On Tour

Chapter 8 - Embarrassed

GABRIELLA

As I enter the apartment, I remember that Victoria is on a date tonight and I feel annoyed that I can only rant to Velvet. Daan is a dick! I've been trying to explain what happened and he cut me off! And the condescending way he said I might break my neck in the dark! Who does he think he is to talk to me like that? I'm not a bitch and I'm a reasonable person. And people asking me if I have any interest in him! This is one more reason to avoid any kind of romantic relationships at work. Imagine finding out that he's an insufferable bastard and then having to see him daily. Do I have to thank Joel for helping me see the real side of Daan?

Joel was awfully quiet during rehearsal today. He won't be off the hook for what he did to me, but I can't prove it was him. I asked around if someone had seen anyone hanging my backpack from the rails but everyone had an alibi; eating lunch, having a smoke outside, not at the warehouse. He better keep quiet and not cross me. I still can't believe he and Ozzie are related because that kid is made of something different. 

Ozzie's revelation surprised me and my heart hasn't recovered from how emotional he got. Getting into relationships with older women as a coping mechanism has not been his best decision. My parents are still alive and healthy and I can't imagine how Ozzie must have felt to lose his only parent at such a young age. He's a charming guy and comes across so confident on stage that I never expected this vulnerable side where he's desperate for love and support. It makes me wonder if Joel's lifestyle has also become the way to cope with his loss and the responsibility to care for Ozzie.

Velvet watches me from the kitchen counter and seems to have no intention on becoming my companion for tonight. I think I'll draw a bath, see if Victoria left more sweets around and call it a night. I had dinner at the warehouse after the stage trials and avoided coming across Daan as much as possible. He probably did the same because at a certain moment, he sent a guy from his crew to ask me something on his behalf. I didn't mind.

JOEL

I've kept to myself to avoid attracting attention and hope that Gabriella didn't think I did it to hide something. I admit that I feel slightly guilty about her fall, but she could have asked someone to bring the bag down. The way she behaved was careless and I hope people took notice that the person they have asked to manage us is reckless.

"Anything good on stream for tonight? I ordered food," Ozzie startles me as he comes into the living room. "Guilty much?"

"Ha-ha," I say dryly.

"Admit it Joel. We all know you were the mastermind behind the prank with Gabriella's bag. I'm sure you didn't get on a crane yourself, but had a part in it."

I would be a fool if I open my mouth to respond to the accusation, so I stay quiet.

"Is that how things will be? You do shit that puts someone in danger and then keep quiet. Joel, she's a nice person and doesn't deserve stuff like that happening to her."

"She's only a manager, Oz. A pawn from the label."

"She's not only that. I experienced it myself. The guys we've had before only cared about bringing us from A to B and getting their paycheck. Today, we had a deep conversation. Something that I've never done before with anyone in the tour crew. She listened and I felt something."

"Are you desperately in love with her like you've been with all those women?" I huff and browse the streaming service on the TV.

"No, I'm not. She... Joel, she cares. Like true friends do. Like Lexy does."

"I don't think Gabriella cares about me," I shrug.

"How would you know? Since the moment you saw her, you've been against her, mocking her, being rude. Give her a chance to get to know you and get to know her."