by K E Osborn
“I can deal with that. But now we’re fully sated, let’s get clean so we can work.”
I raise my eyebrow at her. “Work?”
She nods. “Yep. I’m getting into teacher mode.”
“Oh… I’m a student sleeping with his teacher. How naughty of me.”
She giggles. “Wanna show me one more time how naughty you can be?”
Leaning in so I’m a mere hair’s breadth away from her mouth, I gaze into her eyes. “Yes, Miss Shafir.”
***
Ria’s been running through coursework all day and considering the state I was in when I arrived, I’ve done fairly well and picked up everything she’s thrown at me. I’m stringing more words together in complex sentences and I’ve even been able to read from a section of a magazine. Not real well, but I was doing okay.
“Maybe you’ll be able to manage a simple text message now and then?” Ria asks.
Smiling wide with pride in myself, I nod. “I think I can, but only to you. I don’t wanna look like a dick in front of the others.”
“No, of course, and I’ll try to be simple in my texts back to you, too. This is great, Nate. You’re making real progress.”
“Thanks to you. If you weren’t an actress you’d be a great teacher.”
“That’s what I always wanted to be. As far back as I can remember, all I wanted was to teach elementary school. But then Patrick said I’d be wasting my potential and Mom forced me into acting classes. I caught the bug and teaching was a thing of the past... but helping you is so much fun. I love it!”
“Well, I know I’d be lost without you.”
“You’re putting in all the hard work here, Nate. I’m just helping, that’s all.”
“And I appreciate you, that’s for sure.”
My cell starts ringing and I can read the name. It says Oliver, but I can also tell from the symbol of the bat next to his name. “It’s Oliver, I should get this.”
Ria nods with a smile sitting back on the sun lounge as I swipe to answer.
“Hey, Oliver.”
“Nate, hear you had a wild afternoon yesterday with Lunar?”
Mmm… guess news travels fast.
“Yeah, just wanted to relax a little. It’s been a crazy few days.”
“Are you feeling more relaxed now?” he asks with a slight tension in his voice that has me immediately on edge.
“I am… why?”
“Are you with Zaria?”
“Again, I am… why?”
“Can you put me on speaker?”
Raising my eyebrow, I look to Ria who’s watching me closely. “Sure, hang on.” I put my cell down and press the speaker button. “Okay, you’re on.”
“Hi Zaria,” Oliver says cheerily.
“Hi Olly.”
Olly? I grin and she smirks.
“Okay, so I have some news. The production team is backlogged and it’s going to take some time to put the video together. But the good news is they’ve given us some snippets to work with.”
“Work with?” I ask.
“Zaria you know that clause in your contract that said we may do some press before the release to get a buzz going about you working with us?”
She looks at me and takes a breath. “Mm-hmm.”
“Well, we’re going to act on that while the production is happening. Get some buzz going, and then bam once it’s out everyone will want to see what all the hype’s about.”
I smile wider knowing this means Ria will be around us for a bit longer.
“How long is this promotional phase going for, Olly?”
Olly… ha!
“We’re thinking two to three months.”
We both nearly choke on thin air.
“That’s how long the production company is going to take?” Ria asks.
“Yeah, unfortunately, we picked a very busy time.”
“I’m a little shocked here, Olly. I’m not entirely sure I can commit to that long. I know I don’t have anything lined up for a few weeks, but beyond that I’m just not sure. I don’t know if I can make this happen. I will need to talk to my management team and all that stuff.”
I tense up and Ria looks at me while chewing her bottom lip.
“Ria, I’ve talked to Marcus and your management already. They’re on board, seeing as this was part of the contract. They’ve shuffled things around for you. It’s taken care of, no need to worry.”
“Really?” she asks like she doesn’t believe him.
“Zaria, I wouldn’t lie to you. Trust me?”
“Okay Olly… so what does this promotion entail exactly?”
