Page 29 of Not My Fault

Gus

“So I think I’m supposed to give you the whole ‘if you hurt my best friend, I hurt you’ speech. But I have a feeling I don’t have to worry about that with you,” Georgie says when Emily leaves us to talk to someone.

“I definitely won’t hurt her,” I assure Georgie.

“I figured that. Do you want a tour of backstage? I don’t know how long E might be; she’s talking to her costume designer,” Georgie explains.

“Sure.” I nod. I’m a bit out of my depth, but it wouldn’t hurt to get a lay of the land. I have a feeling I’ll be spending a lot of time hanging out around here.

Georgie leads the way and shows me all the cool spots to hang out backstage. There’s a waiting area in the wings where I can hang out and I wouldn’t be in the way of anyone. There are several regulars Georgie introduces me to, including Emily’s backup dancers, her choreographer, and the sound techs. They’re all friendly when they say hello and then get back to what they’re doing. I see Viv hanging around, but she doesn’t offer anything, not even a friendly wave or somewhat of a smile.

“Is that normal?” I nod toward Viv.

“Viv is… Look, I don’t like to speak ill of people, especially E’s people. But Viv is not my favorite person. She’s a lot and puts a lot of strain on E.” Georgie sighs. I must make a face because Georgie quickly catches herself. “I know that’s her job, but I just think sometimes she forgets E isn’t just a star, she’s a person too.”

“I see.” I already had my own sneaking suspicions about that but with Georgie confirming it, I know I have to be on high alert. Something is off about her, and I don’t want to get in the middle of anything, but I also don’t want to see Emily get hurt.

“Look, I feel like I can trust you, so don’t make it a thing. But just keep an eye out, okay? I’m always on high alert but let me know if you catch something I don’t.”

“You really have her back. You guys must have been friends for a while.”

“We have; we grew up in this small town all the way across America and she’s the one who convinced me to come here and follow my dreams. We’ve been inseparable since we were five.” She smiles.

“That’s an amazing friendship,” I say.

“It’s amazing getting to see her have all her dreams come true. She is so talented. I appreciate more than you know that you’retogether.” I realize she’s alluding to Emily and I’s fake relationship without saying it.

“I haven’t found it to be ajobbeing with her.” I wink.

“Got it.”

“There y’all are! I’ve been looking everywhere,” Emily says, coming around the corner. “Sorry that took so long, I had to approve the wardrobe choices.”

“No worries.” Instinctively, I put my arm around her waist and pull her in. I place a small kiss on her hair and Georgie smiles.

“Wait! I should take a photo!” She scrambles to find her phone and grabs a quick photo of us embracing. “I sent it to you, E. Gus, I definitely need your number if we’re hanging out in VIP.” Georgie hands me her very pink phone and I type in my number.

“I’ll see you two later; I need to get ready for tonight.” Georgie says goodbye and I turn toward Emily.

“Hey,” she says softly. She seems more shy than usual. I wonder if it’s because of the kiss.

“Hey, you excited for tonight?” I ask.

“Yes and no. I know the routine but there’s a lot of press and people from the label coming tonight. So I’m just a bit on edge.”

“That makes sense. Anything I can do to help?”

“Wanna come smoke a joint with me?” Emily says, and I can’t tell if she’s joking or not.

“You smoke?”

“Yes, but not often because of my lungs. Sometimes Georgie and I do edibles if it’s not a work night,” she says. “I take it you don’t do drugs.”

“Well, I smoked weed a handful of times when I was younger, but I never had a taste for it. I’m happy to grab you snacks if you get the munchies though.”

“Nah, I just need to relax. I wish I could take a walk through Central Park without someone seeing me and making it more stressful.” She sighs.

I pause, trying to think of something, and I realize something I saw during the tour Georgie gave me.

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