I change my clothes and when I feel the bus slow, then stop and go again, I decide not to give her any more time. If she won’t be real and talk to me inside the bus, she sure as hell won’t once we get to the arena. I want her. That’s true. But does she return the sentiment? Slamming the door on my way out, I’m determined to unveil the answer.
A few steps into the living space and I’m already irritated. “What’s this?”
She sits at the kitchen table, fingers pinched together as her pen flies over the pages of her notebook. She doesn’t look up, doesn’t acknowledge my question, or give an indication she’s been up all night watching Disney movies snuggled at my side.
Sean rolls out of his bunk and starts brewing a pot of coffee. He holds up two mugs, an unspoken question.
I give him a nod of thanks and then turn back to my ice queen. “So, what? Now you’re ignoring me?”
Yep. She doesn’t even look up.
Austin chuckles from where he reclines into one of the chairs and powers on a video game. I’m not sure if his amusement comes from the game or Lexi’s stone wall, but I’d bet money on the latter.
“Lex, you want a cup?” She glances up from her writing with a sweet smile.
“I’d love one. Thanks, Sean.”
Well, fuck him and fuck her! And where does he get off shortening her name to Lex? She hates that. Sean fills my cup first and I grip it in my hands, trying to make sense of where this perfect morning took a wrong turn.
Austin drops his controller on his seat and comes over to pour himself a cup. He nods at me before joining Lexi on the long bench side of the table. “You look so much better. How’s the cough?” he says.
“Better. I’m sorry if I kept you up last night.”
“No, worries. I slept in. We all did. I’m just glad you’re feeling good.”
“What the fuck is this?” I can’t help but interrupt everyone’s morning pleasantries. It’s as though I’ve walked into some alternate universe where Lexi is nice to everyone but me.
“What?” Sean lifts his brow with a smirk before taking a sip of coffee.
Lexi burrows her head in her notebook again.
“So, now you’re not gonna talk to me but you’ll talk to these fuckers?”
“I take offense to that,” Austin says, though it’s plain he doesn’t in the slightest. I flip him the bird which only causes him to laugh.
“I’m writing.” Lexi purses her lips, those fucking lips, and doesn’t even meet my eyes. “Unless you have official band business to discuss, I’m busy.”
“Oh! Ha! So that’s how it’s going to be ... Now that ... After ...” I stumble over my words and now I have everyone’s concerned stares directed my way. Well, fuck that. I turn to stomp back to my room but Austin calls me back to the table.
“Actually, we have one item of business that needs attention. Today marks the one third mark of the trip ... You know what that means?”
Wing Challenge.
“What? What does that mean? We make some sort of sacrifice? I nominate Trent!” Lexi grins.
“Not exactly.” Sean smiles back. “I hope you’re ready, because we’re holding a wing challenge as soon we hit the city.”
“Wait. No. I thought we were each taking a turn at the room. Lexi doesn’t get to play,” I say.
“Hell, I don’t. Explain.” She points at Sean.
“Winner gets the private room for the next four weeks.”
“Oh, hells yeah, I’m in.” She lifts her hand and he gives her five.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea. You’re just starting to feel better,” I say.
“I’m sorry. When did you start making decisions for me?” She blinks up at me and tilts her head with challenge. So damn stubborn. Like she didn’t spend the night sick as a dog.
