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I don’t know what to think of the situation. I’ve never been friends with a guy before, so I don’t know if this is normal or not. I’m very aware that we are being more physical than I’ve been with anyone. Even with my boyfriends, I wasn’t this affectionate. It definitely feels slightly more than platonic, but I’m not about to say anything about it. I’m sure I should. I should pull away or say something, but honestly, it feels good to be close to someone for once, and I don’t want to ruin it.
When we pull up to the next stop Wes drops my hand and stretches.
“I need a smoke.” He states. “You want one?” I shake my head no. “Want some fresh air?”
“Sure.” I say as I remove my body from his and get up.
Sue looks my way as I slip on a pair of shoes but doesn’t say anything when I go to exit the bus.
“She is tough.” He comments when we are off the bus.
“Yeah.” I say as he lights a cigarette.
“Wes!” Some guy with dirty blonde hair and bright blue eyes calls, coming up to us. He is skinny and tall. Wearing a grayflannel over a band tee and ripped-up skinny jeans. By normal standards, he is very handsome but oozes bad-boy vibes.
“Ben, this is Abbey.” Wes says, introducing us.
“Abbey Dark. It’s a pleasure.” Ben says and holds out his hand for me. I shake it, and he holds on to it a second longer than expected. “I’m Ben Parker.”
“Nice to meet you.” I smile at him. Something about the way he looks at me makes my heart race. It’s like he is staring into my soul while also undressing me with his eyes.
“He’s in my band.” Wes says. “My lead guitarist.” He takes an inhale of his cigarette. I wonder if he notices the way his bandmate is staring at me.
Ben nods to this, looking away from me finally, and lights a cigarette of his own.
“Are you coming back to our bus, or has the glory of Abbey’s bus won you over?” Ben asks.
Wes shrugs. “I haven’t decided yet.” He answers the question but eyes me carefully.
“So Abbey.” Ben starts, and Wes looks over at him. “That latest album absolutely blew my mind.”
“Yeah?” I ask, looking anywhere but at Ben. He makes me feel flustered.
“Do you write your own lyrics?” He asks as I look up at him, slightly offended by the question.
“Yeah, and some of the music, too.” I add, trying not to sound too defensive.
“Oh, yeah?” He retorts, flashing me his teeth as his lips spread into an arrogant smile. “You play any instruments?”
“I mean, I come up with the beat and a few riffs.” I replied in a low tone. “But no, I don’t really play any instruments. I use software at the studio to help come up with beats and stuff.”
“That’s cool. I help Wes here with the music and a few lines, but I guess things are different when you’re in a band compared to being a solo artist.”
“I have a backing band.” I say, suddenly feeling even more defensive. What was he getting at? Was he trying to imply I was stuck up because I wasn’t in an actual band like them?
“I know. I met Jeff and Dean.” He says. “Cool dudes.” He is talking about members of my backing band. Jeff was my lead guitarist, and Dean was my bassist.
“Yeah.” I respond as I fold my arms over my chest, staring at him. I couldn’t tell if he was an asshole or just trying to make conversation.
Wes bends down to put out his cigarette. “I could use a snack.” He takes a step towards the convenience store of the gas station we are at. “Want anything?” He asks, looking at me.
“I’ll take some beef jerky.” Ben says.
“Get it yourself.” Wes throws back.
“Ass.” Ben says.
“Hole.” Wes says, and they both laugh, like it’s some kind of inside joke. “Abbey?”
