing close to a grocery store in New Winslow, unfortunately, was the general store. They sold some of what he needed, though he imagined the produce wasn’t great and everything was marked up […]

Tyler was driving again as they made their way down an endless expanse of highway. He’d reluctantly turned on one of Edie’s podcasts as he drove and now a British game show Cleo vaguely recognized was playing. She half paid attention as she tried to keep herself from looking at her phone again. Two days […]

Cleo was nervous as she stepped on stage. She was the opener, she wasn’t who these people were here to see. They were here for The Blossom Step and for some of them, she was in the way of them seeing their favorite band. She stepped out to scattered applause. The club lights were so […]