"So... who are you with?" The burly security guard steps forward, barring your way.
"I'm with the band," you say, your voice loaded with suggestiveness, and it doesn't go unnoticed.
He raises an eyebrow, taking in your too-tight dress and cherry red...
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My ears are ringing from the noisy bar so it's a struggle to listen for Jack's footsteps heading away. I try anyway, ear pressed up against the flimsy door that I uneasily realise isn't much of a barrier between me and the rest of the tour bus. There's not even a lock I can slide across.
I reason that there's no way Jack would come in here though, even if he was a total creep he wouldn't risk trying anything on with the state I'm in and the knowledge that I'm related to Larry... would he? I think back to my conversation with Lisa that I rudely cut short. This is exactly the sort of thing she was trying to warn me about I'm sure.
Fuck... my head's swimming and my legs feel weak and shaky after my fall. I peel myself away from the door and flop down on to the makeshift bed I'd created earlier by sliding the two couches together. I'm shattered now and I'd be tempted to try and sleep but knowing the amount of alcohol in my system I'll probably be close to comatose as soon as I shut my eyes. The thought of blacking out makes me feel vulnerable, especially when a muted clattering from somewhere on the tour bus not a million miles away from my door reminds me that Jack's still out there lingering around.
I really don't want to be on my own right now. I slip my phone out of my bag and quickly scroll through my contacts. I don't have Lisa's number and I know if I call Larry he'll pick up on the worry in my voice even if I try to hide it. I really don't want to cause a fuss on night one of the tour, it's a guaranteed one-way ticket back to Llandudno as I'm positive that my killjoy cousin will be reporting anything concerning my welfare straight back to my aunt and uncle.
That just leaves Van and Johnny. I'm not in the mood right now to deal with what would likely be a very over-the-top reaction to my predicament from Van so it's an easy choice to make.
The first call goes straight to answerphone and I start to panic when I hear a faint scuffling sound right outside the door, quickly jabbing the call button again. After three rings he picks up.
"Arabella love? Where did ya get to? Am just heading back to the bus..."
"Johnny... come back... come back quick... please!"
My voice cracks on the last word and I take a deep breath, trying to stifle the sob but it escapes anyway, and Johnny's tone changes immediately, his voice coming loud and urgent.
"What's up? Are ya okay? You don't sound good. Tell me where ya are love."
"I'm on the bus," I croak out, quieter now as I hear a rap on the door. "Please hurry!"
"Am coming right now don't worry, am coming as fast as I can. Stay where you are." He keeps the call open and I'm thankful for that as another rap sounds, sharper this time.
"You alright in there darlin'?" Comes Jack's voice through the thin plastic door. I can hear Johnny panting now like he's running and the thought of him rushing to get to me calms me a little.
