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Back when we were making a name for ourselves, before we sold out full concert venues, we used to do shows in clubs. During the years we were building up our name, bars and nightclubs could pay for a promotional package to have us show up to do an “impromptu show” and then hang out for the rest of the night.
Only, we haven’t done that shit in years.
Until tonight.
After we leave the stage, Gavin reminds us that we’ve got a promo show at one of the huge clubs. They must have paid a fucking fortune.
I barely hear a word he’s saying as I search for Tinley.
“She’s with Jack’s guest, getting changed,” Gavin says like he can read my damn mind. “They’ve got Steve from label security guarding the bus.”
“Which bus?” I snap. In no way, shape, or form do I want her anywhere near the other bus.
“Yours,obviously.” He sighs. “There really is no chance we re-sign Northern Star for another contract, is there?”
I scoff, glancing around for Fitz and Ram. They’re both hung up talking to the press. I stomp over. “She’s on the bus. I’m heading there now.”
Fitz gives me a clipped nod.
Gavin stands, blocking my path when I turn around. “I asked you a question.”
“I’d say it’s highly unlikely. You know how I feel about the shit Carter and Xavier have been up to.” I ignored it a lot better when we were younger, but they’ve upped their game to include things I want no part of. You’re always going to see coke and weed—it’s the nature of the business—but they’re spiraling into territory I won’t be around. I tried to get them to clean up their act and got exactly nowhere. If anything, I became the butt of their jokes because I don’t know how to “chill the fuck out.”
You can only pour so much energy into someone who won’t help themselves. Especially since my focus has been on healing after almost losing my goddamn life.
When Gavin opens his mouth to reply, I wave a hand.
I don’t have time for this shit. I jog toward the hallway that leads to the bus. I’m not sure I even like the idea of Tinley coming out with us tonight, but there’s no way I’d leave her with the buses, and there’s no way we’re getting out of this appearance.
I nod at Steve, whose name I’m just now learning, and stomp up the steps. He’s a big guy, and he seems to take his job seriously. Which is a good thing, because if he fucks it up, I will kill him.
I make it inside and head down the hallway, but Tinley pops out of the bedroom at the very end.
My jaw falls.
I stare open-mouthed for about three seconds before my head falls back and shakes at the ceiling. Fuck, she’s stunning. There’s also way too much soft skin on display.
I’m probably going to end the night in handcuffs.
* * *
Jack’s chick, Ava, knows people in Columbus from college. I know this because she talks nonstop about it on the way to the club.
We’re all shoved into one limo for the trip, and every time Carter glances Tinley’s way, I barely stifle a snarl.
He leans around Ava, holding a hand out to Tinley. “I’m Carter. That’s a nice dress.”
“Thanks,” she says, glancing down at it. “I borrowed it from Ava.”
“Did we pick you up at the venue tonight?” Carter asks, running his hands down his jeans over his thighs.
Tinley frowns, shaking her head. “No, I’m the tour photographer.”
“She’s been with us since Chicago,” I growl, but I’m not surprised. I’m probably guilty of the same bullshit. All the faces blend together when you don’t put the effort in to remember them, but I know I’ve seen her specifically ask him to move an arm or look in a different direction to snag a shot.
“Oh damn, you take pictures?” Xavier laughs, and it grates on my nerves.
Ram leans forward like he’s about to hop into my lap if I make a move to strangle our bandmates with my bare hands.
