Page 39 of The Only Thing That's Real
I’m not the only one who’s noticed. Without taking my eyes off the lead singer currently ignoring his fans, I notice the blond beauty turned in her seat to see what exactly has the attention she’s so desperately in search of. Then all too quickly, Matt begins the opening riff to “A Night of Madness” and Knox faces the crowd,closes his eyes and hits the first note with an angst I’ve never heard from him before. As the song progresses, he pours his soul into every note.
Waiting with bated breath to see if he’s going to look in my direction again, I’m disappointed when he doesn’t. He doesn’t look my way for the rest of the show. When he leaves for the encore, he exits the other side of the stage. The side he never leaves on.
Is he avoiding me or Ari?
Once again, left confused, I head out before the encore is over and when the band finally turns up backstage to greet family and friends, Knox is covered in sweat and supermodel.
Her arm is around his waist and his around her shoulders as he whispers in her ear. Looks like all is forgiven.
It’s irrational for me to have any feelings about the situation but I’m disappointed in him. Does he realize he’s giving her exactly what she came here for?
Irritated, I quietly leave the room while everyone is distracted.
I need to get the hell out of here.
Chapter Twenty-One
Knox
“You need to get your hands off me before I cause a scene and do it for you.”
I’m sure to everyone in the room it looks like I’m whispering sweet nothings in Arianna’s ear. Normally, I wouldn’t give a shit what it looks like, but Ryan is somewhere in this mess of people.
I shouldn’t care about that fact, but I do. Much more than is reasonable.
“Why are you being so cold?” Arianna says through the fake smile on her lips.
What is she not getting?
“Sweetheart, if you think this is cold, things are about to get downright frigid.” I pull my hand from her shoulder and press it gently against her lower back, pushing her away fromme. “Now, kindly remove yourself from my body. I will not ask again.”
She stiffens beneath my fingertips, but always one to avoid a spectacle she hasn’t crafted herself she does as I ask, yelling across the room for Jennifer’s attention.
I look for Ryan now that Ari’s taken her first step away from me. She’s nowhere to be found, but I catch my manager’s eye. Trevor taps his watch, reminding me of the call I have in fifteen minutes.
A call I would never miss.
All I need is a quick shower and then a conversation that’s been a long-time coming will take place.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Knox
“Just breathe, asshole,” I say aloud to the empty bedroom at the back of the bus.
I intentionally scheduled my call with Mia for now, knowing there would be a small window when the guys would be busy. The last night in each city, the after-party goes longer than usual.
My laptop sits waiting while I white knuckle the towel around my neck to catch drips of water from my wet hair. My knee bounces as anxiety builds in my chest, attempting to steal the air from my lungs. I’ve practiced this conversation in my head a million times. I know what I want to say. What Ineedto say, but actually speaking the words when the time comes is a hell of a lot different.
Watching the time on the screen,my finger hovers over her number. The second the time changes to 11:45, I press the touch screen, calling before my fear gets the best of me.
I was shocked Mia replied as quickly as she did, and that she wanted to talk so soon. She asked if it was okay if Angus was on the call and, of course, I said yes. I would imagine the knowledge that his big brother has slept with the love of his life has added some tension to their relationship. If it reassures either of them to have him on the call, it’s fine by me. It’s awkward, but he’s currently the only father figure in Sawyer’s life and he’s a part of this too. As crazy fucked up as it is.
Still, when the two of them appear on my screen, it’s like a dagger to my heart. Not because I want Mia. But because he’s there and I’m not.
“Hey,” I barely get out before clearing my throat.
Mia waves her hand and Angus says, “How ya doin’, brother?”
