Page 105 of Don't Bang a Bandmate

Jordan looks at me. She swallows hard, her hands gently folding in her lap. “It’s nice to be wanted,” she murmurs. “And it’s not like men shower me with affection often, so I’m willing to admit I might be blind here.” She takes a breath. “What do you think? Is there... any reason I shouldn’t go?”

Yes.

Because I want you.

I’ve always wanted you.

And I...

“Bronson?”

I love you.

But she doesn’t love me.

“No,” I answer. “There’s no reason you shouldn’t go.”

Her eyes drift in thought. After a minute, she looks up again and nods. “Then, I’ll go,” she says.

I do nothing as Jordan rises off the bunk.

“Thanks, Bronson,” she says. “I really appreciate you talking to me. Sorry for waking you again.”

I shake my head. No worries.

“Goodnight.” Jordan smiles. “Boston tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, Jordan,” I reply.

She says nothing more. She steps off the bus, making sure the doors close safely behind her before walking away.

I return to my bunk.

Alone.

34

JORDAN

Things happen fast on the road.

One day, you’re the manager of the biggest rock band in the country. You spend your days making schedules and keeping plans. Occasionally, you fall into bed with your drummer because, hey, you two have needs. And why not? You’re good friends. Might as well.

The next day, a rock god kisses you in the shadows.

And you kiss him back.

I stare at my ceiling. I’ve been staring at my ceiling since last night, since I went downstairs to the bus and confirmed... what I pretty much already knew.

Bronson doesn’t feel the same way about me.

If he did, he would have said something. I mean, I set it up. I gave him the opportunity. I asked for a reason,anyreason at all, for why I shouldn’t go out on a date with Christian. But there was nothing.

There’s nothing between us.

We’re just fuck buddies.

So, that’s that.

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