The Mighty Storm (Raura Revised)

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

"He-llo gorgeous." Tom gets up from his chair.

"No," Ross says sternly, pointing a finger at him, stopping him in his tracks.

"What?" Tom says innocently, holding his hands up in surrender style. "I was just coming over to say hello to the gorgeous Laura, and to greet her in my genuine Tom style ... and also to find out where he's been hiding you," he says directly to me, conspiratorially winking.

I actually blush.

What am I – sixteen?

"Yeah, and your style usually involves tongues and groping. Laura has had a long flight and can do without you pawing her – and also she has a boyfriend, so hands off." Ross sounds so protective, like he's my big brother or something. Maybe that's how he views me, in a sister like fashion.

The thought depresses me a little. Well, quite a lot actually.

"Jeez, down boy – I get it." Tom rolls his eyes at Ross, laughing he sits back down in his chair and takes a swig of his beer.

"You want something to drink?" Ross asks me, as he starts to move away.

I suddenly feel a little bereft without his touch. And still a little saddened by the brotherly protectiveness.

"No I'm fine thanks ... you know, I think I will go and unpack my suitcase ... leave you guys to finish your game." I gesture to the on-going card game being played at the table.

Ross stops, turning to look at me. "You sure?" he asks.

"Yeah, I'm sure," I smile. "I'll see you all later," I wave in the guy's direction. "It was nice to meet you all."

I turn and leave the room, acutely aware of the fact that Ross' eyes are on me the whole time I'm walking away.

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It's my second day in Stockholm and tonight is TMS's first show.

I'm at the stadium with the band. The opening show is at the Ericsson Globe. It's the strangest and most cool building I have ever seen. It's shaped like a large white ball. It's also quite a small venue for the guys, it only takes about sixteen thousand people, there's the Stockholm Stadium which hosts double that, but I think the guys wanted to kick the tour off with a small venue to start with.

I'm sitting out in the seats watching them rehearse for tonight, while the roadies get everything set up for tonight's show.

It's the first time I've ever seen Ross up on stage with my own two eyes, and not watching him through a TV screen.

He looks at ease up there, but I can tell he's a little on edge. I can see it in his eyes. That little lost look he gets. He exudes calm control to everyone, but I can tell. He was the same when we were kids.

Other people probably miss it, but I see it, I've always seen it in him.

I'm guessing he's on edge because it's his first show since Japan. I think he struggles on stage without Jonny by his side. It must be hard for all of them, and for Smith too, having to fill the stage where such a big presence once stood.

I spent yesterday in the hotel with Ross and the guys. After I'd finished unpacking and calling my dad, Will and Simone, Ross came knocking to see if I wanted any food. The guys were ordering room service up. Surprisingly, they weren't going out partying.

Maybe being good boys with the first show being the next day.

So I went and hung out with them, ate, drank beer and played cards.