“Let’s get out of here so we can talk,” I tell her as I wrap an arm around her shoulders and keep her close to me so she doesn’t run off and leave me again.“Noah, take us to one of the rooms where we can eat.I don’t want to go to the bus just yet.Jagger arranged a private meet and greet with someone and Nora needs privacy once we step on the bus so it won’t be happening there.Plus, I’m starving and could use something good to eat.”
“You’ve already got a room reserved not far from the bus.We’ll head there and I’ll make sure Jagger knows that’s where we are so no one gets close to the bus,” Noah says as we start to walk through the backstage area.
The man who hasn’t taken his eyes off of me is so close now I can feel the heat of his body wrapping around mine.It’s comforting in a way since my entire body is tense from one look at my best friend.I haven’t even had a chance to look at Bridger and make sure he hasn’t been hurt by Dillon.Nora would never let someone hurt her son, I know it deep in my soul.She would give her life for Bridger and not think twice about doing it.We’ve had the conversation more than once and I know her words to be true.It was the first time I really thought something was off about her relationship with Dillon.
“There’s a large crowd of fans up ahead.I’m gonna place my hand on your back so I can move you through them faster.Is that okay?”I hear from behind me.The man has the smoothest, deepest voice I’ve ever heard in my life and sends a tremor through my body.
“That’s okay,” I answer him as his hand touches the skin of my back and it feels as if a jolt of electricity shoots straight through me.My heart skips a beat again and it feels as if my breath gets stuck in my chest.Goosebumps fill my skin where his hand touches my body.Holy shit!I’ve definitely never responded to anyone like this before.
The man’s hand is rough and I can feel callouses.Instead of being disgusted, it makes me wonder what kind of regular work he does.There are so many ways a person can have rough hands from the job they have.Something about this guy tells me he’s no stranger to working with his hands instead of letting everyone else do something for him.
Nora and I are led through the crowd of fans as they all shout and call out to me.I smile and wave but don’t stop for autographs and pictures like I normally would.Right now, my bestie needs to be removed from the crowd and we need to have a few minutes on our own before we face everyone again.Once I have Nora settled on the bus and make sure Bridger and her are okay, I’ll come out and spend some time taking photos and signing everything.I rarely do that, but I feel bad for making these people feel as if I’m ignoring them or something when it’s the last thing I’m doing.I know if it weren’t for the fans, I wouldn’t have a job I love and be able to live out my biggest dreams.They spend their hard earned money on tickets, albums, merchandise, and everything else that comes out for their favorite singer or band.The least I can do is spend some time with them, talking a little, signing things they bring, and taking pictures with them.It’s how I’ve always felt.
“When we’re done and Nora’s on the bus, I’ll be coming back out to meet this group of fans,” I tell Noah as we finally make it to the room we’ll be in.
“I’ll make sure everyone knows.We’ll be right outside if you need anythin’, Ruby.Dinner should be here in five.I let them know we were on our way over with you,” he informs me before holding open the door and checking out the room to ensure no one else is inside.
Nora and I enter and wait until the door is closed firmly between us and the rest of the world.Now, my best friend breaks as I take Bridger from her hands and hold him close while trying to hold her up.Together we sink to the floor and she collapses in my lap.I let her cry as I hold her and my Godson in my arms.There’s nothing more I can do right now until she’s calmed down enough to talk to me.I don’t care how long it takes because Nora is one of the most important people in my world and I’ll spend a lifetime holding her if that’s what she needs from me.
Chapter Five
Ice
WATCHING RUBY PERFORMon stage is an experience I’m glad I get to have.She completely plays for the crowd in front of her and doesn’t stop giving them all of her energy and happiness throughout the show.Ruby never once lost her smile as she went from one song to the next, stopping a few times to share a few words with the fans in front of her.Watching everyone listen as she speaks is like nothing I’ve ever seen before.They’re quiet until she asks them a question or mentions the next song she’ll play.Then, the energy is back as her fans all scream and jump around.None of them leave or move as her voice fills the air around them and it locks them in place.They all know every single word to each song and sing with her.Ruby notices and raises her hands a few times so they get louder as she listens to them and stops singing.She fully engages everyone in the crowd and makes them feel like they’re a part of the experience.It’s amazing.
When she pulled Memphis on stage, I got a sick feeling deep in the pit of my stomach.We were all told she was in a relationship with Camden that had just ended.I’m not sure what happened between the two of them, but part of me wonders if it had to do with Memphis, the bass player of Wicked Angels.The smile she gave him made my heart hurt because it’s not one I’ve seen on her.It’s full and only for him.It’s like everyone else vanishes from their world as he pulls her in his arms and I watch on from the sidelines.Every single part of me wants to rush the stage and rip them apart, to pull Ruby in my arms and hold her while keeping Memphis as far from her as possible.
Even as Memphis talks to the crowd, he doesn’t release his hold on Ruby.He continues to hold her close and she lets him.If anything, Ruby leans further against his side like she can’t get close enough to him.I don’t honestly know if she realizes that’s what she’s doing because it just seems to happen.It’s not until he releases his hold on her to play the guitar in his hands that I’m able to take my first full breath again.That is until Ruby’s voice fills the air and tightens the hold she has on me even more.
What the fuck is going on with me?
“You good, Ice?”Lock asks me, stepping closer as we listen to the music playing.
“Yeah.Why?”I return, not taking my eyes off the performance in front of me as Ruby turns to face Memphis and steps closer to him.
“You have a murderous look on your face.It’s one I’ve never seen from you before.What’s goin’ on in that head of yours?”my best friend questions me as I still don’t take my eyes off the couple in front of us.
