“I blame being around Josie and Maddie. Those two are a force to be reckoned with. I’m also really excited about this tour. Once I calm down, my bravado will fade.”
“That’s a shame. I like it.” Reid blinked and pulled in a shallow breath when he realized how close he’d moved to Chloe. He shifted away and looked toward the gate as the attendant called for first class to begin boarding. “You ready?” he asked, feeling awkward.
“Let’s get this bird in the air.” Chloe jumped to her feet and bumped his shoulder. The carefree smile on her face made the awkwardness vanish as quickly as it appeared. Reid smiled and grabbed his bag.
“After you.”
One layover and nearly fourteen hours later, the group landed in Dublin, Ireland. It was early morning when they stepped off the plane, and even though Reid was anxious to get to the venue, he agreed a stop by the hotel was necessary. Reid wasn’t surprised to find fans and paparazzi lined up outside the hotel when they arrived. He was, however, a little surprised by the number of them.
“Get used to it,” Tom said, clapping Reid on the shoulder as they walked into the hotel lobby. “This isn’t going to be anything like the last tour.”
Reid eyed a group of people who seemed less than thrilled by his presence. They held signs that mocked the American legal system and its special treatment of celebrities. He looked away, unwilling to let them see how the words on their signs affected him. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Tom followed Reid’s line of sight. “Fame attracts all types. You’re going to have your fans, but you’re also going to have those who will never let go of what happened. It doesn’t matter that they don’t know the facts or that it doesn’t concern them. For some people, nothing makes them happier than pushing their unwanted opinions on others.”
“The thought of being reminded of that night over and over . . .” Reid let out a tired breath. “It’s going to be difficult.”
“It will. You just have to be strong. Remember why you’re here and what’s important.”
“I’m here because of my music. To the fans, that’s what’s important. I still can’t write. It’s like whatever place I used to get that inspiration from is gone.”
“Give it time.”
“And if it doesn’t come back? Then what?” Reid knew how whiny he sounded, but his frustration was mounting by the day. The thought of having angry fans attack him for something they knew nothing about only heightened that frustration.
“Why don’t we head to the venue? Let the others relax. It’ll give you a chance for a little breathing room and to meet with your opening act, Modern Misery, again.”
Reid agreed, pausing when his gaze landed on Chloe. “Maybe we should bring Chloe. She doesn’t really know these guys, and I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable her first night.”
“She looks okay to me,” Tom observed as the group across the lobby chatted while waiting for room keys. “Unless there’s another reason you want to bring her.”
Reid looked at Tom, his confusion clear. “What other reason?”
Tom shrugged. “You tell me. First with the private sessions before rehearsals, then upgrading her seat to first class. Now you’re being weird about leaving her alone with the others. Is there something going on between you two?”
“I’m with Jess.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
Reid flexed his jaw in anger. “I wouldn’t do that to Jess. But, to answer your question, no. There isn’t anything going on between me and Chloe. I like being around her. She’s funny. She doesn’t have negative memories attached to her like my other friends. Nothing more.”
“So she knows about Jess?”
“Of course.” Reid paused as he tried to remember if Jess had ever come up in conversation with Chloe. He pushed his hand through his hair and grunted in frustration. “Shit. I don’t remember. I don’t see why it matters. We’re here to work, not share our thoughts and feelings.”
“Strictly professional, then?”
“Absolutely,” Reid affirmed.
Tom let out an amused chuckle. “You’re so full of shit.”
“I mean it.”
“Then you’re not friends?”
“I—” Reid grabbed the strap of his bag and threw it over his shoulder. “I need you to not make this a thing. I’m already stressed about everything else. This is an aggravation I don’t need. She can stay here. It’s no big deal.”
“Hey, Reid. Tom.” Both men jumped in surprise at the sound of Chloe’s voice. “After we check in, Greer and I are going to run out for food. Do you guys want to come with or have us pick something up for you?”
Reid cut his eyes to Tom, who watched him expectantly. Shaking his head, Reid looked back to Chloe. “Nah. We have some things to take care of. You guys go ahead. We’ll catch up later.”
“Okay. Just leave a message with the front desk if you change your mind.”
Once Chloe disappeared into the elevator, Reid turned and headed toward the car waiting out front, ignoring the smirk plastered across Tom’s face.