The energy in the air has been sparking with enthusiasm. With the band’s newest album releasing tonight and the first show of the tour tomorrow, it’s like everyone has been pumped full of fire.
I’ve hardly seen any of them, which I suspected would happen. Just days into witnessing this life, I wonder how they don’t wear out quickly. Something always needs to be done, look and sound perfect, and their presence at certain events that have nothing to do with them has the power to make or break the party.
I don’t know how they do this.
After studying with Stella for a couple of hours, I take the opportunity to apply my makeup for the day since the bus isempty and quiet. Just as I’m applying my nude lip gloss, Amelia rushes onto the bus, heading straight for me.
“Great! It’s such a relief, seeing you getting ready!” she chirps, bouncing in the spot from happiness, which makes her braided ponytail swing with the movement. “Elijah told me to send along the message to you, but I totally forgot.”
Huh?“I’m lost. What message?”
Her face turns down.
“I was just getting ready for nothing, honestly.”
“So, you don’t know?” She bites her lip.
“No …” I trail off, packing up my makeup back into my case.
“Oh my gosh, he’s going to kill me!” she yells, startling me. Rushing toward my luggage, she pounces on my red suitcase. “We need to find you a super-cute outfit and never speak of this, okay?” she stresses.
I rush over to her and place a comforting hand on her shoulder. “What do I need a cute outfit for? I was just planning on going out and exploring the city.”
She gasps like I insulted her. “Our album release party is tonight. You have to come.” Knee deep into my pile of clothes, she holds up a sparkly red dress I decided to pack at the last minute. “This is absolutely perfect! I can just imagine how stunning you’ll look in this.”
I catch it midair when she tosses it to me. Brushing off the nonexistent dust on her knees, she smiles. “My brothers and Trinity will come by and pick you up before we all leave. Call me if you need anything.”
And she’s off like she was never even here.
“Breathe. You’re going to be fine,” Thea encourages me over the line as I pace back and forth, waiting for Elijah.
“You’re just trying to make me feel better,” I groan. My body feels like it’s overflowing with nerves.
“No, I’m not …” She trails off, not sounding convincing at all. “It’s not like you’re going to be alone. Elijah and his siblings will be there.”
“They may as well be strangers,” I hiss, checking my reflection in the mirror for the twentieth time. A nervous tic.
“Oh, come on. Elijah is not a stranger, and you know it!” I hear light chatter on her end. “If you keep up the dramatics, all it’ll take to stop you is pushing the red button on my screen.”
“I don’t care if you hang up on me. You know why?” I don’t wait for her to answer. “Because I’m looking at the Block button.” I try to sound intimidating.
“I’ll come and find you, which will be super easy since the whole world knows the touring schedule.”
“By all means, waste your time because I’ll kidnap one of the band’s bodyguards and use him for protection.”
“You don’t need them when you’re with me, but say the word, and they’re yours.”
My heart falls to my butt as I scream. I didn’t even hear Elijah enter the bus, but I find him in the doorway.
“Sounds like you have company, so I’ll let you go.” Thea doesn’t give me a chance to respond before she hangs up the phone.
“I was just joking. The last thing I want is a bodyguard, not that I need one or anything,” I stammer, rushing around, gathering my handbag and touching up my lip gloss.
When I’m ready to go, I face Elijah again and find him in the same spot, gawking at the sight of me. His mouth opens and closes a second later.
“Y-you look fucking stunning, Lulu.”
Butterflies gather in my lower belly. I cross one ankle in front of the other. I’m sure I’m blushing.
