Prologue #2
“First of all, I’m really sorry you found out about Camden that way, Keaton.
We all thought we were doin’ the right thing.
You’ve been on the road for so long and we’ve seen the attention from the men you get.
It makes you nervous and scared. Yeah, you’ve had a security team and they step in immediately, but it wasn’t enough.
We were thinkin’ of your safety and not allowin’ you to be scared by perverted men anymore.
Camden really wants to talk to you about the situation, but he understands you need some time to yourself.
He won’t pressure you. I already made sure of it,” Jagger tells me and I nod in response because there’s nothing more to say about the situation.
“That’s all great, Jagger. I understand where you’re all coming from and I would have accepted it if I were let in on the plan.
Instead, I’m the one with a broken heart who was betrayed.
Cam might not have cheated on me, but he lied to me every single day we were together.
Two damn years, Jagger. I was lied to for two years and you knew about it,” I tell him as Jagger leans against the counter in front of me and crosses his arms over his chest.
“I know you got your heart broken, Keaton. That wasn’t part of the plan.
Camden was in with me today because he was tired of you not knowin’ the truth.
He has fallen in love with you. Cam is a good guy and only wants the best for you,” Jagger says, adjusting his position slightly as I lean back into the couch cushions.
“That’s not why I’m here, though. Memphis came to talk to me.
With everythin’ goin’ on, I agree that you need a trip home.
You need to unwind, recharge, and talk to your parents.
See your best friend and just be yourself.
You’re constantly on here and need the break.
Yes, I realize how exhausted you are. Everyone is gettin’ the week off and I’ve already booked you a flight home.
It leaves in an hour. The private jet is waitin’ at the airport for you. ”
“Are you serious? I get to go home?” I question him, perking up the slightest bit and allowing the blanket to fall loose around my body.
“You get to go home. You’ll take three guys with you and that’s non-negotiable.
They’ll remain in the background as normal when you’re not out as Ruby.
When you’re back in Briar Glen, they’ll be close, but you’ll have your space.
Our next show is a few hours from there so we’ll all meet back up at the venue two days before the show so we can have sound checks, rehearsals, and everythin’ else you guys usually do.
Use this time wisely, Keaton. See your Godson and spend time with your parents.
Don’t be too hard on them,” Jagger says as he looks at me and I jump off the couch before almost tripping in the blanket wrapped around me.
“Thank you, Jagger,” I tell him, managing to catch myself before I land in a heap on the floor at his feet. “This means more than you’ll ever know.”
Jagger accepts my hug before I release him and head back to my bedroom to pack the few items I need to take with me on the flight.
I’ll be able to bypass regular security and all the other bullshit at airports because I’ll be taking the private jet back home.
I listen as Jagger laughs while exiting my bus.
He’s a really good guy but takes things too hard when it comes to our careers.
I pack a few clothes, my notebooks, and my guitar before I jump in the shower because I’m in desperate need of one after crying all day long.
After cleaning up and dressing in my favorite pair of oversized sweatpants and one of Memphis’ hoodies, I brush out my long hair and toss it up in a messy bun.
As usual, I don’t put on any make-up and make sure my wig and everything else remain on the bus, hidden so no one finds it.
Thankfully, I have a brand-new bus and the decals with my name haven’t been added just yet.
No one knows this is a tour bus so my things are fairly safe for the time being.
My previous bus had been broken into a few times while we were on tour. That’s why I have a new one.
Stepping off the bus, I find Noah, Austin, and Rex waiting for me.
The three of them offer me a small smile before we head to the waiting SUV that will transport us to the airstrip.
None of us speak as we make our way to the jet and they give me my space.
I’m in the middle row on my own while Austin and Rex sit behind me and Noah takes the front seat.
Our driver doesn’t talk either. We’ve had a few who were chatty and I don’t like that.
This is my time to unwind and not think about touring, music, songwriting, or anything else related to my career.
Right now, I’m ready to fall asleep and not wake up until I’m back in Briar Glen.
This day needs to end so I can start to heal and move on from a fake relationship I didn’t understand wasn’t real.