“What’s going on?” Chaser’s murderous expression softens as he comes closer to me. “I thought you were coming right back?”
“I met some girls in the bathroom.” I throw a glare at Andrew. “They told me the significance of the T-shirt Andrew gave me. I stopped by his dressing room to give him my opinion on the matter, but he was busy with someone, who wasn’t Pamela, so I left, and he followed.”
Chaser closes his eyes for a second, and I swear he’s either praying or trying not to laugh.
“You knew, didn’t you?” I sock Chaser in the gut.
“I suspected,” he clarifies, wrapping his hand around my fist and tugging me closer.
“It’s just a shirt,” Andrew grumbles. “I knew Chaser wouldn’t let you wear it. I was just fucking around. We always play pranks on the opening band.”
“Smear some Vaseline on Jacob’s mic or dump confetti on them during the last song.” God, I wish I had something to smack him with right now. “Don’t humiliate me.”
Andrew squints and scratches the side of his head. “Fucking me is humiliating?”
Chaser takes a step forward, but I wrap myself around one of his arms and use all my weight to hold him back.
Andrew holds up his hands. “You know what I mean.”
“And you know what I meant,” I snap.
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry.” He holds out his arms, preparing to embrace both of us. “I love you guys. You’re like my favorite people. Don’t be pissed. Please?”
When neither of us respond, Andrew drops his arms. “Okay, not ready to hug it out. That’s cool.”
“I need to finish that interview,” Chaser says to me.
I slip my hand into his and he opens the door.
“Mallory, wait.” Andrew touches my shoulder.
“Get your filthy fucking hand off her.” Chaser reaches past me and slaps his palm against Andrew’s chest, shoving him away.
“Fine.” Andrew sticks his hands in the air but holds my gaze. “Don’t say anything to Pammy. She knows, but she doesn’t want to know. You feel me?”
“Whatever, Andrew.”
Quite a crowd has gathered outside the room. Chaser throws his arm around my shoulders, keeping me close, as we push our way through.
“Chaser, did you and Andrew have a fight?”
“Were you fighting over Mallory?”
“Is it true you pulled a gun on Andrew?”
“Mallory, are you sleeping with Andrew Lane?”
I whirl around seeking the person who asked that question, but Chaser pulls me forward. “Ignore it.”
We work our way into Kickstart’s dressing room, and Chaser shuts the door. “Are you okay?” he asks in a hushed tone.
I glance toward the door where the band was being interviewed, but it’s still closed. “Did you know?”
He sighs. “Listen, I’m not lodged so far up Andrew’s ass that I know the details, but I strongly suspected it was the same shirt. I wouldn’t have wanted you to wear it no matter what. But I definitely couldn’t have you wearing it if I was right.”
“Why didn’t you explain it to me?”
“I was hoping you’d never find out.” He shakes his head. “I didn’t want your feelings hurt.”
“Did you know he cheats on Pamela?”
He rolls his eyes. “Who doesn’t know?”
“Dammit, Chaser. I work with her.”
“I’m not sticking my nose in their business.” He scowls at the door. “Although, after the last two nights, I’m tempted.”
I rest the back of my hand against his cheek. “Forget about Andrew. You need to calm down and finish that interview.”
He takes a long deep breath.
“Rolling Stone is here to interview Kickstart.” I raise my fists in the air and let out a hushed cheer. “Yay!”
Finally, he cracks a smile.
We enter the interview room, and the woman stands. “Everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine,” Chaser answers with perfect calm.
He must sense that’s I’m still rattled and pulls me over to the couch and into his lap when he takes his place in the corner.
“So, Chaser, rumor has it you’ve been asked to play on a few songs for legendary pop singer, Mitchell Howard’s new album. How’d that happen?”
Jacob casts a look Chaser’s way.
Why hello cat, guess you’re leaving the bag now.
“Uh, he called me out of the blue. Said he dug my playing and asked if I’d come down to the studio and try a few things. Nothing’s written in stone yet,” Chaser explains.
“That’s great.” She eyes the rest of the band. “Anyone else have any side projects they’re working on?”
“Nah, we’re all too committed to this tour and recording Kickstart’s next album as soon as we get off the road,” Jacob answers for everyone.
As if Chaser isn’t committed.
Chaser wouldn’t have time to entertain Michell’s offer if he didn’t have to sit around waiting for Jacob to pull himself together with alarming frequency. How badly I want to blab about all the wasted studio and rehearsal time the band’s endured because of Jacob.
Instead, I sit there, smile pretty, and when I’m asked, gush about how excited I am for tonight’s show.