Authors: Natalie Barnes
“Um… See you later?” I hesitate to say. What do I say? Thanks for hanging out with me, thanks for the fuck?
He doesn’t say anything and I open the bedroom door to make my way through.
Closing the main door to the suite behind me, I rest against it. There’s no one in the hallway, which I’m so thankful for. Pulling my key card out, I have to figure out where my room is again. It says that I’m on the ninth floor. Okay…
I start to walk down the hallway, holding myself tightly. What in the hell am I doing to myself? Should I just be civil with Tristan or keep doing this fucked up game of soirées that we’ve been doing?
It’s almost two o’clock. I climb out of the bath tub, wrapping a towel around me. My body is sore. Part from what happened last night, and this morning when I got back, I decided to take Matt’s advice on the workout after drinking, for hangovers. Drying myself off, I slip into dark blue jeans, and a dark thin, long sleeve, cotton shirt. I pull my hair back into a loose, low sideways ponytail. I put on a little mascara and lip gloss after I brush my teeth. Simple and clean. I love it.
Walking out into my mini suite, digging for my socks, my phone buzzes. Walking over to the side table, I just texted the guys before my bath that I would meet them down in the lobby at quarter to two. It’s only one thirty right now.
I didn’t even bother to look at it once I picked up my phone. Instead I sit on the edge of the bed and pull my socks up, then lacing up my shoes. My phone goes off again! Rolling my eyes I pick it up as I start to zip up my bag to take downstairs.
Shit!
Two texts from Tristan. First one read,
Lux just called. We’re flying out tonight instead of the bus. Broken or some shit.
Then the second one says
Hey!
We’re flying now? I wonder if Lux said anything to rest of the guys yet? Sitting back down on the bed, I text Tristan back.
Okay
Is that all I could think of? I’m sure I will be hearing more of the details when we get to the arena today. I hope.
Sliding my phone into my back pocket, I pull my bag over my right shoulder and head out of the room. Walking through the lobby, I notice all of the boys, even Cory. Thank god! Waiting for me.
Going up to Roger I say, “Did you know that we’re flying out tonight?”
He gives me this odd look and shakes his head no. Hmm… That’s weird.
“Oh?” I say, looking around at the other guys. “Why?” Roger gives me this questionable look.
“Oh, I thought one of the buses were down or something.” I didn’t want to bring up Tristan’s text just yet.
“Maybe one of us should call him and see.” Matt joins in as we start to walk out of the lobby.
“Yeah I will after we get set up for tonight.” I reassured them.
All of the crew is at the arena. The techs, roadies and all. Undead doesn’t have to be here yet, because all of the techs and roadies do everything for them. My band on the other hand, have to be here. We work with the roadies, but still have to do a lot of our own tune and set up.
After we’re done, it’s around five. Before I meet up with Frankie to get ready, I go into the restroom and call Lux. It rings only twice before he picks up. “Please tell me everyone is there?” He sounds annoyed.
“Yeah, everyone’s here. I just wanted to know, what’s going on with the buses? Are we flying out now?” Placing my hand on my hip, Lux quickly says, “Buses are fine. Some little glitch came up earlier, but everything is taken care of now.”
What?
I was getting ready to ask why Tristan would text me about flying out then, but Lux continued. “Some of the guys from Undead have a few days off. I told them that they can chill on the road with you guys, or maybe wait around in Seattle for a break ’til the next show. You see, they go right over to Europe after this leg of the tour, so I try to give them a little break.”
Right now my mind is blank. Why would Tristan tell me that we’re flying?
Maybe because he’s trying to scheme up a way to be around just me more? I shake the idea out of my head, but why else would he text that?
“Oh, okay. I thought I heard that we’re all flying. Never mind.”
Lux jumps back in. “I’m sorry, Sophia. With expenses, it’s easier for you guys to go by bus. They bring in more to the company. Obviously. But—” I cut Lux off. Shit! I don’t want him thinking I’m pissed or something. I was just trying to figure out Tristan’s text. Which I may know now that it was set up by him. Sneaky fucker. “Hey, don’t worry.” I start laughing a little, to ease Lux.
“Someone must have misheard, that’s all. That’s why I called you. No worries. We’re cool. And everyone here is on their game.”
Lux breathes out a sign of relief. We say our goodbyes and I hang up.
