I've Got You

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I rejoined everyone inside a few minutes later. They were all sprawled out across Andy's living room. CC had flung himself across the recliner, Ashley was almost upside down on the couch with Jake next to him. Jinxx was on the floor, lying like a starfish. Andy was just coming down the stairs with a planner.

"Alright, everybody. Discussion time. TV off." Ashley threw the remote, and it hit Jinxx on the back of his neck. After some grumbled swears, he turned the TV off and sat up. Andy sat on the bottom of the stairs. I went and sat next to Jake, leaning towards the arm of the couch. I didn't want to seem like I was pressing against him.

"So, obviously, we have a little extra money left over since we're driving ourselves around for this tour. Normally, we'd be hiring someone to drive for us. But since we didn't, we have a little money left over. A lot left over, actually." I couldn't even imagine what Andy was getting at. A going-away party? Great. I wouldn't even be able to enjoy his last day here (tomorrow). When he drinks, he gets hammered.

"And since none of us wanted to sleep on the couch for the 4-bunker bus, we have 6 bunks. Which leaves us with a whole extra bunk." I had a hunch at this point. I didn't want to seem greedy by thinking it, but I was hoping Andy was trying to invite me to go with them. It would be the only option at this point, right? Since he'd brought up them having an extra bunk?

"I need honest opinions here. We all know Jayden's situation. He won't be angry or disown you if you disagree - but I think we should bring him on tour with us. Who says yes, and who says no?" The room was silent in the moment of thought. It was intense. I panicked. It's a no. I can't believe Andy even thought to ask. He should've known. They'd be so uncomfortable having a transgender person on tour with them. What'll happen with publicity? What if they lose fans? What if -

My rambling thoughts were cut short. Ashley spoke up.

"I think that would be awesome. We could fuck with him more than we already do. Why not?" A small chuckle circulated the room. CC whispered at first, then cleared his throat and began again from his recliner.

"Yeah, I agree. If we have the space, and we have the money - why not? He's already like a part of us. I'm all for it." Jinxx nodded.

"Me three," he began. "It would complicate everything between all of us if one of our buddies was stuck HERE." He motioned around him. Jake was seated beside me. Not a word had left his lips. Andy raised his eyebrow and turned to Jake.

"How about you, Jake? Thoughts? Opinions?" Jake slowly raised his head, but met nobody's gaze. With a slow intake of a breath, he spoke.

"I think...well, here's what I think," he stuttered. "I think it would be an awesome opportunity for bonding and things like that. But, what happens if it doesn't go the way we plan? Like, remember in the beginning with us? With all the rehearsals and things, we were in really close quarters. We fought all the time. I don't want things to get like that with Jayden. We need a backup plan in case things don't work out. Otherwise, I think it's pretty rad." Andy nodded.

"Yeah. I definitely agree. If it gets tough, I don't want Jayden to have to be stuck with us if he doesn't want to be. And vice versa. It's going to be 8 weeks. That's a whole 2 months. It might be tough at first, especially since you guys aren't as close with him as I am." With a wink, he made my heart flutter without even knowing it. I cringed inside, hoping he didn't notice anything. We seemed clear. Everyone was absorbed into their own thoughts, probably imagining what life would be like.

"Jay, we should probably go over details and stuff tonight. Make emergency contacts, pack - the norm."

"Yeah, of course!" I chirped. I couldn't believe this was actually an accepted idea. I thought nobody actually liked me. I thought they were putting up with me because of Andy. Boy, what a day!