Page 6 of Revel
What if it’s the dragon who rescues her from the prince? Has that story been told?
Probably not because the dragon wouldn’t do something like that, but let me tell you aboutthedragon. His name is Revel Slade. Fear him. Never get too close because Revel Slade is so hot he commands the fires of hell, and he will burn you to cinders and enjoy watching the flames dance.
I know the dragon in this story, and he’s not the one sitting next to me. He’s the one haunting my every move in this industry.
So why am I going on tour with him?
I’m an idiot. That’s why.
Don’t overthink it.That’s exactly what I’m telling myself.
Breckin moves from beside me, sighing, his patience thinning. “What’s really bothering you? Breaking out of the industry standards or Slade and his constant bashing? Because I’ve told you before, don’t let that no-good piece of shit tell you how it is.”
He’s right to an extent. Revel Slade is trouble, but I’m also not in the mood to argue with Breckin. He’s one of those guys who always needs to be right.
I want to tell him all of it, but then again, I don’t think I want to admit my fears to him either. Breckin and I had been together since I was sixteen and though I do trust him for the most part, he lost a great deal of that trust when the touring lifestyle got the better of him and he cheated on me. I know how hard a long-distance relationship can be, and it didn’t surprise me when he had what he referred to as a “lapse in judgment,” but I’m also not that kind of girl who forgets. I may forgive, but I won’t ever forget.
My neck and face suddenly feel itchy and hot. Reaching for his hand, I smile up at him. “I’m just scared of it all. If this is really the right thing to do for my career.”
“Have you even thought this through? You don’t have to do it.” Though his words are sincere, they sink into my skin like poison. I knew it. He doesn’t believe I can do this.
In the distance, I hear the security alarm beep, signifying someone opened the door. It’s my dad with Bella, my cousin and personal assistant. Wheeling three suitcases behind her, she grins and swipes her hand across her forehead once she’s in the den where Breckin and I are.
“Girl, I’m so freaking pumped!” Bella pumps her fist in the air. “I have an outfit for every city! And Greece, girl. Goddamn Greece! I’m gonna find me a nice Spanish man to woo my panties off.”
I fight back laughter at her enthusiasm. “Don’t you mean Greek?”
“Yeah, that. A Greek god would be nice.”
Bella is by far the craziest person I know, and I love every ounce of her tiny nutball spirit. I can’t imagine doing this without her. I can’t imagine going anywhere without her. Ever since I left Baton Rouge three years ago for LA, she’s been by my side. I can’t say the same for the one behind her.
Offering a smile, I wink at Bella. “Can’t wait.” My tone is sarcastic, isn’t it? I’m such a jerk. I drop my head and stare at my perfectly manicured toes. I adore Bella. She’s my best friend and she’s my family, and if anyone is there for me at all hours of the night and day, it’s this girl.
That one behind her, I can’t even look at him these days. I don’t know the truth about my dad’s supposed affair, and he swears it’s all paparazzi rumors, but I don’t know if I can trust him any longer and that’s not a good feeling to have when your dad’s your record label. He approaches, smiling at Bella, then directing his gaze to mine. “Are you ready?”
Trying to act normal, I shrug and pick up my cell phone off the coffee table in front of me. “I think so.”
With his eyes on her ridiculous overalls that I’m sure have more holes in them than fabric, Dad hands Bella an envelope. “Details are in here. Road manager and A-team already have copies and itineraries. Your flight leaves tonight at seven. Kandace will join you in Portland.”
Kandace is my manager, and I adore her because when it seems no one is looking out for me, she is.
You might be wondering what A-team is. It’s not that totally funny movie with Bradley Cooper, unfortunately. Every tour we go on has three teams to it. A-team is the artist group. It consists of personal security, assistants, manager, hair, makeup… those guys.
B-team. It’s the band’s tour manager, road manager, guitarist, drummer, dancers, tour accountant.
C-team. The sound, lighting, video, catering, and merchandise.
Ya’ll, I know what you’re thinking. That’s a lot of people. Welcome to tour life. And if you think that’s bad, just imagine what this tour is going to be like with six other bands and their entourages.
Breckin shuffles to his feet again. I hadn’t even realized he’d moved from his place beside me. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Jory?” I can take a wild guess as towhyBreckin thinks this is a bad idea. Look at him, still thinking we have a chance at our relationship. That won’t happen. Between you and me, he was never very good boyfriend material. He’s much better in the friend-zone.
“If Tay wants to break free from the image she’s so adamant is holding her back, then I guess she knows what’s good for her.” Do you sense the sarcasm in my dad’s voice? I certainly do, but it’s a reminder that this was, in fact, my idea, believe it or not.
Sighing, Breckin sits back down next to me. “I don’t think it is. These bands… it’s not her scene. They’re….” He sounds concerned, every word holding a weight to my chest.
“Why are you trying to talk me out of the tour?” Staring down at my toes, I wiggle them into the rug as a distraction. It takes everything in me to keep my cool. I don’t know why but his words piss me off because he’s acting like everyone else and saying I don’t belong. “It’s almost like you don’t want me on it.”
Breckin’s jaw tightens, his eyes hard and accusing. “No, that’s not it.”
