Page 4 of Worth the Trouble

“Missing tour life?” Cassie nudges my arm which, from Sebastian’s glare, he doesn’t appreciate.

“Always.”

Except for the first time ever, that might be a lie because I’m not.

“We’re headed home.” Sebastian squeezes Cassie against his side.

“Figured. I’m asking those of us who aren’t pussy whipped.”

Problem is, the glares that surround me are proof there’s no one left. Noah and Merry bailed straight after the interviews ended, and Sebastian and Cassie barely decline my invitation before walking away.

Now I’m left with Eloise, who’s standing here frowning.

“We’re headed home too. Sorry. Long day.” She wraps her arms around Adrian, looking so small tucked under his arm.

Unlike the guys in the band, I think Eloise actually does feel bad about bailing and leaving me alone.

“Yeah, yeah.” I plant my hand on her head and shake it, trying to lighten the mood.

I might purposely guilt Sebastian and Noah about ditching me for their chicks, but I like seeing Eloise happy after all these years, so I don’t want to do that to her.

She swats at my hand as she pulls away, trying to fix her hair, and Adrian wraps his arms tighter, kissing the top of her head.

“Not sure why you’re worried about your hair when Adrian’s just going to mess it up later.” I laugh when it makes both of them glare at me.

“Be good, Rome.” Adrian ignores my comment and points a finger at me. “If I get a call from jail tonight, I’m not picking your ass up until morning.”

“Like they’d arrest this face.” I tip my chin up and grin. “Go fuck your girl and stop worrying about me.”

Eloise shakes her head, but Adrian just pulls her toward the car.

“Have fun,” she says.

“But not too much, right?” I yell after them.

Adrian laughs. “Exactly.”

Eloise giggles and they disappear into the night, leaving me standing here alone once more.

Like always.

In my head, I swear I hear the same song from earlier kick up again, but there’s only silence. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, clenching my fists at my sides.

Big things are about to happen—the band is starting our own record label. We’re growing our brand.

I’ve gotten everything I ever wanted and more. I made shit happen. So why does it feel like a clock is ticking down and something’s about to snap?

My phone buzzes and draws me back into my body. A few of the guys are already at a club, begging me to join them.

Good, something to do. Because if I sit in my thoughts much longer, I might be tempted to finish what my father started years ago when he tried to beat the life out of me. And that wouldn’t be very productive.

2

Lili

One,two,three,four.

Five, six, seven, eight.

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