Rory
Dante said the seventh circle of hell is reserved for violent offenders, but I’d argue it’s a tour bus of men with questionable hygiene. Or is that mold? I sniff the air, unsure of where that smell is coming from.
Layla’s plaintive cries snap my attention into focus. While Jace talks to his buddies, I take the baby and rock her in my arms, and she quiets against my shoulder. “Are you the one who committed that crime against humanity?” I whisper. Goodness, her diaper stinks.
This isn’t so bad, I try to convince myself. I’ll always have Layla as a buffer. I can do this.
Jace starts introducing me to his bandmates, who are lounging around the front of the bus on leather couches.
“This is Cooper. He plays the drums.” The guy looks like a yeti with a massive beard that matches his barrel chest.
“Shane is the bassist.” If Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory had a twin, Shane could play the part.
“Derek plays the keyboard.” He’s a lanky guy with a handlebar mustache. Paired with that overly serious expression, he reminds me of Ben Stiller in Dodgeball.
I smile and, because I’m nervous, mutter to Shane, “Slappin’ da bass.” I figure, can you ever go wrong with a Paul Rudd quote? “You know that movie, I Love You, Man?” But he doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t smile or laugh. He just sighs. “I guess you hear that a lot.”
The guys are mostly polite, but it’s clear I’m the interloper. At least Frank is friendly. “Nice you could join us, Rory. We’re all grateful you can help Jace with his situation.”
“Can I go change her? She dropped a bomb in her diaper.” I’m dying to get away from the cramped front of the bus. I’ve never been so grateful to change a baby’s poop in my life.
“Sure thing. If you head to the back, you can use the master bedroom. You’ll find all your stuff there.”
“We get the master bedroom?” I glance at Jace, who’s chatting with his friends. Their bad moods seem entirely directed at me because they’re joking with him.
Frank motions for me to follow him. “Let me give you a tour. The front area is called the lounge. That’s where you’ll usually find me if you need anything.
There’s also a bathroom, microwave, and small fridge.
” The hallway narrows and he motions to either side of us.
“These are the bunks where the band and I will sleep, and back here is your room. Well, it’s for you, Jace, and the baby. ”
“I thought… Jace told me we were all getting bunks.”
Frank shrugs. “Can’t really control what kind of bus we get, but I thought this might be better for your situation. That way, if the baby needs to sleep, and the guys are up late, hanging out or playing instruments or partying, she’ll get better rest.”
“That’s really thoughtful.” I mean it, even if the thought of them partying while Layla tries to sleep makes my eye twitch.
Frank gives me a sympathetic smile and lowers his voice. “Look, I’m the only one who knows what’s really going on here, and I can appreciate this is gonna be a little awkward for you, but Jace is a great guy. You don’t have to worry about him getting handsy. He’ll respect your space.”
“I’ve gotten that impression.” Except for that kiss on our wedding day that almost took me out.
Frank ducks down to make eye contact with me. “But if you or Layla ever need anything on the road and Jace isn’t around, please know you can always come to me. You’re on my tour bus, so you’re my responsibility too.”
His fatherly vibe is comforting, and I give him a hesitant smile. “I promise I won’t cause trouble.”
Frank chuckles and pulls out his phone. “I already know if I have trouble, it’ll be from those lunatics out there. But here, take my cell number so you have it. We might be staying in hotels from time to time, and that way, you can always reach me.”
I put Layla on the bed and she babbles happily. I’m relieved she’s handling this so well. While I keep one eye on her, I get Frank’s info and close the door behind him so I can change the baby’s diaper. When I’m done, I pick her up and try to gather my courage to return to the lounge.
I peek out the window and spot all of the Walkers still congregated in the parking lot.
Although it seemed like I had friends to send me off on this trip, I know the girls were there for Jace, first and foremost. And his brothers are all so proud of him.
I’m happy for him. To be so loved and admired is something to be cherished.
My phone buzzes in the pocket of my dress, and I pull it out.
Dad: I hope you’ve been reconsidering the wedding. Taylor told me how much it would mean to her if you come.
As I read the text, light glimmers off my wedding ring, and I pause to stare at it.
Would my dad care that I just got married? Of course, it’s fake, but I’m a realist and this is probably the only time I’ll ever walk down the aisle.
Me: Haven’t decided. Stop pressuring me. I have the info.
Someone knocks on the door.
“Come in.”
Jace pokes his head in. “This looks bigger than I was expecting.” He glances around at all the baby stuff.
“Sorry about the bedroom mix-up. Last time I spoke with Frank, he said we were getting bunks. When Mav dropped off our luggage for loadup this morning, I should have double-checked. If it’s weird for me to sleep in here with you, I’ll crash on the couch in the lounge. ”
“But then won’t your bandmates get suspicious?”
“Maybe? But I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Listen, I wanted to apologize for that kiss at our wedding. I kinda got carried away with the moment. My brothers were cheering, and I just went with it.”
My face burns with the memory, but I try to play it off. “It’s okay. It wasn’t the worst kiss I’ve ever had.”
He chuckles and holds out his hand. When I place mine in his, his face grows serious. “Rhett said we should have rules for how we do things.”
Rules? “I like rules.” Rules help you understand expectations and requirements.
The PA crackles overhead. “This is your friendly manager, Frank. Get your ass up here, Jace, so we can kick off our national tour!” The band yells, and Jace laughs.
Squeezing my hand, he gives me a crooked smile. “Think about what kind of rules you want, okay? For anything you can think of. PDA, sleeping arrangements, whatever you want. Anything that will make this easier for you.”
Nodding, I can’t help but smile when he takes Layla from me, kisses her on the cheek, reaches back for my hand again, and tugs me to the front of the bus.
Guess we’re getting this tour started.
When we reach the lounge, Jace drapes his arm around my shoulders, and I force myself not to bristle.
It hits me all at once—I’m going to have to kiss Jace again. For the role I’m playing.
My heart knocks on my ribs in expectation.
I can handle it. Just like the wedding.
Because the rules will keep my heart safe.