WORDS FROM BLUE
There is a flame that burns from soul to soul Find the soul that matches your flame
BlueSaffire
BacktoWork
Bishop
“ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?”Jagsays.
Itearmyeyesawayfromthebrownlegsthathavehadmyattentionsincetheirownerwalkedintothedoor.Jagisalways worriedaboutsomething Althoughhemayhavesomethingtoworryaboutthistime
Ineedtofinishmyalbumandmymuseisgone.Ijustdon’thaveit.NothinghassparkedthatplaceinsidewhereIwantto create Idon’twanttowriteanotheralbumaboutrandomsex Iwantmore.
“They’llhavetheiralbum,”Isay,knowingit’salie.
Ineedtohavesongswrittenbytheendofthistour I’vegotamonthleftandnothing Iturnbacktotheebonybeautysitting alonewithastackofpapersandslipsinfrontofher.
ThatsexyhaircutmakesmewanttoshovemyhandinthefrontofitasIridethatjuicyassofhers Ilovehow thelonger frontfeathersintocurlsthatcoverherrighteye.Shestandsoutinthisplaceandnotbecauseshe’sBlack.
Thoseredbottomsdon’tbelonginaplacelikethis Notonthesestickyfloors Theonlyreasonmycrewstoppedherewas becauseIwascravingagreasyburgerandfries.
Thoseheelsandthatfacehaveastory.ThemoreIlookather,themoreIwanttoknowit.Whenshepoutsatthepapersin frontofher,Ihavetoshiftinmyseat Thoselipsaresexyasfuck “Bishop,”Jaggrowls.
Iturnbackto him, annoyed he won’tleave me to myfantasies It’s beentwo years since I’ve had sex Yup, thatfucking long.
I’vegrowntiredofrandompussy ThenextpussyIfallintoisgoingtobemine I’mgoingtoownthatshit Myballsswell justthinkingaboutowninggorgeousoverthere.
“Isaiditwillbedone,”IreplyandstandtoclosethedistancebetweenmeandthefirstsparkI’vefeltinfouryears. She’s soengrossedinwhat’s before her she doesn’tnotice me standingover her She smells sofuckinggood Mymouth watersandIcan’ttearmyeyesawayfromher.
Saga Walden
Ireadthenameprintedonallthedocuments.Prettynameforaknockoutwoman.Ihavetoshakemyheadclearasthesound ofmyvoicegroaningitfillsmyhead.
Oh,yes.Thisistheone.I’mnotleavingherewithouthernumber.Asamatteroffact,Ineedtohearhervoicetoseeifit’s asbeautifulassheis.
Ibetitsounds like warmhoney Stickyandsweet Asoundtopour all over mydamagedandlostsoul Fuck,Imightbe losingmymind.
However,whenshe speaks,Iknow I’mnotbecause her voice is sexier thanIimagined Evenas she mumbles toherself underherbreath.Timetomakemymove.
Ileanintoher ear andanswer her mutteredwords.Whenshelooksupatmewiththosebigbrowneyes,Ifeel likeIfall rightintothem.Holyshit.
IT’S BEEN sixmonthsandI’verunthroughmysavingswaytoofast.ThechunkIhaveleftwillpayoffmostofmybills,butI’m goingtohavetogetadamnjob
Unfortunatelyforme,Tomhadmeblackballed.Ishouldhaveflippedhisfuckingdesk.Entitledbastard.
Onceagain,Ishufflethroughthereceiptsandbillsinfrontofme,hopingsomethingchangesor moneymagicallyappears fromsomewhere.
“Fuckme,”Imutter,pushingmyhandintothefrontofmyhair.
“Iwouldloveto,butfirst,weshouldgettoknoweachother,”asultryvoicewhispersinmyear.
I startle and look up to find the most gorgeous blue eyes I’ve ever seen. I mean, they’re vibrant and so blue they’re electrifying I’msuckedrightin
“Excuseme?”Isayjustaboveawhisper.
“Nothing,”hechucklesdarkly Reachingforthebillsbeforeme,heliftsafew inhishand,stillleaningoverme “Now,I wasimaginingyoustudyingthiswholetimeIwatchedyou.Youruinedmyfantasy.”
I snatchthe papers backfromhimas mycheeks heat. I gather mythings and start to shove theminto mybag. I’mstill stunnedfromlookingintohiseyes
It’snotuntilheclaimstheseatacrossfrommemybrainstartstofireagain.Iglareathimashewavesthewaitressover.He sitsbackintheboothasifheownstheplace
Hispresenceismagnetic.It’slikehe’ssuckedalltheairoutofthistinybooth.Atleast,itseemstinynowthathe’sseated acrossfromme
“Excuseme.Whyareyousittinghere?Whoareyou?”
“That” hepointsatme “isthereasonI’msittinghere.YouhavenoideawhoIamandIwanttoknowwhoyouare.” Iliftabrow “ShouldIknowwhoyouare?”Isaywithnosmallamountofattitude “Notnecessarily.ButIaimtochangethat,”hesaysslyly.
“Ifyoudon’tmind,Ijustwanttobeleftalone Thankyou”
“Oh,comeon,love.Don’truinourfirstdate.”
ThewaitressstopsatourtablebeforeIcanrespond Ishiftinmyseatuncomfortably She’sbeengivingmetheeyesinceI walkedinhere.Iguessorderingacoffeewasn’tenoughforher.
“Youlooklikeafrenchfrykindofgirl.BringusabasketoffriestoshareandI’llhaveachocolateshake.Youwantone too?”Hepausesforasecondbeforecontinuingwithoutmyanswer “Makethattwo Youknowwhat,I’llhaveaplatterofthe buffalowingsaswell.Thoselookedreallygood.”
“Noproblem Comingrightup,”thewaitresssayswithstarsinhereyes
Maybesheknowswhothischaracterissupposedtobe.Thewayshe’strippingoverherself,you’dthinkhewereroyaltyor something.Istareathishandsomeface.HedoeslookalittlefamiliarnowthatI’mlookingathim.
“YouusedtoworkforCarmichael,Pike,andJeffreysAdvertisingandMarketing?”hesays.
Istiffenandnarrowmyeyesathim.Blackballingmeisonething.IfTomhassentthisguytoharassme,that’sanall-new ballgame
Hepointstomybag.“Yourterminationletterwasontopofthepile.” Mycheeksheatagain Heneedstomindhisbusiness,butit’sstillembarrassing Istillhaven’twrappedmyheadaroundall ofthis.
“Doyoualwaysgoaroundgettingintopeople’sbusiness?”Isay.
“No.Ijustcouldn’tstayawayfromyou.Whatdidyouusetodothere?”
“Idon’tknowyou.I’mnotabouttotellyoumylifestory.”
“I’mnotaskingforyourlifestory,gorgeous Notyet,atleast MynameisBishop BishopLove,”hesays
Iburstinto laughter. He can’tbe serious, butas Iswipe atmytears, Isee he’s veryserious. Somethingaboutthe name ticklesthebackofmythoughts
“Yourparentsnamedyouthat?”Iask.
Thewaitressarriveswithabasketoffriesandahugeplatterofwings.Anotherwaitressiswithher.Shesetsdowntwotall milkshakesinfrontofus
Mystomachgrowls,announcingtotheworldit’sbeenhourssinceIateagrilledcheesesandwichthatdidnothitthespot. Thefresh-lookingfriesmakemymouthwater Idon’trealizeI’mlookingatthemlonginglyuntil hepushesthebaskettoward
“Goon,digin,”hesays,poppingafryintohismouth.“Andyes,myparentsnamedmeBishopLoveMoran.Peoplethink it’sjustastagename,butit’swhoI’vebeensinceIwasborn”
Suddenly,itclicks.BishopLove,thesinger.Hedoesrockorsomethinglikethat.Iwassupposedtoputtogetheraproposal foracampaigninvolvinghimjustbeforethefiasco
“What’sabigshotsingerlikeyoudoinginadivelikethis?”
“Ah,soyoudoknow me Icouldaskyouthesamething,MissRedBottoms Thosearesomeniceshoesfor aplacelike this,”hereplies.
“Iaskedfirst.”
“Iwascravingsomegreasyshit Wepulledintothefirstplacethatlookedgood”Heshrugs “Mycardied,”Isay,notknowingwhyI’mtellinghimthis. Hesitsupstraighter,concernclearonhisface Itiltmyheadabit Hedoesn’tknowme,buthe’sfeedingme,andhelooks concernedaboutmytransportation.
“Where’sthecar?”heasksashegesturesforoneoftheguysfromafewtablesover “Why?”
“Iwanttohaveoneofmyguystakealook.I’mnotgoingtoleaveyoustranded.” “WhosaysI’mstranded?”
“Babygirl,theaddressonthosebillstellsmeyou’realongwayfromhome.Ifyourcarbrokedown,chancesareyou’re stranded,”hesays
“I’mnotyourbabygirl.”
HegivesmethesexiestcrookedsmileI’veeverseen.“Notyet,”hesays. Ilookathim,reallylookathim.He’sgorgeous.Thoseeyesarejustthebeginning.Hislipsarefull,buthisbottomlipis plush,givinghimasinful-lookingmouth.Hehasasoftfacewithjusttherighthardnesstohisjawtogivehimamasculinelook. Hislashesareextralongandthick Ifhewereawoman,I’dthinktheywerefalse IstillquestionthemasIstareathim His dirty-blondhairispiledontopofhisheadinamanbun.SomethingInormallyhate,butitlooksdamngoodonhim. Hisbodyisasinofanotherkind I’mnotevengoingtolingerthere It’sbeentoolongformetogetlostinthoughtsofhis well-toned,chiseledbody.IfIgothere,Imightclimbacrossthistable.
“Where’syourcar,Saga?”heasks.
Iblinkafew times.Hejustsaidmyname.AnameInever gavehim.Thisoneisaquickone.Hedownloadedall ofthat informationinamatterofmoments.
I like men who pay attention to details I’mnotevengoingtogothere.ThelastthingIneedinmylifeisanotherman.Thelastonedidn’tdomeanygood. “It’sinthelot Imadeitherebeforeitgaveout,”Imurmur “Keys,”hesays,holdingouthishand.
