They separate, and Donny beams with excitement. “Ryan from Recoil just man-hugged me.”
“Oh my God, you’re such a girl right now, Donny,” Roxie states.
We all laugh as Ryan and I turn, heading for the door.
“Thanks again, Roxie,” I say.
“That’s what big sisters are for.”
“Yes, to babysit pet rats,” I tease.
She pushes my shoulders toward the door with a laugh. “Get out! Enjoy your tour. Don’t do drugs or have orgies.”
“Oh my God, Rox!” I gasp while Ryan chuckles.
“What? I’m serious,” she says.
Ryan’s now laughing.
Roxie and Donny stand at the door, waving as we walk to the car.
“Your sister’s a hoot,” Ryan says as we slide into our seats.
“She’s a pain in my ass, that’s what she is.”
“Nah, she’s just looking out for you. It’s nice to have people on your side.”
We wave to my family, who are smiling happily at us from the house, and I look at Ryan. I can’t help but think about how well he fit in with them and how easy it was for us all to be together.
“That was nice,” Ryan says, starting the car.
“Sorry about Savvy stealing you away.”
“No, it’s fine. She reminded me of someone, and it was...” he pauses, but sighs softly. “It was comforting.”
“I wasn’t sure if you were a kids kinda guy or not?”
He smiles, and it’s genuine. “I am a big kid at heart, so I get along with them just fine. I love kids. I get them. Must be the childlike mentality.” Ryan laughs, as do I, and he pulls the car out onto the street.
We head back toward my place.
Two Days Later
We’re settled on the private jet Oliver acquired for the band, along with the entourage coming with us, like the new security detail, to be headed by the main security officer, Declan, an ex-Navy SEAL. We also have three flight attendants—one is a man, Trent, who is overly flamboyant but everyone loves him—and then there are Ava and Rozanne.
We’re flying five and a half hours from Los Angeles to New York, and the mood in the cabin is high. Danger’s humming while sitting next to Lunar. Nate plays with his iPad, and I watch as Matt flirts with Ava.
The entire flight is spent in comfortable ease.
Luckily, flying with this band is no hassle at all. They’re nothing like your typical rock band I’ve traveled with in the past, who are generally very loud and boisterous.
I love this atmosphere, and I adore these guys. They’ve included me in their family, and I’m happily cuddled up next to Ryan as he gently plays with my hair. This is uncomplicated, effortless, and I could really get used to it.
We land five hours later and make our way off the jet, down the tarmac, and into the arrival area.
Ryan grips my hand, Danger has his arm draped around Lunar’s shoulders, Nate is humming to himself, and Matt is still chatting up Ava as we all walk through the tunnel and out into the open expanse.
As the guys enter the open area, a barrage of screaming girls run toward us, and I open my eyes wide as Ryan chuckles. He looks at me as Danger glances toward Ryan with the biggest smile.
