The sound of tsking makes me look at Nash. “I know what you were thinking.”
“Do not!” I object under my breath.
“Can’t object when it’s written all over your face.” He smiles and tugs on his lip ring with his top teeth. Why is that so sexy?
“You know what would be fun?” I ask louder, so everyone can hear me. “If you guys took turns chopping the wood.”
“Feels like a euphemism somewhere in there,” Darius says with a laugh. It’s something that Nash would probably say, and if there wasn’t a low key rivalry between them, then I think they’d be friends.
Keaton’s grin catches my eye, and he winks at me. “Big guy is on board. What about you, Superman? Nashy?” They share looks between them, trying to decide if they want to give in.
“You know, I’ve been thinking,” Darius starts. He puts his plate and mug on the coffee table and rests his elbows on his knees. It seems like he’s preparing for a serious conversation, and I’m instantly wary.
“And what’s that?” Nash asks, leaning back on the couch and draping his arm behind me. His fingers draw circles on my shoulder, relaxing me.
“You’re a private person, Raina, and I get that. I really do, more so now that I’ve seen what fame is like for you first hand.” He spins his phone between his fingers. “But your fans have no idea who you really are. They’ve been fed this lie for years now, and I think if you showed them a glimpse into your life, you’d change your image quicker than anything else you could try.”
Blake takes a sip of his coffee and pins Darius in place with his stare. “And what did you have in mind about how to change that?”
Keaton reaches over me and grabs my fork, stabbing a bite of food and bringing it to my mouth. Pushy mother fucker. Damn.
Okay, fine. It makes me smile like a loon. I’ve never had someone take care of me quite like he does. Well… not since before I left Tris to tour the first time.
Melancholy washes over me like a cold bucket of water. I don’t understand why he’s been so hard to track down, not with today’s technology.
“I propose we start taking videos. I can splice them together and we can post them online. Give the fans new insight into your life, paint a new picture, a narrative that we control.” He grabs his plate and takes a bite like the hard part is over now. But the joke is on him, it’s only started.
We all stare at him, varying expressions on our faces. “And why should we trust you with posting anything?” Nash instantly sounds pissy and on edge.
Darius glances around like he’s suddenly realized he kicked a hornet’s nest. “Listen, I know you guys don’t trust me, and it’s obvious now why that is. I don’t blame you at all. But I want to help Raina in any way that I can. I really believe this will help.”
“And what narrative would you want to show?” Keaton asks, twirling his drumstick in what can only be called a threatening way.
“One that shows the true Raina. A beautiful woman who’s passionate about her craft, but also has fun and is more relatable than people think.” Darius locks eyes with me as he says it, and something about his tone makes me believe he genuinely means it. I’m on the precipice of a decision, and I can feel the weight of it.
“Your fans aren’t seeing the real you, the you I’ve seen in such a short time is drastically different from the one we’ve been fed. You’re so much more than just your songs, Raina.” Darius runs a hand over his dark hair, his gaze never leaving mine. “I think it’s time they see that.”
Silence fills the bus as we all process his words. His proposal makes sense, but it’s a big step, a break from our habitual privacy, something I miss dearly, and I’m sure the others do too. I glance at Keaton and Nash, their expressions thoughtful yetguarded. Blake is silent, his eyes narrowed. It’s like a thousand thoughts are passing through his mind as he analyzes the situation from every angle.
I stare at my lap and pick at the stupid sparkly pink nail polish they make me wear. There’s obviously some upside to giving a peek behind the scenes. But there’s also a downside too.
Nash leans in closer to me, his voice a soft whisper in my ear, one that makes goosebumps travel down my arm. “Roomie, you know we’ll support whatever you decide.”
Keaton squeezes my shoulder in agreement. I give them both a small smile before turning my attention back to Darius. “And you’re sure this will help?”
He nods with conviction. “I’m certain of it.”
The room falls silent once again as I contemplate his offer. It’s risky and out of my comfort zone. But maybe it’s time for me to step out from behind the shadows cast by the label, to show my fans who I really am. Plus, with my recent tumble into the book world, I’ve seen how easy it is to connect with someone through videos…
“Okay,” I finally say, meeting each of their gazes. “I think this could be a good thing.”
Keaton’s eyes flicker to mine, his brows furrowing slightly. He tucks his drumsticks into his pocket and leans against the tiny countertop area, folding his arms over his chest as he watches me.
“Are you sure?” he asks gently, his smooth voice barely above a whisper. “This is your life we’re talking about sharing.”
His concern for me warms my heart, even as uncertainty gnaws at my gut. I search my guys for any signs of uncertainty, for a clue as to whether they think I’m making a huge mistake. Nash’s eyes have a glimmer of hope, Blake seems reserved yet supportive, and Darius is eager yet patient.
“Raina,” Blake interjects softly before I can respond to Keaton. “You don’t owe anyone anything. Not even your fans.”
