“Let’s go,guys. We have to be there in twenty,” Liam calls out to us.
We nod and head to the waiting car. We have some sort of radio interviewthat I’m not looking forward to.Since I’ve rejoined the band, we’ve had a handful of these. When the questions stick to music, they’re not bad. It’s when they want the details of our personal lives that they become annoying. Not to mention the reporters and journalists that hangaround the venues. Idefinitely have not enjoyed the paparazzi that linger around the hotels and restaurants.
One of the things I was looking forward to with this tour was taking Lyra to a few places. Creating memories with my little girl, but I’ve been too afraid of the chaos that might ensue.The minute it was announced I was joining/rejoining the band, they have been everywhere wanting dirt on the new/returning member of the band.
Cara has made a point todo so many things with Lyra. She has sent me picture after picture of my babyexperiencing things that some never see in a lifetime. I know she probably won’t remember, but those pictureswill always be there.
I’m not sure how they have managed to evade the harassment because the world knows Cara is Dane’s sister,but I’m glad they have. I hate to admit it, but I suppose Henryispretty good at his job.
My biggest worry with coming back to the band has always been Lyra. Iwon’t leave her behind. I also want her to have a normal childhood. I don’t want her to become entitled. I don’t want her to be hounded by the press her entire life.I’m still not sure how I can follow my dreams and give her that normalcy. I know it’s too late to turn back now.Even if I left the band tomorrow, the world knows about me now.
The interviewis going great. They focus on the music, the tour, me returning, when Maddox will start playing again, and the usual band stuff.
Then it takes a turn. The interviewer asks about the commotion the other night. Why was some random man seen running off the bus? Why did Maddox andHenry chase him? Who screamed? Why?
Maddox and Ryder play it off as nothing. They’ve been navigating the media and scandal their entire lives.But if everyone’s faces are any indication of their feelings, then they’re as pissed as I am that anyone is even aware of what went on.
Our buses were away from the festival– away from the chaos of the crowd. Maddox and Henry chasing the guy into the crowd might’ve been seen, butno one else would know he ran off of a bus, much less that it was mine.
When weare back in the car, I explode. “What the fuck was that?”
“I don’t know,” Liam answers with a scowl. “That wasnoton the list.”
“How? How would anyone know what happened atourbuses?We were sectioned off from everyone with security,” Dane growls.
“It means someone on the crew or the security team is selling information,” Maddox says in a tone that belies his expression. “Is it on the internet? How did we miss it?”
“It’s not,” Ryder says as he swipes through his phone. “Or it wasn’t until fifteen minutes ago.”
“Okay, all of you. Just calm down. I’ll figure out who isin breach of the NDA, but for now, let’s be grateful they didn’t get pictures or know why he was on the bus. Cara’s name hasn’t been mentioned, so let’s leave it at that.”
Cara.
Suddenly, I realize that she’s not safe. That guy was the samefrom her time in Chicago.
I begin to worry the guy will look for her. He knows now that she’swith us. It wouldn’t be hard for him to find her again. What if he recognized her as well and he wants to finish what he started?
What the hell am I thinking? Of course, he recognized her. She’s not exactly forgettable. All that blond hair and those legs that go on for miles. Not to mention her big dark eyes.
I am so stupid.He didn’t just stumble upon her. He knew it was her the minute he approached her.
Chills erupt over my entire bodyas I consider what he had planned for her. I’m getting angrier by the second and a little nauseous too.
I pull my phone out of my pocket, ready to text Maddox so I can say something without anyone else knowing.
Me: He knew who she was when he approached her.
Maddox: Probably.
Me:You think he’s going to come after her now?
Maddox: Probably.
Me: You got anythingto say other than probably?
Maddox:It’s being handled.
Me: WTAF is that supposed to mean? I don’t need your cryptic shit right now.
