by D. Kelly
This makes me smile. “It’s true. Every single penny goes to charity. I’ve never taken a dime of it. I consider it fruit of the poisonous tree and all that.”
He nods in complete understanding.
“There’s something else I need to address before we go over the paperwork.”
He releases a sigh, and I’m intrigued.
“Most of this tour will be by bus. This tour is smaller, there are no sets, it’s all acoustic and very few instruments. There’s not even an opening act. We’ll have a total of two trucks and five buses. Two buses for the band, one for workout equipment, and two for the crew. We meant it when we said it’s intimate.”
Sweet Jesus, that’s a small crew for a band of their caliber.
“Most of the time, I travel with them, and that won’t change on this tour. Typically, I travel with Wyatt and Darren. We wanted to put you with them, but then I realized it would be extremely inappropriate to have you on the bus with Wyatt.”
I see where he’s going with this, and I’m not sure I like it.
“So I’d have to bunk with Sawyer and Noah,” I finish for him, and he nods.
“The buses are large and luxurious. There are two bedrooms in the back. Essentially, it’s one large bedroom split down the middle with a wall, so Noah and Sawyer could have some space. Just outside the rooms on the left is an almost full-size bathroom, including a spa tub. On the right are two twin-size bunks. It’s spacious, and of course there’s a kitchen, small office area, and a lounging area.”
“So I could use the office space to write?”
“I’m sure you’re going to be the first person to use the office space for anything.”
This is overwhelming.
“Look, here is all the paperwork, feel free to review it. It includes your contract, standard NDA, tour schedule, and potential book tour schedule. Sam will be here with your other paperwork shortly. Go over it, take it to your attorney and have them go over it, and get it back to me by Tuesday at the latest.”
“I thought you needed it finalized by Monday?”
“We thought so, too, but it seems Sawyer has been inspired to finally finish the title track of the album. They’ll be working in the studio all day tomorrow.”
The elevator dings and Warren rises. “That must be Sam. I’m going to see if he needs any help.” He pats me on the shoulder as he passes. “I really do think this will be good for all of you.”
It’s easy for him to say, he didn’t live through it the first time around … I did. It doesn’t matter because my mind is already made up. I’m going to do this, and I’m going to enjoy it if it kills me.
“Amelia, join us in the conference room, won’t you? Sam brought entirely too much food to eat in here.”
I follow Warren to the conference room, which also has a spectacular view of the ocean.
How do they ever get any work done here?
“You must be Amelia. I’m Sam Stevenson. It is such a pleasure to finally meet you. Your book was phenomenal. I read it in one sitting.”
“Thank you,” I answer while taking in the massive spread in front of me. He brought three different kinds of bread, at least five different kinds of meats and cheeses, veggies, condiments, fruit, and chips. It’s enough food for thirty people, let alone just the three of us.
“Please, help yourself and let’s get to know each other a bit. Business can keep until a bit later, don’t you agree?”
“Of course.”
If it keeps me from talking about my parents, I’ll pretty much agree to anything. Sam pulls out a chair for me, and I sit. He and Warren both take chairs opposite of me. They’re an interesting couple. Warren is easily in his mid-fifties while Sam is probably mid-forties. Warren has salt-and-pepper hair, a little bit of a belly, and the kindest smile I’ve ever seen. They both look to be a little under six feet tall. Sam, on the other hand, is bald and well-built. Where Warren seems to be more of a casual dresser, Sam is in a suit, even on a Sunday afternoon.
As we pass around the different trays of food and make our plates, Sam and Warren catch up on their morning.
“How long have you two been married?” I ask, hoping to break the ice and continue to divert the discussion away from myself.
“Five years this month, but we’ve been together for twelve. Believe it or not, we met at one of BAD’s first shows down at the Whisky.”
“Wow. Twelve years, that’s impressive.”
“You don’t believe in romance, do you, Amelia?” Sam asks bluntly, and I know I’m blushing.
