Page 52 of I Knew You Were Trouble

When I enter the hotel suite, I still feel guilty. The room is full of tour staff, crew and band members. To one side, there is an enormous lunch spread. Ziggy is pacing, talking to someone on the phone. On the sofas, set out in the shape of a horseshoe, Duncan shifts in his seat when he sees me, because the redheaded Haven girl is curled into his side. I feel like telling him I’m not his mother. Empty plates are abandoned on the table.

My eyes flit to the rest of the band members. J.B. is scrolling through his phone. Ravi looks uncomfortable and won’t meet my eye. Cal is sitting with the blonde-haired girl from Haven, whilst the dark-haired girl cuddles up to Aidan. None of them pays me any attention. For the first time on this tour, I feel very alone, and like someone who everyone looks at as being no fun.

I wander over to the lunch table where Miller is piling his plate high, whilst at the same time shovelling extras into his mouth. He’s wearing shorts and a white hoodie with the hood up.

‘S’up, Lex?’ he says through his mouthful. ‘What’s happening?’

I want to give him grief for kissing Meredith, but I remind myself that it’s none of my business.

‘I need someone to interview,’ I state plainly.

‘Tonight’s a show night. So is tomorrow.’

‘When we get to Malaysia then.’

‘Can’t,’ Miller says. ‘Got a photoshoot for an underwear brand I represent.’

‘Right.’

‘Try J.B. He’s due an interview, right?’

‘I’ll come up with some suggested dates when you and I can sit down.’

‘Sure,’ he says, ‘Why don’t you give them to Meredith and get her to come tell me?’

I glower. ‘Why would you need Meredith to tell you?’

‘No reason. Think she likes flirting with me.’

My expression darkens. ‘Stay away from Meredith, Danny.’

There’s a pause. Miller then looks blankly at me and gives a nonchalant shrug, walking back over to the sofas with his plate full.

I look down at the impressive spread but I’m no longer hungry. Turning on my heel, I walk over to the sofas, specifically to J.B. He’s strumming on his guitar again.

‘Whaddup, Lexi in the house,’ Cal hums from the other side.

I look up, feeling all eyes on me. I look at Aidan a moment longer than I need to.

On the other hand, Ravi can’t even look my way.

‘J.B., I wondered if I could interview you when we get to Malaysia,’ I say.

When he looks in my direction, I know he’s not keen. ‘Uhhh,’ he begins. ‘I’ll need to call my son, you know. I haven’t spoken to him for a few days.’ His eyes flit to his left. ‘Why don’t you ask Aidan if he can be next?’

I grind my teeth. Apparently, I’ve interviewed the only two members of the band who were actually willing participants. ‘I did, he told me to ask you.’

J.B. offers Aidan a middle finger. My gaze is drawn to Taylor Wetherill, to her perfectly toned legs and neon nails. She’s curled into Aidan’s side, and she’s wearing a top I think belongs to him. Haven are known for their mini skirts, hair that’s usually shades of pink or purple, chunky white patent footwear, and glossy make-up. The worst thing is that, today, even without all the make-up on her face, she looks nice. Someone Aidan would like by his side.

‘Miller’s free,’ Aidan mutters.

‘She asked me already,’ Miller complains, still shovelling food. ‘I got the shoot for that underwear ad happening in Malaysia. You guys gotta go before me.’

Behind me, Duncan says nothing.

‘You shooting the show tonight, Lex?’ Cal asks me.

‘Yes, we will be.’

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