“Just Theorah,” I call back. “I’m going to take a nap.”
He says nothing, but I hear his heavy footsteps moving away from the door. It doesn’t take long for me to fall asleep.
Chapter Ten
Leif
I find myself dodging Aliko, which is something I’ve never done before. I’ve always wanted to be in his presence; talk to him or even just watch him. But this week has been weird. Every time I’ve seen him, he’s giving me dirty looks—like something suddenly smells bad. I know it’s not me. It’s certainly not him or any of the members he’s with…
At first, I’d wanted to talk to him and even hung around a little longer, maybe coming across as creepy, which could have been my first mistake. He was always with one of the guys, so how would I get him to talk to me like that? The only thing weshouldtalk about are the drums, specifically his, and that doesn’t need to be a private conversation.
Even Cody noticed something is up. He’s too observant for my likings, but after he saw the weird look Aliko gave me in the cafeteria last week at the Indianapolis Arena, he’s commented on every one since. He even went so far as to tell me he’s certain I’m getting fired, because Aliko Anson, the best drummer in the world, hates me.
I’m starting to agree.
But then we get to Atlanta and everything changes.
I’m working on his kit before the show, like I always do.
A few of the crew are on the stage, keeping busy and doing what they need, but it isn’t crowded. And I think that’s why he comes over to talk to me. Finally.
“Hey,” he says, almost tentatively.
I look up, knowing it’s him before I meet his eyes. I feel his presence; it’s bigger than he is.
“Hi,” I return as professionally as I can. It feels weird and wrong because I don’t think we’ve used that sort of greeting with each other at all. Usually it’s “how’s it going?” or “what’s up?”.
He glances at the crew further along on the stage before looking back at me and says, “Can we talk?”
I look at the crew next. No one is paying any attention to us. Why would they? This is exactly how we should be. Exactly what we should be doing.
“Okay,” I say as I tighten the stand for his floor toms.
I don’t want to give him my full attention because looking into his eyes feels like too much, knowing that he suddenly hates me, so I keep myself busy with the kit even though I’m sure it’s perfect. I was about to leave before he showed up anyway.
“I thought we had a good night,” he says.
“So did I,” I respond, sounding way too defensive.
“We did?” he asks.
I frown and meet his gaze. “Didn’t you just say we did?”
“Well,Ithink we did, but you’ve been acting like—”
“I’vebeen acting like what, exactly? You’re the one who’s been acting weird.”
He shakes his head. “No. I’ve been normal. You have been avoiding me.”
“Because you’ve been giving me dirty looks.”
His eyes narrow, his mouth turning down into a frown again. He stares at me for a long moment, like he’s trying to figure out what to do.
“I’m very confused by this conversation,” he begins. “So, I’m just going to say exactly what I planned to say when I came over here.” I raise a brow and wait for it, because I’m confused too. “I enjoyed what we did, and if my monster form bothers you—”
“What?” I snap so loudly that two of the other guys look over. I flip them the middle finger and smile, hoping that’ll throw them off and make them mind their own business. They turn away but I can’t be sure they aren’t focusing on us now.
I get up and move closer to Aliko so I can lower my voice. “What the fuck gave you that impression?” I hiss under my breath.
