A few weeks before the album dropped, the boys were slated to set off on a whirlwind promotional tour. They were hitting all of the biggest cities in almost every state in the continental U.S. Looking at their schedule was mind-boggling. It was a nonstop jumble of plane rides, radio interviews, and private performances. There were times when they were booked for appearances in three different cities in one day. I was exhausted just staring at the itinerary. If we could get through this, touring should be easy.
Their first stop on the promo tour was a popular radio station in Los Angeles. No, it wasn’t just popular—it was the number one station in the city, and they were going to debut the single there while the boys were in the studio. My stomach was a swarm of butterflies. Even though I knew this song release was only going to fuel the flames of Kellan and Sienna’s formulated relationship, I couldn’t wait to hear Kellan’s voice being broadcasted over the airwaves. It was such a surreal thought.
Knowing life was going to get very hectic very soon, Kellan and I savored every moment of quiet togetherness that we could. Kellan gave me a tour of the city, showing me some of the dive bars he and the D-Bags had played at during their time here. I could easily picture a fresh-out-of-high-school Kellan wowing the panties off of wannabe Hollywood starlets. It must have been very easy for him to line up “dates” down here.
Kellan showed me the touristy things too—Disneyland, Seaworld, the Walk of Fame—but my favorite moments were lounging by the pool at the record label’s house. Especially when everyone else was gone and it was just the two of us. On a sunny mid-August morning, a few days before the chaotic part of Kellan’s career kicked in, we were enjoying a private dip in the pool. I was leaning against the cool white steps that led down into the turquoise water, watching the tiny disruptive waves my legs made as I lightly kicked them in front of me. The smell of chlorine and sunblock filled my senses, and except for some birds squawking in a nearby tree, all was quiet. Knowing this peace wouldn’t last, I savored it.
Under the water, a dark shape approached me. Hands ran up my legs, stilling them, as the submerged body swam right over mine. Stopping at my waist, Kellan lifted his head out of the water and crooked a grin at me. “Hey.”
“Hey,” I muttered, biting my lip. His hair was slicked back from his face, and beads of water rolled down his cheeks. The sunlight sparkled in his eyes, lightening the deep blue color. He was glorious, and for this one moment in time, he was all mine.
Sighing, I sat up and wrapped my arms around his neck; my legs automatically tightened around his waist. He sank to his knees, holding me in his arms in the shallow water. If contentment could be felt as a physical thing, like the warmth from the sun or a cool breeze on a hot day, then surely I was feeling it wrap around me right now as I laid my head on his shoulder and let myself be consumed by his presence.
Just as Kellan pulled back to look at me, the tranquility on his face matching mine, Griffin stepped out of the house. He walked over to the steps, frowned, and scratched his head, like he was trying to puzzle out how to do something. Then he shrugged and knocked on the railing that divided the steps.
Struggling to keep his face straight, Kellan peeked up at him. “Yes?”
“That dude from the record is here. Wants to talk to you.”
Setting me down beside him, Kellan stood from the water. Rivulets ran down the lines and curves of his body. Beads of moisture were left in their wake; they clung to his skin like they were reluctant to leave him. I completely understood the feeling.
“Which dude?” Kellan asked.
Griffin shrugged, indiscretely checking me out. “I don’t know. The uppity one in a suit.”
Kellan stepped slightly in front of me. “Nick? The vice president of the label?”
Griffin raised his gaze to Kellan. “I don’t know. Sure.”
Kellan glanced back at me. The last time the VP of the label showed up, it had been to offer Kellan a major opportunity. I had a feeling that whatever he wanted now would be just as big. For some reason, though, my stomach dropped.
Quickly toweling off, Kellan threw on a shirt and I threw on some shorts. I’d prefer to meet with a bigwig fully clothed and fully dry, but my tankini top and wet hair would have to do for now. Best not to keep the man who controlled my husband’s destiny waiting.
Griffin led us upstairs, to where we’d met with Nick and Sienna last time. As I was about to follow Kellan into the room, Griffin grabbed my elbow. I instantly tensed as I looked up at his face. A frown on his lips, he said, “Anna tells me you don’t like me. That true? I thought we were cool.”
Wondering why on earth Griffin wanted to talk about this now, I gently pulled my arm from his grasp. “We’re . . . cool. Sure.” Stay out of my bedroom, don’t touch me again, and quit fooling around on my sister, and we’re great.