Hmm… What am I going to say to Tristan? Like how am I going to ask him about lying. Because that’s pretty much what he did, didn’t he?
I guess I’ll have to figure this shit out after the show. I really don’t know what to think about it? Part of my is flattered for Tristan actually wanting to be with me. But another part is like, why would he do that?
Turning around the corner of the hallway, making my way to where Frankie is. I notice just down a bit, that Tristan and one of his techs are talking. I suddenly stop. I’m not ready to ask him about the flying thing. Whatever. I pick up my pace again, not looking at him, but at the door where I need to go. Acting like I’m not really paying attention, Tristan nods to the guy and starts walking up to me.
Not saying anything, I keep my pace. He looks so incredibly good right now too. Clouding my head of the questions I need to ask him. But I’m only thinking about him being with me right now. Focusing on me.
We walk together silently down the hall for just a few more steps before he gently grabs my elbow, making me come to a halt.
Gazing up at him, he’s looking down at me. I love and hate how he takes his force with me. I quickly pull my arm away. Glaring now.
“Why did you fucking lie about the buses? Are you psycho or something?” Wow. I didn’t mean for it to come out so harsh like, but Tristan didn’t blanch. He just starts smiling at me, slowly. That sexy cocky smile of his.
“I was going to explain more, but all you said was ‘okay’ back.”
“What is it that you want from me?” Crossing my arms, it’s time to figure some things out!
Tristan looks at me confused. Stepping back.
“Nothing. It’s just that… Well, shit, Sophia! I like this.” He gestures his hand between us.
“I know it came off shady about the text. But you left my room today so casually that I… I guess panicked.” Oh my god. Staring up at Tristan, his eyes look genuinely concerned. No more glaring or dominance. Instead it’s like he was scared or lost. That instantly makes me feel a little wet. I don’t know. Something about how powerful he is, and how crazy sexy he is too, but wanting to be around, what I think of myself a “plain Jane.”
Shaking my head, trying to grasps it. “Wh— Why didn’t you just talk to me instead?”
Rubbing his hands up and down on his face, he now looks a little irritated.
“Fuck, I don’t know. I just know that I can’t get your fucking ass off my mind. And it’s pissing me off. I’m not use to this shit Sophia. I don’t know.” Okay, please take me now. Never had I ever would imagine this shit right now. Trying to play it cool I go on. “Well, Tristan, maybe if you would’ve just said, ‘Hey fly with me out to Seattle for a few days.’ Maybe I would’ve.”
His cocky smile is back on, and he steps in closer to me.
“No, you wouldn’t.”
Actually, I think he’s right. Gawd! He’s so right. This pull between us is so intense and raw, I never felt anything like this before. Looking away from him again, staring down at the floor I whisper, “I can’t.”
Peering back up at him, his jaw clenches, but doesn’t say anything, so I go on.
“I mean, this is my bands first tour. I can’t just fly out and stay at a hotel away from them, while they’re on the road. This has to be all of us together.” I think Tristan understands but is a little disappointed. He nods and backs away from me. He starts walking away in the other direction. I turn around to watch him walk away. Shrugging my shoulders, I let out a long breath.
I kind of feel lost right now. I mean, should have I taken him up on his offer to join him. Part of me wonders all the things that we could be getting ourselves into for a few days. But I know to keep my distance from him too. This is just a tour. He is after all Tristan Scott, and ladies are what he knows. Just the thought at how many would be jumping for the offer blows my mind at how I just turned him down.
Pushing open the door, I see Frankie applying mascara on himself in the mirror.
I step inside and sit in the folding chair by the table. Frankie doesn’t look away at what he’s doing, instead he says, “Hey doll face.” I look over at my outfit for tonight, hanging on the rack. Leather shorts and a leather strapless corset top. It looks pretty fucking cool.
When Frankie is done, he turns to me, leaning against the sink.
“So… I came out last night, like around nine or something.” He waves his hand around in the air. “But the boys said you weren’t feeling well and went back to the hotel.” He pushes himself off the counter and slowly strides over to me. Panther-like.
“So… I took it upon myself to check up on you. After all what are friends for… ”
Thinking quickly in my head, I don’t remember receiving any texts or calls? “I got a key from the front desk.” Lifting his hands up defensively, he turns his nose up in the air.
