All Aboard – The Beginning Of The Tour
“Sawyer, be safe, okay?” Mom’s eyes fill with tears as she hugs me goodbye.
“I’m good, Mom. Everything will be fine. We’ll be back for Thanksgiving, and soon enough we’ll be home for good.”
Her answering smile is all I need to see. It doesn’t matter how old we get; this woman is going to forever worry about us. “I can’t wait until you’re back for good, and neither can your dad.”
My dad chuckles from across the bus where he’s hugging Noah goodbye. “We love you guys. As long as you’re happy, we’re happy.”
After we’ve swapped parents and hugs, Mom pulls two tins from her bag. “Cookies?”
Noah laughs as I reach for the tins, but Mom knows to only give me mine. “One for you, and one for you. You’ll have to come home for Thanksgiving to get more.”
“As if I’d miss out on cookies.” She narrows her eyes at me, and I hug her one last time. “Just kidding, Mom, you know we won’t miss a family holiday. We’ll Skype in a few days, I promise.”
Once they leave, Noah looks around the bus.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing, just taking it all in, I guess. It’s strange knowing we’re leaving on tour for the last time.”
I swear, I’m trying to be accepting of this, but that sentence really pushes my buttons. “Well, it was your call.”
“Come on, Sawyer, are we ever going to get past this? I thought we’d be okay by now.”
“We’re fine,” I grudgingly admit. “It’s still a sore spot. I’m going to get over it. Just ignore me for now.”
“We’ll make it one for the books, okay? Do tons of fun stuff, take lots of pictures, make a list of all the places we’d like to come back to visit one day when we have the time. Maybe you’ll finally be able to sit down and ask Rhymin’ Rieanne all those questions that have been lingering in your mind.”
Now he’s got me smiling. “For starters, I want to know if that’s her real name.”
“That’s the spirit. I’m sad too, Sawyer, but you know what makes me happy?”
“Retiring?”
He replies with a roll of his eyes. “Haha, you’re so funny. But no. What I was going to say is all I can think about is this being the beginning of something new and amazing for us. Our new business, whatever it will be …”
“Wait, business?”
“Duh, we have to work, and there’s no one else I want to work with than my brothers. We’ve always joked about opening an indie label. Let’s do it. Or something. I don’t want to leave the scene forever, I just need a change of pace.”
Something about his words makes me pause. All this time I just assumed this was his way of cutting things off. He’s always made comments, but this is the first time he’s actually come out and said for sure he still wants me around.
“I’d like that.”
“Me too. I know you’re not there yet, but I’m excited for this next phase. Finding a girl, settling down, getting married, popping out some kids. You need to get on board soon though, Sawyer, because I can’t imagine our kids not growing up together.”
“I can’t either. How are we on such polar opposite ends of the scale on this matter?”
Noah’s always been wise beyond his years, but his next words give me something to think about.
“You’ve had your heart on lockdown since the day you went to Aunt Cindy’s and found all their … bodies … and J. I don’t know what you went through that day, but the after effects … I saw those. When I even think about how bad it was, it breaks my heart, and knowing you and J lived through that massacre … well …”
He pauses and swipes a stray tear from his eye. We don’t talk about this because it’s hard for me, but seeing the effect it’s having on him now makes me realize J and I weren’t as alone as I thought.
“I just don’t know how the two of you got through it and became such incredible people. Both of you were different after that day, and rightfully so. We all were. It completely changed our family dynamic, but it was like I saw that lock click shut around your heart and it’s still there.”
“Noah, come on.”
“Humor me. I only get melodramatic once a year or so, and today is my day.”
“Fine,” I mutter as my heart races nervously.
“Right under the surface I still see the real you. The non-bastard, the guy who does anything for the people he loves. You’re a far better person than I’ll ever be. You ran into that house, Sawyer, fear be damned. I would have fled. It would have broken me, my psyche isn’t that strong. But you persevered, you called for help, you saved J, and it was hard as fuck, but you still came out okay. You are a good man, Sawyer, and you deserve to be happy. You need to start allowing some light into your life. It’s time for you to have your first girlfriend, and when you find the right woman to give you some kids, you can thank me by naming your firstborn after me.”
I chuckle, trying to lighten the heavy mood. “So that whole pep talk was really for you to tell me you want me to name my kid after you?”
