Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“That was just mean,” I say and take the seat Bop offers me.
I sit gingerly, not trusting any of them. I had thought Thrush had given up on getting me back after I hurt my ankle. Boy, was I wrong. I’ll admit, that was a good one.
“You guys are insane. After that song, you dare to harm her? I knew you all were crazy,” Dwayne says.
“Don’t act like you didn’t help me. He comes for me; he’s coming for you,” Thrush says as he moves to take a seat.
“Nope, we’re not going to tell him. We’re even. No need to drag him into it. We’re having fun,” I say.
“This is why we like you,” Fendi croons. “What brings you here? I thought for sure Bishop was going to lock you up in his dressing room.”
“Irv is here to see Bishop,” Dwayne murmurs before I can reply.
“Oh,” the others say in unison and wince.
“Anyway, I’ve burned off everything I ate today. Someone get me a menu,” Bop says.
“You guys mind if I record?”
“Go on. I think the fans would love to see me roost these two after a show,” Fendi croons.
“You roost me. That would be the day,” Bop grumbles under his breath.
I begin recording and spend the next hour laughing so hard my belly hurts by the time Bishop comes knocking to take me away. I leave knowing our bond has grown deeper and I have four new friends for life.
They even got Dwayne to throw in a few jabs. He’s funnier than I would have thought. Like Bop, Dwayne doesn’t seem to speak much.
I guess it’s the job. Or it could be I took one for the team. That prank broke down the rest of the walls everyone had held up.
Bishop
“I was going to tell you,” Jag says as he follows me out of my dressing room after Irving leaves.
“When, after I drop dead from exhaustion?”
“Right, because you’re not already a zombie,” he bites out.
I stop in my tracks and whirl on him. Glaring down at him, I try not to explode right here in this hallway. I work my jaw and wait for the people walking by to move out of hearing distance.
“I may have been a fucking zombie, but as my friend, I thought you had my back to keep me from getting fucked in the ass. You and I both know I’ve been on the verge of burnout and the guys aren’t too far behind. Fendi and Thrush have both been in wrist braces over the last year.
“Now we’re to get this album done in three weeks. Are you fucking kidding me? How long have you known?”
“A few days,” he murmurs. “I didn’t say anything because I was trying to buy more time. I do have your back, Bishop. I always have your back.”
“Right,” I scoff and turn.
He goes to follow me. His footsteps grating on my nerves. I stop and glare over my shoulder.
“Go find something to do. I’m tired of looking at you. Every time you open your mouth lately, I want to punch you in it.”
“I’m only doing my job, man.”
“Stop talking,” I bark.
I don’t even bother to watch him disappear. I turn and head for the guys’ dressing room. I’m still fuming when I go to knock. Saga’s laughter rings out through the closed door.
Dwayne opens the door and reveals Saga sitting on the couch, holding her stomach and wiping away tears. Instantly, my anger begins to fade. Hearing her laughter is like a soothing balm to my soul.
I don’t know what I did before her. Jag was right. I was a zombie. That’s the problem though, I don’t want to just move through life anymore.
I want to live. I deserve to enjoy my life. Something needs to change.
“Baby, you ready?” I say when Saga locks gazes with me.
“Aw, come on, Bis. Come join us for a bit. Saga was having fun with us,” Fendi says.
“Not tonight.” I shake my head.
Bop places a hand on Fendi’s arm when he goes to protest. I’m grateful to him because I really don’t want to tell them what happened with Irving yet. They should get to breathe easy for a little longer.
I snort to myself. Was that what Jag was thinking when he didn’t tell me? I almost blurt the news out as I have the thought.
However, their chuckles as they wave goodbye to Saga make me keep silent. They’re all happy. I want it that way.
Saga and Dwayne exit the room. I place a hand on Saga’s back as Dwayne leads the way out. Ed appears to tail us, along with the rest of the guys.
“Are you hungry?” I lean to say into Saga’s ear.
“I know you are, so I’ll have whatever you get,” she says with a smile.
I drop a kiss on her lips. I don’t bother to tell her that for the first time, I might be too tired to eat. I’ll get us something anyway. It’s been hours since I fed her.