Page 117 of On The Edge
“The Eye?” he repeats as if I just told him I wanted him to have me drive into the middle of a playground. “Sir, it’s noon. It’s going to be completely busy.”
“We’ll handle it.” I shrug and turn back to the guys. “Right?”
Markus' smile is bright, and Kai nods.
“Really?” Melody asks, the controlled hope in her voice is enough to solidify my decision.
“Yeah, Reverb, really.” I press my forehead to her temple, breathing her in.
“Security?” Adam asks softly, not interrupting the moment at all, but Markus just smacks him on the chest.
“I’ll handle it,” Markus says, “We only have an hour and a half before we have to be at the venue for sound check. The concert starts at 6 pm.” Markus pulls out his phone and starts typing away.
“Please, to The Eye,” I say kindly, but in a tone that leaves absolutely no room for question.
“Get hats and sunglasses from security.” Kai throws over his shoulder, and I nod in agreement.
“Got it.” Markus nods, typing furiously on his phone. “This is going to be fun.”
“Sync?” Kai asks, turning our attention to Melody. “Does that sound okay?”
“Are you fucking kidding me? The Eye? In the heart of London? Yes. I want to go.” She speaks so quickly that I nearly trip over her words, but then as quick as her joy came, her facefalls. “There’s no way. There’sno way, guys. You’re going to be spotted immediately.”
“We’ll be alright. Maybe we don’t go all together. We can find a pub and get food while we each take turns going off?” I say, talking like it’s a question, but honestly that might be the smartest idea.
“Guys…” Melody says, dragging the word out like she doesn’t think it’s a good idea. But we all saw how happy it made her, and there’s no going back now. No, this is happening.
“No, Melody, no. We’re going and we’re going to spend this hour and a half asus, okay?” I cup her face so she has to look at me. “We want you toenjoythis trip, not only see the concerts. Okay?” I ask, bringing her forehead to mine and speaking softer, “Please, let me do this for you.”
Melody’s eyes are locked on mine and she nods against my head.
“Won’t your manager be mad?”
“Fuck that guy,” Kai says softly, interrupting the nice little moment I was having with my girl, and I want to cuss him out for it, but he’s right.
“Yeah,” I repeat. “Fuck that guy. He works for us, and we’ve been working for him for the last three years non-stop. If we want to take an hour and a half to show you some of the sights, we’re going to. Right, guys?”
They all agree with me, and I see some excitement filling her dark eyes.
“Okay,” she agrees reluctantly. It’s like she had to see us all put our foot down before she fully let herself believe that it was okay. Her smile burns brightly on her face.Goddamn it.I can’t help but return her smile with one of my own, pressing a small kiss to the tip of her nose before turning to the driver.
“Can you take us to the King’s Arms?” I direct the driver to one of the first pubs the guys and I went to back when weactually were able to walk around without being noticed. It’s a good ten minute walk from The Eye, but that means that we’ll be able to all be separated enough that people who recognize us might not immediately react. If anything, we’ll be able to have a mini date with her, even if it’s just walking by the water and getting a beer.
“Good choice, sir,” the driver says quickly. He pulls away from the tarmac, and I look over just in time to see Sarah being escorted off the plane by a member of our team.
Good riddance.
TWENTY-NINE
I’m firingoff emails left and right, shifting from email thread to texting easily to let everyone know what the plan is.
We’re not stupid enough to go into this without security, but if we can give Mel some kind of peace before the crazy hits? I’m going to do everything I can to make sure she has it.
“Need any help?” Adam asks me softly, and I shake my head no. “When did you guys decide this?”
“When you guys were sleeping. We have a lot to catch you up on.”
“Yeah, I saw the escort for the stewardess. I assume that means you guys found something on the phone.” His voice drops even lower so there’s no chance that Mel overhears us. Kai and Reis seem to be keeping her occupied, pointing things out on either side of the car as we pass them.
