Leaning down, he whispers, “Are you all right? I remember how overwhelming that felt in the beginning.”
I look around at all the bodies crowding this stuffy room. Triple Threat gets hollers and whoops from everyone as they enter the crowd and greet everyone they work with, along with other celebrities who have shown up to support Times Three.
“I’m okay,” I reassure him, noticing how he looks very stressed. “How do you deal with that?”
I feel his muscular shoulder shrug against mine. “It’s part of the job. I had no other choice but to become numb to it.”
My heart aches.
For all of them.
As the countdown starts, people idolize both bands like they’re tourist attractions they’re dying to take pictures with. Bodies push together, people jump around, and Times Three’s newest album blasts—which is already gaining momentum in the charts.
I try to ignore the gut-wrenching feeling that’s started to form in my stomach.
Yet it won’t go away, no matter how hard I swallow.
NINETEEN
LILY
“Toronto, how are we feeling?”
From Times Three’s dressing room, I hear Levi’s voice boom from the stage. The crowd roars in response.
“Thank you for coming to opening night of The Revenge Tour. My band and Times Three are so thankful you guys are here. Let’s have a great night, aye?”
His voice isloud. No wonder the crew is walking around with earbuds in.
Times Three just left the room to warm up their vocals, so I’m sitting on the couch, flipping through a paperback Trinity threw in my face before following the band.
I found myself unable to look away as the band got all glammed up for the concert. I made a list of all the steps they did to be mentally and physically prepared to go onstage—wardrobe change, glistening makeup, hydration checks, rest, breathing exercises, sound checks, engagement plan, and meditation for a healthy mindset.
Fans had waited overnight outside of the hotel, holding up signs and singing along to the band’s music. Even more fans camped out at the venue, trying to get front row in the barricade.Their unconditional love and support could move planets in space.
Not once had I spoken to Elijah today because the moment I woke up, they were preparing for the show. The only time I spotted him all day was when he was changing for the show before they whisked him off somewhere else.
What worried me was his empty eyes. The dark brown orbs that usually light up with strong emotion were dull. Thin red veins spread like a spiderweb from his outer eye to his pupil. More like a ghost rather than a human, he went along with all the orders thrown his way.
The distant sound of Triple Threat’s set has me closing the book, leaning back on the couch, and shutting my eyes as I focus on the instrumental. Two songs play before the door opens. Feeling the couch dip beside me, I open my eyes and find Elijah.
“Long time no see, stranger,” I say playfully, trying to get him to smile, but he doesn’t.
“Sorry. I should have warned you on show days that I’m hardly around.” His voice is cold, filled with ice that I’m unfamiliar with.
I see more of his back than his face as he leans forward. His hands are fisted on each of his bent knees. I rub up and down his muscular back, and his skin tenses before relaxing into my touch.
“You gotta stop apologizing for everything. I’m here to work, and so are you. I didn’t expect to spend ninety-nine percent of my time with you. One of the main rock stars on this tour is obviously going to be crazy busy.”
“Still doesn’t make it right for me to disappear all day. Since you’re new to this lifestyle, I should have prepared you more on what show days look like.” He hangs his head, and wavy brown hair falls in his eyes.
“Do you want me to be mad at you?” I say with mock seriousness.
He hums, “It’s the least I deserve after everything.”
I tsk, turning his neck in my direction until he looks at me. “Don’t torture yourself like this … especially before a show. You need to be mentally prepared to get on that stage, and if I’m causing you stress before a performance, then this is the last one I’ll be attending.”
“N-no,” he stammers out quickly, pained. With wide eyes, he turns to face me, and our knees bonk together. “I like you being here.”
