I glare at Cooper until he deigns to look at me. “Are you happy now? You don’t get any more fudge.” Jerk.
It’s Jace’s turn to point at Cooper. “Be nice.” He starts bouncing one of the tennis balls I got him and heads back to our bedroom.
The worst thing about this tour is now I have nowhere to go. I have to sit here while Cooper shoots me dirty looks like I’m the enemy.
I decide he can suck a hairy pickle. So I turn upFrozenand encourage Layla to sing louder.
By evening, when we’re getting close to Houston, Frank starts grumbling at his phone.
“What’s wrong?” I ask him from the kitchen as I feed Layla.
“Lot of fans pregaming. We need more security.” He comes over to sit in front of me.
“Do you expect to have problems?” We’ve received smashed candy delivered at several more venues, the most recent last week in New Orleans. It always arrives a different way. Uber drivers, delivery guys, and even a homeless person.
Reaching over, he pats my hand. “Should be okay. Just be sure to call Edmond on the way back to the bus the way you’ve been doing.” He grins. “I have a surprise for you. Something to hopefully make your job a little easier.”
Like a new drummer? I bite my tongue.
Frank wanders over to the front of the bus and returns a minute later with a plastic bag. “Don’t drop it. That thing cost more than my first car.”
When I open it, my eyes widen. “You got me a camera?” I pull out the fancy Canon box. “Wow.”
“Don’t get too excited. Technically, it belongs to the band, but you can use it as long as you’re doing their social media.”
That makes sense. “Thanks. That’s really cool.” I have no idea how to use it, but maybe I have time to watch a few instructional videos before tonight’s show.
“There’s a padded bag in there too. Make sure you always have that handy so the camera doesn’t get banged up.”
“Of course.” I’m digging out the manual when Frank taps on the table and hands me a manila folder.
“I need Jace to review these expenses and sign off on everything. Make sure he looks at this by tomorrow.” When I peek in it, he clears his throat, and I close the folder. “And you need to post more videos of Marlowe and Jace. Maybe from our last press stop.”
I wondered how long I could go without hearing her name.
Sighing, I nod. “Sure.”
That’s the strangest part of this tour. In the backdrop, there’s always Marlowe. Lurking. Secretly smiling at Jace. Using every opportunity to get close to him.
Soon, the guys are needed for sound check. Jace kisses me on the cheek, hugs his daughter, and then he’s off.
I’m still trying to figure out this new camera when my phone buzzes with a text.
Baylee: Just checking in. Are you doing okay?
Paige: We miss you! Can’t wait to see you next week!
Honey: Have we told you how much we love you dating Jace?
I grin at my phone, grateful that I finally have women in my corner.
Me: Thanks. I guess he’s okay. *laughing emoji*
Baylee: Who’s that redhead who’s always with him? *knife emoji*
I chuckle, loving that she’s on my side.
Me: His ex? A former hookup? A side quest?
