To anyone else, this might be a silly gesture, it’s probably a child’s bracelet after all, but to me, it’s perfect. He saw it and thought of me.
“I love it. I love both of them, but this”—I hold up my wrist—“is the best gift anyone’s ever given me.”
He scoffs. “Don’t lie to me, May. It’s nothing.”
I shake my head. “No, it’s perfect,” I tell him, my tone firm. Then I grab his face and plant a kiss on his cheek. “I’m never going to take it off. Well, except when I shower.”
He chuckles. “I can hold it for you. While you shower, I mean. While I watch you shower.” I push his shoulder, and he falls over dramatically. “I better get back.”
“Thanks for feeding me.”
He stands. “If you’re hungry for dessert…” He grabs himself over his jeans and squeezes. Instantly, my insides fill with heat. Jesus, he’s flirty today. If he’s trying to butter me up with gifts and lewd gestures so that I’ll give in and say to hell with the rules, he’s getting damn close.
I hold out my hand, and he tugs me to my feet. “Sorry, I’m stuffed.”
“I could stuff you with something.”
My head rolls back with a groan. I walked right into that one. “Good Lord, go!” He laughs, backing away, staring at me until he reaches the steps. He tips his chin, turns, and walks away, leaving me staring after him with all these feelings fluttering around inside me.
My heels clackagainst the floor as I head to the band’s greenroom. TripleKill is performing now, and this place isloud. The sounds of their heavy guitar riffs and screams vibrate the walls.
This might be my favorite venue ever now. It’s big and modern, with checkered floors and sleek light fixtures. Everything is top of the line. It’s packed, too, and it’s twice the size of other venues they’ve played. They sold over five thousand tickets tonight. A new record.
Calvin is outside the door, on the phone. When he sees me, he spins, stepping farther away. He’s so strange. Like I give a shit who he’s talking to.
My feet freeze, déjà vu hitting me. This isn’t the first time he’s been shady. My brows lower, pieces clicking together in my head. The greenroom door opens, and Travis pops out. He doesn’t see me as he heads toward Calvin.
My blood pressure spikes. Calvin’s the one getting Travis drugs. Motherfucking Calvin. How did I not see this sooner? It’s the only obvious explanation, and he’s doing it again. That’s why he’s being secretive. Travis isn’t quitting like he said.
Calvin is finished once Tanner and Penn find out about this. I should march in there and rat him out now, send his ass back to wherever he came from. Instead, I spin on my heel and walk back to the lobby. I was going to wish Travis good luck. His voice isn’t fully healed, but he’s singing anyway, but now, I’m not wishing him shit.
53
TRAVIS
It feltgood to be back on stage tonight. I was only gone for two shows, but damn, it only proved that I can’t live without this shit. I fucking need it.
My voice was a little hoarse, but I don’t think the fans minded.
We file off stage. My adrenaline is going nuts. I didn’t even take an Adderall today. This is the natural high I get doing this. I told Calvin earlier to cancel my order for more. I’m starting to feel somewhat anxious knowing withdrawals are coming and are probably going to be a bitch, but I can handle it. Maybe Ellie will reward me for being such a good boy. Speaking of Ellie, I haven’t seen her since I brought her lunch earlier. She normally stops in before the show.
I peek around as we walk back to the room, but don’t see her anywhere. Did she not come? I grab some water off the table and chug it to soothe my throat.
“Great turnout tonight,” Calvin says from the corner.
“Where’s Ellie?” I ask.
He shrugs. “Haven’t seen her.”
“Alright, guys, rest up. We’re back on the road at 7 a.m.tomorrow,” Tanner informs us as he strides toward the door. That’s it? No ‘band meeting?’
Everyone else trails behind him, including Penn.
“Yo!” I call, and he turns around, arching a brow at me. “You mad at me?”
“Should I be?”
Yes.
