Wild Horses

FOUR

"If you're gonna go for something, better make it everything..."
- Cam; Want It All

Amber was only half surprised to find Carter was already backstage when she arrived the next morning. She'd awoken to a short text from him, an apology to which she hadn't replied. After showering and dressing, tying her hair back into a ponytail, she'd received a second text, only this one put a smile on her face.

Good morning! Harry had texted. Today's the day! Enjoy breakfast backstage before your final rehearsal. It's the most important meal of the day.

She could already smell the bacon and maple syrup before she rounded the corner, spotting Carter filling up his plate.

"Morning," he greeted groggily, skipping the fruit tray for the pile of bacon.

Amber merely blinked, grabbing her own plate and plopping scrambled eggs on top. She wasn't in the mood to deal with him yet. Carter sensed the uneasiness, and with a sigh took a seat at the nearby table.

"Damn, Styles knows how to do it!" a voice cheered behind Amber.

She turned to see Brendan entering the room, followed by Johnny. She smiled at her bandmates, grabbing several slices of cantaloupe and kiwi from the fruit tray and adding them to her plate.

"Morning, guys," she said before setting her plate on the table, the opposite end from Carter.

Johnny and Brendan both gave mumbled greetings as Amber made her way to the coffee display, filling a mug and choosing from a variety of creamers. Taking her seat, she could feel Carter's eyes on her.

"So you're just gonna ignore me now?" she heard him ask as she took a bite of eggs.

When she didn't reply, and instead took her time chewing and swallowing, then lifting a slice of kiwi to her lips, Carter huffed.

"Real mature," he muttered.

"Excuse me?" she finally said, lifting her gaze.

"Oh, so you do know how to talk," Carter scoffed.

"Yeah..." Amber said with a smirk, popping the kiwi into her mouth. "Real mature."

She didn't miss the eye roll from Carter before her other bandmates joined the table. They delved into a conversation about Harry and the show that evening. Amber listened, giving a nod or a small comment when asked a question. Soon enough, the entire table was smiling, excited about the tour kick-off. Though she could still feel the tension in the air between herself and Carter, she chose to ignore it. She knew there would be no point in addressing what had happened the night before. He'd been drunk. He'd said he was sorry in the text. They had a show to do. She was willing to bury the hatchet, at least for the time being, for the sake of the band.

Rehearsals went well, and despite her slight disappointment that Harry hadn't shown his face, Amber felt like they were ready. Jeffrey had arranged for cars to take them to and from the venue, so they didn't always have to take the van or ride together, and today the gesture had proven particularly useful. As the driver made his way back to the hotel, Amber could already detect a large line snaking around the venue, and even another around the hotel. Jeff had been right about the mob of fans. They'd somehow gotten wind of where Harry was staying, and Amber wondered if any of them even had tickets to the show, or if they were just camping out hoping to score one or merely spot him with their own eyes.

A little weary, Amber opened her hotel room door, prepared to take a nap. She gasped, however, when she was met with a colorful bouquet of flowers on the dresser, two cards displayed in front of it. Lifting the first card, she inspected the front which was adorned with a big gold star that said SHINE underneath.