Die In California

16

Rook's POV:

When we were in New York, Kells and I came up with a plan. We saw how Devyn fitted in with us, and how she failed to bring up going home - surely a clear sign that she wanted to stay. So we took a chance on us being right, and made a plan to go into Cleveland when we got back. So that's where we headed to that day. I was actually kind of glad that Slim asked her to go to the studio; we'd avoid any questions and seeming suspicious, since she'd be distracted.

I got changed into some black skinny jeans, a black t-shirt, and a black denim jacket, pulling on my boots, fixing my chains around my neck and wrist, and then stuffing my black Est XX bandana into my back pocket, letting it hang down. I then spent my time styling my hair up in the usual quiff, making sure it was perfect before heading over to Devyn's room.

I lightly knocked on her door and made my way in, sitting on the bed. "Just goin' out with Kells. I'll be back later." I watched her as she moved around her bedroom. She looked good, wearing clothes other than sweats, with her hair actually styled in something other than a messy bun or messily falling down her back. She looked more like herself. And it looked fucking good on her.

"If you need anything, just tell Slim, he'll sort you out." I spoke up. It was probably going to be the first time we'd all split up since she came to Cleveland with us, and I didn't want her to feel like she couldn't ask for what she wanted, or like she was imposing. I wanted her to feel confident in herself, and confident enough around the others to be herself, rather than hiding how she felt. "And enjoy yourself! You're lucky getting invited." I added, hoping a bit of teasing would lighten the mood and mask my anxiety on behalf of her.

"Enjoy your day with your husband." She teased me back as I stood up. I rolled my eyes in hope of continuing the playful mood as I pulled her in for a hug. I'd missed her hugs. The way she fit into my hold, her head the same level as mine, but it never made me feel short. We just fit together perfectly. And the way she wrapped her arms around my waist, her head bending down a little to rest on my shoulder, while I rested the side of my head against hers. "I will." I lightly laughed, reluctantly pulling away from her as Kells yelled at me to go.

I met Kells out at his car, climbing into the passenger seat and setting up the playlist while he reached over to slap me. "My car, my rules." He aggressively pointed to himself, making me laugh as I just shrugged and continued picking the songs.
"You gon' drive or what?" I tapped his arm. He shook his head and sped off into town, checking his phone for directions.

We went to the first place on our list, walking out with no such luck, meaning we had to go on a trail. It was tiresome, being rejected so often, but we wouldn't stop until we won gold. We were determined. "This next one has gotta be it, or I swear to fuck I'm gon' kill them." Kells grumbled as he drove us to the last one on our list. I sighed and nodded in agreement, my stomach twisting at the thought of this not working out, and the disappointment.
"I'll do fucking anything." I mumbled, staring out of the window.

We parked outside the studio, literally outside the door, then walked inside, the bell above the door ringing. A friendly-looking woman walked through, greeting us with a smile. She looked like she was from the past, wearing a vintage red dress with white polka dots, the thick black straps tying behind her neck. She had a thick black leather belt around her thin waist, with single grommet eyelets around the belt. That combined with her black boots and fishnet tights made her look a bit more edgy, and her hair was tied up in a messy back-combed ponytail.

"Hi, guys! How can I help you?" She greeted us with a bright smile, moving to stand behind the front desk.
"Uh, we're looking for job vacancies." Kells explained, leaning against the desk in hopes of charming her into giving us what we wanted. This was our last option.
"Okay..." She slowly nodded. Her tone seemed unsure. Fuck. "We're not looking for anyone at the moment-" That was it. Our last option was fucked. Our whole list was a load of fucking ass. It wasn't going to happen.