Ieyehislongfingerswarily.Idon’thavemanyoptions.Ican’taffordtocallatow.
Reluctantly,Ireachintomypurseandretrievemykey Ihanditoverandhissmilebroadens Helooksattheemblemand givesawhistle.
“Mercedes Nice Jared,canyoucheckouthercarandseewhat’sgoingon?”hesaystotheguyhecalledover “Gotit,boss.”
“Dotheyallwaitonyouhandandfoot?”Iaskastheguyrushesoffwithmykey “Nope.We’reafamily.Itakecareofthem.Theytakecareofme,”hereplies. “Mustbenice,”Isay,lookingovertothegroupwatchingus.
Imeanit Ihaven’thadfamilytolookoutformeinsolong IwantedtolivethebiglifeinNewYorkandIranofftodojust that.Idon’tknowhowtogohomewithmytailbetweenmylegs.
I mean, that’s where I’m headed, but I don’t know what I’m going to do once I arrive in Cali Daddy will be so disappointed.Heneverwantedmetoleaveinthefirstplace.
“Thewingsaregettingcold Comeon Let’seat Thenwecantalksomemore,”hesays,watchingme Istare atthe food before us and getreadyto decline, butmystomachtightens and warns me notto pull anystupid shit. Fixingmycarmayleavemestarvingforrealaftertonight.
“Thankyou,”Isay,reachingforafry
Soon,I’veplacedfoodononeoftheextraplatesandI’mdevouringfriesandthewingsheoffersme.Itdoesn’ttakelong beforeInoticehe’snoteatingmuchwithme Ipauseandpushmyplateaway
“Why’dyoustop?You’readorablewhenyoueat,”hesayswithasmile.
“Whyaren’tyoueating?”
“Ihadaburgerandfries.I’mgoodfornow,”hesays.
“Sowhyorderallofthis?”
Hesitsback,assessingme.Thoseeyes,probingandsearchingformore.Ilookaway,notsurewhatImightreveal.
“IwatchedyoubeforeIcameover.Icouldtellyouwerehungry.Noweatup,”hesays.
“I’mfine”
“No,you’renot.”
“Hey,boss Herrideisbusted It’snotmovinganywherewithoutsomemajorattention Iwouldn’tbeabletopatchherup, notoutthereanyway,”Jaredsaysashereturns.
That’sit That’sthefinalstraw Icovermyfaceandstarttosilentlysob Ifeeltheweightofthelastsixmonthsdeepdown inmysoul.
“Hey,” he whispers inmyear as he wraps anarmaround me. Icanfeel his warmthseep into me now that he’s seated besideme “It’sgoingtobefine We’lltakecareofit Don’tworry”
“I’mnotyourproblem,”Isniffle.
“It’snoproblematall Wherewereyouheaded?Maybewecandropyouoff,”hesayssoothingly “Cali.”
“All right Mytour ends inCali We’re a ways outfromthe end,butwe’ll figure somethingout Let’s gogetyour things ontothebus,”hesays.
“What?Ican’tjustgetonyourbus.Idon’tknowyou,”Isaythroughmytears. “Givemeyourphone,”hesays Ilookathimcuriously.Hehasthathandoutagain.Ihandoverthephoneandwatchhim. “Unlockit,”hesays,handingitback Dummy.
Ichidemyselfandunlockthephoneforhim.Hetakesitback,grinningatme.Reachingupwithhisfreehand,hewipesthe tearsfrommycheeks.
“Ah,lookatthis.Youtalktoyourdad.I’lljustcallhimandlethimknowyou’llbewithme ” “Oh,hellno,”Isayandgotosnatchmyphoneback “Okay,okay,notyourdad,”hechucklesandlooksbackatthephone.“IsIshaasaferbet?” Ibite mylipandthinkfor a moment Isha was myfirstfriendinNew York We livedtogether for mysecondyear there We’vebecomebestfriends.
“Yes,she’ssafe,”Ireply.
Hedialsthenumberandplacesitonspeaker.Idon’trealizeI’mholdingmybreathuntilIshapicksup.Ilookupintothose blueeyesandthey’retwinklingatme.
“Abouttimeyoucheckedin How’sthedrivegoing?”Ishaanswers “Hey,Isha.ThisisSaga’snewfriend.MynameisBishopLove ” “Whatthefuck?You’relying Where’sSaga?”Ishagaspsintothephone,cuttinghimoff “I’mrighthere,”Isay.
“You’renotwiththe BishopLove.There’snowayyou’rewiththe BishopLove,”shesqueals. “It’shimintheflesh,”Ireply “What the fuck is going on? I thought you were going back home. Did they give you your job back? Tom’s a fucking douchebag Ihopetheyfiredhimandgaveyouyourjobback,”sherambles
“No,Ididn’tgetmyjobback.”Isigh.“Mycarbrokedown.I’minsomediner.IhappenedtorunintoMr.Bishop.” Hegivesmeapointedglareandshakeshisheadatme Turninghisattentionbacktothephone,hepullsouthiswallet Itilt myheadasIwatchhim.HetakesouthisIDandtakesapicturewithmyphone.
“Isha,IjusttextedyouaphotoofmyID.I’malsogoingtotextyoumynumberandmymanager’snumber.I’mgoingtohave Sagacheckinwithyoudailyuntilshereachesherdestination,”hesays
“What’sgoingon?”Ishaasks,soundingconcernednow.
“I’mtakingSagaontourwithme I’llmakesureshemakesittoCali Itwilljusttakealittlelongerthansheplanned,”he says.
“You’re going on tour with Bishop freaking Love Oh my God Frombeingblackballedtobeingontour witha freaking superstar,”Ishapracticallyyellsthroughthephone.
Myfacefuseswithheat.Ican’tbelieveshejustblurtedthatout.AsifI’mnotalreadyembarrassedenough. Bishop’seyeshomeinonme Again,hehasthatconcernedlookinhisgaze Asifheplanstofindasolutiontothatproblem aswell.
“Maybeweshouldkeepthisquietfornow,”Isay “Oh,right.Okay.I’ll keepmymouthshutevenifitkills me.It’s totallygoingtokill me,” she says.“OhmyGod.Ihave BishopLove’sphonenumber.Imustbedreaming.”
“Notdreamingatall,sweetheart.Ifyoudon’thearfromSaga,feelfreetocallme,”hesays. “Oh,Iwill.Youbesafe,Saga.Anddon’tdoanythingIwoulddo,”shesaysandgiggles.
Irollmyeyes.“Later,Isha.”
Bishopendsthecallandhandsthephoneback.Istareathim,tryingtofigurehimout.Nooneisthisnice.Hehastowant something
“Come on, let’s get your things. I have a tune I want to get downwhenwe’re done,” he says as his eyes grow a little distant Ihadanexwhowasawriter.Hewouldgetthatsamelookwhenhismusehit.Igathermythingsandgetupafterheslides outofthebooth Idon’twanthimtolosewhateverhasstartedtocalltohim I must be going insane. Am I really getting on this tour bus?
Lookingaroundthediner,Iknowthisismybestoption.Ineverwouldhavestoppedhereifmycarhadn’tbrokendown.I don’tgetthemostwelcomingvibe
I’mnottryingtogethackedupandplacedonthemenu.Besides,Ididn’tseeanyplacetogetaroomoranythingnearby.I sayaprayerandrollwithit
Thetourbusitis.
Bishopreleasesaloudwhistleandtheguyswithhimallstarttogetupfromthetablesthey’resittingaround Bishopthen pullsoutawadofcash,peelsoffafewbillsanddropsthemonourtable.
Oneoftheotherguysseemstohandletheothertablesbeforefollowingusout.IwalkbesideBishop,leadinghimtomycar. Iunlockitandopenthetrunkwhiletryingnottopout
“Youwanttomoveall thisstufffromthebackseatintothetrunk?Idon’tthinkweshouldleaveitontheseats.Someone mighttakethatasaninvitationtobreakinbeforewegethertowedaway,”Bishopsays
BetweenmyluggageandthefewthingsIpackedtocarrywithme,Ididn’thaveenoughroominmytrunk.Iplacetheexcess onthebackseatofthecar for theride.However,hehasapointandIwouldn’twanttohavetoreplaceawindow ontopof fixingthecar.
“Goodidea.You’reright.”
“HeyEd,comehere,”hecallsoutashiscrewmillsaroundtheparkinglotinfrontoftwobuses Ikeep tellingmyselfthis is the bestoptionas Igrab mysuitcases fromthe trunkto take withme and make roomfor the thingsonthebackseat Mycheststartstotighten Thisissounlikeme NeverinamillionyearswouldItakearidefromastranger letaloneastrangerandhiscrew.Thisscreamsstupidwhen I’manythingbut.However,itfeelsdumbertostickaroundhere.
Myfather’svoiceringsinmyhead,tellingmethereisasaferoption.Callinghimtoswoopintotherescue.That’sthelast thingIwant.
“Hey,youallright?”Bishopasks,pullingmefrommyspiralingthoughts “Um,yeah.I’mfine.”
“Here,letmegetthat,”hesaysandtakesmysuitcases “Nolaptopbag?”
“No, I didn’t thinkI’d have time to use it, so I shipped it ahead. Not like I need to checkworkemails or anything,” I murmurthelastpartundermybreath.
“Cool,didyouneedanythingelse?” “No,Ithinkthat’saboutit.”
“Come,I’llintroduceyoutotheguys Ithinkyou’llbemorecomfortableoncemeetingeveryone”
Inodandbitemylip.Idon’tbelieveanythingisgoingtomakememorecomfortablewiththis.Thatisuntilwewalkover tothegroupofguysjokingandhorsingaround BishopstopsinfrontofthemandIstopathisside.Heplacesahandonmybackandit’slikemyentirebodycomesalive andI’mhyperawareofhim.
Idon’ttakeitassexualtension Idon’tknowthisguyandhavebarelygivenattentiontohisphysicalpresence Okay,maybe Ihavejustalittle.
However,histouchhasacomfortingfeelingI’malittlethrownby Ialmostwanttoturnintohimandsnuggleintohisside whilewhisperingthewordsafe.Ishakethefeelingoff.I’mprobablyjustinmyfeelingsbecausehe’ssavingme.
