Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner

Luci had been relaxing just a bit more, not calling her grandma every night. It was day eight now, and they had played several successful shows. They were in Seattle now, relieved to have a day off. The boys had an interview at a local radio station, and afterwards, they were going to check out a few things.

The other two bands were settling into the groove as well, meeting the fans and keeping any sort of partying to a minimum. They didn’t want to get too tired out on their first tour.

//

Katy stared at the food placed in front of her. Cautiously, she poked it. Beside her, Andy chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s okay, you know. It’s not going to eat you.” He told her, taking a piece off the plate. Katy gave him a funny look before her attention turned back to the food.

He claimed they were something called ‘vegan pot stickers’, whatever that was. He had also tried to explain that there was no animal product in them, meaning no milk or eggs. Katy was still confused, but decided to try and be brave.

Andy had offered to take Katy out to get a bite to eat, since he hadn’t spent all that much time with the little girl, and the idea of McDonalds for lunch didn’t sound good to him. He had found a nice vegan restaurant not far from the venue, so he and Katy were there, eating lunch.

Carefully, she picked up the pot sticker and took a small bite. To her surprise, and delight, it tasted good, so she ate it all. Andy grinned and took another one to eat. “See? It’s good, isn’t it?”

“Yea! Yummy!” She grinned, eating her second. “Where’s mamma and ‘Tricky?”

Andy sipped his water. He didn’t want to answer. While Patrick and Luci were talking it was all business. He knew that there was still tension, but he had been hoping they would start relaxing.

“They decided to go to McDonalds, remember?” Andy said, taking another pot sticker. “That’s why we came here.” Katy nodded, sipping her orange juice. At least, Andy hoped the rest of them made it to McDonalds.

//

“Joe, what the fuck?!” Patrick snapped, staring at the photo on the camera. “Why were you taking pictures of me sleeping?!” Joe tried to look innocent while he attempted to snatch his camera back. Patrick kept it from him, his eyes narrowed.

“Look, you guys looked so peaceful and cute, I couldn’t help it!” He replied, dancing around, trying to get his camera back. “Fine, just delete it! I was… I just wanted proof that you guys had a moment when you weren’t trying to kill each other or something!” Patrick glared at him, but handed him back his camera.

“Whatever.” Patrick grumbled. “Nothing’s going to happen between us, Joe, so don’t even try to fix it. She chose to end it, so it’s ended.” Joe rolled his eyes, turning his camera off. He had a feeling there was more to it than what Patrick was willing to admit. Pete had told Joe the way Patrick had reacted to their conversation the other night, with the small bits of jealousy.

“Right, well. Now that that’s settled, can we go eat?” Joe asked, sticking his camera in his pocket. “Pete and Luci are probably figuring we got killed or something.” Patrick shook his head.

“I’m gonna stay here, okay? I’m not hungry.”

“Oh, come on, Patrick!” Joe cried, clutching his hair. “Get over it and eat with us! Please!”

“No! I’m… just not hungry, okay? You guys just go on without me.” Patrick said, taking a seat. Joe looked defeated and left.

He came back a few minutes later, with Luci and Pete following him. “He’s not coming, see?” Joe said, pointing to Patrick.

“I’m not hungry, okay?” Patrick mumbled, not looking up. Pete sighed, shaking his head. Luci just shrugged.

“Hey, if it has to do with me-“

“The world doesn’t revolve around you, Luci.” Patrick snapped. She winced and glared at him.

“And it doesn’t revolve around you! So stop acting like a brat and go get food with us!” She growled. “Or do you just hate me so much you’re willing to starve?” Patrick glared at her, and she glared back. They stayed like that for several moments, oblivious to Andy and Katy walking in.

“Are they having a starin’ contest, Uncle Andy?” Katy asked, looking up at him. Luci looked away from Patrick to her daughter, walking over to her.

“Hey, baby girl, how was lunch with Andy?” She asked, completely ignoring Patrick now. Katy reached up to her mamma, grinning.

“Yummy! We had pot stickers!” Katy said, giggling when she was lifted. “And it was yummy!” Luci smiled and nodded. “Did you eat yet, mamma?”

“No, baby girl, I’m not going out with them. So you and I will hang out, okay?” Luci said. She heard Pete let out a sigh while Andy turned to her.

“Well, why don’t we three go out for a walk or something, while the guys go get food?” Andy suggested. Pete nodded, grabbing Patrick’s hand.

“C’mon, food time is now.”