“Yep. Let’s go,” I offer, just as Kristy and Alana start drifting my way.
“Where are the groupies?” Kristy asks, raising a brow.
I’ve been wondering the same.
Luke sighs. “They’re already at the club in the VIP area. Figured it was better to keep them there instead of in here. Green room is for you girls.”
I nod. “Fair enough. Let’s get moving. I need a drink.” Looping my arms through Kristy and Alana’s, we head out. The second we do, I clock the two security guys falling in behind us. It’s hard not to notice things like that now. It’s cool in one way because it kind of screams you’ve made it, but it also means privacy is gone.
As we walk, Kristy clears her throat. “So… look, I know we’re the Three Amigos. You two are step-sisters. I’m the honorary bestie. We go way back. Which means… I gotta be real with you.”
Alana and I exchange a glance. A little shiver races up my spine as Kristy’s not usually cryptic unless something’s bugging her.
“Kris, you’re scaring me,” I mutter.
She gives a soft smile. “It’s not bad. I’ve just… um, noticed Andi’s been more on edge than usual lately.”
Alana snorts. “That’s just Andi. She’s permanently on edge.”
Kristy glances over her shoulder, so I do the same. Andi, Luke, and Casey are trailing behind. Not too far, but enough.
“Maybe,” Kristy says. “But I think we should keep an eye on her. Just in case.”
“Fair,” I reply with a nod. “I’ll pay attention. She’s seemed a bit snappier, but I chalked it up to lack of sleep. Still, I’ll watch for any changes.”
Kristy exhales. “Good. The last thing we need is the tour derailing before it’s even started.”
“Noted,” I assure her.
As we reach the end of the hall, more security steps in, some flanking us from behind, others falling into place ahead.
“You ladies ready to head to the Hummer?” Raoul asks, his faint French accent smoothing out every word.
I flash him a grin. “Yep. Let’s do this.”
He nods, and his team surrounds Kristy, Alana, and me. A few others stay back to escort Luke, Andi, and Casey.
The door swings open, and the heat hits like a wave. Arizona nights don’t cool down much, and the city’s still alive with cars roaring past, lights flashing, the beat of nightlife humming beneath our feet.
Raoul’s team keeps tight, guiding us along the back path until the pink stretch Hummer comes into view.
Yeah, pink. Of course.
Raoul swings the door open, and the three of us climb in. Inside, soft seventies rock plays from hidden speakers. The interior’s decked out in pink leather bench seats, silver ashtrays, a stocked mini fridge, and neon light strips that glow along the doorway.
I can’t help the huge smile that spreads across my face.
Luke definitely outdid himself with this.
Sliding into the seat nearest the door, I sink back. Kristy drops in beside me, giggling like a schoolgirl, and Alana flops in on the other side.
We all exhale at the same time.
“This is the life,” Kristy sighs, content.
I laugh softly, feeling the tension of the day slowly melt into the plush leather around me.
“Hell yeah,” I reply, turning to the little container next to the fridge. I pop the lid and grin at the neat stash of pre-rolled joints.
