Libby

I knew the fun was about to end when I got on the bus this morning. I’ve memorized the schedule and am fully aware of how many shows are set up. Knox is going to be swamped.

What I was worried about happening happened, but I’m not as stressed out as I thought I would be. Sure, there are tons of articles about us, but most commenters say it looks like we’re only having fun and enjoying a night out. The Ring Pop on my finger will tell anyone with common sense that it was all one big joke.

Knox is texting on his phone when mine goes off. I’ve been waiting for her text since I saw the pictures of us.

Mia: I need an explanation ASAP.

Me: I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Mia: Don’t you dare try to play coy with me! I saw the pictures. Did you get married in Vegas WITHOUT ME THERE TO BE YOUR MAID OF HONOR?!!!

Me: Do you honestly believe I got married last night?

Mia: Nope. I’m only giving you a glimpse of how dramatic I’ll be if you ever do something like that.

Me: Noted.

“The best friend?” Knox asks, looking over at me.

I shake my head. “The new boyfriend.”

His phone drops from his hand, his eyes going wide. “What?”

“My boyfriend saw the pictures of us and wants to know if I’m cheating on him.”

“Boyfriend?” His nose scrunches up in confusion. “Since when did you get a boyfriend?”

I probably shouldn’t ask him this, but I do. “Are you jealous?”

“You know I’m jealous, and I know you’re lying. It’s the best friend.”

I sigh. “She saw the pictures and was going to kill me if I got hitched without her being the maid of honor.”

“Tell her you chose Elvira over her.”

“She would probably come hunt us down and kill me.”

“I don’t doubt that. She seems a little high strung, that one.”

“We balance each other out. She’s the crazy one. I’m the level headed one.”

“Kind of like you balance me out?”

“I guess so.”

We both jump when the driver opens the door and walks up the stairs.

“You guys ready to head out?” he asks.

“Sure are,” Knox answers.

“We’ve got some long days ahead of us, but I’ll make sure you have a safe and comfortable ride.”

“Thanks,” I say.

He disappears, and a few minutes later, we hear the engine start up.

“Did you have your other assistants stay on the bus with you?” I ask. I know most musicians like to have company on the bus while others prefer to be left alone.

“My mom would usually stay with me on here when we were on the road, but I made sure we stopped and stayed at a hotel every night. She’s on the high maintenance side.”

“Has she always been like that?” This man, he’s so easy to talk to, sometimes I forget that I work for him and we’re not friends. I’m beginning to grow more and more comfortable with him.

“She hasn’t. Fame changes people. One thing that worries me about her now is how she looks at the people who are where she was years ago. When I go to charity events, sometimes she won’t come with me. She acts like they’re beneath her. It’s sad, and I think that’s why I’ve started to pull away from her. I will never forget where I came from, or look down on someone who’s in the position she used to be in.”

I love his answer. Thankfully, my dad brought me up to treat everyone the same, no matter how much money they had.

“What do you think has changed the most with you?” I ask, curiously. I don’t like him asking me personal questions, but I want to know every single detail about what makes him.

He tilts his head to the side, his lips slightly parting. “Is this our secret of the day?”

I gulp. I hate this game. Okay. I actually like it when it’s one-sided. When he’s revealing stuff to me, but I hate it when it’s my turn. Is it worth opening up so I can figure him out?

“It can be.”

“My trust of other people,” he immediately says, like the answer was on the tip of his tongue. “What do you think has changed since the whole ordeal with your dad?”

He opened up to me. It’s only fair I do the same thing. “Who I can count on and how truly ungrateful I was at times.”

He nods in agreement, understanding where I’m coming from. “I’ve lost that somewhat as well – my sense of appreciation. When I was younger, if someone did something for me, anything, even give me a piece of bubblegum, you would’ve thought they handed me a million dollars of how greatly I appreciated it.”

“But you’ve given back. I saw all of the charities you donate to, how many people you’ve helped, how many sick children you’ve visited.”

He releases a shallow sigh. “You want to know my favorite part of doing all of that?” I nod. “The way their faces light up, like me being there or what I’ve done is life changing. It reminds me of how I looked at all of the people that helped my mom – the ones at the food pantry or who donated free school supplies. That shit would make my day.”

“I wish I could help people like that.”

“I have some meets set up during my tour. Want to come along?”

“I’d like that.”

He scoots in closer, puts his arm around my shoulder, and brings me into his side. “Now my new wife, can we finally consummate our marriage?”

I’m unable to hold in my laughter as I push him away from me. “Absolutely not. I’ve already filed for an annulment.”

He frowns. “First, I don’t get laid. Now, you’re leaving my ass. What’s next?”

“I take half of everything you’ve worked for.” I jump up and go in search of the remote. “Shall we watch Friends?”

He frowns. “Not exactly how I imagined I’d be spending my honeymoon.”