Page 142 of Don't Bang a Bandmate

“Knox told us,” I say as she steps on. “How is your mom doing?”

Harmony catches her breath, then smiles. “Actually, I think she’s going to be okay,” she answers.

As Harmony moves to go join Knox, I take a quick head count around the bus.

Still waiting on one.

Bronson.

When he arrives just a few minutes later, he’s carrying a small shopping bag with him. He instantly targets me sitting at the front table and walks over, silently setting the bag down in front of me.

A Botsford Plaza gift shop bag.

“For me?” I ask.

“For you,” he says.

Ignoring the teasing noises from everyone else, I open the bag to see what’s inside.

It’s a golden Botsford Plaza travel mug. Shiny and new.

Just like us.

“I thought yours was looking a little worn,” he says.

I grin. “Thank you, Bronson. I love it.”

He leans over the table and kisses me, prompting an even louder wave of sounds and exaggerated smooches all around. I ignore them again, closing my eyes and taking in the moment with him. With my Bronson.

He walks off, taking a seat next to Addison across the aisle.

I set the new mug down next to the old one as I stand up. “Okay, guys,” I say, addressing the bus. “We ready to go?”

Not a single person says no.

I take one more long look at my friends, my family. All the same people we left Las Vegas with, but we’re returning home so very different. We’re returning with new music. With new lovers. With a few new enemies, too.

Chrissy told me once that the end of a tour can sometimes feel like the end of an era, and I feel that now.

Our Break the Rules era is over.

Tomorrow, we start a new one.

“Wave goodbye to the Atlantic, everybody,” I say.

As they all wave and blow kisses at the shining sea through the windows, I turn forward.

“All right, Mac,” I say. “Take us home.”

43

BRONSON

The Morning of Jonah’s Wedding

Iwake up hung over and happy.

It’s gonna be a good day.

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