Page 61 of The Comeback Tour
As I tiptoe back into the room, Jax is just finishing up the interview. He doesn’t hear me come in and I don’t want to interrupt, so I stand quietly by the door and listen to his response. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to secretly listen to what he’s saying about me.
When Jax said he doesn’t want to spend a day without me, my heart almost bursts like a confetti cannon. That statement is basically more romantic than the vows Collin said to me during our wedding. Not that I constantly compare the relationship. But how can I not acknowledge that this right here is what love is supposed to be like? And I’m so happy I was brave enough to end my marriage, even though I was comfortable in it, because I opened myself up to this relationship. I could be missing all this if I stayed married. I would be home right now, eating dinner with Collin while he ignored me and scrolled on his cell phone. Instead, I’m on tour, at a hotel, listening to a man who is crazy about me confess his feelings without caring about opinions. Jax wraps up his interview and I move to join him sitting on the bed.
“What you said about me was really sweet. How did the rest of the interview go?”
“I didn’t hear you come in.” Jax puts his arm around me. “The reporter was tough. She dug deep trying to get a scoop, but there’s no dirt. Just the truth.”
Now, we just have to hope the truth makes the headlines, I think, as we leave the hotel and head to the venue.
* * *
After soundcheck, Hayley, Jayce, Harry, Chris, and some other crew members join Jax and I at a local hot-spot for dinner. I can see why the community loves this place. Generational photos of the owner’s family line the walls. The menu boasts family recipes. Everyone on staff is welcoming and it’s evident they all take pride in their jobs.
As predicted, all heads turn as we enter. I can feel everyone’s eyes, especially on me. In a few days, once the cover story hits newsstands, the mystery will be revealed to curious onlookers. I try to act like I’m used to being part of a pop entourage.
Hayley sits on a plush chair to my left and Jax to my right. I learn Jax is a sucker for a good special and orders a sample of every dish from the calamari to the truffle pasta. I’m a sucker for him.
The guys are in a total boy zone—involved in their own conversation about the latest social media memes and comedy shows on TV—but Jax keeps his hand on my thigh, stroking my leg as he speaks.
“How was your bath?” I ask Hayley.
“Glorious. I got to thinking about a lot.”
We speak low so no one can hear us. “What did you discover?” Jax rubs his hand further up my leg, but I try to stay focused on my conversation.
“I need to give Jayce an ultimatum. He needs to grow up a bit or I’m out.”
“I think it’s definitely worth having a conversation with him about how you’re feeling. If there’s one thing I have learned from following the posts in my divorce support group, it’s that a relationship can’t last without honest communication.” I gently tap Jax’s hand and lead it back down my leg.
I also want to encourage Hayley to pursue her goals. “What about your dreams? Did you think about what you want to do with your career?”
“A little. I think this is going to be my last tour as a merch girl. I need to take some time, go back home, and see where it leads me.” Hayley wipes the condensation off her glass with her thumb, circling it repeatedly in a nervous motion.
“So that will impact Jayce, too. Do you live together?”
“We split time between my house and his. He’s in Florida, so it’s nicer for us to be there in the winter.”
“It sounds like you two have a lot to talk about. Why don’t you try to get some alone time tomorrow when we make our next stop? Maybe a nice lunch or something?”
“That’s a really good idea. I need to peel him away from the guys. And the beer.” Hayley darts her eyes in Jayce’s direction.
Someone is clinking a spoon to a glass to get everyone’s attention. Harry stands up and says, “I’d like to make a toast since this is our first official tour family dinner. To Jax, and his new album, and this dedicated crew. We couldn’t do it all without you.”
Everyone cheers and raises their glass. I hold up a glass of sparkling water and Jax notices I’m not drinking. Time for me to make another big reveal.
I lean towards his ear and tell Jax, “I actually don’t drink.” This could be the moment he decides I’m too much of a good girl. Usually, I just find it annoying when I meet new people and have to explain or justify that I don’t drink. No one makes a big deal if you don’t smoke or do drugs. It’s just expected that everyone drinks alcohol. I’ve always been the outcast holding on strong to my beliefs of maintaining a sober lifestyle and I’m proud of it. But I don’t know how important it is for Jax to have a girlfriend who fits in with social norms.
“Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me,” Jax says. “Another refreshing thing about you.”
Wow. It’s so nice not to have a guy pressure me to drink. Or ask if I want just a sip from his glass. Jax just respects me and my decisions.
I hope that Hayley can get that same support from Jayce. As our appetizers come out, I notice them sharing food off each other’s plates. There’s definite chemistry. But I hope she doesn’t have to learn the hard way that chemistry isn’t enough to sustain a relationship.
Harry takes out his cell phone and snaps a few photos of the group as we’re all laughing. I want to freeze this moment in time, but I also can’t wait to see what the future will bring. First though, we need to get through tonight’s show and the photoshoot. Because as soon as those headlines come, I am pretty sure that my privacy will be a thing of the past.
Trash the Dress Online Chat
Cailin:Everything is about to change. Eeek!