“Well, Recoil and you are heading off on a press junket around the country, then possibly to other countries depending upon timeframes. Recoil will be doing small shows as well as daytime TV to coincide with the promotional interviews of you and Danger. You’re basically going on tour with the band… as a member of the band, Zaria.”
She smiles. “I am pretty damn mean on a triangle.”
I leer at her and smile. “I’m so turned on that you chose a percussion instrument right now, babe, you have no idea.”
She laughs as Oliver groans. “Oh… Lord, give me strength. One thing, though, I’ve discussed this with Tillie, too. We think for now, and for the tour, that maybe you guys should keep your relationship under wraps. We want the chemistry they see in the film clip to seem as real as possible.”
“But the world knows about Danger and Lunar being together?”
“Yes true, but just trust me on this one, Nate. We don’t want your relationship overclouding the song and promotion. Joining forces with the band, Zaria is a powerhouse, and we want that to be in the limelight, not your relationship…” He pauses. “You see where I’m coming from?”
I look to Ria and she nods. It does make sense and it would seem a waste to have gone through all this for the highlight to be focused on us, not the song and video like it’s meant to be.
Oliver is right.
Damn it.
“Okay Oliver, you’re right. We’ll play it cool. No one will know,” I say.
Ria nods with a weak smile.
“After the song comes out, smashed the charts and done what it needs to, then you guys can come out if you decide you want to. Just bide your time and be sensible about it for now. Okay?”
“Of course.”
“Right, well, we’ll be starting as soon as tomorrow. Grabbing a tour bus and traveling, so pack your bags, guys, we leave tomorrow morning.”
“On the road again…”
“Exactly! Right, I’m off, have a good night.” He then hangs up abruptly.
Ria looks over to me and lets out a half-laugh. “Did that just happen?”
“Yeah, we get impromptu trips all the time with him. Guess we get some more time together now.”
She smiles and nods. “We still would have had time together, Nate. Even when my time’s up with Recoil, I’m not going anywhere.”
I grin, reaching out for her hand. “Glad to hear that.”
Chapter Twelve
RIA
We pull up at Recoil’s office building and hop out of Nate’s car. We’re all packed after a great night’s sleep and ready to head off on the press junket. It’s a glorious day, the sun is shining brightly in the clear morning sky, and as I take in the sounds of the city surrounding me, Nate pulls out our luggage from the car.
“I’m impressed. I would’ve thought for a diva you’d pack a little… I dunno, heavier?”
“Not a real diva… remember?”
“Ah… yes, of course.” He steps in and presses his lips to my forehead as another car pulls up behind Nate’s. Tillie and Ryan step out and I wave as Ryan goes about pulling their luggage from the trunk. It’s about the same amount that we have and Tillie walks over as Ryan fusses about.
“Hey Zaria, glad you’re coming along,” Tillie says pulling me into a hug. I tense up slightly as I’m still not sure if she’s being totally serious, but I quickly
wrap my arms around and embrace her back when I realize she’s not going to let go until I do.
“Thanks Tillie, I’m hoping it’ll be fun. Glad I’ll have you with me,” I say honestly.
She smiles and pushes her glasses back up her nose from where they’d fallen slightly. “We’re gonna have so much fun, you wait and see.”
“That’s if Lunar doesn’t smother me with a pillow in my sleep.”
Tillie winks at me. “Not her style. If she’s gonna off someone she’ll make sure to let you know she’s doing it. I’d imagine lots of slapping, hands around the throat, maybe some hits to the ribs with a baseball bat. You know… something obvious. Lunar doesn’t do subtle, so if she’s gonna kill you, you’ll at least see it coming.”
“Wow! Comforting,” I say and Nate chuckles while shaking his head.
“Tillie that’s not helping,” he says.
“It’s not? Damn! I was trying to be funny. Ryan… you’re not teaching me right. I’m not funny, yet,” she calls out and I burst out laughing. Her eyes open wide like she’s proud of herself. “Ha! You laughed. Mission accomplished. Tillie, one… depressed Zaria, zero!”
Nate high fives Tillie and she nods proudly as Ryan comes over and smiles. “What’d I miss?”
