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BERNE,SWITZERLAND
TEGAN
Unable to work on the merchandise stall any longer thanks to crazed fangirls, I spend time with Riley, intrigued by her day-to-day work. A few days watching her field the press interest around the bands, or re-organise promotion into something that meets her criteria and not that of the publication or TV show, and her personality makes sense. A shrinking violet could never handle herself as smoothly or talk people into things before they realise they have been.
Riley’s good at her job, and considering how many hours she spends putting ducks in a row, I have a sense of why she clashes with Jax and Ruby when they disrupt her efforts. I respect a woman with ambition, find her intelligent and interesting, if not a little guarded; but I’ve never been lashed by her sharp tongue.
She’s never spoken about her past beyond the fact she never studied, but came in at floor level and grappled her way to the position she’s in now. Similarly, I don’t talk about Jax or the boys.
Between us, we brainstorm new marketing ideas, and I explain how they could utilise social media more. My own experience with Jax points to how anything concerning the bands goes viral; it makes sense for PR to use this to their advantage. With my input, Riley plans a campaign away from the standard photo shoot and interview circuit, which we present to Tina. I’m surprised when Tina agrees and sends Riley back to the London office to begin researching and implementing the plans. After the crap of the last few weeks and slipping into only being seen as Jax Lewis’s girlfriend, the fact my ideas triggered this is a boost to my self-esteem.
Riley’s overjoyed by leaving the tour, which amuses me; but I think Tina also sees the fractious nature of her relationship with the band, and the clashing isn’t what Tina expected. Perhaps if Riley was a fan, her interactions with Ruby Riot would be easier, but she isn’t. Of the band members anyway. Maybe Riley was once; as time passes, the conflict between them all grows.
“You should come back with me,” suggests Riley as we gather up sheets of research after our last session together before she leaves.
“I’ll be back in England next week anyway, save me something to do for when I am,” I say with a smile.
“I’m serious. This is half your project and ideas. I can persuade Tina to involve you.”
“Really?”
“Really. Though you’d need to come back to London. I can’t do everything with you remotely.”
“It’s okay. I’d rather stay on the tour.” With Jax.
“Fair enough.” Riley tucks a strand of her long brown hair behind her ears. “If you’re looking to work in the industry, the experience would be good.”
“I haven’t seriously considered what I’m going to do. Uni first, keep the parents happy.”
“You have a talent for this.” She waves a hand across the table.
“Thanks.”
An hour later, I sit backstage with Jax, mind wandering into the possibilities. Should I go back? How awesome to have my name put to something I’m positive will succeed. I’m intending to study Media; this could get me a place more easily. Jax and the tour will be back next week. I’m not employed by Riley’s company, and I could rejoin at that point.
“You okay?” asks Jax.
He sits on the edge of the table opposite me, long legs stretched out. His excitement before each performance leads to exuberant chatting, and I’ve missed most of what he’s said.
“Yeah. Thinking about the campaign I’ve been working on with Riley.”
“I noticed you’re spending a lot of time with her. Be careful she doesn’t suck all the fun out of you.”
“That’s unfair. She’s good at what she does,” I retort.
“See! She already has her claws in.” At my sour look, Jax shifts his attention to the beer he’s holding. “So you won’t whine about being bored anymore?”
I scowl. “I do not whine. I have to find something to do. Do you know Bryn won’t let me leave the hotel without a security guard? How screwed up is that? I wouldn’t mind, but the latest one doesn’t speak English so he follows me silently like a stalker. I think he draws more attention to me, not less!”
“Bryn’s worried about you, that’s all.”
“Well, when I go back to England, he can bloody stop being ridiculous about this!”
Jax snaps his head up. “What do you mean when you go back?”
“I might go back to the London with Riley a few days earlier than the tour arrives.”
“Oh? Why?”
