Page 72 of A Dark Melody

“A whole hotel room to yourself. Sue seems to trust you more these days.”

“Yeah.” I shrug. “You are more than welcome to crash in it if you want.”

“We’ll see. I slept well with you in my arms.”

“I slept well in your arms.”

“Yeah? No bad dreams?” I shake my head. “I’m glad I could help.”

“Wes.” Ben says, coming up to us. “You two have a good time together?” He asks with a sly smile.

“We watched a shit ton of movies.” Wes responds, seeming unfazed by what Ben’s tone implies.

“Sounds fun.” Ben says. “Do we get the lovely Abbey on our bus one of these times?”

“I don’t think that will go over well.” I laugh, but secretly, I hope Sue will let me spend some real time on their bus one day.

“Sadness.” Ben says, covering his heart. “I thought we’d have fun together.”

“Maybe.” I shrug. “I should get back on my bus.

“I’ll see you later.” Wes says, giving me a hug.

“Yeah.”

“Bye, Abbey.” Ben says.

“Bye, Ben.” I wave at him and walk away.

nine

I spendthe next few hours texting Wes and writing songs.

It’s around 6:00 pm when we finally get to the venue. The buses park, and I start packing up a small suitcase with things for the hotel room. We have tonight off, and then we play two back-to-back shows. It is LA, so of course, we have a double show. The first one tends to sell out super quick, and they always add a second one after.

Wes said he found us a nice restaurant to go to for dinner and made reservations for us at eight. I asked him what I should wear, and he said whatever I wanted, which was little help. I packed up a nice dress and some heels.

Sue is playing it cool, but I know she is excited that I’m once again going out to eat. She made me eat another sandwich for lunch today, and I made her a deal that I’d have some dessert after dinner tonight if she didn’t make me have both turkey and ham since I’m getting sick of sandwiches. She agreed and promised to stock the bus with a wider variety of food before we left LA.

Wes and I agree that he will come with me to the hotel first to check-in. Then I’ll get ready there quickly, and we will leave for the restaurant from there.

I text Wes when I’m all packed. Sue called a car, and I headed outside to wait for both Wes and the driver.

I see Wes talking with Ben and Aaron, smoking a cigarette. He is wearing black slacks and a black button-up top with a black blazer. I think my choice of dress will match him nicely.

Wes glances my way and smiles when he sees me. He mentions something to the guys, slapping Aaron on the back before coming over my way.

“Hey.” He greets as he puts out his cigarette.

“Hi. You look good.” I eye him up and down, biting my lip. His button-up shirt hugged his torso just right.

“Yeah?” I nod, and he smiles. “You always look good.”

“I’m changing at the hotel.” I look down at what I’m wearing. Sweats and a tank top.

“You don’t have to. You look beautiful in anything.”

“The car is here.” Sue comments, walking up to us.

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