AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I clench my jaw and my anger flares. I hate the way I feel right now.It’s because of what happened two years ago, a voice in my head tries to reason. I sigh, that has to be why. I lean my head back on the seat and will myself to nap, hopefully a little sleep will clear my mind before I’m confronted with my new reality.
seven
Birdie
Wecheckintoourhotel, some fancy casino in Atlantic City. The lights and sounds of the slot machines and people winning, or losing, money fill my ears. I smile.
I love gambling. I don’t have an addiction or anything, but it’s fun to occasionally bet a little money. The most I’d ever won is one thousand bucks, but it’s the excitement I enjoy. Sometimes I need an escape. And after what happened this morning, I fully plan to get my slot machine on after the show tonight. I should have my new bodyguard with me by then, but he’d have to deal with my plan to have fun.
Once settled in my room, Gia asks if she can visit me. Though she’s my PR person, she’s also my friend and often acts more like a manager than a publicist. Not that I mind, she has my best interests at heart. She also knows what I like and don’t like, which is why she hired the new bodyguard. I could trust her to pair me with someone that wouldn’t drive me insane.
Gia knocks and I let her in. As soon as I do, she hugs me with such force my breath leaves me for a second. “Gosh, Birdie! I’m so happy you’re alright.”
I pat her back, pulling her off me so I can take a breather. “I’m perfectly fine, Gia. Eric is being dramatic.”
She shakes her head. “He’s not and you know it. This morning could have been really bad. Stop downplaying it.”
I roll my shoulders back and decide I need a little pre-show drink. I don’t care that it’s not even noon yet and my show isn’t until eight o’clock tonight. On the drive here, I confided my fears in Kevin and had my sappy moment. Now I’m back to doing what I do best—detaching. I had to if I was going to play a good show and not think about that guy in Times Square. I still haven’t read the note, but after some time away, I’m glad I didn’t. They’re screwing with my head, and I can’t let my fans down tonight. Whatever the letter said is not important.
I reach into the mini bar and grab a small bottle of bourbon. I don’t bother with a glass, just grab it and take it to the couch. I feel Gia’s eyes on me the entire time, and I know she’s judging me.
“Let me loosen up, okay?” I finally say to her, taking a drink of the burning liquid. I usually like bourbon, but this stuff is shit.Blech.
“I’m worried about you. Do you want me to schedule a call with your therapist?”
I shake my head. “No. I’m fine. It was a little scary, but I’m okay, Eric’s okay, and soon we’ll have the bodyguard here. It won’t happen again. I’ll be a good little canary and sing in my cage.”
Gia sighs, plopping down on the couch next to me. “Is that how you really feel?”
I take another drink and ignore her direct question. “I’m just tired and annoyed. I have a lot on my shoulders, and I want this tour to go well.”
“I know you do.” She smiles then, “but the tour is going well. We sold out in Atlanta earlier today, and most of the venues are well on their way. I hate to say it but having a stalker is good for business.”
I snort then take a final drink from the bottle. “As you always say, all publicity is good publicity.”
“Ugh, I hate myself for saying that.”
I pat Gia’s knee. “It is what it is. But I’m glad to hear we’re doing well with sales. I’m sure the label is happy.”
“They are. Not about the stalker, but the bodyguard makes them feel a little more at ease.”
“When does he get here?”
“Later today. He’ll meet you after sound check.”
“You really think we’ll get along?”
“I do. He’s very straightforward and to the point. Not much beating around the bush.”
“What do you mean?
“He texted me a bit ago, asking if he could get background checks done on everyone, including myself and your reps at the label.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep. I told him he might see my juvie record for stealing a pair of red lace underwear when I was thirteen, but otherwise I’m clean.”
I smirk at her. “You really did that?”
