thirty five.

                                    

                                          
November 15, 2016
I pulled up outside the venue, double-checking the bags of food on the passenger seat. Lunch for four—sandwiches, salads, chips, and some fruit, obviously. Dede was probably supposed to handle this, but I know she's been swamped with responsibility. Knowing her and Harry well enough, I know for a fact they'd overwork themselves before stopping to eat so I took on the task of grabbing their lunch myself. Besides, it was a good excuse to come and see how the auditions for Harry's band are going. It's early to start the process, considering they wouldn't be performing for at least another six months, but Harry wants to lock things in now so he doesn't have to worry about it once the baby comes. Typical Harry, always thinking ahead, making sure everything will be just right.
The November chill nipped at my face as I stepped out of the car, pulling my coat tighter around me. Inside the venue, I did my best to avoid the eyes of the auditionees scattered around the lobby, their nervous energy hanging in the air. None of them will know who they're auditioning for until they walk into the room— talk about the shock of a lifetime. I made a quick beeline to the main stage. The dimly lit auditorium was nearly silent, except for the soft hum of voices coming from the stage. As I walked down the aisle, I could make out Harry, Dede, Mitch, and his manager Jeff huddled to the side, heads bent over a clipboard. Harry had his back to me, and even from behind, I could sense his focus, his excitement radiating in his posture.
"Lunch delivery!" I called, holding up the bags with a grin. Heads turned my way, and Harry spun around, his face breaking into a broad smile.
"Fruit Ninja! What are you doing here?" He crossed the stage with that easy stride of his, pulling me into a quick hug. "You didn't have to do this."
"I know," I murmured, hugging him back, "but I figured Dede had enough on her plate today, and you all need to eat." 
Dede gave me a grateful look. "Sienna, you're a lifesaver. I was about to call in some fast food or something, but let's be real—nothing I'd order would get the 'Mr. Vegan' seal of approval." She shot Harry an affectionate, exaggerated eye roll.
I laughed, handing out the sandwiches and salads, and they settled on the edge of the stage, legs dangling off the side as they unwrapped their lunches. It felt strangely cozy, the small group gathered here in the vast, empty venue. The conversation started up, easy and flowing, as they began sharing stories from the morning's auditions with me. I listened, amused, as each of them recounted their favorite oddball audition stories. Apparently, the search for the right band members was proving... interesting.
"So, there was this guy," Jeff started, smirking. "He shows up with a harmonica, right? And he goes, 'I know this is a rock gig, but trust me, this harmonica is going to change everything.'"
Harry nearly choked on his drink, laughing. "Oh my god. I nearly forgot about that guy!"
"Did it work out for him?" I asked, raising a brow.
Mitch shook his head, chuckling. "Let's just say we weren't convinced Harry will be needing a harmonica on tour."
Dede snorted. "I mean, points for confidence, right?"
As the lunch wrapped up, Harry nudged me with a grin. "You should stay for a bit, love. Sit in on some auditions. I'd love to get your opinion on a few of them."
"Me?" I raised an eyebrow, feeling a flicker of surprise.
"Yeah, why not?" His eyes sparkled with that irresistible charm of his. "You've got great taste, and it'd be fun to do this together."
"Well, if you need an extra pair of ears..." I shrugged, trying to play it cool, even though a little thrill of excitement shot through me. This will s save me from sitting in Harry's huge house alone all day.