Page 63 of When We Fell Again
Suki, all blonde hair and dark eye makeup, blocked our path. “Leaving so soon, ladies?” She appeared as wasted as Arlo. “I know Arlo will be disappointed.”
I gave her a tight smile. “We have to travel to Swansea tomorrow, so I need to get some sleep.”
She tapped her bag. “I’ve got something that can help you get through.”
“No, thanks,” snapped Claudia.
Before we could make a hasty getaway, Arlo appeared, pulling Suki into his side and giving her a sloppy kiss. “My two favourite ladies. After this one, of course.” He slapped her arse and she squealed and giggled as if he’d said the most hilarious thing in the world.
I wanted to vomit.
“We’re going back to the hotel,” I stated, folding my arms across my chest.
Arlo gave Suki a sideways glance. “Oh, good idea. We should go too.”
Letting out a breath, I was pleased they had seen sense. Staying out all night before a three hour drive to Wales was not the one.
“I mean, if you’re going back, maybe we could join you?” Arlo dragged his gaze over me from head to toe, before Suki did exactly the same. “Or you could join us?” He trailed a hand over my bare arm, creating goosebumps, but not in a good way.
I looked over at Claudia, wondering if she also got the insinuation that Arlo had just offered some kind of orgy. Her face screwed up in disgust and I guessed we were on the same wavelength.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll just go to bed.”
“Come on, Alexis. It’ll be fun, the four of us.” His grip increased on my upper arm as he leaned in closer, the onion aroma still in evidence. “Live a little. I’m sure your Idol Revboywould love to hear all about it.”
The way he spoke repulsed me. Did he really think I would fall at his feet and beg him to sleep with me? I stared at him, taking in the messy light hair, dilated pupils, and scruffy appearance. If you’d simply seen him in the club, rather than on stage a few hours ago, you’d think he was some low-life chancer. Someone who was desperate to get laid. I couldn’t believe how and why Suki accepted his behaviour either.
“Oh, I’m sure Jordan will love to hear all about this.” I knew exactly how he would react, and it wouldn’t be positive. “Let’s hope the two of you aren’t sharing a stage any time soon.”
Arlo arched a brow. “Maybe not a stage, but maybe a woman?”
This time, bile rose in my throat. The gall of this man, assuming I would do anything with him was insulting and made my skin crawl. I wanted to shout and scream at him, to tell him to fuck off and get the hell away from me. But I had a job to do until the end of the tour and I wasn’t about to walk away. At least, not yet.
Trying to temper my rising anger, I straightened my shoulders and stood tall. “Arlo Carmichael, I have no intention of doinganythingwith youever.” I glanced towards Suki. “And if you’re dumb enough to think he cares about you, darling, then you’re very much mistaken.” Then I turned on my heels and stalked away, Claudia in hot pursuit until we were outside, the frigid night air cooling my skin and my mood.
“Wow,” said Claudia, as I finally slowed down, walking towards the taxi rank to get us back to the hotel. “How could he even speak to you in that way? I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Bet it won’t make it into your review, though, will it?” I waved down a taxi. We got in, and I gave the driver the address of the hotel.
“I wish I could, but…” She rubbed her eyes. “I won’t have a job if I do. You know who the record company will choose to believe, in spite of everything.”
I knew exactly what she meant. We both fell silent on the short drive back to the hotel, tiredness cloaking me.
“Do you want a drink?” Claudia gestured to the bar that was still open, even at that time of night.
I shook my head. “Thanks, but I just want to get back to my room and forget this even happened.”
“Sure. I’m not going to Swansea, so I’ll see you at the London show.”
We had a brief hug, then went our separate ways.
Once in my room, I locked the door for good measure, although I was sure Arlo had no idea what number it was. Stripping off my clothes, I tossed them into a corner, pulled on fresh knickers, and dragged one of Jordan’s t-shirts over my head. The faint, lingering smell of his aftershave comforted me. I settled down on the bed, snuggling down under the sheets.
Alexis: Are you still awake? x
Almost instantly, my phone rang.
“Hey, what’s up?” The sound of Jordan’s voice, sleepy though it was, made my eyes tear up, and I swallowed hard to keep them at bay.