“I believe in it for some people. I’m just not sure I believe in it for myself.”
“You write it extremely well for someone who doesn’t necessarily believe,” he counters.
“Life wouldn’t be as fun if we didn’t give the world fairytales, even if we don’t buy into them ourselves, would it?”
“You’ve got me there,” he answers with a hearty laugh. I like him; he doesn’t beat around the bush.
After a bit more chit chat, and entirely way too much food, I push my plate away.
“Should we get down to business?” Sam asks with an excited gleam in his eye, and I nod in agreement.
“Warren says you might not want to be in the public eye …”
“It’s true, but it’s also a little too late for that, don’t you think? Soon enough, someone will point out my past. I’m just hoping to stay under the radar for as long as possible.”
“Glad to hear it. If you sign with SOS, we will not be revealing any of your personal details you don’t want the general public to know. Once your secret is out of the bag, we’ll decline to comment on anything. If and when you’re ready to talk, it will be your choice and not guided by any of our publicists.”
“Sounds fair enough.” I’m keeping it cool on the outside but relief is pouring through my veins. I know I’m going to have to talk about them eventually, but it’s not something I want to think about now.
Sam reaches for a folder on the table. “These are the contracts which contain all the details of the publishing deal SOS would like to offer you. It encompasses The O Factor, the currently untitled official BAD biography, and first right of refusal for your next book, as well as any potential sequels to any of these books. It’s a fairly standard contract, but please have your attorney look it over and get back to me in the next few weeks. I’ll need the BAD contract back in the next few days, as Warren has already advised you.”
“Thank you.” I’m pretty speechless at the moment, so I’m lucky to even squeak out those words.
“I should be thanking you. It will be nice to get a fresh, younger author into SOS. I’m hopeful this can be the beginning of a long-term relationship. And, of course it goes without saying, the sooner you decide, the better, since we will be coordinating the book tour with the BAD tour.”
“About that, how would that work exactly?” I’ve been wondering about this because I can’t imagine doing as many signings as they do shows.
Sam leans back with a smile; he’s happy I’m interested. “Actually, it wouldn’t be bad at all. You’ll be on tour for a full year, and you’re going to be busy working. The tour is five stops for you. Los Angles, New York, Chicago, Boston, and London.”
“London?” He wants me to go international?
“Of course London,” he replies with a hearty laugh. “You are an international bestseller, Amelia, and your fans want to know you. London is the perfect place for your first signing abroad. If it goes well, we’ll set up more for when you complete the BAD story. Who knows, maybe they’ll even travel with you next time.”
The twinkle in his eyes is mischievous, and I’m not entirely sure he’s joking.
“Don’t look so fearful. This is a great opportunity for you,” Warren says in a fatherly tone. If only my own dad had been more like him.
“It’s a lot to think about, but I’m thrilled to have both offers to go over. I could never t
hank you enough, either of you.”
“The pleasure is ours. Do you have any further questions?” Warren asks as he and Sam stand to walk me out.
“Just one. I’m still allowed to put Sawyer in his place when necessary, correct?”
Warren roars in laughter and responds once he composes himself again. “Amelia, not only are you allowed, but I think it’s going to be the best part of the entire tour. Sawyer, more than anything, needs someone to set him straight.”
“Perfect. I’ll be in touch once I’ve gone over everything with my attorney. Have a good day, gentlemen.”
The elevator door opens and once inside, I’m frantically emailing my attorney. I know he’ll respond within a few minutes, and the sooner I can get in to see him, the better.
Leaving On A Tour Bus
“So that’s everything,” Belle says excitedly, surveying my empty apartment. The movers took the last box down to the truck and are taking everything to the storage unit Warren set up for me.
“I guess so,” I reply sadly.
“Hey, don’t be so glum. This is a good thing. It’s time to let go of the past, including this apartment. It’s been your shield for far too long.”
