Because their schedule on this tour was tighter and the locations farther apart than the tour the year before, Brad created several lists, including a driving schedule. He, Val, and Zane would take turns driving. No one questioned it, except for Val, asking why it was only the three of them. Brad simply told her the truth. He knew if Val or Zane had to get behind the wheel, they’d be sober. He knew for a fact that both Ethan and Nick had driven when they shouldn’t have, and Brad didn’t want to risk their lives or his van just because one of them was being irresponsible. He only planned to give Val or Zane the keys when he needed sleep, so he had to know the van was in good hands. The tour was fast and frenetic. It was energizing, something their shows had been lacking for the last few weeks. He wasn’t sure why. Their last show was in Texas and it kicked ass. They made more money from that show than any other on their tour, but the entire tour had amazed Brad with the money it brought in. He and the other bands had hoped for that, though, and they’d planned ahead in anticipation. They’d sprung for three suites the final night, because he knew they’d want to party hard before heading back home. Val, of course, still had her own room and it was down the hall, and when the guys complained about that, saying she could sleep on a couch or something, she paid for her own room and told them to “shut the fuck up already.” She apologized to Brad for making things difficult, and he said, “Val, you know I’ve always supported you having your own room. No need to tell me you’re sorry. I’ll slip you a little extra cash to pay for it.”
