“How about we take it easy today? We’ll go over a few stage markings and any special requests you have for food and such for the tour and call it a day. Tomorrow is going to be long, and I want everyone rested.”
Chloe’s face twisted with concern. “You don’t have to do that. I’m sorry I look like I’ve been hit by a bus, but I swear I’ll be fine. This isn’t something I do often, that’s why it’s hit me so hard.”
Reid waved her off. “I need to wrap up some loose ends today as well. It’s not a big deal. I just need to know what you want for the bus or the venues to have stocked.”
“Starburst. It’s my guilty pleasure. I only allow myself to have them when I’m touring. And not the crazy tropical kind, just the original flavors.”
“Starburst?” Reid asked, clearly confused.
“Starburst. I love them. I would eat them for every meal and snack all day every day. When it got to the point where I had mountains of wrappers all over my house, I did a self-imposed intervention. Now I only allow myself to have them on tour. Otherwise, all my teeth would fall out and I’d be the size of the tour bus. No one wants to be a toothless tour bus.”
Reid laughed. “Are you still drunk?”
“If I had a Magic 8 Ball, it would waver between ‘Without a doubt’ and ‘Reply hazy. Try again later.’ I’m so sorry.” Chloe dropped her head in defeat and groaned. “This will never happen again.”
“If it does, I won’t be so sympathetic next time. This time, however, you get a pass since you brought me breakfast. Now, let’s get this last rehearsal out of the way. Then you can rest, and I can make sure you have all the Starbursts you can handle.”
Chloe sighed and stood. “You’re the best.”
“That’s what all the girls say.” Reid stood and bumped her shoulder as he tossed the empty bag in the trash. “Come on, the others should be at the venue.”
With a nod, Chloe followed behind Reid. As awful as she felt and as much as she wanted to crawl into bed and sleep until her hangover disappeared, the excitement of the next day was almost enough to put a little bounce in her steps.
Almost.
“When are you leaving for the airport?”
Reid held the phone against his ear with his shoulder as he carried his suitcases to the front door. “Soon. My car should be here any minute.” Reid fell silent, listening to the steady rhythm of Jess’s breathing before he sighed. “I’m scared.”
“Reid,” Jess whispered, the pain in her voice clear. “You’re going to be fine. In six months, you’ll be done with the first leg of the tour and back on US soil. And I promise, I’m still working on arrangements to come for a visit while you’re touring Europe. We’ll be together again before you know it.”
“I wish you could come with me. I know you can’t and I understand why, but that doesn’t change that I want you with me. What if I slip?” A shudder ran down Reid’s spine as he remembered the hell of cold sweats, vomiting, and cravings that had broken him over and over again.
“You’re not going to slip. You’re going to channel all your energy into putting on the most amazing tour the world has ever seen. You’re going to blow their minds.”
“I still can’t write. I’ve tried, but it’s like a giant wall is blocking everything. I see glimpses sometimes, but it’s gone as quickly as it appears.”
“Everything will work out, but you can’t force it. Give yourself time; you’ll see.”
“You’re right,” Reid whispered with a sad smile as he watched his town car pull into the driveway. “My car’s here. I’ll text you when I land in case you’re sleeping.”
“Okay. Be safe. I love you.”
“You too.” Reid hung up and made a quick sweep of his house before locking the front door and heading to the waiting car.
Although his head was full of frantic, screaming thoughts, the ride to the airport was quiet. With his eyes closed, he pulled in deep, steady breaths and reminded himself how this tour would be different. He wasn’t concerned about groupies, alcohol, or even the pressure to perform. What he needed to remember was that Jess had given him a second chance. No matter how tired he was, no matter how great the temptation, he couldn’t fall back into old habits.
His anxiety grew as the car turned into the terminal at LAX. He spotted Greer, Drew, Tom, and Inky as the driver pulled to the curb at his drop-off spot. They stood in a loose circle, chatting while they loaded equipment onto a luggage cart.
“Reid! Are you ready to get this show on the road?” Greer yelled as he made his way over to the car.
Reid nodded. “As I’ll ever be.”
“What’s with you . . .?” Greer began before his eyes drifted over Reid’s shoulder and his words trailed off.
Reid followed Greer’s line of sight, his eyes widening slightly before he schooled his features. “Dude, stop staring.”
Greer blinked and grinned. “Right. I should totally go give her a hand.”
“Greer, wait,” Reid hissed. He swore under his breath before following Greer, his own luggage forgotten.