“Parker?”
He turned his head. “Hmm?”
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want. But for now, just relax and catch some Zs.” Rafe wrapped an arm around Parker and curled against his side.
Parker took a few deep breaths and willed his racing heart to quieten. Rafe was a warm contrast to the cool cotton sheets. He smelled of the hotel’s bath products, not the scent Parker was becoming used to, but as Rafe drew him closer, he allowed himself to relax into the hold.
15
“I’m not sure you chose the right hotel for us, Nige,” RG said as he sipped on a cocktail. It was an impressive concoction with an explosion of fruit, straws, and swizzle sticks coming from the top.
“And why the hell not?”
“This is so fucking highbrow,” RG explained, leaning back into the cushioned chair. “Oops, excuse the French. See? I can’t even swear without feeling uncomfortable. I was expecting something a bit more hip. I feel like I’m about to run into my bloody grandmother or get invited for tea.”
“This hotel is perfect.” Nigel waved an arm around. “It’s exclusive. The quiet and luxury and the exemplary service are meant to keep you calm. There’s no way on God’s earth that I want you partying the week away before the festival. This place is meant to encourage peace. You can get some rest, get over your jet lag, swim in the pool, make use of the day spa.”
“You’re kidding? We’re meant to hang around here all day?” RG’s eyes were wide as he bolted upright in his seat. “I thought we were supposed to enjoy this trip.”
Rafe couldn’t help laughing at his horrified expression.
“Gotcha!” Nigel laughed. “Although in all seriousness, I do want you to take a few days to rest and get over the jet lag. Then you’ll be kept busy enough. Sheila has arranged a bit of a welcome party for you all. You’ll meet the rest of the LA management team and some of the other artists from the company stable. I believe it’s being hosted at one of the hottest new venues in town. Then she’s arranged for you guys to go check out the Bad Boys, who are playing locally. I’m just waiting on final confirmation, but they want you to play a song or two as their opener.”
“Cool. They’re fucking awesome. Anyone want another one?” RG waved the bartender over.
Drink orders taken, Rafe sat back and observed his surroundings. The terrace bar was filling up fast. No wonder—it had the perfect view of the sun going down over the Pacific Ocean. Parker was seated beside him, this time, to Rafe’s pleasure, deliberately having taken the seat, not avoiding him like he had back at the airport lounge in Sydney. It seemed that something had changed on the flight over, and that something was for the better.Definitely for the better.Rafe sent a smile his way and was rewarded with one of Parker’s shy grins.
“I’m not sure I said thanks for helping us out with this tour. It saved us a shit-ton of hassle.”
“No worries,” Parker said. “Although I’m sure you could have done better than getting stuck with me.”
“You aced it, Parker. Faultless.”
Parker shrugged. “Being technically able isn’t everything though. As you know, there’s more to a performance than just hitting the right notes. I think the last time I was on a stage for a full performance was my year six school musical.”
“Yeah?”
Parker chuckled. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. I was Benjamin.”
“Ah. No multicoloured coat for you then.”
“Nope. Mostly I got to hide in the background amongst a horde of brothers.”
“Well, that won’t be happening this time.” Rafe accepted the glass from the server with a nod of thanks.
“Huh?” Parker’s brows drew together.
“Hiding your bright light under a bushel. We’re all equals in the band, a team performance, and you’ll be right up there with us.”
Even in the twilight, Rafe could see Parker blanch. “Jesus,” he muttered.
Rafe placed a hand on his forearm. “Are you okay?”
Parker swallowed heavily and nodded.
“You’ll be fine, Parker. Like I said, you were amazing in that quasi-audition.”
“It’s not my guitar playing that I’m worried about. I know I’ve got a handle on that. It’s the rest that goes with it.”
