Page 8 of For One Night Only

@WanderlustMemes

My friend who works at an LAX Starbucks said she saw Keeley and Riker this morning. Aren’t they supposed to be heading to Austin?

@YouAreMyGhost

Jane spotted at the Met. Why is she in New York?

@MakeMeMrsSloane

Everyone has been saying there’s tension during the VIP events. Valerie’s skipped some of them entirely, and Caleb had to cover for her. Diva behavior. We already know the girl is unhinged. Remember Bonnaroo?

@CalebSloaneDeservesBetter

@MakeMeMrsSloaneyou are so right. Remember those tacky underwear photos “a source” “accidentally” sent to Gossip Daily? Valerie Quinn is a diva AND a slut. I don’t blame Caleb for leaving her.

@BitterSweetGlitterati

Okay but my bestie and I were at the Vegas show and it was incredible! There was a second during “Every Touch” where CalErie were sharing a mic and it seemed like they were about to make out right on stage. No. There’s no way they broke up.

@GlitterbugsUnofficial

THE BAND JUST MADE A STATEMENT—ALL REMAINING TOUR DATES ARE CANCELED. [www.glitterbatsmusic.com/tour]

@AllMyFriendsAreVampires

What the hell. Is the band over?

3

Valerie

I hate myself for it, but I’ve spent the last three weeks thinking about how good Caleb looked on his doorstep: shirtless, dripping wet, and doting on a dog.

Because Jesus Christ.

Caleb was always physically fit, but it was regular-gym-regimen fit, not spends-actual-time-outdoors fit—leaner and more toned than cut and ripped. His tattoos have expanded to full sleeves that ripple and stretch over his biceps and forearms, the kind of arms that can pick you up and throw you on a bed without any effort.

Pretty sure I had a dream like that once. They say you never forget your first, and how could I when he looks likethat?

I’m embarrassed by the way the memory keeps me going through the sleepless nights leading up to our first gathering as a band in six years. We’re staying at the hotel near the rehearsal studio for the duration of the summer, but because security couldn’t put everything in place until Monday, Jane offered to put us up at her beach house in Venice for the weekend so we could at least start planning. Because there’s so much to do, we decided to meet up assoon as Caleb was off for summer break, despite the extra logistics. We’re starting the first night with dinner so we can hammer out details and come up with a set list.

And hopefully clear the air. Caleb isn’t the only one I haven’t seen in years.

Wade and I split a rideshare after our meeting with my publicity team ran late…turns out the big Glitter Bats announcement didn’t fix my reputation overnight. He still represents most of the band, although Jane left him (tearfully, I’m told) to sign with a New York agency that specializes in film and TV now that she composes for soundtracks.

Label Records tried to send a few of the higher-ups to meet with us right away, but Wade waved them off for now, knowing their involvement would just make things harder for all of us. I even convinced my mom to stay away—she acted as our manager until the tour for our second album,Bittersweet, when we hired Wade, and I’m sure we’ll hear from her at some point. But I don’t think I could survive this first gathering with her in my ear.

I watch the driver’s progress, comparing it to the clock on my phone, and my hands tremble as we get closer to the house. Our arrival time is an hour later than planned thanks to Friday night traffic.

Seeing Caleb in person for the first time should have been the hardest part, but I’m also worried about the reception I’ll get from the rest of the band. Wade said everyone agreed without hesitation, but that doesn’t mean they’re happy about it. Other than Caleb, they all still work in the industry: this is business, a paycheck, good press. They might not have an emotional attachment to Glitter Bats anymore.

And unlike me, none of their careers are hanging on our success.

My stomach churns. When the driver pulls up to the house, Idon’t get out of the car. I just stare at the leather headrest and try to gather my courage.

“You good, kiddo?” Wade asks.

I let out a breath after a moment and put on my paparazzi smile. “Ready.”

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