The Perfect Duo

Chapter 5

"Are you ok?"

I must've been asked that question at least a dozen times since yesterday and my answer was always the same.

"Fine."

It was silent while Mari worked on my hair. We had a show in a few hours and I was trying to get into the right mindset. I couldn't afford to let my thoughts wander to the gruesome package I found on the bus only 24 hours ago.

"I still can't believe some crazed person was in here." Her eyes shot around the empty bus as if expecting someone to jump out.

"It's ok." I reassured her. "The security team searched everything, there's no one here."

She let out a sigh. "Speaking of security, I noticed Roman's taking it kind of hard."

"He blames himself." I understood why he did. Roman took his job seriously and although my life wasn't in any immediate danger, he didn't like the thought of someone getting so close right under his nose.

"Of course he does. That guy is way too hard on himself. If you got a cold, he'd blame himself." Putting the last hairpin in place, she took a step back to admire her work. She had my hair in three French braids which were pulled up into a regal bun, it looked awesome. "What does Justin say about it anyway? I mean the note is clearly about him right?"

I took a deep breath. "Yeah, but he doesn't seem too worried about it. He just chalked it up to an overzealous fan just trying to break us up."

Remembering how he glanced over the bloody doll and note like they were nothing really irritated me. Sure he gets a lot of hate mail and being his "girlfriend" made me the target of many jealous fans who didn't think I was good enough for him, but a 'dead baby'? It just seemed like there was more to this.

"I guess this type of stuff happens to him a lot. I remember reading once that Selena Gomez was getting a lot of threatening and straight up sick shit delivered to her house. Some crazy ass people out there." Once she was satisfied with my hair she started to clean up her supplies which were scattered all over the desktop, when she noticed I hadn't moved she stopped and squeezed my shoulder. "Hey are you sure you're ok with me leaving? I'm know my dad would understand if you wanted me to stay."

I was immediately grateful for Mari's kindness. She was genuinely worried about me and truthfully I didn't want to stay in the bus by myself, but I was reassured by Roman that he was taking extra precautions and I was safe. Besides I could always ask Heidi or Lyle to stay with me. It might seem kind of odd to them that I wouldn't ask Justin but I could think of something. I hated how easy lying became lately.

"Oh my gosh, please, I'm fine. Any make-up or hair mishap I might have can be fixed and if I get freaked tonight I can always ask Justin to stay with me." Another lie. "Besides I already feel awful about not only missing his dinner last night but taking you away from him."

She had left her father's house immediately after I text her what happened. Even after everything calmed down she wouldn't leave insisting on staying with me all night. I felt horrible that she lost that time with her dad but was secretly happy she stayed. I knew I was safe but it was still unnerving that some possibly dangerous person was in my bus without anyone noticing.

Mari smiled and continued picking up. "Oh he's fine, but he does want a raincheck for dinner. I think he might have a little crush on you especially after I told him all about your charity work."

That managed to bring a smile out of me. I wish I could go with her, as much as I love performing my mind just wouldn't be in it tonight.

She left after she helped me get into the nude rhinestone leotard. It was tight and uncomfortable and the matching 6 inch heels did not help but it did look good against my olive skin tone. I wrapped a satin robe around myself before leaving too. Roman and two other men were right outside.