Page 35 of Knot My Band: Part One
Chase grabs my hand and kisses the back of it. “That’s why you’re different. You’ve never put us down, only advocated for more of our success.”
“Thanks, Chase.” I manage a smile, surprised by how much I mean it. Their honesty makes me feel closer to them. Connected.
“Oli,” Aiden starts, his voice wrapping around me like a warm blanket, “we’re in this together, now more than ever.”
Jack nods, his dark eyes sincere. “Yeah, we’re not letting anyone mess with our omega. You got that?”
“Damn straight,” Chase adds, his arm finding its way around my shoulders, a silent vow of protection.
And then there’s Dax, silent Dax with his strong jaw set in determination. He doesn’t say anything.
“We will reach out to some connections we have in the press and have them write some positive articles to bury this one,” Jack says, pulling out his phone.
I put my hand over his phone, stopping him. “Don’t. We’ve already been getting great reviews. I don’t care what she thinks of my voice when it’s all bitter jealousy. After May’s scandal kicked her out of the band, no one will read that and think she’s in the right.”
“You’re always so positive,” Chase says with a bright smile, which I copy.
I shrug. “It’s my preferred state of being.”
“You’re right, Oli. We won’t let May bring us down. She’s out of the band and out of our lives. We can’t let her take up space in our minds anymore,” Aiden says.
I lean forward and squeeze his knee in agreement.
“Well then, where did we land on donuts?” Chase asks, rubbing his hands together.
“After dealing with that, we deserve them,” I say.
We make the whole brigade stop for donuts, and the first bite of a chocolate glaze makes it worth it.
I buy out the shop, and the whole crew gets a treat, too, making me happy.
When other people spread hate, I choose to spread joy.
May won’t take that from me or the guys anymore.
Aiden
ALPHA TEA GOSSIP COLUMN
VANCOUVER WELCOMES OLI HART WITH CROWDS GATHERED AROUND THE STADIUM
April 10th
The roar of the crowd still echoes in my ears as I step onto the tour bus, a satisfied hum vibrating through me. We nailed it tonight—Vancouver didn’t know what hit them. The guys shuffle past, their energy a mix of exhaustion and adrenaline, but there’s one person whose attention I’m desperately waiting to catch.
We settle around the couch as the bus’ engine grumbles to life beneath us, the gentle sway of the bus signaling our departure.
Oli springs from her seat with a bright grin. “I’m going to shower if you four don’t mind me going first?”
She does this every time and I think she might be starting to realize we all wait her out to let her go first. It’s sweet that she doesn’t want to assume, but all of us enjoy taking care of her this way.
Even Dax, though he won’t admit it.
Her bangs bounce as she disappears toward the back.
I sink into my seat, hearing the muffled patter of water begin, and suddenly, I’m aware of just how empty the space beside me feels. My leg starts bouncing, a telltale sign of the restlessness gnawing at me. My fingers tap an irregular rhythm against my thigh, mimicking the erratic beat of my heart.
I want time with Oli, the kind of time where it’s just her beautiful eyes, that sunshine smile, and me, but how do you even ask for that? Especially when you’re the guy who usually fades into the background.