“Well, you shouldn’t be the only Weston with a namesake,” he teases, and the air is instantly lighter. I know what he’s trying to do, and I appreciate it, but it’s something I need to think long and hard about and now is not the time.
“They’re here,” Darren says, bounding onto the bus like Tigger and then bouncing right off again.
“Where does he get all that fucking energy?” Noah stares at the invisible trail of speed left in Darren’s wake.
“Fuck if I know, but I wish I had some. Come on, let’s go greet the princesses.”
“Be nice,” he cautions.
“I’m always nice, but if she wants to fit in, she’s going to have to show her worth. I’m not going to be easy on her because she’s a girl.”
“Just don’t be an asshole on purpose all the time, and don’t laugh at her if she’s sick the first few days. You know how hard it was to get used to being on the road in the beginning.”
“I wouldn’t do that.”
“I know, I’m sorry. I’m just nervous.”
Noah is nothing but sincere, and I feel for him. “Me too, but it will be great.”
As we exit the bus, I keep trying to tell myself I believe it.
Noah is taking Amelia to the bus to show her around, and Bethie is giving me the evil eye like a motherfucker right now.
“Shit, I left my laptop in the car. I’ll be back in a few.” Wyatt kisses Anna before he walks away.
With her hands strategically placed on her hips and her eyes dancing with delight, she narrows her focus on me. “You’re in so much trouble. You’ve been holding out on me, Weston, spill it.”
I can’t help but smile at her. With her pixie-like features, she looks like a ticked-off Tinkerbell. Fuck, I love this girl. “There’s nothing to spill, Bethie. Drop it.”
“Ha! I don’t think so. Sawyer Weston, you’re blushing!”
There’s no way I’m blushing, but just in case I lace my arm through hers. “Let’s take a walk around the parking lot, shall we?”
She stretches up on her tiptoes and kisses my cheek. “Lead the way.”
“There’s nothing going on. She’s here to write the book.”
“But you like her. I haven’t seen you light up like that since … well, since the bitch who shall not be named.”
Anna shudders in my arms as if even thinking about her gives her the heebie jeebies.
“I don’t know her enough to like her.”
“But you’re not opposed to liking her,” she presses.
“I’m not opposed to being her friend.”
That stops Anna dead in her tracks. “Are you in love with her?”
“Damn, Bethie, you’re adorable. Let’s turn the dial down on the crazy today, okay? I’m definitely not in love with the princess.”
“Let me count your infractions already, shall I?” She starts ticking off points on her fingers one by one. “You gave her a nickname and, correct me if I’m wrong, I’m the only person who has ever gotten a nickname from you, and we used to be together … sort of.”
“So you’ll admit it when no one is around, huh?”
“Stop, it was like two hours, but still, for nickname purposes, we’re using it. Next, you said you’re willing to be her friend. Sawyer, you don’t do friends. If I recall correctly, you said the only friends you’ll ever make are us because you know we were true to you before your fame.”
She’s got a big point there. That has always been my motto.
“And … this is a big one … she made you blush, Sawyer. Please tell me you love her,” she begs. I want to tell her about the kiss. Anna is one person I never want to lie to.
“Are you done?”
“For now,” she replies, bouncing excitedly on the tips of her toes.
“There are things I want to tell you, but I can’t because you’ll tell Wyatt.”
She immediately frowns, and I squeeze her hand to let her know I understand.
“What I can tell you is if I had a reason to blush, it’s over. Noah called dibs. He really likes her.”
After releasing a huge sigh, she pulls me into a hug. “You’re a good brother, but the world doesn’t revolve around Noah.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I practically growl the words, but she stands her ground.
“It means you forsake your happiness often to be sure Noah stays happy. He does the same for you, I know it’s a two-way street, but it just seems like where girls are concerned, you always back off. Maybe it’s your turn this time.”
In high school, it didn’t matter. Girls were a dime a dozen; if Noah wanted one he could have her. He was always relationship-bound while I was just happy to get laid. It was the same after high school. Groupies are always DTF, but Noah doesn’t do groupies, so we never had to worry there.
“It’s not that big of a deal. I’m not even in relationship mode. It’s cool, Bethie.”
“My spidey sense is telling me it’s a bigger deal than you’re letting on, but I’ll let it go. If you want to talk about it, you know where to find me.”
“See, this is why you’re my best friend. You know when to let shit drop. Thank you.”
