I’ve gone camping in more luxurious accommodations than this bus, and yet, the joy I find in this simple life is greater than I had when I lived in my father’s plush mansion.
Somehow, when I’m with Toxic, my worries melt away and my fears become trivial. I no longer think about my inheritance as much as I used to, though it still lingers in the back of my mind. I have…hope.
“Hey!” Vanessa calls excitedly.
Looking up from my phone, I say, “What’s up?”
“I just had a video reach over one hundred thousand views in two hours!”
“That’s amazing—but you know what that means?”
“Put the pedal to the metal and grind.”
I wink. “I’ve taught you well! Now get to peacocking.”
She bounds away, excited about her progress and all the new things she’s receiving from sponsors, and while we may not be friends, we’ve spent more than one long night getting to know each other, and I find myself not only respecting her, but admiring.
And, because I have Jacek under my thumb, I’ve created more than one situation where Natasha has walked in on us giggling while at venues.
Poor, poor Natasha has no idea what’s going on. Only that Vanessa gets excited every time she sees me.
Never let it be said that I’m not fucking good at my job.
Toxic appears out of nowhere, smelling like delicious smoke.
“Are you ready to eat?”
My stomach growls an enthusiastic, ‘Yes!’.
We make our way to the head of the bus, but the sight of the barbecue makes my stomach flip-flop.
Unfortunately, I have more than just vomit going on.
Toxic holds out a basket full of brisket to me, all fatty pieces, my favorite.
Frowning, I look at the other food available, and because nothing—and I mean nothing—makes sense with me anymore, I begin to cry.
What the ever-living fuck is wrong with me?
I turn to wipe my tears away without him noticing.
“There’s chicken if you’d prefer that,” Toxic offers.
“No, thanks,” I tell him, clutching my stomach as I fight my way out from the shroud of despair that’s threatening to consume me.
“Come on, baby, you need to eat.” He shoves the basket in my face again.
I scrunch my nose, moving away as I shake my head.
“If you’re worried, we only get natural and organically raised meat?—”
“It’s fine, Toxic. I’ll figure something out.”
He leans down, whispering into my ear, “Did the hormones turn you into a vegetarian?”
My brow lifts in shock. “You think I’m a vegetarian?”
“You’d have to be if you’re turning this away.” He shakes the basket of brisket.
