While Kellan scribbled down some song lyrics in one of his journals, I typed The End on my story, saved the file, then reached across the table and wrapped my fingers around Kellan’s. A sense of relief and completion filled me as I leaned back in the chair. It felt really good to get all of that out of my head, to finally be done telling my story. Kellan lifted his head as he noticed my expression. “You’re finished? Do I finally get to read it?”
I hesitated, then turned the laptop so that it faced him. There were parts of this he was not going to like. A lot of parts, actually. But he wanted to know them, and I’d given him my word that I would let him read them. His eyes remained locked on mine as he set aside his pen and paper and slowly sat up straight. He knew the amount of trust I was showing him by letting him read my deepest thoughts.
When his eyes went down to the computer screen, a horrible feeling filled my stomach; it was a bad case of nerves mixed with a hefty dose of fear. I suddenly wanted to be anywhere other than the bus. I’d rather be in a press conference admitting to the world that I was Kellan’s girlfriend than be sitting across from Kellan while he read my torturous book.
As Kellan worked his way to the beginning of the story, I stood up. His eyes flashed to mine, and I shook out my trembling fingers. “I can’t just peacefully sit here while you read it.” I looked around the empty bus, not knowing where to go. Everyone was still gone. Some were at the hotel, some were still exploring the city. My sister had gone shopping with Griffin. She was starting to turn the back of the bus into a nursery, which made me wonder if she really was going to stay on the tour until she delivered.
Kellan started to close the laptop. “If it bothers you, I won’t read it.”
I shook my head, running my fingers through my hair. “No, I want you to. I just . . . can’t watch you do it.”
As Kellan reopened the computer, I headed toward the cubbies. I could grab his Discman and listen to some classic tunes for a while. There were a few fans hanging around the perimeter of the parking lot. From the corner of my eye, I saw them start to freak out. Cell phone cameras were recording, people were yelling. They reminded me of a pack of jumping, chattering hyenas. I had no idea why they were suddenly riled; things had been pretty quiet here for a while.
The bus door was lightly rapped on, and Kellan and I both twisted to look. Who the heck was knocking? Security? Someone from the crew? I was pretty sure all of the guys in the band were still gone. Besides, none of them would’ve knocked; they would just enter if they were back. Well, except Griffin; he was still making an effort to knock whenever Kellan and I were alone together. I couldn’t tell if he was trying to be respectful or trying to be an asshole. Either way was fine with me, so long as he didn’t walk in on us again.
While I stayed near the center of the bus, Kellan headed over to the door. I peered out the window to get a better look and rolled my eyes. Sienna. Of course it was Sienna. Who else could get the Kell-Sex fans in a tizzy? I stepped forward as Kellan opened the door. “Sienna? What are you doing here?” She didn’t usually bug us on our bus.
Sienna gave Kellan an adoring smile. “Can I come in?”
Kellan stepped back, swishing his arm to indicate that she could. When Sienna walked by him in the doorway, she paused. “Thank you,” she murmured, batting her eyelashes.
Kellan kept his face neutral as he closed the door on the crowd of prying eyes. The fans shouted out comments and questions the entire time until the door seal drowned them out. How long have you been together? Are you getting married? We love you guys! Kell-Sex forever! Hearing that, I couldn’t contain my eye rolling. How one imaginary relationship had become such a focal point for some people was beyond me.
As Sienna entered the lounge area of the bus, she smiled brightly at me, like none of that had just happened. “Kiera! Lovely to see you.”
“You too,” I muttered, not really meaning it.
Coming up behind her, Kellan asked, “What is it?” He said it slowly, like he was sure she had a hidden motive for being here. I was sure too, but with all those pictures that had just been snapped, I think she’d already accomplished it.
Sienna twisted to him, a coy smile on her face. “Can’t a girl drop in on her friends? I’m used to having people around me, but this tour it’s just been my security and me on the bus. Gets a little lonely.” Thinking of something, her face lit up. “Would you two like to ride the next leg of the tour with me?”
Kellan opened his mouth, but I beat him to it. “No, it’s all right, we’re fine here.” The tabloids would proclaim Sienna to be pregnant by the next venue if she and Kellan shared a bus.
Sienna pouted like she was crestfallen. “Well, the offer stands if you change your mind.” Her dark eyes flicked around our home-away-from-home. “My bus really is much nicer than this one.”