Tucking herself under my arm as we walk back to the buses, she laughs. “I know how you work, Sawyer, and when I need to I’ll push your buttons, but today isn’t that day.”
Well, thank God for that.
“I see how you are, Weston, stealing my last few precious minutes with my wife. It’s cool, no big deal.”
“Shut it, Wyatt. You’re the one who picked my best friend to marry. I have to take our stolen moments alone when I can. They don’t come along too often anymore.”
I’m only half joking, and from the sheepish look on his face, he knows it.
“You know I was kidding, right? If you need her, she’s yours. Uh, in the friendship sense that is. She’s mine for everything else.”
Holding up my hand, I stop him from going further. “Stop, just stop. I get off at the friendship stop. You can stay on the train as it chugs along to freaky town. Speaking of, Darren and Belle just got off your bus, go steal the last few minutes and get your freak on before it’s too late.”
Anna kisses me on the cheek and pulls Wyatt. “Come on, loverboy, I need some O’s to remember you by.”
Wyatt picks her up by her waist and spins her around before running with her onto the bus.
Belle and Darren wander over and she cocks a brow at me. “You’re awfully smiley. That’s not common for you, is it?” She’s glowing in an after-sex haze.
“Depends on the day, I guess. You guys all good till next month?”
Darren eyes her lasciviously. “If not, there’s always Skype.”
She bites down on her lip and nods her approval. “You’re a fucking dirty bastard, but I like it.” Belle turns her gaze to me. “Promise you’re going to take care of my girl? Road trips … well, they’re not really her thing.”
With a raised brow, Darren silently questions me as well. Fucker. “She’ll be fine. I’m sure Noah will take good care of her.”
“What about you?” she counters a little too rapidly. “Will you take care of her? She’s pretty fucking special, and I don’t want anything to happen to her. We don’t know each other from Adam, but I need you both to promise me you’ll watch over her. Sometimes Mel needs …”
“What? If she needs something special, we should know.” The sudden panic in my chest is unfamiliar.
“No, nothing like that. She doesn’t have any medical conditions or anything. Mel’s a typical writer and can get lost inside of herself sometimes. Just make sure she takes time for some fun. Push her outside of her comfort zone, make her realize this job is supposed to be an adventure too. She’ll tell the best story for you guys, I have no doubt. I just want her to live a bit. She needs this, more than you could imagine.”
“We can handle that, no problem. Right, Sawyer?”
“Yeah, of course. She’ll be fine. Promise.”
“Will you?” she counters, and I automatically take a step back. Darren covers his mouth and spins in a circle with a look that only describes how I’m feeling. What does she know?
“Why wouldn’t I be? I’m touring with a princess and my brothers. Life couldn’t be better.”
She eyes me suspiciously and then reaches out her hand. “Give me your phone.”
“Why?”
With a quick roll of her eyes, she sighs. “Because, against my better judgment, I think the devil is more redeemable than anyone ever knew.”
Darren and I exchange confused glances. “In English, please?” I prompt.
“Oh yeah, sorry. Because I’m going to take you at your promise, and since you’re on the same bus, I’m going to text you to check in on her. I won’t give out your number. I have a professional reputation to uphold, and one bad word from you could tank it. I’ve got too much to lose, but this is my sister we’re talking about, so please just humor me, okay?”
“You had me at sister. Here.”
She quickly programs her number and gives my phone back. “Thanks,” she says sincerely before we all head back to the bus. This tour is getting off to an interesting start.
A few hours after we’re on the bus, Mel is already asleep. I’ve never seen anyone fall asleep on a bus so fast, it’s like she’s completely at home. Noah and I both went to our respective rooms, and I’ve been lightly playing my guitar and writing down new lyrics. I love being on the bus; it’s been our home for so long that it has a calming effect on me. Only one other place in the world can do that—my grandparents’ house, well … my house now.
My phone goes off, and I grab it anxiously. Before Mel laid down, she said she was turning off her phone but to wake her if we needed her. When I came to my room, I sent her a link to “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses as a welcome text. I’m decidedly curious to see what, if anything, she’ll text back. Even though she detests our music, she seems to have a good amount of musical knowledge. It’s probably because her best friend is in the business. I’m sure they spend a lot of time together going to gigs and stuff, but something is telling me it goes deeper than that.
Unfortunately, it’s not Mel who is texting but almost as good. It’s my sister Diane. She pops up as Numero Uno because she was the firstborn. Poor Rory shows up as Runt because she was the last.