“Guys,thisisSaga She’sgoingtobejoiningussoIcangetherbackhometoCalisafely She’shavingaroughgo,sobe nice,”Bishopsays.
“Yousureyouwanttoridealongwiththisbunch?”Oneguysayswithamischievoussmile. Notdangerous,justteasing He’shandsome,withdark-brownhairandlight-hazeleyes Inoticehe’snotastallasBishop, butstillalottallerthanme.
“That’sourdrummer,Thrush Totallyharmlessandwilltalkyourearoffifyoulethim” Thrushtipsanimaginaryhat.“Nicetomeetyou,Saga.Ihaveallthegoodsnacksinmystashandthemoviecollectionwhen you’rebored.”
“Goodtoknow.Thanks.It’snicetomeetyoutoo.”
“Thatguyovertherewiththeshaggygolden-blondhairisBop,ourrhythmguitarist.Notamanofmanywords,butwhenhe
speaks,it’ssuretobesomesmart-assremark.”
Boplifts his headfromhis phoneandsmiles,his greeneyes twinklingwithmirth.Hegives meawaveandawink,then goesbacktohisphone
“Andthat’sFendi,ourbassplayer,”hesays,pointingtotheguywithallthetatsandthecrewcut.
Fendi is another tall andmuscular guy Ichide myselfagainabouthow stupidthis is These guys are huge andit’s all of themandjustlittleoldme.
Bishopcontinueswithhisintroductions “Dwayneoverthereisourotherbusmate He’stheheadofmysecurity” “Hi,”Isayandwave.
Dwaynegivesasmall salute.Ican’ttell whatcolor hishair andeyesarebecausehehasonabaseball capthat’spulled low WhatIcanseeisthathe’shuge Igetwhyhe’ssecurity Heprobablyjustchucksfansasideiftheygetoutofhand Inotice mostofthe others have all loaded onto the other bus. Idon’ttake offense. Maybe this happens all the time and they’reoverit
Thatthoughtmakes me feel self-conscious anda bitfoolish.IfIcall mydad,he’ll sendinthe calvary,butatwhatcost? Andisitsafetowaithereforhelptocome?
“Comeon,I’llgetyousettledonthebus.Youlookexhausted,”Bishopsays,placingahandonmyback.
Again,histouchbringsmeasenseofcomfort.Myfeelingsaresoconflicted.There’swhatIwouldhavedoneyesterday heck,anhourago andwhatI’mtalkingmyselfintodoingnow Bishoppausesandturnsbacktotheothers.“Bytheway,layofftheprankswhileshe’sonthebusanddefinitelynoshitting onthebus Imeanit,”hegrumbles
Theothersgroanandstarttogrumble.Idon’tknowwhethertolaughorfeelbadthatI’mruiningtheirfun.Although,I’mnot goingtoobjecttotheno-shittingrule.Iopttostaysilentandmakemywayonthebus.
Afterall,Idon’tthinkI’mstickingaroundtomakeitbacktoCali.Isteponefootonthebus,thenexhale.Well,IguessI’m gettingonthisbus.Heregoes.
M“OKAY, HOLD ON A SEC,”hesaysaswestepintothebackroomofthetourbus.
Ilookupathim.He’stwicemysize,evenwithmyheelson.Notjusttallbutbroad.Itwouldbeeasyforhimtopinmeto thatbedandtakeadvantage Yet,IfeelsafewithhimasIdidbeforesteppingontothebus
Turningfromhim, Ilookaround the room. It’s a lotmore spacious thanIthoughtitwould be. The bigking-size bed is tossed sheetsandpillowsallover Bishopplacesmythingsinthecornerbeforehestartstopullthelinensfromthebed I’m frozenasIwatchhim;notsurewhat’sgoingonhere.
I’mnotsleepingwiththisguy.HehastobeoutofhismindifhethinksI’mlyingdownwithhiminexchangeforthisride.I foldmyarmsovermychest,feelinglikeit’stheonlythingIcandotoprotectmyself
“I’mnotthebestatmakingabed,butI’llchangethesheetstogiveyouafreshplacetolayyourhead,”hesays.
Hischeekspinkabitandit’sadorableonthisbig,sexyman Okay,yes,nowthatI’mlookinghimoverinthistightspace, I’lladmithe’sfine.Likefine,fine. I might drool a little while staring fine.
His presence and that endearinglookalso allows me to calmmynerves a little He has beennothingbut a gentleman, helpingmewithmybagsfrommycarandhavingoneofhisguysmovethethingsonthebackseatintothetrunk.
I’mstillnotsleepingwithhimthough.IshakemyheadtoclearitasIthinkthissituationthrough.IchewonmylipasIhave amillionthingsrunningthroughmyhead
“Whereareyougoingtosleep?”
“Don’tknowifIwill I’llbeupfrontwithLucieforabit,”hereplies Isagmyshouldersinrelief.That’sgood.Theyhaveafemalememberofthecrew.Thatmakesmefeelawholelotbetter. “Ididn’tseeherwithyourguys Wasshenotintherestaurant?”
Bishoppauses,lookingupatmewithasexygrinonhislips.MymindwanderstoquestionsofwhothisLucieistohim.Is shehisgirlfriendorsomething?
“Lucieismyguitar Ididn’thaveherintherestaurantwithme,butIhaveafeelingsheandIwillbebusytonight,”hesays ashiseyesrollovermeappraisingly.
Ifightnottoshiverashisblueeyescaressmewithhisglance Whentheyreturntomeetmine,Iseethatdistantlookagain Heshakeshisheadandreturnstochangingthesheets.
Imovetohelp.“Thankyou,”Iwhisper.
“It’snotaproblematall.We’lltakecareofit,”hesaysandwinks. Ilowermyeyestothebed.I’mnotgoingtogetinvestedinstaringatthisguy.Ineedtofindmywayhome.Iappreciatehis offerformetostayonthistourwithhim,butI’llbefindingawaytogettoCalionmyown
I’llfigureitoutonceI’vehadamomenttosleepandthinkclearly.Hestartstohumandbophisheadasweworktogether togetthecleanlinensonthemattressafterhepullsthemfromasecretcompartmentunderthebed Ihavetoadmitthisbusis prettynice.NicerthanwhatIthoughtitwouldbe.
Itlookslikeanactualbedroombackhere.Ilookupatthemirrorontheceilingandcan’thelpwonderingifthesheetsare theonlythingthatneedschanging.IpushthatthoughtasidewhenIfeelastingofjealousyjabatme.
“Thatshould do,” he says once we have the bed made up. “Make yourselfcomfortable. What’s mine is yours. There’s a showerrightthroughthere”
Iturnto lookas he points atthe wall behind me. It’s thenInotice the latchto reveal the roombeyond the barrier. Isee
othersthatIassumeareforclosetsandstorage
“Thanksagain,”Isay,notknowingwhatelsetodo.
Henodsandheadsforthedoor “Sleeptight,gorgeous” Sittingonthebed,Isighandplacemyheadinmyhands.How isthismylife?Iwentfromhavingitalltowatchingitall slipthroughmyfingers
ThissituationburnssomuchbecauseIdon’tdeserveanyofit.IdidmyjobandIexcelledatit.They’llberegrettingit,I wasthebesttheyhad,butthatdoesn’tfixwhat’sdone
BISHOP
THOSE EYES.Ican’tgetthemoutofmyhead.They’vebroughtthemuseback.Istrummyguitarandsingthetunethat’spouring outofme
Givinganod,Ijotitalldown.Itfeelsgood.Themusicisback.ThisisthebestshitI’vehadin…Ican’tremember. Returningtomyguitar,Iplaythroughtheentiresongthistime.I’mlovingit.ItmakesmefeelaliveasIcroonitoutsoftly.
Mostoftheguysaretuckedawayintheirbeds.Idon’twanttodisturbthem.OrshouldIsayher?Theguysareall pretty usedtothisbynow.WhenIfinishthesong,IputLucieasideandpeekbacktowardmybedroom.
Thelightsarestillon Ican’thelpwonderingifit’sbecauseI’vebeenatitforthelast damn it’sbeenfourhours Ilift tostretch.Notabletotakemymindoffthebeautyinmybed,Istartforthebackofthebus.
IwalkmyhandsagainsttheroofofthebustosteadymyselfasImovemyfeettowardmytarget I’mjustgoingtocheckon her.That’swhatItellmyself.
Slidingthedooropen,Ileanonthejamb.Onceagain,she’ssoengrossedinthepapersbeforehershedoesn’trealizeI’m standinghere.Itakeamomenttowatchher.
Istand, trulystudyingher. She has a blacksilkscarftied around her head, revealingher neckand cute ears. I’ve never knownearscouldbesosexy
Fromthisangle,herlipsarestillasenticingastheywereatthediner.I’dlovetosuckandlickonthemasIpushinsideher. Damn,I’veneverhadawomanmakemewanttofuckthemsobad
Hertoesareevensexy,paintedaprettyblue.WhatI’ddotosuckhertoesintomymouthwhileshescreamsformercy.My cockswellsjustthinkingaboutit.
JustasIgotoadjustmyself,sheliftsherhead Ipushoffthedoorjamb,notbotheringtoshieldthebulgetighteningthefront ofmyjeans.Instead,Iclimbontothefootofthebedandlieacrossitinfrontofher.
“DidIkeepyouawakewithmyplaying?”
“No,thatdidn’tbothermeatall.It’smoremythoughtsandallofthiskeepingmeup,”shesays,wavingahandatthepapers aroundher
“WhatcanIdo?”
Shesnorts.“You’vedoneenough.I’lltakecareofthis.Ishouldhaveenoughtosettleallofthisandstillfindacheapflight homefromyournextstop Detroit,right?”
“Yeah,Detroit.Butdidn’tItellyouI’dtakecareofgettingyoutoCali?”Isay,searchinghereyes.
“Whywouldyouwanttocarrymealongontour?I’mtakingupyourbedandI’manextramouthtofeed,”shereplies
“Actually,Ihaveselfishreasonsofmyown,”Isayandshrug.
“Canyouclarifythat?”Sheshiftsonthebedasherfacetakesonanuncomfortableexpression
“I’vewrittenmyfirstsonginfour years.I…Iwas missingmymuseuntil youwalkedintothatdiner.Iwanttokeepyou aroundsoIcanfinishthisalbum.”
