“Don’t strain your voice!”
He kicks his feet, pouting.
“I’m going to text Caleb and see if he has any tips.”
Google is full of crazy remedies that guarantee they’ll have you back to normal in less than eight hours. Somehow, I doubt that’s true.
Travis’s head jerks around, and his brows lower as he scowls at me.
“What?”
He holds up his phone and nods to mine. I stare at him as he types away. A moment later, the message comes through.
Travis:
Why do you have Caleb’s number??
“Seriously?” His brow arches, and I huff. “In case you forgot, we were on the same bus when you so kindly kicked me off yours!” The teeniest bit of remorse passes over his face. “I have the phone number for everyone involved in this tour. I’m the PR manager, too, remember?” He nods curtly. “Great, so let me do my job.”
The next thirty minutes pass in a blur. I stayed on the phone while Travis paced the room. He tried busying himself with Cinnamon, but he’s too agitated. Caleb had some suggestions, but mainly, he said he needed a doctor. I found one within a few miles of the next venue and set up the appointment for the first thing tomorrow morning when we arrive.
I’ve DoorDashed a humidifier, a case of water, tea, and apple juice. The internet swore by warming up apple juice. Not sure how he’s going to feel about that one. I also ordered a variety of fruits, veggies, and nuts. Getting proper nutrients was big on how to restore your voice and overall health. He hasn’t been eating well. He’s barely eating at all. This could very well be a mix of that and the drugs, but I’m no doctor.
“My order will be here in a few minutes. We have to board the bus in an hour. I texted Penn and asked him to pack your stuff.” Travis nods along as I go on. “The first thing you need to do is drink water and rest. Try to sleep while we’re on the road. Do you still have your sleeping pills?”
His jaw clenches, and he rolls his eyes. I’m tempted to call his ass out about his Adderall problem, but he can’t talk and I want to hear what he has to say for himself. Not that there’s any excuse.
Once my things arrive, I stuff Cinnamon in my purse, and we exit the hotel. As soon as we step on the bus, my skin prickles with awareness. Tension fills the air, thick and heavy.
“How ya feeling, buddy?” Liam asks him as we lug our stuff down the hall. Travis shakes his head, and Liam pats his shoulder. “It’s going to be ok.” Liam looks at me, almost like he wants my reassurance, so I smile. It doesn’t feel very convincing, even to me.
This is bad. Bad for the band, worse for Travis. Penn can sing, I know that. They know that.
I think it’ll kill a small piece of his best friend if he has to.
48
TRAVIS
I hate this.
This is bullshit.
I’m sitting here, unable to say a damn thing while everyone goes on about the situation.Mysituation.
I lost my goddamn voice. The thing that makes meme. The thing that makes me needed. And it happened out of nowhere. Well, not nowhere, my throat has been a little scratchy. I just figured it was lack of hydration and overuse, and I could push through.
“I already made him a doctor’s appointment,” Ellie informs the group.
I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes. Not because I’m annoyed with her, I’m annoyed I have to see a damn doctor. She’s been great, but I’m not surprised. Ellie’s a fixer. Got a problem? She’ll find the solution before you can blink. She’s damn good at her job.
This probably doesn’t fall under her list of duties, but she jumped in before I could think and had it taken care of. She got me all kinds of shit I didn’t ask for and found me areputable doctor, somehow persuading them with her sexy voice to get me in ASAP.
“Worst-case scenario, he’s out for weeks, best-case scenario, only the next show,” Tanner starts, staring down at his clipboard.
Pft. How is that best-case scenario? Missing one show is my worst nightmare. I missedonesong when I was arrested, and I’m still not over it. I don’t need them thinking they can do this without me.
“We could cancel,” Liam suggests.
