I stare, realization dawning on me. She’s going to take pictures of the meet and greet too.
Fuck.
Why can’t I just get away from her? The universe is clearly playing some cruel, sick joke on me. Something in my brain snaps, all the emotions I’ve been suppressing tonight exploding through me in a swift wave, and I turn to look at Daire.
“I’m actually not feeling well,” I say, keeping my voice down. “I think I’m going to skip out on the VIPs.”
His gray eyes snap up to mine, and I can see the concern in them.
“You sure, Kase?” he mutters.
“Positive.”
I turn without a backward glance and head for the door, certain I can already hear a bottle calling my name from the tour bus.
Chapter 7
Joseline
I’m exhausted by the end of the meet and greet. My feet are killing me, my thighs are burning, and I don’t feel like calling an Uber. I just want to curl into the fetal position, but none of the benches in the venue will do. Besides, they’re ushering people out of the building so they can lock up for the night.
I have to leave.
The closest place to crash is Niki’s tour bus, which suddenly sounds like a dream. I pull out my phone as I drag myself to the exit and shoot her a text, hoping she’s still awake.
Me:Mind if I crash with you tonight?
She answers right after.
Niki:Of course not. Come on.
A tiny sigh of relief escapes me as I step out into thenight, the cool air kissing my heated skin. It’s a welcome relief after the sweltering auditorium. My feet hurt more with every step, like they know just how close I am to kicking off these boots, and I hobble to Niki’s bus as quickly as I can.
Unsurprisingly, she’s curled up in her faithful recliner when I slip inside.
“Hey, how’d it go?” A sleepy smile curves her mouth. “Did you have fun?”
“I haven’t sweat that much in a while,” I laugh, crashing onto the couch. I hurriedly unzip my boots and kick them off, moving them out of the way. “But I didn’t pass out or face plant, so I’m calling it a win.”
She nods approvingly. “I bet you got some amazing shots.”
“Tons.” I grin widely, a few images in particular coming to mind as I tuck my camera bag out of the way. “I’ll get started editing early tomorrow and see if I can’t get some posts circulating. The meet and greet was fun, but…”
My thoughts trail off as I remember the way Tobias looked at me before leaving. I thought he was going to the bathroom or something until one of the twins said he didn’t feel well.
That was fucking bullshit.
I don’t believe that’s why he left, but I can’t prove it. And I can’t say that I care. The vibes are much better without his asshole energy bringing everyone down.
“But what?” Niki asks, cocking her head to the side.
It’s not worth mentioning. I know it’s not.
Still, the words burn up my throat.
“Tobias left before the meet and greet even started.” My brows furrow in disbelief. “I was pretty sure he hated me, but now I have no doubt.”
Niki shakes her head, clearly unconvinced. “I’m sure that’s not why he left, Jos. Just ignore him; I told you, he’s prickly.”
