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I move closer and step onto stage right. Jax doesn’t see me behind the curtain. His fingers carefully strum the guitar strings while he talks with the sound tech to make sure the acoustics are perfect. He has a lot riding on tonight and so do I.
Things need to be a success and I can’t be distracted. I don’t want my worry over the Brenda’s of the world to impact my role as tour publicist. Or what I’m potentially building with Jax. If it’s real. Does he invite all girls to his house for secret meetings and tell them the same story? I hate how insecure this is making me feel.
I’m Cailin McCall and I am owning my new start to life. I need to assure myself that I have nothing to worry about tonight and I won’t let Brenda’s presence stop me from being the best publicist ever. I step out from behind the curtain and clap my hands as Jax puts down his guitar and begins to walk off the stage. A smile spreads across his face as he notices me and he takes a playful bow.
“You sound incredible,” I say. It sounds powerful recorded, but hearing that live gives me chills. Though, I keep that to myself.
Jax walks over to me and looks around to watch as the band members scurry off stage, check their cell phones, and converse. “Thanks. Let’s hope the audience feels the same.”
“Why wouldn’t they?”
“It’s just a big departure from what they are used to, so I hope they can appreciate it.”
I see that Jax needs a confidence boost. I want him to view himself the way I do. “Listen, your voice is like a standalone instrument. Those lyrics are telling stories they want to hear because they are obsessed with you. Breaking down every verse will make them feel closer to you. Like they have a connection. Or know more about you.”
“You seem to know my fans pretty well.” I can tell Jax is just waiting for me to spill it.
“Okay. I do know how they think because obviously I was a teenage girl once and listened to, you know, boy bands and stuff.”
Jax scans the room to see if we are alone, which indeed it appears we are. He steps closer to me and whispers in my ear. “So…” He lets that word hang between us as his warm breath sends shivers down my spine. “Was I your favorite?”
“As if I would ever tell you that.”
“You don’t have to tell me.” Jax puts his arm around my shoulder and pulls me near. “I already know I’m your type.”
My brain is melting at the sudden closeness between us and I can’t formulate a witty reply. “How so?”
Jax slides his hand up the side of my face, sweeping a stray strand of hair away from my cheek. He stares intently into my eyes and holds my gaze for what seems like an eternity. I can’t blink. I feel like I’ve been pulled into the ocean and I’m surfing through the waves, further and further offshore. Then he pulls away, leaving me to drown in his love.
“That’s how.”
And with that, he picks up his guitar and says, “I’m gonna head over to the hotel to shower.”
Trash the Dress Online Chat
Cora:I’m writing a Dating Checklist for a future mate. Seriously writing “Not addicted to porn.”
Mae:Always check his Internet history when he’s not looking!
20
DON’T TELL HR WHAT’S HAPPENING ON JAX SLATER TOUR
CAILIN
The warm waterstreams down my face and I let it slide down my body. I’m not sure if a shower has ever felt this good. After a day of travel, it’s certainly appreciated. For tonight, Hayley and I are sharing a hotel room to get ready. She’s still setting up at the venue so I got to score the room first.
I have my outfit laid out on the bed across the crisp, white comforter. I’m wearing a black fit and flare mini dress with an empire waist. The soft structure and pleating at the waist and shoulder create an oversized fluttering wing shape. The sides have a cut-out detail along my ribs. It’s sexy, but not form-fitted, so I’ll be comfortable moving around. I’m going to rough it and wear a pair of teal heels.
I apply clean makeup with rosy cheeks and a subtle smokey eye. And because it’s LA and I’m feeling extra fancy, I’m going bold with red lips. I style my hair down in messy waves and choose some beaded bracelets as accessories.
“You look gorgeous,” Hayley says. The door closes behind her when she walks into the room.
I just finished posting a selfie to social media with the caption, “First night of tour!” This is certainly a change of pace for my feed, which I usually fill with photos of books I read. You’d think because I lived in NYC that I would have a ton of artsy and interesting photos to share, but the only sights I saw were outside the window of my office. Now though, I’m going to make the most of every city on the tour stop.
I let Hayley know the room is all hers. That news makes her night because she’s hoping to get some alone time with Jayce. I guess even couples that aren’t in secret romances need to find ways to sneak in alone time on tour.
“Have fun,” I tell her. I stumble down the hallway as my oversized quilted nylon tote bag that I use to carry everything slides down my shoulder. I should have waited to put on the heels.