Shetiltsherhead,narrowinghereyesatme Thosebrowneyesaresoprettyastheyslantslightlyupward Theiralmond shapeanddeep-browncolorarejustrightforherheart-shapedface.
“You’resayingthatyouwroteyourfirstsonginfouryearsbecauseofme?Now,that’safirst Probablythemostcreative lineI’veheard,”shesayswithasmallsmile.
“It’snotaline,gorgeous.It’sthetruth.”
“Um…okay.Ifyousayso,”shesays.
“Listen,IhavetofinishwritingthisalbumbythetimeIfinishthistour.That’sinfourweeks.Iwashopingyou’dstay.I’ll getyoutoLAandyoucanbemymuse,”Isay,watchingforherreaction
“Idon’tknowaboutthat,”shesayshesitantly.
Mymindrushesforsomethingmoreenticingtoofferher.I’mnotwillingtogiveupsoeasily.Icanfeelitinmybones.I’m goingtogetthisalbumdonewithherherewithme.
“YouworkedforCarmichael,Pike,andJeffreys,right?Whatdidyoudothere?” Herfacepinchesasifshetastessomethingsour.Blowingoutabreathandscratchingherscarf-coveredhead,shetakesher timeanswering Somethingshiftsinherfacetheexactmomentshedecidestoshare “Iwasaseniormarketingmanager.Allthecampaignsthatputthatplaceonthemapweremine.Ialsobroughtthemintothe twenty-firstcenturywithsocialmediaandapps,”shesaysbitterly “Whathappened?”
ThetensionandangercomingfromhertellmeImightnotliketheanswertomyquestion.However,I’vebeenprotectiveof thiswomanfromthemomentIlockedgazeswithher Iwanttoknowwhathascausedthischangeindemeanor
“Imadethemistakeofdatingafriendofmyboss.HethoughtthatmeantI’dbeopentofuckinghim.WhenIrefused,things gotinteresting”Sheshrugs
Myjawtightens.Isitupandcrossmylegstomirrorhers.Icanseethehurtanddistrustshininginhereyes.Iwanttoerase it
“I’mnotthatguy.I’mattractedtoyou.Veryattractedtoyou,butIwanttogettoknowyou.
“Iwanttohireyou.I’vebeenneedingsomeonetotakeovermysocialmediaandgiveitanoverhaul.
“Youcanusefootagefromthetourorwhatever You’llhaveaccesstousfromhereandyoucanfeedthattothefans Ifyou werebehindCarmichael,Pike,andJeffreysbeforethebullshitpitchtheygaveme,thenIwanttoseewhatyouhavetooffer.
“I’llgiveyouanadvance Wecansetthatupfirstthinginthemorning,alongwithaservicecontract It’sawin-winforus both.Whatdoyouthink?”
Shestaresatmeforalongtime.Hereyesfillwithhopeanduncertainty.Iwaitpatiently,notwantingtoscareheroff. “Howwouldoursleepingarrangementswork?”
“Icansleepupfront,”Ireply.
“Inthoseseats No,Ican’t Iwouldn’tbeokaywiththat Whatifyousleptonapalateinhere?”
“You’reconcernedaboutme.”Iwink.“Iknewwehadsomethingbetweenus.”
Sherollshereyesbeforefixingthemonme Iwanttoleaninandcaptureherlips,butIfighttoremainrightwhereIam NotthatthetetherIfeelformingbetweenushelps.
“You’reofferingmeajob.I’mjustmakingsureyou’regoingtobeabletopayup,”shesays.
Ireachtotapthetipofhernose.“Youcare.It’sokay.Irespectyoumoreformakingmeworkforit.”
“You’renotworkingforanything.IfI’mgoingtoworkforyou,that’sallthatwillbebetweenus.”
“You’refired,”Isaywithastraightface
Shedropshershouldersandlooksdownatthepaperssurroundingheragain.Ifeellikeajerkinstantly.Assholemove,for sure
Ileanintobrushmylipsagainsthercheek.Whenhereyeslifttomine,Iresistthepulltocoverherlips.Instead,Ibrush hercheekwithmyfingertips.
“Itwasajoke Ineedyouhere Aslongasyou’remyemployee,I’llrespectyourboundaries You’rejustoneoftheguys,”I sayreassuringly.
Shegivesasmallsmile Ittakesmybreathaway It’sthesmallestgesture,butsomethingaboutitsayssomuch “Thankyou.I’lltakethejob,”shesays.
“Saga,”Ibreathe,pausingtoclearmythroat “Istillwanttogettoknowyou for my music Iwanttospendtimewithyou for my music. ”
Shegivesatinynod.“Okay.Foryourmusic,”shesays. Somehow,deepdowninside,Iknowwe’relyingtoourselves Thelookinhereyes,assheagrees,tellsmethatI’mnotthe onlyonefeelingthisattraction.
Good luck getting out of this in one piece, Bishop
As Igetlostinher gaze,Iknow I’mtotallyfucked.Ijusthiredmyowndestruction.I’mnotgoingtomakeitoutwithout gettingsinged
“Now,tellmemoreaboutwhatyouneedfromme.Youknow,withyoursocialmedia.” Igrinthenreply.“We’vealltriedtomanageit,butweallsuck.Theplaceswe’vehiredhaven’tbeenanybetter.Weneeda betterrateofengagement,”Iexplain “Wewanttoknowwe’rerelevanttoourfans” “Alotofplacesoversellthemselveswhenitcomestosocialmedia.Iftheydon’tunderstandyourdemographic,thenit’sa hit-or-misssituation”
“See,youalreadysoundlikethewomanforthejob.”
Istareintoher eyes,wantingtogetlostinher andher gaze.Hervoiceisasenticingtomyearassheistomyeyes.Her presencesettlesmeaswell.
“Youlooktired.Ishouldgobackoutfront,”Isay.
“No,I’mgood.Iliketalkingtoyou.It’skeepingmymindoffallmycrap.”
“Stopworrying.Ihaveafriendtakingcareofthecar.ItwillmeetusbackinLAandyou’llbeabletoseeyourwaythrough thosebills Youhaveajobnow”Igiveherasmile “Istilldon’tknowwhyyouwanttohelpme.Youdon’tknowme.”
“Ibelievethatwemeetpeopleforareason,aseason,andalifetime Eachpersonyoucomeacrossfitsintooneofthose categories.Itendtotreateveryonewithcare.Youneverknowwhichonethey’llfitunder.”
The conversation continues and I find myself more and more taken by this woman This is going to be my greatest challenge,butI’mready.
NotExpected Saga
I WAKE up sprawled across the bed sideways, butthat’s notwhatgets myattention. It’s the heatpressed to mybackand the warmthfanningmyneck.IttakesmeamomenttoregisterwhereIamandwhat’sgoingon.
Myanxietystarts to abate whenItake inthe interior ofthe tour bus bedroom, onlyto shootbackup whenIrealize I’m wrappedinBishop’sarms.It’shisheatsurroundingme.Myclothesarestillon.That’sagoodsign.
ThelastthingIrememberistalkingtohimallnight Afterthejoboffer,wetalkedaboutwhatheneededanddirectionshe’d beopento.Hehasagreatfollowingasitis,butIcanseeroomforimprovementonsocialmedia.
Thoseeyessuckedmeinrepeatedlylastnight.BishopprovedtobenothinglikeIexpected.He’sattentivewhenyoutalkto him NotsomethingIwould’veexpectedfromasuperstar
Remembering our conversation fromlast night brings a smile to my face. Now, I can remember lying on my side and yawningwhiletryingtolistentohiseveryword Hisvoiceishypnotic Imusthavefallenasleepatsomepoint
“Mm…youevensmellgoodfirstthinginthemorning,”hegroanssleepilyagainstthebackofmyneck.
Icovermymouth “Youhaven’tsmelledmybreath,”Ichuckle
Herollsaway,releasingme.Itrynottoacknowledgethebereftfeelingthatbeginstosettlein.IfI’mhonest,lyingherewith hisarmaroundmewasthemostsecureI’vefeltinmonths.
“Wantsomebreakfast?Wehavebacon,turkeybacon,andCanadianbacon Imakeameanomeletandmywafflesarestellar ifIsaysomyself,”hesaysashesitsup.
“I’llhavewhicheveryoudecidetomake” Hechuckles.“I’mhavingallofthat,babe,”hesays,pattinghisstomach.
“Oh,”Isayandknitmybrows “Maybehalfofwhatyoumakeyourself?” “I’vegotyou,”hechucklesagain.“I’llusethebathroomoutsidewiththeguys.Thisplaceisallyours.”
“Thankyou,”IwhisperasIwatchhimstandandstretch.
His shirt lifts, revealingtanned skin Ido mybest not to ogle him That is until he releases his hair and runs his hands throughitbeforefixingitintothatbunagain.
HedoesitsofastIcan’ttellhowlongitis,butitseemsprettylongandthickfromwhatIcantell Iwatchhistightassashe walksoutoftheroom.Ishouldn’tbecheckinghimout,butit’shardnotto.Igroanandpullmyselfupfromthebed.
“Thisisgoingtobealongtriphome,”Imutter. Igothroughmythingstofindsomethingcomfortabletowear.OnceIgathereverythingIneed,Iheadintothebathroomto freshenup.MysistercomestomindandIthinkaboutgivingheracall.
Ican’thelpwonderingifIshouldhaveinvolvedherinwhathappenedsixmonthsago Mysisterisanattorney Sheusedto beaprosecutor.
Iknowallthismesswillpissheroff Although,shenowworksinPIlaw Isighandshakethethoughtoff I’llhandlethis allwhenIgethome.
“Thingsareturningaround.You’llgetbackontrack.FuckTom,”Imuttertomyself.
Steppingintothebathroom,I’mimpressedbyitssize.Thenagain,withaguyasbigasBishop,Iguessthisisappropriateto accommodatehim.Insteadofbeingnosy,likeIinitiallywantedto,Iplacemythingsdownandgettomyshower.
Okay, okay, I do take his shower gel and shampoo to sniff them Theybothmake mymouthwater as mymind goes to wakingsurroundedbyamixofbothandwhatIassumeishisnaturalscent.
