Page 86 of The Comedown

Julian hesitates, then says against his mic, “Yup.”

Christ.

Just what every radio interviewer wants to hear—one-word answers.

Their eyes turn toward me and I take a stab in the dark, saying, “We’re having a lot of fun. This is my first time touring with a rapper, and I have to say, the energy on The Family Julez Tour is unmatched. It’s been pretty amazing to be a part of. I’m really looking forward to our show tonight.” That’s why we’re here, to promote tonight’s show. I just need to keep them on-topic and keep Julian…off-air. He’s got his lethargic vibe going and nobody will want to buy tickets to sit and watch that.

“What—”

Static.

“—part—”

More static.

“What part?” I repeat, making both men frown. Lon points at my glasses when he notices my headphones sitting askew and mouths for me to take them off, but I shake my head, cupping the headphones with my hands so they’re pushed against my skull.

“What part exactly has been amazing for you, Collette?”

“Oh, well, watching Julez perform has to be the front runner.” I force a laugh, still trying to keep tonight’s show the focal point. “I’ve never seen anyone keep a crowd so captivated while on stage before.”

“Wow.” Scott rears back, glancing at Lon who lifts his eyebrows. “Not even Bodee Keys?”

Out of the corner of my eye, Julian’s head twists in my direction, but I don’t dare look at him as I say, “Not even Bodee Keys.” A real smile tugs at my lips. They’re not supposed to mention my ex’s name to me, nobody that interviews me is, but this one time I’ll allow it. Only because it’s true. When he actually gives it his all, Julian’s passion for music translates to his fans, making them love it, too. Bodee’s passion for music was replaced by greed for money and power a long time ago, and it translates just as clearly. He was a lazy performer then, and from what I’ve seen, he still is. He doesn’t need to wow anybody, his name alone does that, so he doesn’t bother putting in the effort.

Scott and Lon ask me a couple more questions before bringing up the fans.

“Knock on wood, Julez’s fans have been very accepting so far. When I first walk out, I think some of them are taken aback—”

Julian scoffs far enough away from the mic it doesn’t pick the sound up.

“—but as soon as my music starts, they’ve been pretty good about giving me a chance to show them what I’m about.”

They share a laugh that has the hair on the back of my neck rising.

“And what are you about?” Scott asks.

Lon immediately follows up with, “Who cares? I’d give her a chance to show me anything.”

“Watch your fucking mouth,” Julian rumbles beside me, not exactly into the mic but not away from it either.

My smile returns to the fake one again as I redirect them as delicately as possible. “I’ve always believed the fans are the best part of this whole job, and I’m grateful I get to meet so many new ones.”

“Up close and personal?” Lon asks.

“Unfortunately, due to the rigorous travel schedule along with a lot of our shows being held at outdoor venues, we haven’t been able to do many meet and greets on this tour. We’re always happy to meet our fans out and about though. Julez has extra-long arms, perfect for taking selfies,” I joke, hoping to lighten the quickly darkening mood. I can feel the wheels turning, I just don’t know which direction we’re headed.

“What about—”

More static interrupts.

“—on top of the bus, right? When was that? A couple days ago? That was an outdoor concert, and you were able to get very close and personal with fans.”

“Or should we say one fan?”

“Was it one though?” The hosts exchange looks, then Lon pretends to think about it.

“Let’s ask Collette.”