Ransom(44)
“It is!” Paige calls out.
“Anyhow, we weren’t quite prepared for how cold it is out here. Have you started unloading the merchandise yet? Is there any chance I could get my hands on some sweatshirts?”
“No problem. Where are you? I’ll bring them right over.”
I grin at the girls. “Levi, you’re a lifesaver.” We arrange to meet around the side of the building, and I hang up. “Score!”
Karen points at Paige. “Don’t you dare say she shouldn’t be using her connections to get us some warmth.”
“I’m not,” Paige says, holding up her hands. “Tell Levi we said thanks, okay?”
Ten minutes of shivering later, I meet Levi on the side of the building. His arms are full; he definitely has more than just hoodies.
“What is all of that?”
He grins at me over his loot. “I grabbed a few blankets off the bus, and hats and gloves. Oh, and I have a thermos of hot coffee here, too.”
“You’re the best!”
I reach for the blankets and hoodies, but he shakes his head and says, “I’ll come around with you.”
We fall into step next to each other. “How did you find hats and gloves? I didn’t see those for sale at the show last night.”
“They were in the merch boxes. They’re prototypes for fall. We’ll start selling them when it gets colder. Probably should have had a few ready to sell tonight, huh? I had no idea it would be this chilly.”
“Yeah, well, I didn’t even realize we were anywhere near the ocean.”
He laughs. “Geography was never your strong suit. I have vivid memories of you trying to help navigate through Indiana in the van.”
I stick out my tongue at him, but I’m smiling. It’s hard to ever feel offended by someone like Levi. “Anyhow, I really appreciate it, seriously. I thought I was going to freeze to death.”
“I’m quite happy to help. Besides, I was told in no uncertain terms to do anything I can to make sure you have a great time.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Really? And who gave those instructions?”
“Who do you think?” He looks over at me, only the top of his face visible over the pile in his arms. “Dalt really wants you to enjoy yourself. I think he’s scared you might take off again.”
I look down at my feet, uncomfortable.
“Sorry, Daisy. I didn’t mean anything by it. Except… well, I think we all agree that we want you to stick around this time.” His eyes meet mine, intense and serious. “I mean it. You tell me if you need anything, okay?”
I nod, feeling a lump come to my throat. “I promise.” I’ve been so focused on missing Daltrey I sometimes forget all the other things I gave up, like my relationship with Levi. He was a good friend for a long time
“Good.” We turn the corner of the building to find that the line now stretches down nearly this far. “Now, tell me. Have you met any crazy-assed fans yet?”
I shush him, but he continues, sounding gleeful. “Seriously, there are some scary people here. I know. I’m the one who has to deal with them trying to get backstage.”
“People try to get backstage?”
“That’s minor. People try to get on the bus, into the hotel rooms. They all think they’re the next Mrs. Ransome. I’m telling you, bat-shit insane.”
I laugh briefly, stopping myself when I catch sight of the glare I’m getting from the nearest Ransom fan. “You’ll get me in trouble,” I tell him, my voice low. “We’re supposed to be out here with them for the rest of the day.”
“You say the word, lady, and I will come and get you all and bring you inside where it’s warm.”
I moan a little at the thought. “Don’t tempt me.”
We reach the girls, who both jump up to hug Levi when they see all that he’s brought.
“Coffee, too?” Paige asks, holding the warm thermos between her hands. “You’re the sweetest.”
“There’s more of that on the bus,” he says. “You just let me know if you need more.”
Karen makes a strangled sound of desire, earning a glare from Paige.
“Thanks.” I wrap my arms around him.
He hesitates for a moment before hugging me back. “I mean it,” he whispers into my ear. “You call me anytime. For anything.”
I nod, pulling away. He gives me one last smile before waving at the girls and heading back down the sidewalk.
“This is amazing,” Karen says, pulling on a black Ransom hoodie. “Hats and gloves, too!” She looks at me. “I’d be your friend regardless, Daisy, but I’m particularly glad that I’m your friend right now.”