We’re pulled off the highway somewhere in Texas, waiting to hear from some people whether Chris (who we threw out earlier, due to his antics) is already in Austin, or missing. I’m riding in the car, which has pulled into an empty church parking lot, and I’m walking around, getting some air and enjoying the last moments of daylight when we receive confirmation: Chris is in Austin.
It's been a good day, getting to shower and clean myself up, but all my weariness comes back, between fast food for dinner, and knowing that no matter how funny this is now, it’s inevitably going to get awkward. Despite everything, I’m anxious to see Austin. While I’ve enjoyed the state so far, it’s nice to be in an actual new city, and not just the suburban sprawl. We stake out a spot about ten minutes away from the venue; as far as Chris knows, we’re still in Waco, tirelessly searching for him.
There are two shows tonight; a “UCB All Star” Improv show at 8, and a Gethard Show proper at 10. The band shows up separately around quarter to 9. I’d be much more excited for this show, except I’m feeling worse now. I pass up exploring the neighborhood and locals in favor of pacing around the front bar until it’s time to change and start sound checking. It dawns on me to try to text message the few people I know in Austin about the show about an hour before, to no avail. Either way, the theater is completely full, and our drunkest, rowdiest crowd yet.
As could be expected, the first few minutes of the show are incredibly awkward, since half of the cast is mysteriously absent. Fortunately, Chris shines in moments like this, and is quick to point out that the trip hasn’t been without its share of problems, including today’s events, mentioning “I may have lost some friends today.” That turns out to be the cue for the missing cast to storm in and tell Chris he’s been had.
After the show, we slowly pack everything up, and regroup in the RV to talk about everything that’s happened. It’s awkward, and on top of which I’m so exhausted that I actually start to fall asleep standing up. But once we get through it, things are better – not perfect, but better – and we go to a bar for a little while, where I stand around admiring the bartenders, apparently already having moved on from the manicurist earlier on that day. v We find an apartment to stay at for the night. When I walk inside, I’m hoping to charge my phone, as it was still my only connection to the outside world, but realize I’ve lost it. I don’t even bother looking for it, and go to sleep on a small couch, wondering what the rest of this trip is going to bring.
Next up: The crew gets over everything, and a lot more comfortable with each other.
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