Starting Over

Chapter 13- The Nut House Christmas Party

It’s been almost two weeks since Thanksgiving. Today is my fan club Christmas party. Bridget has been doing much better, but she still can’t wear her pants. So, it’s shorts at home and anytime she has to leave it’s my button up track pants. I’m pretty sure I have convinced her to sing a song with me today. I’ve been at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge here in Nashville all morning. They will be opening the doors in about two hours, but we have everything set up. I’m just sitting here on the edge of the stage waiting for Bridget to get her with the kids. I feel like it’s been an eternity since I have seen her, even though it was just a few hours ago. I sit waiting for a few more minutes and decided to call her.

“What?” she snapped.

“I was just wondering when you were going to be here with the kids,” I told her.

“I’m in the parking lot,” she said as she hung up the phone.

I wasn’t expecting her to be in a bad mood. She got to sleep in this morning for the first time since our families had left. And was completely pampered by the kids and me too of course. We made her breakfast in bed. After that I was kind of rushing around, but I was running late and if there’s something I can’t stand it’s someone who is late. I can’t be a hypocrite today. It will not look good on my part. Could that be why she is in a bad mood? I need her to be in a good mood if she’s going to do what I really want her to do.

Bridget opened the front door to Tootsie’s and I could hear everyone screaming outside my name. Bridget looked like she hadn’t had any sleep at all. How did she look so bright eyed this morning, but now so worn down? She was packing Tate and had a hold of Bo’s arm with the other hand. Kenzie was carrying a big bag. I could tell by the look on Bridget’s face Bo was in major trouble.

“What did he do?” I asked as I took Tate from her.

“What didn’t he do is the better question. He dumped an entire gallon of milk in the living room floor. He dumped all of the kids body wash all over the bathroom. And I saved the best for last, he decided to color your piano again,” Bridget explained.

“Thomas Boyer!” I yelled at him, “Why did you do that?”

He shrugged his shoulders at me.

"I will deal with you later," I told him in disappointment.

“I need to get dressed. Where do I need to go?” Bridget asked.

“This way,” I motioned for her to follow me.

We went to my dressing room behind the stage. Bridget grabbed the bag from Kenzie and started pulling clothes out. When she was dressed she sat down at the vanity and started applying her makeup while I was playing with the kids. There was a knock on the door and I told Kenzie to open it. It was Gov, the guy in charge of renting Tootsie’s.

“We are opening the door in just a few minutes, Mr. Bryan. Is there anything I can get for you before we open?” Gov asked me.

“Maybe some bottles of water,” I asked, “Bridge, you need anything?”

“I’m good, Luke,” Bridget answered.

“I’ll be right back, sir,” Gov said as he walked back out the door.

Bridget seemed to be in a better mood. She was smiling when I caught her looking at me in the mirror.

“What are you smiling about?” I asked her when I caught her.

“Nothing,” she said as she came over and sat next to me.

“I know better than that,” I told her.