Belle pulls me into a hug, and I nod. “I know it is, but this was the first place I ever had that was mine, and I fought like hell to get here on my own.”
“Amelia Greyson, you listen to me. Everything in your life has changed. You’re not the girl you were back then, and your financial future is completely secure. Between the money you’re getting from the tour, the royalties from the book, and your new publishing contract with SOS, you’re set for a very long time.”
“I’m going to miss you so much.”
“Girl, please,” she says, pushing me out at arm’s length, holding on to my shoulders. “You’re not going to have time to miss me. You’ve got a book to write, a band to document, and fun to be had. Plus, you’ll see me in a week and at least once a month. You’ve got this. Just give in to it.”
She’s right. I’m just scared of what’s going to come from all of this.
“Come on, let’s get you to the buses before they’re ready to leave. I’d like to say goodbye to Darren alone, anyway.”
“I can’t believe you’re dating a rock star,” I reply, shaking my head.
She clears her throat. “Fucking and dating are two very different things. I’m fucking a rock star like there’s no tomorrow. I’m not dating anyone who’s going to be gone for a year. There are too many hotties in my life for that.”
“Whatever you say, Belle.”
She turns to me with her hands on her hips. “Mel, what exactly are you implying?”
“I’m not implying anything. I know for a fact you like him more than you want to admit, and I’m curious to see how this all plays out. That’s all.”
“That’s funny coming from the girl who has both Weston brothers salivating over her.”
“They are not!” My protest is weak and we both know it.
“We’ll see. Come on, Princess, or you’re going to be late.” Her laugh follows behind her as she runs down the stairs. She should run, too; she knows I can’t stand that Princess shit.
Once we’re on the freeway, she asks the question I knew was going to come eventually, and I’m utterly shocked it took her almost four weeks to get it out.
“Seriously, Mel, what was it like when Sawyer kissed you? You haven’t talked about it at all, but damn … he’s Sawyer fucking Weston, and the first thing he did was nickname you. From everything I’ve heard, that’s extremely out of character for him.”
Do I tell her the truth? I’ve never lied to her before, but if I tell her she’s going to make fun of me. And if I don’t, she’ll know I’m lying.
“In the vault, Belle. This is off the record and in the best friend files, got it?”
She nods enthusiastically and nibbles on her bottom lip while she drives, waiting for my answer.
“I can’t believe I’m going to tell you this.”
After a long pause, I finally give her what she’s waiting for.
“Being kissed by Sawyer made me believe in the devil. There’s no way someone can make me feel that good and turn me on that fast without being completely damning to my soul. I’ve never felt like that before, and I’m sure I’ll never feel it again.”
“Babe, if someone makes you feel that good, you need to believe he came from God because that kind of pleasure can only come from heaven above.”
She looks at me and we both burst into laughter. Once we’ve calmed down a bit, we fall into silence. As Belle exits the freeway, she turns to me. “Seriously, Mel, don’t push him away if he makes you feel good. Maybe you’re what he needs, too.”
“What I need is to focus on my job and not on screwing band members.”
“If you say so.” She shrugs her shoulders. “I just hope you eventually figure out you can work and have fun.”
She turns into the parking lot of The Forum and pulls into the lot where all the trucks and buses are lined up and getting ready to go. Belle parks next to the first bus, which I was told is their bus. I guess Noah and Sawyer are always in front of the procession, or whatever you call it.
My bags are already on the bus. Warren took care of that as well. The only things I have with me are my purse and my backpack which houses my laptop and a few other necessities.
This seems so normal. Everyone is lingering around outside the buses just chatting away. Darren is the first to approach us, and he immediately pulls Belle into a hug and spins her around.
“Mind if I steal your friend for a few minutes?” The devilish smile on his face tells me it’s going to be more than a few minutes, but I don’t mind.
“Not at all. Have fun, you two, and be safe,” I call after them as they laugh their way into the second bus.
