Private Lessons

If I told her that I would rather keep her to myself rather than letting the world know of her existence, she might make a run for it.

“If you stumble after a bad performance, I don’t think you’ll take too well if articles came out slandering you for anything those idiots could find.”

She was frowning. Shit.

“So the media can wait,” Travis spoke back up. “I have a list of contacts I’ll need to speak with. The tours have been announced, tickets are rolling in.” He looked back at Chelsea, offering a light smile. “I can find someone to put under contract for you. Especially if you want to start your career with a boost once you’re done working with Mr. Rowe.”

Done working with me? Was Travis already planning on separating us the moment the tour ended? Surely she wouldn’t want to jump into something so quickly, right? In her eyes, I couldn’t have been some stepping stone.

Finally, Chelsea smiled at Travis. “That sounds wonderful, though I’m not in any rush.” She then looked my way, her smile feeling less sincere. “Unless you’re feeling embarrassed for asking me to join you, please don’t postpone your normal process. You can tell everyone I’ll be joining you for the tour, I can handle it.” She then looked out the window, her frown returning.

If I opened my mouth and spoke, I knew I’d bury myself even deeper. Knowing I’d offended her, my own frown appeared.

An apology would probably be the first step into fixing her crushed feelings. I didn’t apologize, not often enough to say the words from my heart. Instead of doing the smart thing, I did the same as her. Watched our surroundings.

Travis continued talking about the schedule, staying on task like I should’ve been doing. At least he had his stuff together.

Chelsea made everything so complicated.

So far, I’d only made her frown. Hopefully after today, I’d be able to make her smile.