Numero Uno: Are you all settled on the bus and basking in your happy place?
You know me well. Maybe I’ll just live on the bus and tour the world by myself when it’s over.
Numero Uno: You wouldn’t dare! It’s time to come home, Sawyer.
I’m only kidding, although I might take the girls on a summer trip across America. Want to come? It could be fun.
Numero Uno: Hm a summer on a bus with you and my kids or a summer at home with my husband basking in freedom and uninterrupted sex. Let me think about that for a minute.
Haha! Maybe you’ll give us another set of twins after all. I could use a male namesake this time.
Numero Uno: You only get one of those. I still worry I hurt Noah’s feelings with that. And put a kibosh on the twin curse. We don’t need any of those in this house.
Don’t worry about Noah; he’s fine. He wants me to name my firstborn after him though.
Numero Uno: Like that wasn’t already a given.
Pretty much what I told him.
Numero Uno: So how goes it with the girl? Happen to kiss her again?
Never should have told you. It was a fluke; it’s not going to happen again.
Numero Uno: If it does you’ll have to tell him.
I know, that’s why it won’t.
Numero Uno: Some things can’t be helped. If it happens be happy and then tell your brother you’re falling for someone … finally!
Again, not going to happen but someday maybe.
Numero Uno: Changing your outlook on relationships all of a sudden? Hmm, maybe this girl is good for you.
Maybe … Noah said something earlier that resonated. It’s not her; it’s just the talk we had.
Numero Uno: Keep telling yourself that. She’s the one who opened you up to talking about it in the first place, I’m sure.
She’s right, but I’m not telling her that. And like she can read my mind, her next text makes me laugh.
Numero Uno: You already know that though, and you won’t admit it. Stubborn ass. It’s okay, we still love you.
A video clip pops up next, and I can’t even help the huge smile that creeps across my face when I press play. It’s Diane and the girls, and they’re screaming “We love you, Uncle Sawyer.” These fucking kids melt my cold heart every single time.
Give them a huge hug and a kiss for me and tell them I’m already counting down the days till Thanksgiving. Love you guys.
Numero Uno: Will do. Take care of yourself, Sawyer.
Talking to Diane always makes me feel whole. She’s more than a sister; she’s been a second mom to me. She’s never judged me or made me feel less than, which is huge. Even though I have one of the best families ever, being the second twin has always made me feel somewhat second-best. I know it’s ridiculous and irrational, but it’s how I sometimes feel.
I take a look back at the lyrics I’ve been writing and shake my head. If I put this much of my own truth into my lyrics, I can’t imagine how much of Princess is really in her book.
My soul is dark as night
You can’t see me
But it’s fine
Because in the shadows
I can’t shine
In the shadows
Where I live
You walk by
My fears kick in
You can’t see me
But it’s fine
Because in the shadows
I’m alive
My dark soul
My black heart
Live at peace in the dark
Your white light
Brings me out
Burns me up
And spits me out
An angel
A devil
The darkness
Blinding light
Where are the shadows where I hide?
Come with me
She says
I’m not worth it, I shake my head
Dark shadows
White light
Good or evil?
I can’t decide
Fuck me. Belle and her babbling about the devil being redeemable really got to me. It’s not a bad base for a song one day, but not now, and most likely not with this band. I know they say they want to keep making music, but part of me wonders what the point is? Isn’t it fucked up for the fans to hear new music but never see a tour? I don’t like the idea of singing and never performing. It’s like taking the best part out of the equation.
Last night I heard Princess get up and make something to eat around one in the morning. I thought about going to talk to her and make sure she didn’t need anything, but she’s a big girl, and I need to keep my distance.
A few minutes later I heard her laughing, and a couple of minutes after that my phone buzzed across my dresser. She responded to my earlier text with “2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted” by 2Pac and Snoop Dogg. This girl is going to be trouble.
Much to my dismay and my delight, it turns out she’s a morning person like me. We had coffee together earlier, and I even shared my Pop-Tarts. I don’t know what it is about her that makes her so easy to talk to. We seem to have a lot in common, and our talk was just getting good when Noah came out and killed the vibe. He wasn’t happy to find me having coffee with Princess in my boxers.