“Saga,he’syourbossnow.Pullyourshittogetherandwashyourass.Youdon’thavetimeforhimoranyotherman,”Ihuff tomyself.
I’msurprisedbythedisappointmentthathitsmeasmythoughtssinkin IhadsworntomyselfIwouldn’tgetintoanother relationshipforatleastthenexttwotofiveyears.I’mthatdonewithmen.
However,there’ssomethingaboutBishop Istopmythoughtsintheirtracks Nomen Especiallynotmynewboss
SHE FELT SO RIGHT inmyarms.IremembertellingmyselfI’djustclosemyeyesforamomentonceshepassedoutlastnight. NextthingIknew,IwoketoSagalyinginmyarms
Iblowoutabreathbeforebalancingtheplatesinmyhandtoknockonthebedroomdoor.I’vegivenherplentyoftimeto getshoweredanddressed Although,mymindhasbeenonherinthatshowersinceIwalkedoutoftheroom
“Herewego,”IsayasImakemywaybackintothebedroom.
“Thanks,”shesays,lookingattheplatewarilyasshetakesit.
Theguysarecrowdingthefrontofthebus.Besides,I’mnotreadytoshareher.Iwantmoretimelikelastnight.Listeningto hertalkaboutallthethingsshecandofortheband’ssocialmediahadmeinatrance.
Icould tell she knew whatshe was talkingabout Watchingher eyes lightup and the wheels turninher head sucked me rightintotheexcitementwithher.Itdidn’thurtthatIgottohearthatsexyvoiceandwatchthosesexyasfucklipsmove. “Noproblem”
“Ishould’veaskedforaquarterofwhatyou’rehaving,”shesaysassheeyestheplateinherhands. “Eatwhatyouwant.I’llfinishtherest,”Isay.
“Seriously?You’llprobablypassoutbeforeyoufinishyourown.” “This?”Isay,pointingatmyplate.“Thisisjustmyfirstplate.”
Hermouthpopsopen Isitonthebedbesideherandstarttodigin She’sstillstaringatmeandtheportionsizeonmyplate asIchew.
“I’vealwaysbeenabigguyandI’vealwayslovedtoeat,”Isayafterswallowingmybiteofomelet “Youseemtobeprettyfit.Iwouldthinkbeingontourwouldbelikegoingonacruise.Everyonealwayscomesbackwitha fewextrapounds,”shesays.
Igrintomyself She’snotwrong Tourscanbehardonthebody I’velearnedmylessoninthepast
“Wetendtostayactive.Well,asactiveasyoucanwhileonabusmostofthetime,”Isay,pointingtothepull-upbarover thedoor “Thatcomesinhandymostdays”
She gives a smile while nibblingona piece of bacon. She’s so damncute while she’s eating. Her hair is downagain, coveringhereye She’sdressedinjeansandaT-shirt “Sowe’llbestoppingagainsoon,right?”
“Yup,goodoldDetroit.Weonlyhaveoneshowtherethough,”Ireplyafterswallowingsomemoreofmyfood.
“Okay,cool,”shesays,cuttingintotheomeletandplacingaforkfulintohermouth “Mmm,ohwow Thisissogood” Iswallowbackthedirtyimagesthatcometomindwithhermoanedwords.Inarrowmyeyesather.Shehastoknowshe’s turningmeon
Yet,assheignoresmetodevourtherestofthefoodonherplate,Iknowithasnothingtodowithmeatall.Igrin.She’snot likeanyofthewomenI’vemetinmypast
Notoncedidshetrytoseducemelastnight.Shewouldn’thavehadtodomuch.Ifshegavethesignal,Iwasallforit.
“DoyouhaveaboyfriendwaitingforyouinCali?”Iblurtoutasjealousystartstotakerootfromthepossibilitythatshe does Shemakesasourfaceandplacesherplateonthebedsidetable.Iwatchasshefinisheschewingandswallowsthefoodin hermouth Thelookinhereyessaysenoughwithoutthewords
“No,theguyIwasdatinglivedinMiami.HeusedtocometoNew Yorkforourdates.That’sanonissuenow,”shesays whenshefinallyspeaks.
“Gotit.”Inod.“Gorgeousissingle.”
“Andnotreadytomingle.Especiallynotwithmypotentialboss,”shesayssoftly.
“Adeal is a deal Ihad the contractemailed over We have a printer onthe bus I’ll getitprinted outonce we’re done eating,”Ireassureher.
“Cool.”
“HaveyoueverdatedaWhiteguy?”
“HaveyoueverdatedaBlackgirl?”sheshootsback IgiveheragrinasIchew onmywaffle.Iwipethestickyfeelingfrommylipandstickmythumbintomymouth.Saga’s gazefollowsthemotion,causingmetosmilemore “Acouple,”Ireply.
Sheseemstakenabackbymyresponse Ichuckle,finishingtherestofmyfood,Iplacetheplatedownbesidehers Ipick uptheoneshesetasideandpointatit.
“Youdone?”Iask.
“Youreallyplantofinishthat?” “Suredo.”
“Yeah,I’mfinished,”shesays,shakingherheadatme “Now,fortheanswertomyquestion.”
“Myex HewasWhite”Sheshrugs “FirsttimeI’vedatedoutsideofmyrace NotsureifI’llrepeat” “Onedouchebagshouldn’tgettospoilitforallofus,”Isay. Shetiltsherheadatmeandnarrowsthoseprettyeyes.Ilikeherstudyingme.Iwanthertoseeme.Iwanthertoknowme. “You’renotgoingtomakethiseasy,areyou?”
“What’sthat?”
Shesighs “Nothing Nothingatall”
No,I’mnotgoingtomakethiseasyonher.IknowexactlyhowIplantowinherover.It’showIgottheworldtoloveme. I’llsinguntilshesurrenders.
One note at a time, I’m going to make you mine, Saga.
Signed
Bishop
“THIS OFFER IS WAY TOO generous.Atmyoldfirmthiswouldbetwicetheamountforacampaignofthissize,”Sagasayswith herbrowsknitasshelooksoverthecontractI’veprintedandhandedtoher.
Ishrug “You’retravelingwithusfortheextrasocialmediacontent Ibelieveit’safinesalary Consideranyextraasortof relocationfeesinceI’minterruptingyourreturntoCali.Fairenough?”
Shelooksupatmeandstaresforamoment Istudyherback Iwouldhavegivenhertwiceasmuchforjusttheconsultlast night.Herideaswerebrilliant.
“Itsaysherethatyoualsoplantofurnishmewithanewphoneandlaptopfortheposition.Thisisalot,Bishop.”
Ifrown “Yousaid theykeptyour worklaptop and youshipped your personal ahead Youcan’tdo the job ifyou’re not equipped.”Ishrug.
She runs a hand throughthe frontofher hair and nods “Okay, fine” She sighs thenmutters to herself “This is the best optionIhaveatthemoment,soI’mnotgoingtolookagifthorseinthemouth.”
Iwaitwithbatedbreathasshepicksupthepenandflipsthroughthepagesonemoretime Shebitesherlipandleansinas shescribbleshersignatureontheline.
ReleasingthebreathI’vebeenholding,Ismile.Ipickthecontractupbeforeshechangeshermindandtearsitup.There’s thisgiddyfeelinginmychestthatIhaven’tfeltinalongtime
It’slikeChristmasmorningwithmyfamily.Nothingcantakethewindoutofthismoment.Itakemyphoneoutandsenda textforheradvancetobetransferred
Herphonevibratesnexttoherhand.Shelooksatitandthensnapsherheaduptolookatme.Hersexylipsareparted. “What’sthis?”shegasps
“Yoursigningbonus.Thatwillcoverthatstackofbills.Ican’thaveyourmindpreoccupiedwithanythingotherthanyour newjob.Youmightmisssomething,”Itease.
“Bishop,”shedragsout
Iwaveheroff.“We’llbestoppingforthatlaptopandphonesoon.Havedinnerwithme.”Iholdmyhandsupquicklyasshe goestodecline “It’sforthemusic Idoneedtospendtimewithyoutokeepthemuseflowing”
“Sinceyouputitthatway,okay.Thankyou,Bishop.Itrulyappreciateeverythingyou’redoingforme.Idon’tknow how I’lleverrepayyou.”
Iwinkather. “No thanks needed. You’ll repayme witha killer social media campaignand aninspirationfor analbum worthyofallthehypeyoubuild.”
Shegivesmeasmallsmile Iwanttoleaninandkisshersweet-lookinglips However,Iremindmyselfthatshe’smynew employeeandIneedherheretogetthisalbumdone.
Justlikethat,themusicstarts IgetupandgrabLuciesoIcansortthesongout Imurmurtomyselfandgrabmynotebook
“I’llgetoutofyourway,”Sagasayssoftly.
Ilookupasifjustrememberingshe’sthere.NotthatIcouldforgetherpresence.She’sfuelingthemusicflowingthrough me.HersweetscentfillsmyheadasIstrummyguitar.
Irollmytongueinmymouth,wonderingifshetastesasgoodasshesmells.SheducksherheadasIlookather.IknowI’m notkeepingtheheatoutofmygaze
“I’llletyouknowwhenwegettoourstop.Seeyouinabit,”Isayandnod,returningtothesongdevelopinginmyhead.
BISHOP SLIPS his hand into mine and tugs me closer to his side. Mybellydrops and fills witha tinglingsensation. Ichide myselfandswallowdownallthoughtsofhimholdingmeclose
“It’sforthemusic.Havingyouclosekeepsitgoing,”hemurmursasItrytopullmyhandfromhis.“Ialsowanttokeepyou closeincase thingscangetcrazyintheblinkofaneye Thehatdoesn’talwaysdothejob,”hemurmursthelastpartquietly Icall bullshit, butIstop pullingmyhand awayfromhis as we walkthroughthe mall. He looks downatme and winks. There’sthatsexy,heatedlookinhiseyesagain.
Iswear IthoughtIwas goingto meltunder the table whenhe looked atme earlier while strumminghis guitar. Ifinally allowmyselftoadmithe’sasexyman.Hemoveswithaneffortlesssexappeal.
However,I’mnotgoingtoallowmyselftogetcaughtupinthoselooks I’mheretodoajobandgetmylifebackontrack Oncethistourisover,Ihavealottothinkabout.
