Justin woke up the next morning and Deana was already up. He walked down the hall, smelling pancakes  and sausage. Deana was sitting at the kitchen table, Justin heard her talking to someone. 

“Good morning, Justin,” her mom said over FaceTime. 

“Good morning,” he replied. 

“It’s my mom’s birthday, so we’re doing our traditional birthday breakfast over FaceTime. It’s a little late for her, but she was more than happy to do this.”

“Happy birthday,” Justin said. 

“Thank you.”

“Any big plans?”

“Jonathan and Danielle are taking Dad and I out to dinner tonight. Your sister sent me a berry dessert from a local bakery.”

“Sorry I couldn’t be there to celebrate in person,” Deana sighed. 

“You’re traveling the country with your boyfriend, you don’t get that chance every day,” her mom said. “We miss you, but you’re making so many memories you can tell my little grand babies…”

“We’re not there yet, Mom. Not any time soon.”

Justin chuckled to himself. Our moms will SO get along… he thought. 

“I’ll let you get going, Mom, but have a great rest of your day. Love and miss you.”

Deana hung up the call, eating her pancakes. “There’s plenty on the stove if you want some,” she offered. 

“Thanks. Glad you got to talk to your mom. If I’d known it was her birthday, I could have flown you back to be there.”

“While I appreciate the sentiment, it would’ve been too much.”

“Nothing is ever too much for you. If we can’t be there for her birthday, I at least want to send her something.”

“I don’t know what you can send her today that isn’t already like something she’s getting from my brother or sister…”

“Flowers?”

“She has a black thumb.  Like, she kills fake plants.  I’ve seen it.  It’s weird.”

“Can you tell I don’t do this often, buy gifts for my girlfriend’s mom?” he said.

“Like, EVER?”

“Well, it’s been a while, and even then I had notice.”

“I didn't think it was worth saying anything.  I celebrated with her as best I could…”  

“If it’s someone important to you, it’s important to me.  Especially someone like your mom.  Can we work to get her something nice for Mother’s Day then?  Gives me time to get something that will be meaningful?”

“I’m sure she’d like that.  Thank you,” she said softly.

“We head to Fresno tomorrow for a show the following day.  Do you need to pack now?  We have Fresno, then Oakland, then about a week off before the next show.”

“You have a project or something during that time off?”

“No, just taking you to see Memphis,” he smiled.

“Weren’t you just there?”

“Yes, but YOU were still in NYC.  See where I grew up, they love when fans come through so you’ll fit right in as a fan and my girlfriend.”

“I’m excited, but also nervous.  Being on your mom’s home turf.”

“What does that even mean?” Justin asked, his forehead wrinkled in confusion.

“Morgan’s mom never fully liked me.  He was such a mama’s boy, and in her head no one was good enough for him.  She was nice to me and everything, but she was still pretty distant.”

“You’re worried my mom doesn’t like you?  THAT’S funny.  My mom loves everyone, and everyone loves my mom.  She sent Lance a gift basket when he came out.  She gave me gifts to take with me to Joey and Chris’s weddings…”

“They’re the brothers you never got… shit, that came out wrong…”

“In a way, you’re right.  By the time I had Jonathan in my life, I was 12 years old.  I met JC that same year on MMC, so yeah, JC is as much of my family as my actual brother.  I spent all that time with those guys for so long, my mom with us until I turned 16, we all became close.  But ask any of those guys how my mom treats anybody.  You have nothing to worry about.  You take very good care of me, make me the happiest I’ve ever been.  She LOVES you for that.”

“What about something more pressing.  Do you want to pack now, or wait until tomorrow?”

“What would we do now if we wait until tomorrow?”

Justin chuckled.  “Like you don’t know…”

“Art class?  Underwater basketweaving?”

“If that’s a new euphemism, then yes…” he laughed, pulling her close before lifting her off the ground and kissing her deeply.

…

They checked into their hotel in Fresno, Deana unlocking the door.  “There is like, NOTHING, in Fresno…  Maybe I’m spoiled now that I feel like a couple nights in a Hilton is subpar.”

