Page 35 of Electric Touch

“And by that, I mean my Purple Valentyn,” he says, proving my thoughts.

“I don’t need to hear that shit.” I take a seat at the table.

I’m the first one here from the band. Everyone related to organising the tour will be at the meeting. Ciro has another commitment and won’t be able to come. Jack is doing… Jack things. Which probably involves a hangover. I can guess where Riley is. We don’t all need to be here. Alessa and Dylan are coming because my brother is OCD about the organisation of tours. Alessa compulsively needs to know what is going on.

Jordan chuckles as he falls into a chair beside me. I’ve never come across someone as laid back as him. Any more relaxed and he’ll be horizontal. He’s been in the business for a long time. Despite some reservations and wondering if the label knows about him being here, his experience may help us. He’s been touring with one of the biggest bands on the planet for over a decade.

You’d never know it to look at him, with his lean physique and boyish smile. His hair is longer than normal, curling at the nape of his neck and around his ears. His personality somehow makes him seem younger.

We hear a Ukrainian curse word from behind us and Jordan’s grin widens.

“I thought you joke,” she says, coming around the table looking at Jordan. She is wearing her glasses and her hair is scraped back, making her look as severe as her accent.

“Would I joke about something like this, baby cakes?” Jordan smiles, his eyes run up and down the length of her body. He thumbs his lower lip and gives her a filthy and intimate grin.

Her brow furrows. “What is this, baby cakes? Idiot.”

Jordan looks at me. “See, she’s thrilled.”

I give him an incredulous look. Alessa huffs as she pulls back her chair, giving Jordan a look. It doesn’t quite match the way she is speaking. She likes that he’s here, but will never admit it.

As more people trickle in, Jordan gets looks of surprise. The tour promoter is all over him, asking about BreakNeck’s world tour. I’ve never seen someone handle unwanted solicitation the way Jordan does. He tells the guy to get lost, while making him feel as if he likes him. Everyone knows there is no way BreakNeck will contact this guy.

Dylan comes in and bumps fists with Jordan, sitting next to him, asking what he is doing here. Again, he explains his involvement and Dylan grins. Alessa narrows her eyes at him.

Declan arrives last and shuts the door. He leans his cane against the wall and takes the seat beside me, looking around the room. When he sees Jordan, he does a double take.

“I think you’ve got the wrong band,” he says, setting his laptop down.

“Nah, I’m an honorary Red Alerter, for now.” Jordan rests one arm on the back of his chair so he is facing Declan’s end of the table. He sees the confusion and sits up straighter. “Honestly, I’ve spoken with Danny Mason, and he’s on board. I offered to help, and he welcomed it. I won’t get in the way or do anything stupid,” he gives Alessa another wink. “But I’m here to offer my experience and answer questions.”

“And are you planning on coming on the tour too?” Mallory, our tour manager, asks.

“Think of me as a super experienced intern. Here to help with anything you need.”

“This isn’t weird at all,” Declan mutters. “Everyone introduce themselves, although no one needs an intro from you.”

“Aw shucks,” Jordan says as he sits back. “Seriously, I’m here to help.”

Declan doesn’t answer, and starts the meeting. I can’t help but notice he looks rough. He’s impeccably dressed in his suit, as usual, but his stubble has grown in longer than normal. There is a pinch to the skin around his eyes. I’ve not spent much time with him lately. I feel crap about that and should check in. Dec works hard for the band. I’ve been far too focused on my shit.

I’ve wanted to text Adrestia so many times, but stopped myself from doing it. We still have plans for her lesson in two days. I keep wondering if she will show. I have a lot of ideas for our lesson and hope she comes. Guess I’ll find out on Sunday.

Jordan nudges me and I turn, realising I’d zoned out and don’t know what is being said.

“Don’t worry, I’m taking notes,” he whispers. He has no pen or paper in front of him. He taps his temple when he sees me noticing that. “I think we need some fun after this. Alessa is going to want to be alone.”

“You mean she is gonna ignore your ass?” I say with a grin.

“That too. You and Dylan should come out, we’re going to a friend’s bar.”

“Sounds good.”

“Are we boring you?” Declan’s voice cuts through our chat.

“Not even a little,” Jordan says. “Carry on.”

Declan rolls his eyes. “I think we’re done,” he says.

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