When Jace’s set is done, I hug Felicity goodbye and push Layla’s stroller backstage. I get lots of video of the guys signing autographs for fans and taking photos. As soon as Marlowe’s set ends, she joins them.
Freaking Cooper jumps up to hug her. “Hey, girl. Glad you could join us.”
How can he be so nice to her? Wasn’t he the one complaining about her being on this tour when it kicked off?
That’s something that bugs me about this industry—the fakeness. The way Cooper can break out the hugs when I know, deep down, he couldn’t give a shit about her. She’s a means to an end.
Marlowe is all smiles when she greets the band, and those assholes scoot down so she can sit next to Jace. I push Layla closer to the table so I can get some video.
“Here, let me watch her for a few minutes,” Edmond says, jogging up to me. “I’ll be right here, and after, I can walk y’all back to the bus.”
“Thank you. You’re getting extra cookies this week.” It’s tough to keep an eye on Layla and record at the same time.
Frank kneels in front of the table and waves me closer. “I want Jace and Marlowe to sing a little something. Maybe a few lines from ‘Red Light.’”
Marlowe grins and grabs Jace’s arm. “I love that song. Why don’t you do your thing, and I’ll sing harmony?”
Jace’s expression is stony, and as much as I hate that he has to interact with her, I know it’s good for his career and this tour. I cough to get his attention. “I bet you guys will sound great.”
His eyes soften, and he nods subtly.
Of course, they’re amazing together. When I get back to the bus, I post a twenty-second clip.
The next morning, it has a hundred thousand views.
30
RORY
As I leantoward our bathroom to dab on some mascara, I can’t help but notice Jace pacing in the bedroom. “You’ll be great. Stop stressing.”
He braces his arms above his head on the doorframe, and I pause to appreciate how handsome he looks in a blue short-sleeved button-up shirt that hugs his chest and shoulders. He’s sporting jeans, cowboy boots, and that backwards baseball cap I love. But the usual mirth in his eyes is replaced with nerves. “Tonight’s a big deal.”
I put down the mascara and wrap my arms around his waist. “Playing in Austin is basically a hometown show. These people are your friends and family and hardcore fans.”
He returns the hug. “That’s why it means so much to me.”
“Your shows kick ass. Enjoy yourself. If you’re really stressed out when you get on stage, just play the penis game.”
Jace busts out laughing. “That’ll go over really well with the label executives.” Leaning down, he kisses me. “Thanks for the pep talk. I’ll meet y’all at the ranch afterward, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
He nibbles my neck. “Sir. I like that.” Then he smacks my ass, hugs his daughter, who’s playing on the floor in the bedroom, and takes off for sound check.
Smiling, I glance down at the baby. “I like your dad, Layla.”
She claps like she agrees. “Dada bada yah.”
When Layla and I arrive in the stadium, I wave to Quinn, who’s sitting up front. “Thanks for lunch! I’ll treat next time,” I shout, and she grins and gives me a thumbs-up.
I weave through the crowd to greet Jace’s family the second I spot them. They take turns hugging me and Layla. Before the concert starts, I put on her headphones, park her in her stroller, and sit next to Paige.
She bumps my elbow. “You look fantastic.” Then she lowers her voice. “I can’t wait to hear all the details.”
I chuckle because my friends are dying to know what’s going on with me and Jace, but there’s no time to chat because the concert’s starting.
As the cheers quiet, the crowd stills with anticipation, but then Wayward Sons walk out, and everyone erupts again.