Fallingintothisman’sbedisn’tgoingtohelpthatprocessinanyway I’dliketothinkI’msmarterthanthat Yetwhenhe placeshispalmonthesmallofmybacktoleadmeintothecomputerstore,I’mnotsureIam.
His warmpalmsends shivers up myspine. Ihave to bite downonmylip to keep mycomposure. It’s a simple freaking touch,butmykneesarereadytobuckleunderit
Thehandhe’sbeenholdingisstilltinglingfromhistouch.Ishoveitinmypockettoignorethefeelingofhisloss.Howcan hehavethiseffectonmeinsuchashorttime?
I turn to look at Dwayne, Bishop’s security guard. He gives me a warm smile but doesn’t look as if he feels this is inappropriatelikeIdo Itrytorelax
We’re goingto buyme a worklaptop. Nothingmore. Bishop seems like a protective guy. That has beenclear fromthe momentwemet.
“Youallright?”Bishopasksaswewaitforsomeonetocomeandhelpus “Yeah,I’mfine.Justthinking.”
“We’llmakethisquickandgettodinner Unlessyouwanttostopsomewhereelse”
“Actually,ifwecanfindsomeplacewhereIcanpickupafewtoiletries,thatwouldbegreat.Ifyoudon’tmind.” “Noproblem Wecangowhereveryouneed”
The wayhe looks me inmyeyes as he says the words places me ina trance. Ican’tfind words for the life ofme. I’m usuallyalotmorecomposedthanthis.There’sjustsomethingaboutthisman.
“Hi,canIhelpyouguyswithanything?”oneofthesalesassociatesbouncesoverwithatabletinherhandandsays,saving mefromembarrassingmyself.
“We needa phone anda laptop Saga here will explaintoyouall she’ll be doingwiththe equipment We’ll take itfrom there,”Bishopsayssmoothly.
Theyounggirlgasps,butI’llgivehercreditforhowquicklysherecovers.Shetugsatthefrontofhershirtthenrunsahand downherponytail.Ishakemyhead.Iguessnooneisimmunetothisman.
“I’mKerry,I’llbehappytohelp.Tellmeallyouneed,andI’llgetyousortedout,”shesaysasshenowstandsstraighter andwithhershouldersback
Toobadforher,Bishopdoesn’tseemtobeabletokeephiseyesoffme.Inoticehiseyesglazeoverandsmile.Themusic isatitagain
Notwantingtokeephimawayfromthe bus andLucie for toolong,Ihurrytotell KerrywhatIneed.Ialmostburstinto laughterwhenKerryrushesovertotellhercoworkerswho’sinthestorebeforeshecollectsouritemstobagup.
Iknowthat’swhatshe’sdonebecausetheyalllookinourdirectionasiftryingtoconfirmhersuspicion.Bishopplacesa handonthesmallofmybackandtugsmeintohisside.Hethenleansinandspeaksagainstmytemple.
“Thisisabouttogetawkward I’llhaveDwaynepay,butweshouldheadoutofhere,”hewhispersagainstmyskin “Oh,okay,”IbreatheasItrytoignoretheshiverhiswarm,mintybreathsendsthroughmeasitfansagainstmyskin. Bishopsays somethingquicklytoDwayne andwe exitthe store justas fast Once outofthe store,he pulls outa pair of shadesandshovesthemon.
“Doesthathappenalot?”
“MorethanIwouldlike It’sbeenalongtimesinceI’vebeenfreetobuyapackofbubblegumformyself” “Maybeweshouldforgetaboutmystop.I’msureIcanfindtimetogetthosethingsanothertime.Iwouldn’twantyoutoget mobbedoverdeodorant”
“Thereitisagain,you’reconcernedaboutme.Ilikeit,”hecroons. Ishake myhead. The mansigns mychecks. Ofcourse I’mconcerned. However, wantingto keep thatprettysmile intact mighthavesomethingtodowithitaswell Lord, help me.
OneoftheGuys
Bishop
I SAUNTER tothefrontofthebus,wonderingwhatallthecommotionisabout.Ihavebeeninthebackofthebusworkingona song.Sagahadgoneupfronttogivemespace Ididn’twant andtoseeifshecouldbondwiththeguysandgetafeel for themsoshecouldbetterdoherjob
Ofcourse,theguysdidn’tlistentome.Shehasn’tbeenwithusmorethantwofulldaysandthey’reuptotheirpranksonthe busagain However,hersweetlaughterfillsthebusalongwiththeguys’asshesitsupfrontwiththem
ShefallsintoFendiasshewipestearsfromhereyes.Iwatchasshetriestocatchherbreath.Itlooksgoodonher. It’safarcryfromhowIfoundherinthatdiner.Seeingherlikethismakesmewanttobethecauseofherlaughtereachday. Thesparkleinherbrowneyes,thatgorgeoussmileit’sallcallingtosomethingdeepwithin Sagalookslikeshebelongshere.FendiislaughingjustashardfrombesideherasThrushlookspissed.ThisisasceneI’m usedtoonthisbus Iguesstheydecidednottoholdback
“What’sgoingon?”IaskasItakeaseatupfrontinthecommonareaofthebus.We’realloversixfeet,sowehadtogeta busthatwouldaccommodateallourheights
Theaisleiswidetogiveusthelegroomweneed.Thebunksareall extralongforsleepingcomfortably.Thisbussleeps seven.Mymasterinthebackandsixbunksinthecenterofthebus.
Dwayne,Ed,andMartin,Fendi’sbodyguard,allridewiththeband LikeIsaid,we’reallbigguys However,thisbushas neverseemedascrampedasitdoesnowwithSagaonit.
Notbecauseshe’stakingupspacebutbecauseshelookssosmallaroundallofus Itmakesmemoreprotectiveofher She lookssotinyasshesitslaughingagainstFendi.
Inarrowmyeyesasthey’realllaughingtoohardtoanswermeandThrushlookstooangrytobiteoutasingleword Ilifta browathim,butheshakeshisheadandstormsovertothekitchensink.
Heturnsbacktomeandplopsablockoficeonthetablebeforeme.IwrinklemybrowsasIstareatit.Then,itdawnson mewhatI’mlookingat
“Bro,theyfrozeyourdrumsticks,”Isayandfightnottoburstintolaughter. Thrushturns toglareatSaga “Ithinkshedidit No,I’msure shedidit These idiots have never beenthis creative,” he snarls.
Mymouthfalls openand I turnmygaze onSaga. She gives me a sheepishgrinand shrugs her little shoulders. I lift a questioningbrowather.
“Ididn’twanteveryonetostophavingfunbecauseofme.IfiguredifIjoinedin,youcouldn’tbetoohardonthem,”she says “Ifuckingloveher.Thatshitwasgenius,”Fendicroons.
“Youknow what?I’mnotmadather I’mmadattheseassholesfor tellingher justhow tofuckwithme Welcometothe family,gorgeous.Paybackwillbeabitch,”Thrushsaysandwinksather.
My heart warms as I take this as the guys initiating her into the family. The guys are not always so welcoming to newcomers.ThismeansalottomebecauseIwantherhereandIwanthertofeelsafeandwelcome.
Ihope she knows whatshe’s opened herselfup to. These guys cangetcrazywiththe pranks. Sometimes, there’s nothing elsetodo
Although,Ihavetoadmitshejustearnedhellapointswithme.Ishootherawink.Sheducksherheadshyly.Now,I’meven
moreintriguedbythisgirl
Inmybook,shejustbecameafuckingrockstar.Igrinandgiveheraslowclap.AsThrushsitsandstartstochipattheice withaknife,Ican’tholdmylaughterinanylonger “Assholes,”Thrushmuttersunderhisbreath.
I’VE JUST GOTTEN offthephonewithIshaandfinishedchangingintomynightclothes.Icanstillheartheguysupfrontteasing andtauntingeachother.Withasmileonmyface,Ishakemyhead.
IjumpasthedooropensandBishopstepsinside I’vebeenjumpysinceThrushpromisedpayback Ithinktheanticipation ofhispaybackisgoingtodomeinmorethantheprankitself.
Iliketheguys They’realotoffunandreallydowntoearth Again,somethingIwasn’texpecting They’vemademefeel likeoneofthem.Notonecringeworthymomenthas passedbetweenus.Instead,Ifeel likeIhave gainedsixnewbigbrothers.
Isaysixbecausethisonerighthere.BishopLove.Hedoesn’tlookatmelikeabrotherwouldandIdon’tgetthefeelinghe everintendstochangethat.
AsItakehimin,IhopethelookI’mgivinghimisn’tthesame He’sshirtless,inonlysweatpants,withhishairpulledupon topofhishead.Fromthecockylookthatcomestohisface,Igetthefeelingmyhopesarewasted.
“Youknowyousetyourselfupwiththatprank SaythewordandI’llcallthemoff,”hesays Ishrugmyshoulders.“IfIwerethenewguy,wouldyoucallthemoff?”
Hegivesmeasexygrin.“No.He’dhavetosuckitupandtakeit.”
“Cool.I’llhandleit.”
Hechuckles.“Yetyou’vebeenjumpingoutofyourskinallevening.”
“Likeyousaid Iaskedforit Imademybed;nowI’llhavetolieinit” Iregretmywordsthemomentthey’reoutofmymouth.Bishop’snostrilsflareandhisheatedgazedragsover mybody.I shiftfromfoottofootandtugmylittleshortsoutofmycrotch
Withasinglelook,thismanhasmademypantiesmoist. I am here for a job. This is my boss,Ichanttomyself.
Hemovestositonthebedandpatsthespacebesidehim.Ihesitateforabeatthenpadcloserandsitnexttohim.Helooks atmeandopenshismouthasifhe’sabouttosaysomething,thenclosesitbackasifthinkingbetterofit
Hesearchesmyfacewiththoseintenseeyesasifhe’scommittingeveryinchtomemory.Thenhiseyeslightup.I’mcurious astowhat’sgoingoninhishead
“What’syourfavoritefood?”
I’mshockedthatthisiswhathechoosestoask Itakeamomenttothink Thenasmilecomestomylips “Quesadillas.Iloveagoodquesadilla,”Ireply.
“Onlyone,”hemurmurstohimself.
