“Kiera and Dallas.”
Several gasps echo around the set, and Kiera looks like she’s been punched in the gut as her mouth falls open in shock. Dallas looks stunned as he stares off into space.
“I’m so sorry, you two, but it looks like your journey is over,” Alex continues, grabbing a pair of golden pliers and snipping the bracelets off each of their wrists. “You are officially locked out.”
A cry escapes Kiera as she covers her face, and Dallas just stands there like he wants to do the same.
“Please take a few moments to say your goodbyes,” Alex says before he bows his head and walks off camera.
Savannah and Angel rush to Kiera as some of the guys go to Dallas. All the goodbyes are sorrow filled, and I know out ofrespect we should go over there, but I don’t think I can move. I’m not sure I know how to walk anymore. Same goes for Landon if I had to guess.
Our eyes meet, and I shake my head at him in disbelief. Surprising me, he pulls me in for a hug. I think it’s more of a grounding technique than for actual comfort, but in this moment I’ll take it.
“Holy shit,” I mutter.
“I know,” Landon says.
“Is this really happening?”
He shakes his head and blinks. “I guess. I thought we were going home for sure.”
“No, same. Guess the tits worked.” I laugh hollowly.
Landon huffs in agreement, then says, “We should probably say something,” gesturing to Kiera and Dallas.
They must hear him or feel our gazes because they look to us with nothing but rage. Then Kiera turns her back on us and stomps away. Dallas shakes his head in disgust and follows her.
Or not.
Luna sprints over to me and wraps me up in a hug that almost takes us both out.
“Oh, thank fuck! I was shitting a brick over there. You have no idea,” she says.
“Oh, I’ve got a clue. I’m not sure my heart rate will ever settle.”
“Glad you’re still here, bro,” Shane says, fist-bumping Landon before pulling him in for a quick hug.
“Same,” Landon says with a nod.
“I bribed a crew member to bring us more booze, you guys want to get fucked up?” Luna says with a smirk.
“How did you manage that?” I ask.
“I have my ways,” she replies with a waggle of her eyebrows.
Shane laughs, then begins kissing her neck. “That you do, baby.”
“Lead the way,” I say, and we all head out to the second-floor patio.
I don’t know why more people don’t hang out up here. It’s covered so it doesn’t get any sun, but there are really comfortable daybeds and conversation pits up here. It’s a cool vibe, and it’s away from the crowd and the wailing drama of Angel and Savannah, upset that Kiera’s gone.
Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want to go home either, but you’d think someone just killed their puppies right before their eyes given the way they’re falling apart.
Landon and I take a seat when a crew member catches Luna’s eye from down below and waves to her.
“Come help me,” she says to Shane, and they hurry to meet him.
Landon and I sit in silence for a few moments before I make a joke.
