Page 36 of Electric Touch

Everyone says their goodbyes. The tour promoter reminds Jordan to call him before heading out, leaving the band and Declan in the room. He turns and eyes Jordan again.

“Have you really cleared this with anyone?” he asks, packing up his stuff. No one else sees it, but I notice he winces when he turns to get his cane.

“Yeah, I spoke to Autumn Simmons and Danny.” He refers to the CEO Autumn and Danny, one of the execs. “She was clear I’m okay to help but not take over. As if I’d do that.” Alessa walks past us all without saying goodbye to anyone. Jordan frowns as she disappears. “Promise, I’m not gonna get in the way, but we’re having a break and I thought I’d offer my help.”

“Because you’re bored?” Declan asks, leaning against the cane.

“Nah,” he glances at the empty doorway.

“Fuck it, just go before she gets too far,” Declan groans.

“Drinks later,” Jordan yells, as he hurries out of the room.

“He means well,” Dylan says. “And I think he’ll have some valuable insight.”

“I’m not new to this,” Declan says.

“You’re the best,” Dylan grins. He asks if I’m coming. I need to speak to Dec, so tell him to go without me.

“I’m fine,” Declan says when everyone has left.

“Yeah?” I don’t offer to help him with anything. He’d kick my ass. “Cos you look fucked to me.”

“I’ve just had a little more pain the last couple of days.”

“What do the doctors say?”

Declan sits down, so I join him. “It’s normal. They want to switch up my medication, but I don’t.”

“Why? If it helps?”

“Because they’re stronger. More addictive. And I don’t want to risk that.”

“Surely if you take them for a short while, there is no risk. You’re not an addictive personality.”

“I don’t need you on my case, as well as the medical professionals I pay a small fortune to,” he snaps. I wait and he blows out a long-suffering breath.

“I’m just being a friend,” I point out. “And I see my friend struggling,” I add.

He runs a hand through his hair and looks away from me. I can’t imagine the pain he is in. He hides it well usually. “Waverley left a message on the band’s Instagram page last night.”

My brows lift. “What did she say?” I haven’t been checking the account. We have people who scrutinize every little thing before it’s put out into the world now, so I don’t care. It’s surprising to hear his ex-girlfriend has commented. She was friends with the band before she left. So, I guess it’s not out of the realm of possibility she will be happy for us.

“Just wished you guys luck, nothing major. It just… Brought back some memories I spend most of my time trying to forget.”

This is something we have in common. Although he cheated, not her, he still cares about her a lot.

“I’ve had trouble sleeping and this on top of it. I just need to keep busy,” he waves it off.

“Not sure that is the way you should go, Dec. Maybe you need a break?”

“At the start of your biggest tour to date? Brilliant plan. Look, I’m fine. I’ll see about the pain meds and go from there.”

I want to ask more, but he is done with the conversation. Sometimes, I wish I could get him to open up. Any attempts I’ve made in the past have never got through to him. He’s the most private person I know. There is more to this. I know there is. He sometimes goes into a dark place and it’s impossible to draw him out of it. I hate that for him.

I wonder if I should contact Waverley myself, but it’s best to stay out of it. If this gets any worse, I will step in. If Dec needs me, I’ll be there for him. The way he has been for me, with his quiet but steady support over the last few months.

He hobbles out, leaving me alone in the conference room. I should be singing from the roof tops at the way things are moving along for us. Maybe a night with the guys can lift me out of it.

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