Wren's P. O. V.
"So how long have you been in photography?" Corbyn asked. He had taken Jack's spot to look at the pictures.
"I guess I kind of started when I was 12. I just messed around with my mom's camera. I fell in love with it and decided to make a career out of it."
"That's cool," Aspen commented.
"Thanks." Daniel and Jack came in with big smiles on their faces and snacks in their hands.
"Two hours to go," the driver announced. We were going to Dallas, but we were staying in a hotel halfway there.
I put my laptop back in my bag and joined Jonah in his video game. Everyone laughed as the game ended and I kicked his butt.
"Hey, she has beginners luck!" Jonah said.
"Right," I said sarcastically. "Who's up next?"
"I got this," Zach said taking the controller from Jonah.
"Zach, even I can beat you and I've never played that game before," Aspen laughed. We all burst into laughter.
"Okay who taught you to play video games?" Corbyn asked when I beat Zach, Daniel, and Jack.
"My sister's boyfriend," I laughed. My sister hated it, but Charlie and I had so many nights where we stayed up till three in the morning playing video games.
We finally arrived at the hotel at about two in the morning. This time I was sharing with Daniel. Aspen wanted to share with Jack so he could take care of her or something. I wasn't really worried, Jack assured me.
"Wanna order a movie or something?" I asked snacking on some chips I took from Daniel's bag.
"Actually, Jack wants me to talk to you about something."
"What do you mean?"
"I know about you two."
"W-what about us?"
"That you like each other and that you've been sneaking around since tour started."
"Did Jack tell you?"
"I mean I've kinda known all along. Jack would never confess his feelings out of nowhere, and Aspen may not see the looks you two give each other, but I've seen them all," he chuckled.
"Oh," I whispered, a blush forming on my cheeks.
"Jack told me about David's plan at the gas station. I'm really sorry about that."
"It's fine. I'm glad I have this job, but sad because Jack has to do stuff he doesn't want to so I can be here."
"But I have an idea."
"What do you mean?"
"You haven't known Aspen for that long, but I have. It Jack is happy with you, she'll let him go."
"But what about David?"
"If Aspen breaks up with Jack, he won't do anything. She can blame the fans. It'll work."
"Is that what Jack's doing right now? Talking to Aspen?"
"Maybe."
"What if she gets upset, though? She really likes Jack, she could go tell him and get me fired."
"We'll just have to hope that doesn't happen," he shrugged. "Now, let's see what movies they have."
Jack's P. O. V.
"Come here," Aspen said smiling at me. She was laying on the bed and wanted me to join her. I sat on the bed and scooted close to her.
"Listen, um-"
"We need to talk," we both said at the same time.
"You go first," I said.
"No, you can go."
"Okay well it's about us. I don't really know how to say this-"
"I know you like Wren."
"Listen, your dad... Your dad bribed me into dating you."
"What?"
"He said that if I dated you, then he'd hire Wren."
"Why would he do that?!"
"He wanted you to be happy. He thought that if I was dating you, you'd be happy. And you might be, but I'm not."
"Why did you agree to this?"
"I wanted Wren to come on tour with us. She wanted the experience, and I didn't want to be away from her for two months."
"I can't believe my dad would do that to you," she shook her head.
"Don't be mad at him, he just wanted you to be happy."
"There's other ways to make someone happy. I don't wanna be with you if you don't wanna be with me."
"I know."
"And you've gone through this just so Wren could be on this tour. And poor Wren, I made her take pictures of us. I'm probably killing her aren't I?"
"No, Aspen it's not your fault."
"What do you want me to do?" She asked. She was starting to cry.
"Nothing you don't want to. But Daniel and I had an idea."
"He knows about this?"
"Him and Wren both do. Your dad made me swear I wouldn't tell anyone. I couldn't keep it from Wren, and Daniel was suspicious so I told him."
"Oh." She wiped her eyes.
"I'm really sorry Aspen. I feel terrible for going through with this but-"
"You did it for Wren. I get it. And you should be with her, not me. So what's this idea?"
"Tell your dad how you really got that bruise. Then tell him that you didn't want anyone else to get hurt, and you're mad because you got hurt. Say that you're happier without having to worry about the fans, so you broke up with me."
"Okay. I'll do it. But I-I think I'm gonna ask to fly home, too. I just don't feel like being around my dad right now."
"He did this for you Aspen."
"But it wasn't the right thing to do."
"I know, but it's fine."
"I'm really, really sorry about him."
"Don't be."
"I'll talk to my dad in the morning. I'll get a cab and go to the airport and I'll be gone for a while."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, thanks for telling me. The fans will be happy I'm gone."
"I'm really sorry about that."
"Are you not worried Wren will get the same hate?"
"I am, I really am. But they like her as our photographer so maybe it'll be a better transition. I hope."
"Yeah, me too. You two deserve each other," she smiled. I leaned forward and gave her a hug. "I'm gonna go to bed."
"Okay. I'm gonna shower and then I'll get in bed."
I texted Daniel and Wren, telling them that Daniel was right. She would tell David and be gone in the morning. We just have to hope that David will still let Wren stay.
*****