Sometimes he’s a little too respectable. Walking around in my boxers is no different than wearing a pair of shorts, and for fuck’s sake, she’s seen me in less. She’s felt my cock pressing against her warm heat as she practically rode my dick through her clothes. One slip of the towel and it would have been over. She’d have seen it all. Too bad it didn’t happen that way because if it had, she’d likely be in my bed right now instead of hers.
All day she’s been like a walking, talking enigma. Everything she says seems to have a deeper meaning. Mel’s musical knowledge is vast. She can keep up with us, with our jokes, with everything. I tried to ignore how close together Noah and her were at practice today and how easily their conversations seem to flow. Instead, I focused my attention on her response to our music. For someone who hates our band so much, she loves the acoustic stuff. I get her dislike for the hard stuff, it’s not for everyone, but it got me thinking too.
If there are thousands of listeners out there who hate our stuff, I bet they’ll like the new stuff too. I’d never change who we are as a band at the core, but it was nice to think about the possibility of reaching new listeners just by tweaking the volume and rage a bit. I’m wondering if, after some time passes, I can convince Noah to do some local shows. Something small and intimate, like maybe at J’s bar. If the Thanksgiving show goes well there, maybe he’ll be open to the idea. After all, we did get our start at Just an Illusion in the first place.
Noah peeks his head into my room. “Still need to go to the store, Sawyer?”
“Yeah, I need to get off the bus and stretch for a few minutes. Are you coming?”
“Nah, I’m good. I stopped earlier, but Mel needs to grab some stuff. Keep an eye on her, yeah?”
“Of course, we’ll have Mac with us anyway, we’ll be fine.”
The bus pulls a slow roll into Target’s parking lot, and I catch Mel looking out the window with wide eyes.
“We’re going to Target?”
“Problem with that?”
She flashes me a gorgeous smile. The kind nice girls have. The genuine kind where her eyes crinkle and her laugh lines show. I’ve never seen someone so effortlessly beautiful.
“Problem for you maybe. I fucking love Target. It’s my happy place.”
Noah’s cracking up. He knows I like to get in and out before I get noticed. This could be fun though, so I decide to fuck with her a bit.
“That’s fine. Just know the longer you take in your happy place, the more risk you take of being labeled the new mystery woman in Sawyer Weston’s life.”
“True dat,” Darren says as he enters the bus. “Paps love giving Sawyer fake girlfriends.”
“Please, I can handle the media and fangirls. Let’s go.”
It’s dark outside. These trips are always best done under the cover of night. I toss on a baseball hat and my sunglasses, and we meet Mac outside. Princess turns to me and smirks.
“Who are you, Corey Hart?” And again, she slays me with her musical references. “You know … “Sunglasses at Night”?”
“I know who he is, Princess. Are you a closet Corey fan?”
She does a little happy skip as we walk inside, and she grabs a shopping cart. “My dad was, sort of.” She doesn’t elaborate, and I can tell it’s a touchy subject.
“Do you actually need a cart? How much shit do you need to get?”
“Only a few things. I want to make spaghetti tonight. Will you guys eat it?”
My stomach growls at the thought, and she smiles. “I’ll take that as a yes. What do you need to get?”
“Snacks mostly. We need some more cookies, and we can never have enough Pop-Tarts. Plus, when they stocked the bus I guess they were out of my regular coffee, so I’m going to see if they have it here.”
“Shit, I hope someone didn’t lose their job over that mistake.”
She’s serious, and I stop in my tracks. “I’m not an asshole, I just look like one. I’d never fire someone for something like that.”
Pausing, she turns slowly and faces me. “I’m sorry, Sawyer. I didn’t mean anything by it, I swear. I’ve seen people fired for less.” She places her hand on my arm. “Seriously, it wasn’t a slam at you.”
I shake it off, ignoring the heat that lingers where her hand was. “It’s cool. Now you know my secret. Just don’t tell anyone, the asshole thing is my specialty after all.”
“My lips are sealed. Come on, let’s get shopping.”
Less than five minutes later, Mac has a crowd of girls at his back. Okay, crowd is a loose term, but there are about three girls following us, and they’re annoying as fuck.
“I’d love to get a picture with him.”
“Screw a photo, I want to birth his babies.”
“Who is that skank?”
When Mel hears those words, she surprises the shit out of me. “Watch the cart,” she says through gritted teeth and stalks back toward them. Mac looks at me with a questioning glance, and I hold up a finger so he’ll let her do what she needs for now. I should probably stop her, but I’m way too intrigued.