“Huh?”Isayinconfusion
“Youonlyhaveonedimple.IwantedtoseeifIcouldmakeyousmiletomakesureIwasright.Youonlyhaveone.Onthe rightside,”hemurmurs
Itiltmyheadtothesideandstudyhimback.Hesmellssogood.Ihavetofightnottoleaninandinhaledeeply.
You know when you find that one scent to place in your space that always welcomes you home? That fragrance that welcomes youin, no matter where youare and teleports youright backto your livingroomor bedroomor whatever your favoriteroominyourhomeis.That’showBishopsmells.
Ifrowntomyself Maybeit’stimeIgotobed Mythoughtsaren’thelpingmeseethismanasIshould “Um,sogoodnight,”Isayandforceayawn.
Hesmilesandnodsatme “Yeah,goodnight” Andjustlikethat,hiseyestakeonthatlook.IsmileasthisisareminderofwhyI’mhere.Hismusic.
NothingwillhappenbetweenusbecauseI’monlyheretodomyjob,gethome,andbeamuseforthemusic.Idon’tneedto thinktoodeeplyaboutanyofthis.
Withthose thoughts clear inmyhead, Iclimb into bed and under the sheets. I’mSaga Marie Walden, Idon’t jump into relationshipswithrandommenandIdon’tdocasualsex
DTHE ENERGY,thepulseofthemusicthroughthefloor that’sflowingupthroughmybody,thesheer excitementpulsingthrough the screamingcrowd this is insane. I’mso far outofmydepths. I’mused to beingina corporate office callingthe shots, creatingandlaunchingcampaignsfrommydesk
Ineverhadtothinkaboutthedetailsandworkthatgoesintosomethinglikeamajorconcertlikethis.Therearesomany pieces to itall Bishop has insisted onhavingme glued to his hip for the entire day Mynew phone is full offootage from throughoutthesetupandsoundcheck.
Ican’twaittogetthisallupontheband’ssocialmediaandBishop’spersonalprofile.Ihavesomanyideasformovinghis campaignforward Afterthehugesigningbonusthathitmybankaccount,Ihaveabitofextramotivation
“Detroit,you’vebeengreat.IwashopingIcouldtryalittlesomethingnewoutonyou,”Bishopsaysintothemicwiththat sexyvoiceofhis
Mynipples tightenagainstmybraas hespeaks tothecrowdbutturns tolookatme,waitinginthewings.Hewinks and turnsbacktohisfans Ilickmylipsandleanintohiswords
“I’ve started mynew albumand I’mthinkingofcallingit Love Notes. ” Asexygrincomes to his lips as he looks atme again.
Hegivesmealazyonce-overandmyheartnearlylurchesfrommychest ImoveasideasJoey,oneoftheyoungroadies, rushesLucieouttoBishop.Bishoptakesaseatonthestool anotherguyjustplacednexttohim.HetakesLucieandstrumsa fewnotes
“Ihopeyouguyslikethisfirstsong.I’mquitepleasedwithit,”hesaysinahuskytonethathasmypantiessuddenlymoist. Imean,lookathim He’s alreadya bigman,butas he stands onstage,his presence seems totake over everything He’s largerthanlifeupthere.
Evenas he looks all sweaty, his hair stickingto his face and his T-shirtclingingto his wetskin. Itlooks as ifsomeone drenchedhimwithabucketofwater
Hebeginstoplaytheintro.It’sasoftmelodythatfeelslikeacaress.I’mcaptivatedbeforeheopenshismouth.
NotlikeI’vebeenallnightasIwatchedandlistenedtohisset No,thisisdifferent Thesenotesarecallingformysoul Justashisvoicedoeswhenhebeginstosingandthebandjoinsin.
I’ve been wanting more Craving, needing something new Life is hollow when it’s centered around yourself
That’s what I told the reflection in the mirror Looking into the future, trying to draw the answer nearer Then came you
The answer I didn’t know I needed but exactly what I wanted I want you
In ways I’ve never wanted anyone else
So help me understand, what is it you want in a man?
Cause I need to be him, I want to be him
Is it romance?
We can dance under the stars, I’ll bring my guitar
Sing you songs from the heart Could that be a start?
I promise to do my part
Do you think you can let me in?
Just tell me where to begin
IknowIsaidIdidn’twanttogetinvolvedwithhimifIwasworkingforhim.ButI’dbelyingifIsaidthatIhaven’tgrown intriguedbythismaninthelasttwodays MymindtravelsbacktohimhummingthisexacttuneasIwassigningmycontract Hiseyessparkledwithmischiefthewholetime.Now,IthinkIgetwhy.
Is this the song I inspired?
IthinkImightbeintrouble.I’mgladIsetsomegroundrules.Iwon’tbelettingmyguarddownduringthenextfourweeks. I’mnotwillingtopaythatprice.Ican’taffordit.
Thelyricsonlydrawmeinmoreashefinishesthesong.Iremindmyselfthey’rejustwords.He’snotsingingaboutmeor tome.Hedoesn’tevenknowme.
“Thankyou Thankyousomuch,”Bishopsaysashestandsandtakesabow Myhand holdingup myphone is trembling. I’ve recorded mostofthe set, butthis is so epic and raw. Ihave to gethis permissiontopostitonhispage Thefanswillloveit Ican’ttakemyeyesoffhimashesaunterstowardme.Hislonglegscarryhimclosewithaswagfew menhisheightand sizecanpulloff.Notforthefirsttime,Iadmirehisthickthighsandmuscledframe. WhenIlookatBishop,Vikings come tomind His hair is loose aroundhis shoulders,stoppingmidchest Iwonder what thoselonglocksfeellike.
Hestopsbeforeme,leaningtospeakinmyear “Thatonefeltright Ican’twaittoseewhatelseyoubringme”
Withoutanotherword,hemovespastmetothepeoplethatstarttosurroundhim.Iturntolookatthemanwho’stryingto scramblemyhead Everyonegravitatestohim
BishopLoveisaforceallofhisown.Talented,charming,andsexyasfuck.AllthingsIhavenobusinesstickingoff. “Imightbeintrouble,”Imurmur.
idn’tAnswer Saga
I SIT onthebedinthetourbuswithasmileonmyface.I’msoexcitedbytheresultsI’vecreatedalready.SinceIgotoutofthe shower,I’vebeenrefreshingandcheckingtheirsocials.Ican’thelpsmilingwithpride.
“They’regoingcrazyoveryournewsong Youguysshoulddefinitelyloginandcommentbacktoafewfans They’lllove that.OryouguyscangivemeafewresponsessoIknoweachofyourtonesandyourlog-ins,ofcourse,andIcancommentfor eachofyou,”Isayexcitedly
I’mloving the engagement. What people often don’t get is that while a public figure may seemto have a following, a followingwillingtointeractistherealgold.It’shardertogetthattohappenthanitistobuildnumbersonaprofile.Onceyou hitasweetspot,botswilltakecareofthat
Engagementshowstherearemoretruefansthanbotsorlookie-loos.I’mverypleasedwiththeresultssofar.Bishopwas totallyonboardwithmepostingthesongfromtonightandI’msogladwedid
“I’lltalktotheguysinthemorning,”Bishopsaystiredly.
Iglanceupfrommycomputer andcanseetheexhaustionwrittenall over his face Iwas surprisedhedidn’theadoutto partywiththeothers.Instead,hecamebacktothebuswithmeandchangedintoapairofsweatsbeforemakingussomething quicktoeat.
Heclimbsontothefootofthebedandliesacrossit Idon’thavethehearttoaskhimtomove He’snotbotheringme IfI chosetoliedown,myfeetwouldn’tevenreachthatfar.
Besides,theadrenalinefromthenightisstillcoursingthroughme Idon’tthinkIcouldpassoutifItried I’mstillinaweof everythingI’veseenandlearnedaboutsettingupandthenperformingaliveconcert.
“Youlooksotired,”Isay
“I’llbefinebymorning,”hesaysandturnsonhissidetofacemeandreachformyfoot.
Hepullsmylegfrombeneathmeandpalmsmyfoottobegintomassageit.Ileanbackagainsttheheadboardandgroan.He hitstheticklishpartofmyfootandIjump,pullingfromhishold
“Sorry,”hechucklestiredly.
Hethenreachesformyotherfootandrepeatsthemassageonit Iclosemyeyesandrelax Myfeetaretiredandsorefrom theday.
“Areyougoingtoanswerme?”
“Youaskedsomething?”Iopenmyeyesandliftabrow.
Idon’tbelieveIdozedoff.WhenIlookintohistiredeyeshegivesmeaslysmile.NowI’mreallycurious.
“Thesong Willyouanswerthequestionsfromthesong?”
Ibitemylipandblinkafew times.MycheeksheatasIthinkofthelyricstothesong.I’vewatchedthevideoenoughto knowthembyheart
“YouwanttoknowwhatIwantinaman,right?” Hegivesasleepynod.Atfirst,Ithinkaboutnotanswering.It’snotlikeheneedstoknowthisinformation.We’renotgoing there.
“Foryourmusic,right?”
He snorts and shrugs, a sexysmile onhis lips Iknow Ishould go to sleep and avoid answering, butIstartto spill the answerasifhe’spullingitfrommylips.
“WhatdoIwantinaman?IcouldprobablytellyoumoreofwhatIdon’twant.”
“I’mokaywithknowingthat,”hesaysinadeephuskyvoice.
Ilookdownathim Althoughhe’sstillrubbingmyfoot,hiseyesareclosed Ifigurehe’snotgoingtorememberanyofthis ashe’salreadyhalf-asleep.
Ilookupattheceilingandallowthequestiontotrulysinkin WhatdoIwantinaman?It’sadarngoodquestion
OneI’mnotsureIknowtheanswerto.Ihaven’treallytakenthetimetothinkaboutit.Ifrown,it’ssomethingIshouldbe abletoanswermorereadily
“Iwantsomeonewho’sgoingtoputmefirst.Idon’tmeanallthetime.LikeIgetthatworkisimportanttomost.Iwouldn’t stophimfrompursuinghisdreamsandgoals.
“I’mtalkingabouthavingsomeonewillingtofightforme Whenitcounts Ishouldn’thavetoquestionifI’mimportantto him.
