I wait for her to say good-bye or complain about my shortcomings, but when there’s no reply I pull my cell back to see she already ended the call. I shake my head, not sure whether I should be thankful or pissed, but when I scroll through the guest list and stop upon a familiar name, I settle on thankful.Hot fucking damn. No wonder my uncle was scared.
* * *
I call in to work,and manage to get one of my co-workers to cover my shift, then race to catch a bus to the train station. It’s the fastest way I can manage to get to San Diego without blowing the bank. Fingers crossed I can scalp a ticket and work my way backstage. Maybe it’s crazy to try, but I have to warn the guys. They may not believe me, but it’s a chance I’m willing to take. They treated me like family, and I can’t not say anything. Not with the consequences this could have.
I step off the train and arrive at the stadium an hour before the show begins. I pick up a ticket for more than I make in a week, but it’s worth it, because once inside I recognize Dave, one of the tour assistants working the merch table.
“Dave!” I call out and when he catches my gaze he smiles with recognition. I don’t know what the band’s said to the staff in regard to my sudden departure, but I take it as a good sign he doesn’t immediately throw me out.
“Hey, Leighton. How you doing, man?”
“I’m actually hoping you can get me some face time with the band. There’s something I really need to tell them.”
He presses his lips together and looks around. “I don’t know, man. I don’t need any trouble. Besides, this is gonna get crazy in here soon.”
“Can you get me through security? I just need a few minutes. I swear I won’t mention your name.”
He gives me a once over. “You aren’t going to try something stupid? I heard what you did.”
I clench my jaw and push the rush of anger aside. It’s not his fault for taking it at face value. If roles were reversed, I’d probably do the same. “I didn’t sell any band info. I was set up. That’s why I need to talk to them. I don’t want any more shit to happen. They’re good guys.”
“Fine.” He nods his head toward a door. “Meet you over there in five. I’ll do my best to get you back.”
“Thank you, Dave.”
“Don’t mention it. I mean it. I’m not looking to get caught up in a mess.”
I step over to the door and wait as patiently as I can. My fingers tap against the fabric of my pants and my pulse races with a mixture of nerves and apprehension. This is only half the battle. If I get backstage, I still have to get the guys to listen without kicking me out.
And there’s the possibility I’ll see Opal. God, I don’t know what I’d do. Beg. Kiss her. Explain everything. I don’t even know whether she’s in the building, but the thought she might be skyrockets my nerves.
“Alright, come on,” Dave says and I follow close behind as he weaves me through the corridors. We come upon several security guards, but when they see Dave they nod, and don’t even ask who the hell I am. Not very secure, if you ask me, but it works to my favor.
Dave stops short, and blows out a long breath before meeting my gaze. “Third door on the left. That’s the green room. They’ll be out as soon as the stage is ready. Opening act went on thirty minutes ago, so your guess is as good as mine.”
“Thank you,” I say, the words inadequate for what he’s done.
“Leave me out of it. And good luck. I’m pretty sure they fucking hate you.” He laughs lightly, but his eyes crinkle with worry.
I swallow and nod, understanding the sentiment.
Dave walks away, and his steps fade with a soft echo against the concrete walls.
I slink back into an alcove and consider my choices. If I go inside, it might be my best shot, but there’s a chance my uncle’s there and then all of this would be for naught. So I wait. Quite impatiently. My muscles constrict with each passing minute, so much I might make myself sick, but I refuse to leave my spot.
Finally, Jimmy comes around the opposite corner. He knocks on the door, and props it open with his foot. “You guys ready to rock?” From this distance I can’t make out their replies, but moments later Bedo emerges, Austin at his side. Then Sean. Jimmy drops the door to catch up to the others, but it doesn’t close all the way. Trent struts out, Lexi tucked into his side, and my heart catches in my chest. I stare at the door as it closes. Waiting. Half expecting to see her face, but it never shows. No Opal. Disappointment floods my veins, but I shake my head, because she isn’t the purpose of my visit.
Liar.
Fine. Of course this is about her. Everything I do is.
“Fuck,” I mutter to myself, and force my legs to move. As inconspicuously as I can I catch up and follow behind, waiting for my opportunity.
Bedo and Austin disappear around a corner. This is it.
“Trent! Wait up!” I call out and close the distance between us.
He turns and recognition morphs his smile to a scowl.