“Ladies,” she says, pasting a smile on her lips, “I’m about to give you some advice. In the future, when you’re trolling celebrities, it would behoove you to text to each other. Nothing is a bigger turn off than hearing a stalker say she wants to have your babies.”
“I’m not a stalker,” the ringleader cries indignantly.
Mel turns her phone to the girl and reads from the screen. “Stalker. A person who harasses someone with unwanted attention. This has your name all over it.”
Then she turns to the girl who called her a skank. “I’m not a skank, but I could be your worst nightmare. Smile for the camera.” Her flash goes off and, satisfied with the results, she shows her the photo. “Amelia Greyson, author and official storyteller of the up-close-and-personal book BAD is releasing next year. I’m not a skank, but if you don’t high tail it out of here in about thirty seconds, your photo will appear in the chapter that discusses all the skanks who troll them on the road.”
I’m about to piss my pants. Mac is as amused as I am. I can’t believe the guys are missing this shit. “Lastly, you,” she says, pointing to the shy girl with them. “Do you have a phone with you?”
She nods, and Mel holds out her hand. “Let me see it.” Reluctantly, she passes it over, and Mel faces me. “Hey, Corey, you up for a quick selfie?”
“Sure,” I reply, unable to hold back my smile.
“Get over there, and lose the glasses, Corey.”
The two pissed-off girls are whispering among themselves, wondering if my real name is Corey. And the shy girl stands next to me awkwardly.
“Come on, sweetheart, let’s make it a good one.” I throw my arm over her shoulder and pull her close. We both smile as Mel snaps the photo. As she gives the phone back, Mel pauses.
“Thank you for not being obnoxious. It’s not easy to pop into a store and buy stuff to make spaghetti, but when people have boundaries, it makes it easier to want to do nice things for them. Hopefully, your friends have learned a lesson for next time.”
She spins on her heel and resumes her journey to the food section muttering under her breath, “If I don’t get some spaghetti and some wine before I have to put another bitch in her place, I might lose my shit.”
Which is precisely why Mac and I start grabbing what we need as we follow her. I don’t know who this girl is, but I’ve never wanted to be someone’s friend more.
After dinner, we’ve filled the guys in on our Target adventure, and they’re laughing hysterically. It’s been a long time since we’ve had this much fun together. Later, when I go to my room, I have a text message waiting for me from Belle.
Slammed Chick: Are you taking care of my girl?
Actually, I’m pretty sure she’s taking care of us.
Slammed Chick: That doesn’t surprise me in the least. She’s good like that. I just wanted to be sure she’s okay.
Well, she just took down three fangirls in Target with her words alone. I’ve never seen anything like it, to be honest.
Slammed Chick: OMG thank you for telling me that.
Now I’m interested in talking to her more. She’s the key to Princess’s locked kingdom.
Why OMG? I feel like you probably squealed and did a happy dance with that too.
Slammed Chick: Aww, you know me already. Can’t tell you or I’d have to kill you.
Seriously? That’s what you’re going with? I’ll remember that next time you interview me.
Slammed Chick: FINE – Without saying too much let’s just say a bus full of rockstars was exactly what my girl needed to be true to herself again.
I swear you speak in tongues. Does Darren realize that?
Slammed Chick: Darren enjoys my tongue and all the things I can do with it. He seems to understand me just fine.
Must be a match made in heaven then.
Slammed Chick: Uh no. Not even. I’m happy for some fun but spare me all that hearts and flowers shit.
Haha, a girl after my own heart. No wonder Darren likes you.
Slammed Chick: I’m pretty irresistible but so is my friend. Make yourself happy and go chat her up.
She’s already in bed. I’ll see her in the morning.
Slammed Chick: Enjoy your morning chat over coffee. Later.
Later
I’ve got a smile on my face that could probably break world records. Princess told her friend about our morning talk. Since Belle brought it up and mentioned tomorrow, it must mean Mel enjoyed it and we’re going to make it our thing, or a thing. Either way, I’ve never had a thing with anyone. I avoid repeat visits with all women at any cost. But Amelia isn’t just any woman, and for some reason, getting to know her doesn’t freak me out. The opposite in fact. I want to know everything—from her happiest memories to her biggest fears, and especially how she tastes when I make her scream my name with my tongue between her legs.