Page 5 of When We Fell Again
Idol Rev’s tour was a university tour where the fan base would be anything but quiet, and if I managed to get through the night without getting a pint chucked over me, it would be a miracle.
There was also something else, which I didn’t want to mention to Theo.
Jordan Bowie, their lead singer, was my ex.
In this industry, it was a surprise we hadn’t come across each other sooner. But I’d deliberately chosen to work with smaller, less well-known artists up until getting involved with Theo. He ran a tour management company and had access to a wider range of tours to work on, which usually meant more money, and I wasn’t about to turn down that opportunity.
But the thought of spending the best part of two weeks on the road with my universitysweetheartleft me cold.
“Alexis? You still there?” Theo’s voice intruded into my thoughts.
“What about Lissy?” I protested. “I’ve got everything set up for her.”
“Chris has done all the prep work for the tour. All you need to do is be there and make sure there aren’t any fuck-ups.”
Oh, that should be super simple where Jordan Bowie’s involved.
“You should also know there’s already a bit of a sticking point that their manager told me about today. Apparently, Jordan has dislocated his shoulder, which is casting some doubt on the dates anyway.”
I narrowed my eyes. Why didn’t that piece of news shock me? “If you think they’re going to cancel the tour, you don’t need me.”
Theo let out a hard breath. “Kelvin’s not sure what it means and Jordan’s adamant he’s going on stage. I need someone responsible to be there with them, who’s not going to be distracted. As much as I admire Chris, his mind’s not on the job right now.” He paused. “Please, Alexis. You’re the best person for this.”
Chewing on my bottom lip, I thought about how distractedImight be with Jordan in such close proximity. But it seemed like I didn’t have much of a choice.
“Send me over the details. I’ll touch base with Kelvin over the next couple of days.” I sighed. “Who’s going to look after Lissy? She’s already a bag of nerves over these shows and will need some hand-holding.”
“I might do it myself. It’s been a while since I’ve done a small tour and there’s a window in my diary.” I could hear Theo’s fingers tapping on a keyboard and within seconds, an email popped up on my laptop. “There you go. Call me if you’ve got any questions. Thanks, Alexis. I owe you one.”
Oh, Theo. If only you knew how much.
Placing my glass on the table, I pulled my computer onto my lap and opened up Theo’s message. Chris had forwarded him the completed tour pack, consisting of an overall schedule and separate day sheets, contacts for the tech and sound guys, the finances, information on the band’s publicist, notes about working on the merchandise stand, plus all the information regarding transport and accommodation. He’d already done the donkey work, meaning all I had to do was show up for two weeks and make it happen.
How difficult could that be?
Had it been any other band, I’d have been excited to take on a bigger tour.
Had it been anyone other than Jordan Bowie, I’d have been so much happier.
Being the girlfriend of a talented up-and-coming rock star at university had been a privileged—if somewhat stressful—position. It had given me the love of live music that led me to a career in tour management. One that Jordan had resented and had played a huge part in our break-up. After university, we’d moved in together and I’d started interning with a record company, which led me to doing admin on some of the label’s tours. My boss at the time had been impressed with my work and asked if I wanted to go on tour to see what it was like. When I started spending extended periods of time away from home, Jordan’s jealousy came to the fore and he accused me of all sorts, none of which had any truth to them. The band was struggling and almost broke up when they couldn’t find a bassist. When the arguments overtook the good times, he pushed me away and we were over. Just like that.
It had been five years since we’d last set eyes on each other. Occasionally, I’d Googled him and the band to see how they were doing and, of course, they came up in conversations I’d had with other tour managers and publicists. Everything seemed to have been going well, right up until the previous year when they just… stopped.
Up until now.
This was the comeback tour, according to Chris’s notes. The chance to reconnect with their fans and find some new ones. And I would be the one responsible for making it happen.
Closing the lid on my laptop, I grabbed my glass and headed into the kitchen for a refill. Disappointingly, there was only enough for half a glass and I didn’t have another bottle. It was after nine and I couldn’t be arsed to pop over to the shop for a new one, so I’d have to make do. Taking a tiny sip to make it last, I went back into the living room and slumped on the sofa.
Alexis: Hey, babe. You around? X
While I waited for a reply, I started to check my socials. Within seconds, the screen lit up with Sadie Black’s number.
“Why are you calling me at this time on a Wednesday evening? You know I’m watching Love In The Cave.” My best friend huffed.
“You didn’t have to answer if you were busy.”
She sniffed in response. “It’s okay. This episode is really dull anyway. I haven’t seen Tommy’s chest so far.”
