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36
TEGAN
The longer I’m away from Jax, the further away from his weird and wonderful world I am. Despite the fun of touring, I enjoy the ordinariness of a drink after work with normal people, because the scrutiny doesn’t come as part of the evening fun. Usually this is with the core group of girls from work, but tonight I persuade the less pretentious Claire and Zoe to visit somewhere less expensive. I’d swap a fancy, overpriced bar for a suburban pub any day and sit at the scratched circular table on a low, stained stool.
I asked Riley and Julian if they want to come along. Riley declined my offer, but Julian enthusiastically agreed. I’m surprised Riley travelled with the tour as long as she did because she becomes edgy about working late and rarely joins us for a drink in the evenings. Admittedly, I’m often on the edge of work-related conversations and spend the time exchanging texts with Jax so there’s little point me being out with them either.
The space in the pub shrinks as people cram in for the beginning of their evening. This is a student suburb, the atmosphere and patrons unpretentious and laidback. As Claire and Zoe chat about the latest scandals between people I’ve never heard of, I drift off into thoughts of Jax. Julian approaches, sets down a fresh beer for me, and sits on the stool. Earlier, I persuaded him to spill secrets about other agency clients. I smiled at his tales of the latest music industry darling, Dani-Kay's, princess nature, and he whispered secrets about the boy band star who he's stumbled across with men, when he's the centre of most teen girls’ worlds.
“I don’t think you’re having much fun tonight,” he remarks after half an hour.
“That obvious?”
“Yeah, your bored face is hard to hide.” He pulls a face to demonstrate, and switches to a grin. “I know Claire and Zoe are dying to ask you questions.”
“Why?”
“You’re the girl of the moment, right? You and Jax. How’s that going?”
I pick up my glass, and stare into it. “Interesting.”
“Ah right. Don’t want to talk about it?’ He taps his nose. “I won’t tell your wild rock star secrets.”
“Ha! I don’t have any.”
“Ruby Riot is a good band though, what are they like? Friendly? They’ve never spoken to me.” I study the tall guy with the impressive beard and man bun, an image a few students around share. Funny how fashions that begin as a sign of individuality become mainstream. Like grungy rock stars.
“You don’t look like you’d be a fan.”
“Oh?” He raises a brow. “Why?”
“You’ve seen their fans. They’re more…” I flourish a hand and he nods. “Different to you.”
“Well, I like them. And Blue Phoenix. I’m honoured I have the chance to work with a member of rock royalty.” He holds his glass up. “Cheers.”
Rock royalty? Me. Bryn. Jax. Blue Phoenix. Ruby Riot. Jesus, my whole life is part of theirs. When I was younger, my ties to Bryn meant nothing, but suddenly they’re significant.
Staying under the radar isn’t an option anymore.
“Hardly!” I protest.
“Do you get followed much?”
“When I’m with Jax. I try not to stand out.” Tonight I’ve dressed down, in an attempt to blend in — skinniest of skinny jeans and a scoop-necked blue sweater. I have my hair pulled into a ponytail and no make-up, hopeful I won’t be recognisable. Claire and Zoe are dressed the same, but somehow they manage to combine dressing down with looking dressed up.
“Surprised you’re not wearing a hat and sunglasses.”
I pull a face. “Very funny. Like I said, nobody pays me much attention when I’m on my own.”
“Good luck with that.” He looks away and drinks.
“Why?”
“Come on, Tegan. There’s a reason you have a rock star falling at your feet.”
I splutter. “He isn’t.”
“If he isn’t, he’s crazy.”
