“Ginger, please,” Kylie said. “Daphne’s just being a spoiled brat.”
“Yes, but that spoiled brat is also my boss,” Ginger said. “And if she finds out you’ve been fucking her man on the sly, she’s going to be worse than ever to work with. And here’s the thing. If it comes down to you or me, I’m going to pick me.” Ginger shot her a narrow-eyed look. “So don’t make me choose, got it?”
Kylie nodded, clutching her plant. “I broke it off with him, you know,” she lied. “Last night. After the show.”
Ginger gave her a quick thumbs-up. “Atta girl. Once she starts hearing from him again, she’ll calm back down.”
“Yeah,” Kylie said. She wanted to text Cade, let him know what was going on, but Ginger was watching her. It seemed she was always watching. Kylie glanced around and then got up to head for the tour bus bathroom, purse in hand.
The bathroom itself was a tiny cubby smaller than most airport bathrooms, and it currently stank of weed thanks to its close proximity to the back of the bus. It was also the only place she could have a moment’s privacy. She sat down on the travel toilet and pulled out her cell phone and texted Cade.
Daphne’s in a rage. She thinks you’re dating someone and doesn’t want to do her next show until she hears from you. Please please calm her down and let her know you’re out of town? Maybe that’ll soothe her. I have to go for now. People are watching.
She stared at her text, and wondered what he’d think of it. Would he think she was brushing him off again? Impulsively, she added:
Will send hot pictures later tho. XOXO
Then, she stuffed her phone back into her bag, turned the ringer off, and doused her hands liberally with hand sanitizer before leaving the bathroom.
FIFTEEN
Cade: Hey, man. I can’t be at the Brotherhood meeting tonight. I’m in the U.K. at the moment on business.
Reese: Jolly good!
Cade: I’m picturing you saying that in a horrible accent.
Reese: You should see the look my wife gave me, too.
Cade: How’s the pregnancy going?
Reese: Her ankles are almost as big as her belly. And if she finds out I told you that, she’ll kill me.
Reese: But she’s gorgeous. I mentioned that, right? I mean, she likes pickles on everything at the moment. Like, if I want to get action, I need to douse my dick in pickle juice. But she’s stunning. Radiant. We’re trying to decide on names at the moment.
Cade: Good for you two.
Reese: So I guess that means you don’t want to hear our choices? By the way, you’re not going to miss much at the meeting. My sister-in-law’s going to be there and Griffin’s bringing his woman. Someone mentioned the dreaded words “bridesmaid colors.”
Cade: When did our band of men turn into a hen party?
Reese: The moment everyone started getting their dick wet on a regular basis. Happens to all guys.
Cade: Guess so.
Reese: So . . . how’s that Daphne thing going?
Cade: She’s a hot mess. Still using.
Reese: You ever nail the other girl?
Cade: Better. I married her.
Reese: Bro . . . we got to talk about this playboy thing. You are doing it all wrong.
Cade: I will cheerfully give up all my playboy days if I can keep this one.
Reese: I’d say you’re an idiot, but Audrey is here at my side and making little cooing noises about you getting married, so I get it. I really get it.
Cade: Tell Audrey it’s a secret! We’re not telling Daph. For reasons.
Reese: Shit. I’ll make something up. Got it, bro.
Cade: Later, man. Have fun tonight picking out colors.
Reese: Fuck you.
Cade: Hey Daph, you there?
Cade: Daph? Answer me.
Cade: Come on. I know you’re there. Don’t be like this.
Daphne: Maybe.
Cade: I’m just checking in to see how you’re feeling. How’s the tour going?
Daphne: It’s fine.
Cade: I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it for a few weeks. I have business overseas. I’m typing this in London as we speak.
Daphne:
Cade: I promise I’ll come visit when I get back, though?
Daphne: I miss u
Cade: I miss you, too, Daph. You’re a great friend. Have some kickass shows, okay?
Daphne: Will do.
Cade: I just had to tell Daphne I miss her. Please don’t hate me.
Kylie: Whatever you said was the right thing. She’s smiling and happy at the moment . . . though that might be the weed she’s smoking.
Cade: Ugh.
Kylie: I know, trust me, I know.
Cade: Feels like I’ve been gone forever.
Kylie: It’s been three hours.
Cade: Still feels like forever.
Kylie: I need to goGinger’s coming back to front of bus. XOXO
Later that night