“Is this really her?” a female voice squeals from behind me, and I turn to see if she’s talking about me. She is because about a half second after I turn around, I’m being hugged like I’m this chick’s long-lost friend.
“Sorry, Mel,” Wyatt says sheepishly. “This is Anna. She’s a little excited to meet you in person.”
With a laugh, she pulls back. “Sorry, sometimes I’m overly friendly. I’m just so excited to finally meet you. I can’t wait to read the book you write about these guys. I know it’s going to be absolutely incredible.” She’s gushing and I’m blushing. I’m not used to this kind of attention.
“Princess,” Sawyer says as he slithers up next to me.
“Well, if it isn’t Prince Charming himself,” I mutter.
Anna and Wyatt snicker, and Anna whispers to Wyatt, but it’s loud enough for us all to hear. “You’re right, they’re going to be really fun to watch.”
“Don’t worry, Mel, I’ll save you from the big bad wolf,” Noah says, slinging his arm around my shoulder. Once again, he’s a little too close for comfort, but I’m beginning to understand this is just how he is. His parents were probably very loving—although, that doesn’t explain Sawyer.
Anna gives me a knowing glance, reminding me of Belle. I’m not going to be in a Weston brother sandwich, so I duck out of Noah’s arm and lean up against the bus instead.
Anna giggles, and I really take a good look at her. We couldn’t be more opposite, that’s good. Hopefully, she’ll never worry about me wanting her husband. She’s about five-foot-two, curvy, and has short, red, spikey hair and piercing blue eyes. She actually kind of reminds me of Pink. Considering I’m about five-foot-eight, with long, wavy, brown hair, hazel eyes, and a sarcastic attitude, we probably couldn’t be any different.
Thank God.
“If you need the real scoop on these guys, you can feel free to call me anytime. I’ve known them for years, and I know them best. I know what makes them tick.”
Sawyer surprises me by scooping her up in a big bear hug. When he sets her down, she’s misty-eyed.
Noah m
ust notice my surprise because he points between the two of them. “They’ve been best friends since we were kids. It’s actually how Anna and Wyatt met. All of us met in junior high school, but Sawyer was the first one to meet Anna our eighth grade year.”
“Correction. I dated Anna in eighth grade,” Sawyer retorts smugly, and Anna promptly slugs him.
“Stop telling tales. We dated for about a day. I met him over the phone through a mutual friend. You know how it goes. Once we met in person, we knew we were going to be friends, but that was it.”
“Hey, I wasn’t telling tales. I said we dated. Now, if I said I almost had you coming in your pants with just a kiss, that would be telling tales.”
He’s smirking, and I’m doing my best not to blush.
“Eww, Sawyer, stop being gross. Wyatt is the only one of these guys who’s ever made me come with his tongue,” she clarifies for my benefit. I like her already.
“Come on, Mel. Why don’t I show you the bus and get you your entry code?”
“Entry code?”
“To the bus. Everyone has their own entry code for security purposes.”
“Oh, sure, that makes sense.” I follow behind Noah and wait while he punches in his own code to get onto the bus. The door opens and we step inside.
It’s gorgeous.
With a quick glance around, I already know we won’t be lacking for luxury. This is far nicer than any other bus I’ve been on. The floors are hardwood, the appliances stainless steel, the counters granite, and the furniture is all black leather. It’s sexy as fuck in here. As we walk further inside, we pass the office and Noah opens the door to show me the bathroom.
Warren wasn’t joking; it’s pretty awesome.
“We figured you’d be happy with the bathroom. That’s the biggest perk of the nicer buses. You actually get a full-size tub and shower.”
“This bus is beautiful.”
“Well, you might not want to say that too soon. Here are the bunks.”
Even the bunks are nice. They aren’t super small cubbies with a flat mat posing as a mattress. These are full-size twin mattresses, with super plush bedding and black-out curtains. There are built-in lights above so you can read if you want to and since there are only two of them, I won’t have to worry about bumping my head. They’re spacious.