“I made a funny, babe.”
“God, it’s about time. And I missed it? Oh well, I’m sure you’ll make me laugh on this tour for sure.”
“Challenge accepted…”
“You two are strange,” I say and they both nod.
“Yeah, we’re in our own little bubble of awesomeness,” Ryan says pulling Tillie to him and kissing her head. It’s sweet and tender and tells me everything I need to know about them as a couple.
Nate reaches out grabbing my hand as another car pulls up. Danger steps out and opens the trunk while Lunar slides out fussing about her hair. I tense up immediately. This tour is going to be awkward if we don’t get along, so I’m going to make an effort.
“Hey guys,” Ryan calls out.
“Hey fucker,” Lunar replies with a smirk like she always calls him that.
Danger starts pulling bag after bag out of the trunk.
“Oh, if it isn’t the diva,” Lunar says looking at me as I look at all of her luggage and can’t help but let out a stifled laugh.
“Excuse me? Have you looked at yourself?” I point to her bags without thinking and immediately regret it as she glares at me.
Nate squeezes my hand and I sink back into myself.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lunar scoffs.
“No… nothing. Sorry. Forget I said anything,” I say remembering my thoughts to play nice.
Tillie huffs as Lunar flicks her hair over her shoulders. “Lunar, do you really need all this shit? It’s a small tour bus.” Tillie asks not so gently.
Lunar looks back at the six luggage bags and exhales, her body slumping slightly. “What did you guys bring?”
“One bag each,” Nate says.
She slumps even further and winces. “Oh… shit, fuck!… Now I’m the diva, aren’t I?”
Everyone besides me smiles as she pouts looking to Danger who’s chuckling. “Told ya, babe.”
“But two bags are my foundation shit.”
“You have two bags… just for makeup?”
She gives me an actual smile. “No, my charity work.”
“Oh…” I glance up at Nate and he smiles down at me.
“Okay, I’ll take three bags, half the load. Is that okay, Till?”
Tillie laughs and nods.
“There’s gotta be a joke in there about half a load right, Tillie?” Ryan asks.
Tillie slaps his chest and rolls her eyes as Lunar steps up to her bags to cull them.
I turn to Nate and he smiles at me. “Is it just me or did we kind of have a little bit of a half way decent conversation then?”
“Not sure I’d class it as a conversation, but it was better than it has been.”
I lean up on my toes and kiss him as another car pulls up. Matt steps out whistling at us as I giggle against Nate’s lips, pulling back slightly.
“If you get us confused on tour, Zaria… I won’t hold it against you if I can hold you against me,” Matt calls out.
Nate rolls his eyes and flips his brother the bird.
“Plus, I’m better looking,” Matt adds.
I can’t help but laugh while Nate groans.
“That’s my line, douche,” Nate calls back to his brother.
“Yeah, but it’s not true when you say it.”
I laugh again and Nate pokes me in the ribs making me jump on the spot.
“Hey you, don’t side with the evil twin.”
I grin. “Never, only you.”
He smiles and leans down kissing me gently as my hand runs through his hair. Suddenly, someone beside us is making slobbering noises and we break apart to see Ryan French kissing his hand aggressively. I burst out laughing as he looks at me and smirks.
“That’s what you guys look like… kissing fiends, slobbering maniacs, horn dogs… it’s gross. Get a fucking room.” He smiles so wide it’s contagious.
“You and Tillie are much worse,” Nate defends.
“Oh, I know… it’s such a turn on isn’t it?” He slaps Nate’s head and runs off in the opposite direction. He’s full of energy and compared to how he used to look when Recoil were first on the scene, he’s toned up well. He looks great. Plus, he’s super cute too.
I have to admit the whole band is hot, but Nate was the one who captivated me right from the start. It was his eyes and the deep somber tone to them, the longing, the need to find somewhere to belong.
I know that look.
I see it in the mirror every day.
It’s why I was drawn to him.
I see myself in him.
