Page 47 of Reverb
Marcella lifted an eyebrow, then swung across the aisle to sit next to him. David forestalled any questions by asking one of his own. “So why is it you ride on the crew bus and not with the band?”
Shock overtook Marcella, then she laughed. “I could ask you the same, you know. Would make more sense for security to be riding with them.”
David looked away, focusing on the floor of the bus. Yeah, that did make more sense, and they had the berth space, too. “They’re such a tight-knit group.”
“That’s exactly why I’m here and not there.” She folded her hands into her lap. Well-kept nails with green sparkling nail polish at the ends of slender fingers. They went well with her dark hair and golden complexion. She’d changed out of her skirt and suit into jeans and a blouse, but looked a hell of a lot more put together than he did. “Back when I took this job, I knew I would have to be a stellar manager, fight for the bandandto prove I could do my job. I also had to step so carefully. This band was put through hell by that asshole before me. Ray nearlydied. Part of what I needed to do was to give them the space they needed to heal and grow after that. To become the family they were already forming for each other.”
“But Ray trusts you.” He saw that in Ray’s smile and the way he spoke to Marcella.
“Nowhe trusts me,” she said. “That wasn’t always the case. I had to earn his trust.”
Something in the way she’d said that set him on edge. “You think I don’t have to earn his trust and respect?”
“Of course you do. And youhave, David.” She cocked her head and studied him. “You’re also being very careful about your friendship with Mish.”
This time, he looked out at the highway as they sped along. “I’m not being careful. I should be, but I’m not.”
“Some bonds are important to build.”
That made him snap back and study her. “You’re saying I should buildbondswith Mish?”
“I’m staying that Twisted Wishes has its own rhyme and reason. Their dynamic is different from any other band I’ve worked with. They build friendships. Relationships. Passion that isn’t just in their fans. Ask anyone who’s ever worked for them. Being closer to Mish isn’t going to hinder you on the job. If anything, it’ll only help.”
“You can’t know that.” But he did know what happened getting too close. He’d seen it happen with others in similar situations. He’d fucking lost people.
He pushed the thought from his mind. He didn’t need those memories, either.
She pursed her lips in thatmaybe, maybe notway. “Ihavebeen working with Twisted Wishes a little longer than you.”
True. He raked a hand through his hair. Everything aboutthisjob, about Twisted Wishes, threw him for a loop. “What about the press?”
She laughed outright at that. “Oh, leave them to me. That’s why I’m here, after all.” She turned thoughtful. “Don’t have any scandals in your closet, do you?”
He shook his head. Everything that happened overseas had been the price of war. The only item in his closet was his birth name. “But I do have stuff I want to keep private, you know?”
“Don’t we all. Such is business. Like I said, leave the press to me. Also, no one here will think one way or another if you fall in with Mish. Or if you don’t. Or if you two just—” She waved a hand. “Everyone loves her, and you’re a good guy.”
“She’s gotten close to the crew before?”
A wry smile. “So did Ray, I hear, before Zavier joined the band. It happens.”
But did it happen to him? Should it? David grunted. “You know, bouncing at events and corporate security was easier than this.”
“Well, yeah. Rock’s got its own rules. But it’s got to be more fun than a room full of suits.”
“Oh yeah.” Couldn’t help the smile. “This is the most fun I’ve had. But also the most frustrating.” He held up his hand. “And I’m not talking about Mish. I mean her stalker.”
That sobered Marcella. “I know we’re going to cover that in detail tomorrow, but I wish you could find the guy.”
“Me, too. Would make life easier.” And his mind less conflicted.
She blew out a breath. “I’m curious about your theories, but I also don’t want to work myself up, so let’s table that until tomorrow as planned. And if you do decide to hook up with Mish, I’ll keep you and her out of the press until such a time you both want tobein the press. Deal?” She stuck out her hand.
He clasped it. A warm and firm handshake. “Deal.”
She let go, then shimmed up toward the front of the bus. “Hey, are there any more of those beers left?”
David folded his arms across his chest. He could use a drink, in some respects. But he wanted to be completely sober when they arrived at the hotel.
