Page 49 of Flawless Aria

“Um, is Zander still outside?” I hope. His laughter hits me like an arrow straight through my heart.

“He’s in bed snoring up a storm, so he’s not listening to a word I said. Relax, baby. It’s just you and me. You want to play a little game?”

“Not if it’s the getting naked kind. I wouldn’t be opposed to it if you had a private room but not with someone else there. Whether they’re sleeping or awake.”

“Duly noted. You can’t blame a guy for trying, it was worth a shot. Just know that when you get here, we’ll be traveling by bus. The sooner the better, so we can get first dibs at the bedroom.”

“I’ll do my best. Promise.”

“That’s all I could ever ask of you. And I promise no more asking you to get naked until you do. No pressure and that’s my promise to you. I want you to have an amazing wedding.” Aw, this man is like a cinnamon roll. So damn sweet.

I totally skipped the part about my confrontation with Stephanie. She might be my problem but she’s not his anymore. No need for him to know anything about it. I want him focused on touring, the wedding, and me. That’s all the time he has right now.

As much as I’d love to talk to him all night, I can hear him stifling a yawn. He’s had a long and exhausting few days and he needs his rest. He’ll be back at it in twelve hours or so.

“I love you, but I should end the call. We’re both tired and I can sleep in, but you can’t. You’ll call me tomorrow, right?”

“I love you right back, baby. More today than yesterday. If you keep making progress on the wedding, maybe you can come sooner.” Well, that was my game plan.

“I’m hoping I can wrap up the plans very soon. And when I do, I’m all yours. Love you, Jax. Sweet dreams.” After ending the call, I hold the phone tightly to my chest, wanting him close.

I never knew that being apart was going to be so damn hard. Now I know what I need to do. Make these wedding plans as fast as I can and then hand off everything else to our mothers. Let them have a ball because I’ll be touring with Jax for the foreseeable future. Being with him is so much more important than picking out caterers, cakes, and flowers. My wedding is a once in a lifetime event, but forty years from now, will the little details really matter?

I don’t think so.

Closing my eyes, I wish myself to fall asleep. Still clinging to my phone, since it’s our only connection. It’s comforting knowing we may be miles apart, but only a phone call away.

I’ll need to get together with Melody, Lyric, and Harmony very soon. If Rebel Riot can be a band of brothers, then why the hell can’t we be a band of sisters?

It makes perfect sense. In the morning, maybe not so much, but for now it sounds good.

29

JAXON

This week’sgone by in a blur. I’m sure it has everything to do with being in Boston during the Fourth of July celebrations. No wonder it was ranked one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the US. As far back as I can remember, it’s always been crazy busy like this. Add in the holiday festivities and good luck finding a hotel room. We love you Boston, but we’ll catch you later. Now we’re heading to Worcester for tonight’s concert.

“Don’t bother settling in, since we’re only an hour away from our next destination. Sound check is only a few hours away.”

“Bill, no offense, but just drive the damn bus. We have enough bosses as it is,” Ace quips. Bill laughs because he knows it’s in jest. He loves busting our chops every chance he gets.

We are so grateful to have the crew that we do. Everyone gets along and we’re all here for the greater good. Yes, it’s our job and we get paid well, but we also do it for all of our amazing fans. Without them, we would be nothing.

Music is a universal language and one of the reasons why everyone drops what they’re doing to come when we call. Don’t get me wrong, we give them ample notice, but they’re dedicated to us and our music. Which makes them worth their weight in gold. Not all bands are as fortunate as we are.

I hate the thought of sleeping on the bus tonight since there’s no privacy. Maybe the venue has a small alcove where we usually park our bus so I can go there to talk with Aria. If not, all of us will be in our bunks while we’re talking to the girls. It’s soundproofed but to a point. I hate texting and I’m desperate to hear her voice.

“You’ll be glad to know we’re here and there’s no mob in sight,” Bill announces. “I’m just waiting for them to open the gate and we’ll be good to go. Sound check is thirty minutes out. You can thank me later.”

Zander starts clapping, so we join in. A few of us whistle and Bill flips us off.

Good times. If you take things too seriously while you’re on the road, you’ll never find joy in the trip.

Remember, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”

“Since Bill got us here with time to spare, let’s head inside. Take advantage of all the perks they like to use to impress us.” Zander’s just busting ass, but he’s really a good guy.

We don’t make demands like other singers and rockstars do. It’s totally ludicrous since they have enough money to carry their own shit on their own bus. Some headliners think they’re so entitled and that’s the furthest thing from the truth. It doesn’t matter how many awards you win or albums you have or how many hit singles you’ve earned throughout your career. You want to know why? Fame is fleeting. In the blink of an eye, it could all disappear.

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