Page 15 of Knot My Band: Part One
Oli doesn’t say anything, but there’s a softness in her eyes that tells me she appreciates the defense. She’s been putting up with enough crap; she doesn’t need more.
“Whatever,” Dax mutters, rolling his eyes before stomping off to pack up his gear.
Chase, ever the smooth operator, does the same thing he’s been doing after every rehearsal. “Hey, Oli,” he says, his voice dripping with that charm that makes girls swoon on cue. “Do you want to grab some food with us? My treat.”
Oli tosses her pink hair back with a laugh that rings lightand clear. “Thanks, Chase, but I’ve got plans tonight.” She pats him on the arm, a friendly gesture that somehow doesn’t diminish the sting of rejection.
She always says no, and it’s all Dax’s fault.
“Rain check then?” Chase asks, hopeful as ever.
“Rain check,” she confirms with a nod, her bright green eyes dancing with mirth. Every day, the answer is a rain check.
I feel a twinge of disappointment in my gut. It’s irrational, I know, given that we’ll all be crammed onto a tour bus for who knows how long starting tomorrow. But I can’t shake the feeling that I want more time with her.
Chase must feel the same because he changes his approach. He’s always been a playboy with girls lined up. Sometimes, he says nothing and a girl hands him her bra. So when he blurts out, “By the way, I like your pink hair,” I’m shocked.
It’s the least smooth thing I’ve ever heard him say. Maybe it has to do with the fact that he hasn’t hooked up with anyone since we met Oli.
None of us have.
Oli puts a hand on her hip. “Actually, it’s rose gold. A very important distinction.”
“Got it,little rose.I won’t make that mistake again,” Chase swears with a hand over his chest.
Oli stares at him for a few seconds, deciding if she believes him before nodding and moving towards the door.
“See you guys tomorrow,” Oli calls out, swiping up her jacket from the back of a chair and slinging it over her shoulder. She sends a smile my way, one that lingers just a second too long, sending my heart into an erratic rhythm.
As she exits the rehearsal space, I realize that tomorrow can’t come soon enough. The bus will be close quarters, sure,but it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to get to know Oli Hart and get her to want to spend time with us, too.
Oli
OMEGA BUZZ GOSSIP COLUMN
THE ALPHA AND OMEGA TOUR STARTS TODAY IN DENVER FOR THREE NIGHTS
March 30th
The morning of our first show, I take a flight from California to Colorado. When I get to my tour bus, the sun is just rising over the horizon. I am buzzing with energy and dying to set up my space for the next three months.
As an omega, I need a nest to feel safe and secure. The only way to do that while on a world tour is to use the bus. There’s a bedroom at the back which has been allocated to me.
I’ve always felt bad taking it and leaving the rest of the band to use the bunks, but I tried going without one before, and I lost my mind.
Trevor said the guys agreed it was fine, so here I am, bright and early, to set it up before our first show tonight.
I beeline to the back of the bus to see that everything I ordered has been delivered and placed right outside the door. Thank God they didn’t go into the bedroom. I wouldn’t want someone else’s scent in my nest.
My fingers dance over the soft fabrics. There are velvety pillows in shades of midnight and plum and blankets as fluffy as clouds. Each one has been handpicked for comfort.
I let my instincts take over as I arrange the space.
Starting with the biggest pillow, I plump it up just right and angle it against the headboard. Then comes the layering—blankets first, cascading over the sides, followed by smaller pillows for that extra plush factor. I tuck one under the other, squishing them into the perfect arrangement.
With each piece I place, my heart rate slows, and my breath evens out.
I am so absorbed in the work that I am shocked to hear the tour bus door burst open.