We’ve both had troubled upbringings that have led us to a star-studded life. But just because we’re famous doesn’t mean we’re fulfilled. Nate has had his art which he needs to pursue, and he will with my help.
And me? I’d love to teach, but that’s hard when you’re famous. I guess I just have to play my life out as it goes. I have no idea.
A sudden blaring of a horn rattles me from my thoughts as I look up to see Olly waving from a bus as it’s being driven onto the lot. On the side of the bus is a picture of Danger and me up against the window from the set. It’s lovely and the band’s logo is next to us. Then a picture of all the guys is next to that. It’s a real tour bus, and this is all pretty fucking exciting and so different to what I’ve been used to.
The doors open and Olly steps off with the biggest of smiles. “Ladies and gentleman your carriage awaits.”
We load our luggage and have a look around. Up front is a section of seats and tables. It’s not set out like a normal bus, but like one of the jets I’m used to where it’s more like a boardroom than a plane. Then there’s a section break and four bathrooms. At the back is the sleeping quarters. There’s six beds in total and they’re all slightly smaller than a queen sized bed, but stacked three in a row like bunks. There’s not a lot of room in height between each bunk, but it’s better than sleeping in a chair.
“Dibs on the top bunk,” Ryan calls out and Tillie groans.
“Ryan, think of me in this, will you? I don’t wanna climb up the top all the time.”
“Middle bunk?” Ryan counters.
“Fine… middle bunk,” she groans.
Ryan grins claiming the middle bunk on the left. We grab the bottom bunk bellow them and Matt grabs the top. Olly takes middle right while Lunar and Danger take the bottom leaving the top for the driver or whoever needs it when we’re at stops. The other bus following us has our security detail on board and they will follow us everywhere we go.
After we settle in, we head off for the first stop on our two to three months long tour.
We arrive in Tucson, Arizona for an interview by a radio station. It’s going to be the first interview with Danger and me together, and I’m su
re we’ll have to play up our friendship more than it really is. But that’s okay. Maybe I’ll get to know him a little better on this tour, and by the end we won’t have to fake our friendship quite so much.
The bus pulls up at the WARI Studio and there’s a small crowd waiting by the studio door. I figure they’re all here for Recoil, and it’s kinda nice to not be the center of attention for once. Even though I know some fans will be here to see me, the majority are here for the boys.
“Okay, can I have your attention, please?” Olly calls out. “We’re going to head in and do this interview. Then from here we’re heading back on the road to Dallas. So you guys can get some rest after this because it’s a bit of a drive…” He points to the door. “Okay, let’s go.” He claps his hands and we all get up and head out.
Security is waiting to help us, and as we exit the screaming starts. I begin my usual routine of smile and wave to the fans, but soon realize they’re not here for me. A couple of them look at me and smile, but mostly they’re all screaming for the boys. I grin and chuckle to myself as I stop waving and turn to Nate to see him nodding and waving to everyone. It feels weird. I’m so used to having a mass of attention on me, but I’m not jealous, far from it. If anything it’s nice to stand back and watch someone else be in the limelight for once.
Ryan’s running along the line hi-fiving everyone as Danger signs autographs, and Matt’s standing back looking like he’s not really caring about anything. Like he’s seen this all a million times before and the fame doesn’t bother him at all.
Nate, however, he’s smiling from ear to ear, absorbing everything but standing back at my side.
I lean into his ear. “Go! I’m fine. Be with your fans,” I whisper.
He looks to me and shakes his head. “I don’t wanna leave you.”
“It’ll look suspicious if you never leave my side, Nate.”
He nods as I squeeze his hand and gesture over to a girl who’s holding a pair of drum sticks. “Go.”
Nate winks at me and then turns heading for the girl with the sticks. She hands them to him and he leans in to give her a hug and have a selfie. The look on her face is pure jubilation and I stand back in awe. I love how much the crowd adores these guys. I never realized just how popular they are. I guess I thought me being in their video was me helping them. Maybe they will be the ones helping me?