“It’s the best they could find, and better than sleeping on the bus.  It has a soaking tub though, so there’s that…” Justin shrugged.  “On tour, I just need a bed and a bathroom.  We’re here tonight before the show tomorrow, then after the show, so I guess having a couch and little living area is nice.    We’re close to Yosemite, but that’s too far without getting a rental.  We wouldn’t get there, look around, and back in time, either.”

“You need like a few days at the least.  I’ve looked into it.  My dad went there when he was younger, but I’ve only seen pictures.  It’s on my bucket list.  There’s a super fancy hotel there, surrounded by nature.  I think you’d like it based on having the cabin in Montana.”

“We’ll look into it someday,” Justin said.  “For now, I just want to sleep.  Traveling by bus to get here so everyone was all together, it takes its toll.  I’m glad we had some people on the bus though, you got to know them a little better.”

“The little impromptu karaoke party.  Which you didn't take part in…” she pouted.

“No, but I played bartender, so that was just as good.”

“I think I’m hammered.”

“I think we’re all a little drunk, at least.  Even stopping for dinner.  I’ll hit the gym in the morning, I’m exhausted.  You joining me?  Just sleep, telling you now.  Once my head hits that pillow, it’s lights out.”

“Yeah.  I guess now might not be the best time to tell you, but did you give me something with vodka in it?”

“Yeah, why?”

“That explains why the room is starting to spin.  Even a few sips of vodka and I am DONE.  Even with water, food, whatever, the room spins and I am done.  Sleep doesn’t sound so bad.  Might need you to help me get changed.”

“Hmmm, undress and dress my girlfriend?  How will I survive?” he laughed, giving her a quick kiss.

…

Deana was in the crowd before everything began, sitting at her spot at the bar.  She’d gotten to know the bartender, chatting between serving drinks.  

“Excuse me,” said a soft voice behind her.

Deana turned around.  “Yes...”

“You’re her, aren’t you?” the woman whispered.  “You’re Deana.”

She nodded silently, trying not to draw attention to herself.

“You’re so down to earth, I love the posts you’ve been putting up on Instagram from on the road and with Justin.  Even when you can’t see his face, we all know it’s him.  He really is that amazing, isn’t he?”

“Like a dream come true,” she sighed softly.  They had changed her Instagram to public, creating a new private account for her, using Michele as her alias.  She had been posting a bit to show people life on the road, different sides of things.  Her favorite recent post had been one of them holding hands, walking through the stadium, looking at the stage.  You couldn’t see their faces, but you knew who it was.  She showed them pictures of her doing her online schooling, snuggling on the couch with pictures of their feet in slippers on a couch.  Little glimpses into her life, and theirs as a couple without being too much.  

The response was huge.  She had thousands of followers, and the comments she stopped to read were mostly positive.  She was growing a thick skin against the negative comments, though some hurt when they became more personal on her appearance.  

“I like being able to be out here with the fans,” she said.  “I really am one of you, but also living the dream.”

“I just wanted to say hi, meet you in person once I saw you.”

Deana picked up her phone, watching the woman as she walked away.  She saw her go to a spot against the stage a little ways down.  

There’s a nice woman downstage from me, I think she should get a Timbertouch or something tonight…

She recognized you, did she?

Yeah.  She was quiet about it, really sweet.  

Send me a picture so I can keep an eye out?

Deana snapped a picture, zooming in as much as she could, then circling the woman just to be sure. 

Thanks. I’ll see what I can do. I’m sure she’ll be more thankful for you later tonight. I know I will be…

Aren’t you always, after a show?

Usually yes, sometimes I’m able to control it and wait. Tonight? Nah. 

She smiled.  I’ll see you in a bit.  Love you.

Love you too babe, can;t wait to flirt with you on stage.

True to his word, he smiled, winked, pointed, or even grabbed her hand as she seemingly blended in with the rest of the crowd.  

After walking up and down the length of the stage a few times, he spotted the woman Deana had pointed out.  He walked up to her for Supplies, taking her phone.  After the moment was done, the woman looked in Deana’s direction, at least mouthing the words “thank you”.

…

They got back to the hotel room, Justin taking a real shower compared to the quick rinse he did at the arena.

“I still can’t get over that couple I saw tonight,” he laughed.  

“I definitely think you made her life.”

“I mean, with a shirt like that, how could I NOT stop and talk to them?  I mean, imagine, my name is a couple’s safe word…”

“I think she’s crazy.  When I say your name, I want you to keep going, not stop…” she said seductively.

