Page 34 of The Duet

“I might be wrong about this, but I have this… hyper-awareness when it comes to Lana, because, um, because of how I feel about her. You know how I feel about her, don’t you?”

Damn. It’s that time already. I nod, trying to keep a grave expression on my face.

“Earlier, when you and she walked off, I couldn’t help but look over and… I got this vibe that… you were discussing much more than the details of your performance together.”

“Jess, I—” I say, but she holds up her hand.

“No, no. There’s no need to say anything. I just need to know that you wouldn’t do that to me. We’re best friends. Have been for many years. We’re in this amazing band together. We have a dream life. We’re touring with the freaking Lady Kings. This, right here, is the dream, Cleo. Surely, you don’t want to jeopardize that?”

Is she saying what I think she’s saying? “Um, no, of course not. Although I wasn’t aware that I was jeopardizing anything.”

“I know you probably think it’s silly, but my feelings for Lana are real. And they will not go away while we’re on tour with her. She’s just…” She puffs up her cheeks then blows out some air. “I’m so crazy about her, Cleo.” Did her voice just break a little? And are we back to being fifteen years old? “I’m not sure I could bear it if…”

“If what?”

“If she… started fooling around with one of my best friends.”

“We’re just singing a song together.” What am I doing? Why am I lying? Surely this will only make things so much worse in the long run.

“Okay.” Some of the tension drains from Jess’s face. “That’s all I needed to hear.” She swallows hard. “Thanks for the talk.” With that, she’s gone.

Damn, damn, damn. The problem is I know exactly how Jess feels. I’m crazy about Lana, too, and the thought of her getting involved with one of my bandmates is infuriating and frustrating—on top of being unforgivable.

After dinner, Jess keeps chattering at me. We’re not exactly having a conversation because she’s not letting me say anything. She’s obviously trying to keep me at the restaurant because she’s afraid of where I might end up if I leave.

“Are we going out? There’s word of an amazing club a few blocks from here,” Daphne says. “Tessie’s totally up for it.”

“We’re in!” Jess hooks her arm through mine. She looks at me, as though defying me to say no.

“All right,” I say. “Why not?”

Several more people confirm they will come with us.

“Shall we ask the Kings if they want to join?” Tim asks.

“Despite being well past their prime?” I ask.

“I really didn’t mean it like that, Cleo. Can we just let it go now, please?” He blows me an air kiss.

“I’ll try to round them up,” Tessie says. “It’s high time for an epic on-tour blow-out.”

Although it would be great if Lana could join us, it won’t solve any privacy problems. If she doesn’t come, I can always go for a little while, try to shake off Jess—who has become my shadow—and go to Lana’s room a little later than planned.

Tessie makes the rounds of the tables. Lana’s not at the restaurant. Is she in her room waiting for me already?

“Billie’s in. Sam and Deb are thinking about it, but look as though they might. Lana’s doing whatever she does in her room, but Billie’s going up there now,” Tessie says when she returns.

Jess visibly perks up at the prospect of Lana joining us.

“You’re a star, but I already knew that.” Daphne caresses Tessie’s hand. They’ve only just met—and taken things much farther, by the looks of it—and they’re able to show it off for everyone to see.

“Treat me to a cocktail in the bar?” Tessie waggles her eyebrows at Daphne.

“Come on.” Daphne indicates we should all join them. “Let’s prepare for our big night out.”

This is my chance. “I’m going to change into something more suited to clubbing.”

“Something more suited to driving all the chicks in the club cray-cray.” Tessie winks at me.

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