“And not forgetting, Tom,” Jake says pulling my eyes away from him and back across the room.
Tom has his back to me, but of course I instantly recognise him the second he turns around in his seat to us.
Tom has light-brown hair, shaved close, and he is covered in tattoos, just like Jake. He is really good-looking, not my type, his face is a little to round for my liking; I like my men a little more chiselled, but I can certainly see the allure for the women who love him.
“He-llo gorgeous.” Tom gets up from his chair.
“No,” Jake says sternly, pointing a finger at him, stopping him in his tracks.
“What?” Tom says innocently, holding his hands up in surrender style. “I was just coming over to say hello to the gorgeous Trudy, and to greet her in my genuine Tom style … and also to find out where he’s been hiding you,” he says directly to me, conspiratorially winking.
I actually blush.
What am I – sixteen?
“Yeah, and your style usually involves tongues and groping. Tru has had a long flight and can do without you pawing her – and also she has a boyfriend, so hands off.” Jakes sounds so protective, like he’s my big brother or something. Maybe that’s how he views me, in a sister like fashion.
The thought depresses me a little. Well, quite a lot actually.
“Jeez, down boy – I get it.” Tom rolls his eyes at Jake, laughing he sits back down in his chair and takes a swig of his beer.
“You want something to drink?” Jake asks me, as he starts to move away.
I suddenly feel a little bereft without his touch. And still a little saddened by the brotherly protectiveness.
“No I’m fine thanks … you know, I think I will go and unpack my suitcase … leave you guys to finish your game.” I gesture to the on-going card game being played at the table.
Jake stops, turning to look at me. “You sure?” he asks.
“Yeah, I’m sure,” I smile. “I’ll see you all later,” I wave in the guy’s direction. “It was nice to meet you all.”
I turn and leave the room, acutely aware of the fact that Jake’s eyes are on me the whole time I’m walking away.
Chapter Ten
It’s my second day in Stockholm and tonight is TMS’s first show.
I’m at the stadium with the band. The opening show is at the Ericsson Globe. It’s the strangest and most cool building I have ever seen. It’s shaped like a large white ball. It’s also quite a small venue for the guys, it only takes about sixteen thousand people, there’s the Stockholm Stadium which hosts double that, but I think the guys wanted to kick the tour off with a small venue to start with.
I’m sitting out in the seats watching them rehearse for tonight, while the roadies get everything set up for tonight’s show.
It’s the first time I’ve ever seen Jake up on stage with my own two eyes, and not watching him through a TV screen.
He looks at ease up there, but I can tell he’s a little on edge. I can see it in his eyes. That little lost look he gets. He exudes calm control to everyone, but I can tell. He was the same when we were kids.
Other people probably miss it, but I see it, I’ve always seen it in him.
I’m guessing he’s on edge because it’s his first show since Japan. I think he struggles on stage without Jonny by his side. It must be hard for all of them, and for Smith too, having to fill the stage where such a big presence once stood.
I spent yesterday in the hotel with Jake and the guys. After I’d finished unpacking and calling my dad, Will and Simone, Jake came knocking to see if I wanted any food. The guys were ordering room service up. Surprisingly, they weren’t going out partying.
Maybe being good boys with the first show being the next day.
So I went and hung out with them, ate, drank beer and played cards.
I wasn’t technically working yesterday but just being with them all gave me a good initial insight into the dynamics between them all. The relationship the band has, especially with new addition of Smith for the tour.
It’s funny, because even though Jake’s the ‘boss’ it didn’t come across that way with them. They all seem to have a great relationship. Watching them together, it was just like watching a bunch of guys in college. Even with Smith, there’s no weirdness with him there, the way they act toward him, it seems like he’s always been there.
But it did make me wonder what it was like when Jonny was still here.
It’s clear that Denny is the sensible one, so I get the impression he’s the one Jake can rely on for work. Tom’s not unreliable, but the definite player I’d say. The one always cracking jokes, the partier and clearly a womaniser.
Tom’s eyes spent a lot of time on my boobs while I was there with them. It didn’t bother me, but I got the clear impression it was bothering Jake. Mainly because he kept asking me if I was cold, and did I need to put a sweater on over my vest top.