Page 40 of Animal Beats

His voice contains an undercurrent of disgust … and wistfulness? “If he does come, how do you want me to handle things?”

Río pushes against the padded headboard, and I follow suit, careful to make sure the blankets stay at my waist. “The less interaction I have with him and the Stepwitch, the better. When I lived at home, after my stepsister was born, I was treated as unpaid labor. They’d always tell me to watch her while they went out. I had a list of chores a mile long.” His head shakes.

I try to lighten the mood. “Sounds like you were their ‘Cinderfella.’”

“Basically.” He pushes the blankets down using his legs, and I grab my section to keep the lower part of my body protected. He beats a rhythm on top of his thighs, mercifully covered by sweats. “I learned the only way to get Pop’s attention was to act out in school. When the principal called, he had to pay attention to me.”

My fingers find his arm. “If I had known how terrible it was for you growing up, I never would’ve invited him to come. Please believe me.”

He squeezes my hand. “I know you didn’t mean to stir up a hornet’s nest.”

The pilots come over the loudspeaker, letting us know we’ll be landing in about thirty minutes.

The air lies heavy over me as I process how terrible this awards ceremony could be for Río. I have no idea how to make this better. “Guess I should put my clothes back on,” I remark. Ensuring the t-shirt remains to my knees, I get out of bed and collect my dress. “I’ll only be a few minutes.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll use the bathroom out there.” Using his thumb, he points to the door.

As quickly as I can, I use the facilities and wash my face. As I’m putting the dress he bought for me in Barcelona back on, I replay everything he’s told me. His parents were awful to him. Sounds like his father was rich, so I bet lots of kids treated Río differently because of that as well.

Yet, all he wanted was to be loved.

I remember our lunch in Barcelona, where people swarmed him like he’s a novelty. Certainly not a man. I get the impression he’s constantly searching for ways to make others happy, which backfires when the fans get out of hand and the media intervenes. My heart lurches. Beneath all of his bluster, Río’s a softie.

I return to the main part of the plane and retake my seat. As we continue our initial descent, a new email arrives—gotta love free wireless when flying private. However, this one’s from Bradley Sullivan. Río’s father. Of course, he accepts the invitation to tonight’s Awards ceremony. He’s bringing his wife as his plus one. My stomach flips, and not from turbulence. Great. Can’t wait to share this with Río.

The drummer returns to his seat next to me and buckles up. He’s now wearing another pair of dark wash jeans and a long-sleeved T. “What do you want to do in Philly before the ceremony?”

Deciding against telling him about the email, I realize I feel well rested and ready to explore. “I don’t know. What do you suggest?”

“There’s the touristy things like the Liberty Bell and Rocky’s Steps.”

Where crowds of people will swarm him. I’m not even thinking about my pledge to keep Río out of trouble. No. My sole focus has shifted to making this talented drummer happy. Something I fear has been in short supply during his life.

I wave my hand. “Those are so touristy. Do you have any special place you’d like to visit while you’re in your hometown. I’ve checked, and the media is unaware you’re here, so we may be able to go unnoticed.” I hope.

“Well, there is one spot I have a hankering to visit.” His head shakes. “You’re going to think it’s dumb.”

Somehow, I believe his ask comes from deep down within him. “You deserve to do whatever you want.” I smile. “As a reward for your good behavior.”

His eyebrows jump. “I have been pretty damn good lately, haven’t it?”

“Alright. Let’s not push it.” I smack his upper arm. Which is rock hard. “Where do you want to go?”

He holds up two fingers. “Your choice. One, Amazing Amusements.”

It takes me a second to pinpoint this place. “The amusement park where UC got its start.”

He nods and raises a second finger. “Or, we can visit the best place for Philly cheesesteaks. Damn. I’ve missed them.”

My mouth waters. “While the thought of spending time with you riding rollercoasters is really enticing, my stomach is totally on board with your cheesesteak idea.”

He beats his lean torso. “You got it.”

Guilt niggles. “Are you sure? I mean, you haven’t been back to Amazing Amusements in how long?”

His gaze darts around the cabin. “It’s been a while. But, I don’t think I should go without security.” He pauses. “And the rest of the band.”

His mention of security hits me between the eyes. “You’re right. There’s no way you can go there without prior warning to the company. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before,” I fret.