“Well then, let’s get you saying my name over...and over... and over,” he said,  pulling her close for a deep kiss.

…  

They were now in Oakland, just arriving at their hotel.  Being a bigger city, there was more to explore and better hotels.

“I’m sad the Warriors are on a road trip, I would have loved to hit the golf course or at least a driving range with Steph.  You would LOVE his wife Ayesha.  They’ve got the cutest kids, too.”

“Wait, are you talking about the guy that has his daughter on his lap during press conferences after the game?  She is such a little cutie!” Deana said.

“Anything special you want to do today?  We have plenty of time today and a bit tomorrow before the show to see stuff.  I was in San Jose last year, but it’s been a few years since I was in Oakland.”

“San Francisco isn’t that far, right?  Maybe do a little sightseeing?  At least drive over the Golden Gate Bridge?”

“Whatever you want, baby.”

“Can I check your DMs, see if there’s anything from fans for tomorrow’s show?”

He opened his phone, getting it setup for her before handing her his phone.  She scrolled down a few messages when one caught her eye.  It read:

Hi! Not sure you’ll see this but giving it a shot.

I’ll be at your show in Oakland on Friday. I have seats on the floor, but not sure where.

I’m hoping at some point in the show you can help me with an announcement. My hubby and I are pregnant with our first baby and I want to announce it to the world that night.

It would mean so much to me if you could help make this an announcement I and others will never forget. If your tour date hadn’t been rescheduled from December, I wouldn’t have known I was pregnant yet so I’m hoping my gut feeling on asking about this is a sign from the universe.

It would mean so much to have your help.

Can’t wait to see the show on Friday!

“Babe, I HAVE to find this woman tomorrow!  She’s pregnant and wants you to help her announce it!”  She read the message aloud to Justin.

“See, if the husband didn't know, I would definitely do it, but just as a general thing, I don’t know.  That is kinda cool though that it timed out to work out for her like that.  If you can find her, I’ll see what I can do,” he smiled.  “She was brave enough to at least message me, I’m glad you saw it, babe.”

…

They had an SUV rented for going from the hotel to the arena, and used that to drive around San Francisco.  They stopped at one of the vista points so Deana could get pictures of it before they drove across and back.  Justin had a hoodie and hat on, partly to hide himself, but also to keep warm from the wind.  They stopped along Chrissy Field, a long stretch of grass right along the bay, with a great view of the bridge.  Deana took a selfie of them with the bridge in the background.  She posted it to Instagram with the caption “playing tourists in San Francisco.  We’ll see you soon, Oakland!”  

They went back to the hotel, having dinner at the restaurant within the hotel for a bit of privacy.  They headed back to their room, Deana looking out at the view of the San Francisco Bay from their balcony.  “It’s a big city, but such a great view.  Reminds me of home, the different spots you can see the Brooklyn Bridge.  It’s making me a little homesick.”

“After tomorrow you’ll be in MY hometown.  I miss it sometimes, but in a lot of ways it’s like it’s a whole other world.”

“Is your mom excited to see you for a while?”

“Yeah, she gets sick of me after a while, though,” he laughed.  “That’s why I bought a house there, so I can see her, but not drive her crazy…”

“Now you just get to drive ME crazy,” Deana laughed.

“Do I really do that?” he started to panic.

“Did you not hear the sarcasm in my voice?  I thought I was neurotic…”

“I’m not neurotic, just worried you’re keeping things from me.  Apart from the stuff with HIM, we haven’t really fought yet.  I worry it’s gonna be either something huge, like kids, or something small like me not putting something away.”

“We fought about me going on tour with you…”

“Over text.  At least the other was on the phone.  But we haven’t had an argument or big disagreement face to face yet.”

“Isn’t that a good sign?  That we communicate well enough?”

“Maybe.  Maybe it’s because you’re not a celebrity, you don’t have a busy schedule where trying to fit in a date night is difficult and that we never get to see each other.”

“Are you looking for a reason to fight so we can have make up sex?”

“I mean, now that you mention it… but we’re not going Monica and Chandler far with it where it turned into an actual fight…”

“I’d rather just the sex without the fight, but have it your way I guess…”