When I look down, I see the Papa Roach shirt he gave me.
The one I refused to wash for a month straight because it still smelled like him and my dumb teenage broken heart kept hoping he’d contact me and apologize for hooking up with Sabrina.
I shrug nonchalantly so he won’t read too much into it. “It’s not the band’s fault you’re an asshole.”
He stares at his former shirt for a few more moments before walking to the door.
I take a deep, cleansing breath; thankful he’s going because I hate these conflicting feelings oscillating within me whenever we’re in the same room.
He’s almost to the door when he halts his steps.
“I wasn’t pretending with you, Lennon.” Turning, he holds my gaze. “And yeah, I’ve fucked a lot of women.” His expression turns pained and his voice drops to a whisper. “Because after things ended between us, I knew I lost you for good.”
My heart folds in on itself as he walks out.
Yeah…you did.
CHAPTER 34
PHOENIX
Lennon scowls from her new bunk. “Stop staring at me.”
Apparently the one beneath mine was too close for comfort after last night’s conversation, so she asked Storm to switch when we loaded onto the bus.
What she didn’t realize at the time was that his bunk is directly across from mine. Which gives me a prime view of her.
She’s currently sitting with her legs tucked underneath her while listening to music on her phone…trying her best to ignore me.
“Can we switch back?” Lennon asks when Storm passes us on his way to the bathroom.
The look I give him makes it clear I oppose it.
“No backsies,” he mumbles before disappearing.
However, my victory is short-lived because George the wannabe climbs out of his bottom bunk. “I’ll switch with you.”
Asswipe. “Can’t,” I inform him. “Only original members of the band can authorize bunk arrangements.”
It’s a bullshit rule I just made up on the fly.
One Lennon calls me out on. “Oh, please. Since when?”
“Since always.” I knock on the bunk above mine. “Tell her, Memphis.”
“It’s true,” he says in a sleepy voice.
“You’re being juvenile,” Lennon mutters before regarding George. “Want to go watch a movie?”
“Sure.”
Not happening. Not without me anyway.
I’ve seen the way George looks at her, and if the motherfucker values his eyeballs, he’ll cut the shit out.
She might not be my friend, but she sure as fuck isn’t his. Or anyone else’s.
Exiting my bunk, I stand and stretch. “Which one do you have in mind? I prefer action flicks, but I can get down with some suspense or horror.”
Lennon looks like she’s about to throw a hissy fit, but the sliding door opens, and Chandler comes in.
“A word, Phoenix.”
It’s never just a word with him. It’s a never-ending sermon.
I don’t miss the taunting look Lennon gives me before she and George head toward the back of the bus.
“What do you want?” I bark as Chandler gestures for me to follow him into the kitchen.
Frustration colors his face as he takes a seat at the small table. “Did you call Skylar like I asked you to the other day?”
I don’t recall him asking. I recall him demanding I call her because evidently some of our fans are complaining online about me no longer singing Sharp Objects at concerts.
However, talking to Skylar is the last thing I want to do. “No.”
The bus comes to an abrupt stop in front of a hotel, which is weird because we’re nowhere near Colorado. “Why are we stopping here?”
Ignoring my question, he huffs, “You better get a pair of tweezers, pull out the bug that crawled up your ass, and sing the goddamn song at the next show.”
I can’t. Not while Lennon’s here.
“I’ll call Skylar later.”
That will get him off my case for a bit.
He smiles snidely. “No need.”
Without warning, the bus door opens, and a familiar petite blonde climbs up the stairs.
Fuck.
“Why is she here?”
“Nice to see you too, Phoenix,” Skylar chirps as she wheels her luggage on board, although she doesn’t make eye contact.
I don’t blame her. I can barely look at myself in the mirror these days.
Outrage and guilt coil in my gut. “You didn’t need to drag her on tour because of a damn song.”
“Simmer down,” Chandler says. “You’re not the only one giving me issues.”
That’s news to me. “Who else is causing problems?”
The door to the bunk area opens and Memphis—who was about to walk out—freezes when he sees Skylar.
Chandler’s eyes become tiny slits. “Him.”
Unlike Storm, who butts his nose in my business and brought Lennon here, I exit the kitchen.
Memphis is my boy, but—not my monkeys, not my circus.
Fuck knows I have enough of my own shit to deal with.
Like Lennon cozying up in the movie room with George when she’s supposed to be here for me.
If I had any doubt George is into Lennon, I don’t anymore. Not only do I catch him staring at her every couple of minutes…they’re watching some romantic comedy movie.
One I’m now forced to suffer through.
I’m relieved when the credits finally start rolling.
Until he opens his big, fat trap.
“Want to watch another one?”
Fucking hell.
Lennon opens her mouth, but I cut her off before she gets a word out. “She can’t. We have important business matters to discuss.”
That earns me a look from Lennon. “What important business matters?”
I glare at George. “Do you mind?”
The glare he returns tells me he does, but I don’t give a fuck.
He rises off the couch. “No problem. I have to give my mom a call anyway.”
Jesus. What a loser.
Lennon’s expression softens. “I had fun.”
Liar.
The dirt on the bottom of my shoe is more appealing than this dipshit.
“Me too.”
George gives her that look again. The one that makes it clear he wants to fuck her more than he wants his next breath.
Tough fucking shit.
The moment he leaves, I cross my arms and smile. “You’re welcome.”
Arching an eyebrow, Lennon shifts toward me. “For what?”
I jut my chin at the door. “Getting rid of him.”
Irritation creeps over her features. “I didn’t need you to get rid of him.”
Visibly frustrated, she rises from the couch.
I figured she’d be grateful, not upset.
Standing, I grab her arm before she walks out. “There’s no way you’re into that guy.”
He’s not her type. Not only in the looks department, but the dude has the personality and merit of a used condom.
Lennon needs someone who’s not afraid to challenge her and show her new things.
Someone who’s not afraid to fight with her.