He looks back down at me, and bends on his knees right in front of me now. Raising his eyebrow up, he places his hands on my knees. “You weren’t there… ”
I’m shocked right now. Why is everyone suddenly in my shit? But I can’t lie to Frankie. A smile creeps on my face, but I say nothing.
“Uh-huh. Just as I suspected.” He pushes himself off of me. Twirling around on his heel.
“Let’s get ready.” Is all that he has left to say to me. And I’m thankful that Frankie knows when to drop something.
After I’m all done with Frankie getting me ready for tonight. I walk over to grab a joint I had stashed away in my jeans. Pulling it out I light it up and exhale slowly. Fuck, this feels so good right now. My head begins to feel light, and all of my nerves about performing tonight and Tristan fade away. Frankie leaves the room to take a call, and after a few more tokes, I turn toward the mirror. Short leather shorts with a leather vest crop top on. My breast looks ignoramus. I also have on are these black thigh high boots. My hair is laying long and thick, with waves cascading down. My makeup is done with more extreme than the last few shows. Always heavy eye makeup and lashes, but more of a clean face. This time though, I have more of a red lips going on. My wrists are covered in bracelets and my fingers covered in sliver rings. I look like some bad-ass biker chick, ready to take on anything.
When I’m done with the joint, I feel calmer but more anxious at the same time. Anxious in a good way. The way like I’m ready to get out on that stage and show Minneapolis a good time.
But my mouth is dry. Not the best thing before performing, so I grab a water and put a piece of gum into my mouth, to help saliva form. Shit! I’m pretty stoned right now. Laughing at myself, I don’t really care. I feel pretty damn good.
I decided it was time to round up the boys. Making my way down the hall, I keep my ears open to hear one of them. There isn’t a lot of rooms around here, so it shouldn’t be that hard to find them. Right when I thought about that, I hear Roger’s obnoxious laugh. The laugh that tells me that he’s already buzzed too.
Not caring, I swing open the door where I hear Roger from. It’s a large room with a beverage table in the center. And everyone is in here. I mean everyone! Tristan’s band included. Literally they all stop and look over to me, with some mouths dropping.
I take that, that Frankie did another great job tonight.
They must know that I’m stoned, because Caleb covers his mouth to hide his laugh. He lifts his hand away and says, “Shit… girl. Have anymore?” I give him a smile and tilt my chin up at him, shaking my head no.
“Nope” is all that I could get out. We’re about to go on in a few, so I want to round up the guys and get out of here.
Tristan’s eyes are on me. Scanning my body from head to toe. He’s wearing jeans and a black sleeveless shirt again. Showing off those delicious muscles and tattoos of his. His hair is pushed back out of his face, but curls slightly around his ears and neck.
“Just letting you fuckers know it’s almost time.” I wink to them. What has gotten into me. Tristan’s neck tendons flex with my wink, and Roger gets up. “Fuck yeah!” he exclaims, “I fucking love this shit.” He slaps his hand on Cory’s shoulder, making Cory stand. I turn away from them and start making my way out the door.
I didn’t pay any attention to the laughs or whisper behind me. Good or bad… I don’t give a fuck. I’m ready to do this. Already half way over with the tour, and I’m going to make the most of it.
I hear my guys behind me as I start walking down the hall, toward the stage. Lux isn’t here, but I see one of the crew members with a clipboard, standing in front of me as I approach the stage.
“You’re all set in three” Is all that he says, then he’s off walking past me to another guy.
I’m not even going to look back right now. Rubbing my hands together, bouncing on one foot to the next, I’m just ready to get out there. Shit! It’s almost like I didn’t smoke pot, instead it seems like I’m on something else, with my behavior right now.
Honestly it’s not just the pot. It’s being on tour, the fans and Tristan actually liking me that gets me off right now.
I hear the crowd chant more and more and our introduction is being announced through the speakers. I can feel my bands presence behind me as I slowly inch my way off the sidelines and toward the stage. Hearing our cue, I stride my way over to the mic. Waving to the crowd as I make my way. We’re not that big to have all the fancy effects when we perform. I admire how Undead performs. They’re not sell outs. I remember reading an article about them a few years ago, and it was Tristan that was saying they did that stuff for the fans that pay the money. He wanted for them to have a good time and enjoy a show. “It’s all for them. I’ll gladly pay any amount for them.” His words, even then, touched my heart. When it comes to performing especially.