Eventually, he nods, making a note in his own folder. “Let’s plan on an early tour, then,” he says, closing his notebook and pushing to stand. I stand with him and follow him to the door. He pauses when he’s at the threshold and turns back to me. “I truly am sorry about what happened to Riley and to yourgirlfriend. I also apologize if I came across as insincere. Take the time you need and send me a list of any additional equipment you may need. I’ll have it shipped to your house to use in your studio.”
“Will do, thanks, Cort.” I’m appreciative of his apology and his olive branch in offering to help us out, but I’m just ready to get the fuck out of here and back to Collins and Riley.
He leaves, and when I face the others again, I note that Ayla is now murmuring with Fletcher over dates and venues for the tour, Bear is engrossed with whatever is on the other side of his phone, and Blair is grinning like an idiot at his.
“Ayla,” I call, and her head snaps up. “What do you need from me?”
She just smiles and shakes her head. “Just keep your schedule open for the new tour lineup. I’m going to stay and get Mr. Mc—Fletcher caught up on what’s what. We’ll worry about the press once Riley feels comfortable enough to step out again.” She nods toward the door. “Go. I can hear your internal screaming and it’s annoying me.”
Blair barks a laugh and shoots to stand. “I knew I loved you, Ayla.”
“Get the hell out of here, you fucking shit disturbers, and let me work in peace, please.”
A low, rumbling chuckle resounds from within Fletcher’s chest, and it’s got that color creeping up Ayla’s face again.
Bear pushes to stand. “Call me if you need a ride when you’re done, Ay.”
She rolls her eyes but smiles. “Will do.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I happily tune everyone out when I unlock the screen and see that I have two texts. One in the group chat and one separate text from Riley.
SWEET BOY: Still good here, since I know you’ll be asking. I’m sore as hell, but I’m here. So much to be thankful for. Like these M&M’s and morphine. But most importantly, you and Collins.
My heart thumps in my chest as I read and reread his text before even realizing he’d sent another. My smile falls when I read his separate text.
SWEET BOY: When you get back, can you check on Collins first? She’s back in her room and I think she’s napping now. Asher is with her, but she seemed a little off after therapy today.
What? Why the fuck is she in her own room? Collins couldn’t be pried from Riley’s side with a crowbar, so what the fuck happened? I don’t want to cause further worry, so I respond:
ME: Will do. You need anything from me until then?
SWEET BOY: To get the hell out of here and go home.
ME: Soon, baby. Xx
My own heart does this little galloping thump at calling him that. It feels right.
I open the text thread with Collins
ME: Still alright? You still napping, Sleeping Beauty?.
STARDUST: I’m okay, we’ve got an update about Riley’s therapy and I still feel drained from my own. How was the meeting?
My response is immediate.
ME: Just okay still? What’s wrong?
STARDUST: I’m alright. Promise. I’ll talk to you when you get back.
Sure she is.
I fire off a new text to Asher.
ME: Is Collins alright? Ri is worried about her. *I* am worried about her.
It takes a minute, but then he responds.
First, it’s a picture of Collins laying on her side, facing away from Asher.
