Page 40 of If This Gets Out

The second I get back to my hotel room, I lock the door behind me and call Mom.

Normally, we set up times for us to talk every few days. We aren’t supposed to call for another two days, but I can’t wait that long. I don’t even know exactly what time it is in the States right now, but I just have to hope that it’s okay, and that she’ll answer.

Come on, pick up, pick up…

The call goes through.

“Hello!” says Mom. I instantly feel lighter than I have all day. “How are you?”

“I’m good, how are you?”

“Yeah, good, what’s up?”

“Nothing much, just calling to say hi.”

I sit down on the end of my bed. Even though it should be fine, I try to keep my voice down, because I know I’m sharing a wall with Jon right now.

“How was the Sistine Chapel?”

“Really cool. This isn’t a bad time, is it?”

“No, I was just getting ready for bed, it’s fine. Have you been watchingThe Bachelor? I just got caught up.”

“I haven’t, I’ve been too busy. I want to, though.”

“You need to work on your priorities.”

I laugh, more because I know that she expects it than because I want to. “I know.”

“So how is the tour? Fans are saying it’s one of your best shows ever.”

I rub the back of my neck. “Actually, um, it’s been harder than I thought it’d be.”

“Oh, in what way?”

“I dunno. I think we’re just all really tired. It’s nonstop.”

“I bet. Your schedule is bananas.”

“Yeah. And, um, there’s some drama going on with the band, and it’s really getting to me.”

I tear up just saying it.

“What kind of drama?”

“We’re all really tense with each other. Like I keep saying the wrong thing and making people mad.”

“Oh. That’s awful, I’m sorry.”

I force a smile, even though she can’t see it. “It is what it is.”

“But honestly, Zach, it’s surprising that it’s taken this long. If you make anyone spend as much time together as you four have there are sure to be disagreements.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m guessing a lot of the tension is coming from Ruben?”

I freeze. “What makes you say that?”

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