“Lovedoesn’tequatetosex,butlovemakingisimportant Idon’twanttofeelused Iwanttobetouchedandmadetofeel likeI’mthere.Imatter.”
Ipauseashishandsstill Ilookbackdownathimandhiseyesareblazingashelooksbackatme Isitupandbegintoput mythingsawaysoIcantakemybutttobed.
Thatlookinhiseyesisn’tgoingtodoanythingforanyonebutgetusbothintrouble.HeneedsamuseandIneedthisjob. Nope,nomoretalking It’stimeforbed
BISHOP
“GOOD NIGHT,BISHOP. ”
“Goodnight.”
Sheturnsoutthelight,officiallyendingourconversation.Iclimbfromthebedandmovedowntomyblanketsandpillow onthefloor Weneedtohittheroad,sothere’snohoteltonight
Oncetheguysgetinfrompartying,we’llbeonourway.I’mgratefulsheturnedthelightoutbeforeshecouldseehowmuch herwordstrulyaffectedme I’mhardasarock
Whowouldn’tmakeawomanlikeherfeel likeshematters?Iwouldmakeherfeellikethegoddesssheis.Shewouldn’t feelusedorlikeshedidn’tmatter.I’dmakeherseestarsandwouldbesureshefeltme.
Therewouldbenoquestionastohowshemakesmefeelandmyneedtoreturnthefavor Damn,whothefuckhasshebeen with?IfIhadachancetoeraseherpastfromhermind…
Let it go, Bishop
IgrowlthethoughtinmyheadasIreachdowntosqueezemyhardasfuckcock.IfIweren’tsotired,I’dgoshowerandrub oneout
Instead,Iliethere,thinkingofmyfacebetweenthosethickthighs.Imagesofherscreamingandwrithingbeneathmedance inmyhead.HerheadthrownbackasIkissherneckandthrustintoher.
Igroanandroll ontomyside Imightneedtoforce myass upfor thatshower Damn,this is goingtobe a long-ass four weeks.
Whenthoughts ofher sexybodywon’tallow me to sleep, Ido getup for thatshower Istand and looktoward the bed whereshe’scurledonherside.She’ssofuckingadorable.
Iforce myselfto lookawayand head for thatshower, butthe music starts and Ihead for Lucie and the frontofthe bus instead,murmuringlyricsthewholeway.
CBishop
SAGA SAID shewantstomakeusrealandrelatable.Whichiswhyshe’sbeenhangingaroundtheguystogetfootageofthemin theirmostrawmoments.
I’dbelyingifIsaiditdoesn’tmakemejealoustoseeherbondingwiththem Iknowit’sirrational She’sdoingthejobI payherfor.Todothat,sheneedstointeractwiththeentireband.
AlthoughIhavenoshameinwhatI’vedonetohelphergetherjobdonewhilekeepingtheguysfromgettingtooclose It’s notlikethisdoesn’tcomefromtheheart.Thesekidsareimportant.
“Thefansaregoingtolovethis,”Sagasaysasshetakespicturesoftheguysteachingthekidstoplaytheirnewinstruments.
“Hopefully,thiswillbringmoreattentiontotheneedforcreativeartsinthecommunity Themorefundingwecangetthem, thebetter.”
Sagaturnstomewithasparkleinhereyes “Fendisaidyouguyspurchasedalltheinstrumentsanddonatedtokeepthearts programsopenintheschoolssurroundingthisneighborhood.”
Ishrug,notwantingtobrag Imayhavesettodayuptofacilitatemyneeds,butthesekidsmeanalottoallofus Notallthe bandmembersgrewupwithdeeppocketsandstablehomelives.Wetrytogivebackasmuchaswecan.
“Wedowhatwecan.Jagusuallyfindsinner-cityprogramswecansupport.Wedowhat’sneededfromthere.”
“All while on tour That’s impressive I mean, with all I’ve seen you guys put into shows and the travel, this is very commendable,”shesays.
Turningbacktoward the kids and the guys, she moves closer to where Bop is teachinga little boyto playa guitar The smileonthekid’sfaceisinfectious.Ifindmyselfsmilingaswell.
“Excuseme,Mr Bishop,”mynameiscalledtimidly
Ilookdowntofindanothersmallboylookingupatme.Hehasmessybrownhairandpiercinggrayeyes.There’sasmall, nervoussmileonhisface.
Isquattogeteyelevel withhimashiseyesgrow wide IgivehimasmileandwhistlewhenIseethesweet,brand-new guitarinhishands.Ipointtotheinstrument.
“Youknowhowtoplaythatthing?”
Hebobshisheadeagerly.“Yeah,alittle,butIwanttolearntogetbettersoIcanplaylikeyouandsingleadoneday,”he saysshyly.
“Isthatright?Well,comeon.Showmewhatyou’vegot,”Isayandstandtoleadhimovertosomechairs. Ihelphimupintooneofthechairsandsitintheonenexttohim.Quietly,Iwatchwithasmileashesettleshisinstrumentin hislap Thethingisalmostasbigasheis
I’mtakenbysurprisewhenhebeginstosingoneofmyearlierballads.Thekidhasasweetvoice.Hisplayingisn’thalfbadeither
“Hey,buddy,that’snotbadatall.YoumindifIshowyousomething?”
Hiseyeslightup.“No.Imean,yes.Sure,Mr.Bishop,”hesaysexcitedly.
Ipluckhimupfromhischairandsethimonmylaptobetterhelphimwiththeguitar.Ishowhimafewchordsandthenwe playthemandsingmysongagain.
Thekidisafastlearner Idon’tmissthatwe’redrawingacrowd Kidsandstaffmembersalikesurroundus However,we keepplayingandIkeepshowinghimtherightprogressionsforthesong.
Myheartswells andIhavetoadmittomyselfImayhavedonethis toputdistancebetweenSagaandtheguys,butthese eventshavebecomehighlightsofthesetoursforme.ThenIlookupandlockeyeswithSaga.
ThewayherheadistiltedasshestudiesmewithherliptrappedbetweenherteethremindsmehowmuchIwanttosingmy wayintoherheart.Whenshefirstjoinedus,Iconsideredthiscouldbeaone-sidedattraction.Now,asIlookintohereyesand seethelustthere,Iknowit’snot
Ishootherawinkandsmile.Thewaysheshakesherheadmakesmewonderwhatshe’stryingtoclearaway.Thoughtsof howshewantsmeorthoughtsofwhysheshouldn’t
“Evan,yourmomishere.Whydon’tyouthankMr.Bishopandgopackupyourthings,”oneofthestaffmemberssays. Evan’sshoulderssagbeforeheslidesfrommylap.Heturnstolookupatme.That’swhenInoticehislazylefteyelid.
He gives me a bigsmile andrushes forwardtohugmyneck I’mtakena bitbysurprise Ididn’tthinkthe little guywas strongenoughforsuchatightgrip.
“Thankyou,Mr Bishop I’llneverforgetthis Youmademyday,”hewhispersinmyear “You’rewelcome,kid.Youkeeppracticing.Oneofthesedays,I’llseeyouonthebigstage.” “Isuredohopeso”
Hepullsawayandwavesgoodbyebeforerunningofftowardhismom.IwrinklemybrowsasItakeinthemousy-looking woman.InarrowmyeyesasItakethetwoin.
MyguttellsmenottoletthemleavewithoutdoingonemorethingforEvan IwaveDwayneoverandstandtowhisperin hisear.Henodsandtakesoffwithoutquestioningmywords.
“Youweresogreatwithhim,”Sagasaysasshemakesherwaytomyside “Heseemslikeagoodkidandhasatonoftalentalready,”Ireply.
SAGA
“GET THE FUCK OUTA HERE,”oneoftheguyscallsoutandtheyallbegintolaugh Ilookupandsmileattheirantics.Shakingmyhead,Ifocusbackonmylaptopinfrontofme.I’msittingoutsidethebusas theguyshavestartedabonfire
Edis manningthegrill andtherearecoolers ofdrinks for everyone.Theydeservethis time,justkickingback.Thatwas goodworktoday.Thelooksonthosekids’faceswerepriceless.
Igotsomegreatpicturesandvideos I’veuploadedsometoeachoftheguys’accounts,aswellastheband’smainaccount Thefanslovetherealnessofseeingtheguysgivebackandengagewiththecommunity.
“Braceyourselves,ladies,”ImurmurasIhitpublishonavideoofBishopsingingandteachingthatlittleboytoplaythe guitar.
MyhearthasswelledfromseeingitfirsthandandthroughthefootageI’vebeengoingthrough Themomentwassosweet andmadeBishopseemlargerthanlifeandsodowntoearthatthesametime.IhadtoclenchmythighsasBishoplookedupat meandwelockedgazes.
I’vebeentryingtoforgetthatlooksinceithappened IshakemyheadbeforeIgetcarriedawayanddrowninmylust-filled thoughtsagain.
“Wantabeer?”Fendiasksashecomesoverandholdsoneouttome
IfthiswereThrush,I’dbewary.Hestillhasn’tgottenhisrevengeforthatprank.IfIdidn’tknow better,I’dthinkBishop didcallhimoff
“Sure,”Isayandclosemylaptop.
Ican’thelpsmilingasIthinkofthelittlegirlwhoclungtoFendi’slegafterhetaughthertoplayherfirstguitartoday.She was one ofmanyhe taughtbutbyfar themostsmittenandgrateful Now,inthis parkinglot,these guys looknothinglike the gentlegiantsIwatchedwiththosekids.Theyhadgenuinepatienceandkindness.
Fendihandsthebeeroverandnodshisheadbeforetakingaseatatthetabletheguyspulledfromthebusandsetupwith chairs.ItakeasipofthebeerasInarrowmyeyesandwatchBishop.
He’sthrowingafrisbeearoundwithThrushandDwayne.Theirdeepchucklesandcheersfillthenightair.They’reallso relaxed.Noneofthehighenergyfromperformingandnoneofthepersonatheyshowwhenfansarearound.
Thisisjustthem.Ordinaryguys.BishopLoveisjustakindman.Arockstarbutsomuchmore.
I’ve learned so muchaboutthis mansince we’ve met He’s notatall whatIexpected None ofthe guys are, butBishop standsoutinhisownright.
