“Not really, but I miss my friends.” My chest aches, missing my best friend more than anyone. In the four years we lived together, we never spent more than a week apart, until she met Penn. Now we barely see each other. She lives with him, and I’m on tour. And I hate living alone. I’d never tell her that. It would make her feel guilty, and I could never do that to her. She’s so happy now. “We’re nearly halfway now, though, so I canmanage,” I add.
“Actually, there’s talk of extending the tour. Might be on the road another four to five weeks if it all works out.”
My spine stiffens. “Since when?”
“Nothing is set in stone.”
I huff, annoyed no one mentioned this to me. It’s not like I have anything to rush home to, but a heads-up would’ve been nice.
I slide my phone out of my pocket and click the text thread between Liv and me. It’s late, but she might still be up.
Ellie:
I miss you!!
To my surprise and utter glee, she responds right away.
Olivia:
I miss you so much! Are you doing ok? Are they treating you well?? Just say the word…
Ellie:
It’s fine. They treat me well but I hate being kept out of the loop. Calvin just dropped the bomb about the tour possibly extending! I mean, how long have they known this? Did you know?
I imagine if Penn knew, Liv definitely knew. I bet he’s not happy about it either. I worried he wouldn’t leave her at all. She practically had to force him.
Olivia:
What? No, I didn’t know. How long?
I can sense her panic through the texts, even though it doesn’t show. I know my best friend. I feel like shit for dropping that on her this late at night. I was only trying to vent, but now I’ve probably ruined any chance she had at a solid night’s sleep.
Ellie:
I’m sorry Liv! It might be nothing. I was just pissed because Calvin doesn’t tell me shit. He’s always so secretive. I’m sure Penn didn’t want to tell you unless it was for sure and it’s NOT!
Olivia:
It’s ok. I’m fine. I’m glad the tour is doing so well. I’m proud of them. I just miss you guys <3
I tell her I love her, then tuck my phone away, shooting a glare at Calvin.
“What?”
“Nothing.” I huff, standing up and moving to the back of the bus.
I toss and turn for hours. It feels like I just passed out when yelling jolts me awake.
“The fuck?!” I hear Penn roar.
My eyes pop open, and I jump out of bed, scurrying to the living area, following the noise. The bus is still, so we must be parked somewhere.
“Calm down, Penn,” Calvin says coolly.
Oof.
“Fuck you. Stay out of this.” Penn’s voice lowers to a lethal level I’ve only heard a couple times before. A smile almost slips out because it’s Calvin who’s getting his wrath, but then a puddle of guilt hits my stomach. This has to be about what I told Liv. The next words out of Calvin’s mouth confirm it.
