way that makes me mildly homicidal. I keep reminding myself that killing or mutilating one of our tour sponsors would very likely be a contract violation. My hangover fades a little bit as the aspirin kicks in, and I thank Luigi graciously for coming.
Fortunately, they’re headed out of town right after our meeting, flying back to Nashville in Chris’s private plane.
As Callie, the band members and I walk through the lobby, I spot Mrs Abernathy. She’s standing behind the counter talking to a guest. She glances our way, waves, and looks curiously at Callie.
Oh hell. Does she recognize her? No, she’d surely say something. She’s just staring at us because this is the first time I’ve appeared in Bitter End with my mystery fiancée.
“Everything all right?” Luigi asks with concern.
“Couldn’t be better!” Callie smiles brightly and crushes my hand in a death grip.
As we walk through the lobby, everybody starts whispering. “It’s her!”
The rest of the band gathers around us and we start walking faster. People snap pictures on their phones, some even with cameras.
We hurry out of the hotel, breaking into a trot.
A group of women standing outside the hotel check us out.
“It’s them!” one of them bellows.
Callie looks at me in panic. “Run,” she says.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Callie
We almost don’t make it to the fence. We’re gasping for breath by the time we get into the barn.
We stagger through the door and collapse on the sofa, laughing so hard our sides ache. “Oh hell,” Monica says. “That was close.”
“My mother didn’t recognize me, right? Please tell me she didn’t,” I plead. “Whoo! I’ve never run so fast in heels.”
“She didn’t recognize you. She’d have come over and said something.” Sebastian’s trying to be reassuring. I wish he’d say it with a little more conviction in his voice.
“So you two are going to kiss and make up now?” Magnus asks. “Can I watch?”
“Two’s company, three’s a crowd,” Monica informs him. She gestures at herself and Parker. “And five’s a full-blown orgy. Not really my scene. Anymore.” She holds up her ring finger and wiggles it.
“What?” Parker looks intrigued. “Tell me more.”
“You want me to talk dirty, you have to buy me lunch.” She leaps to her feet, and Parker and Magnus stand up too. “I may be easy, but I’m not cheap. Also, these guys need some privacy so Callie can tear Sebastian a new asshole.”
“As ever, thanks for your support,” Sebastian calls out as she and Parker walk hand in hand to the door.
Magnus is still standing there, hands shoved in his pockets, watching us with interest.
“Magnus! Come on!” Monica yells at him. “They’re not going to do it in front of you! Pervert.”
“Spoilsport.” Magnus trots after Parker and Monica.
When they’re gone, an awkward silence falls.
Sebastian and I both start to speak at the same time.
“You go first,” I say stiffly.
“I can’t thank you enough for helping us.”
I clench my fists and slide a few inches down the couch to put some distance between us, even though my body is crying out for his warmth, his solid strength. I haven’t felt his soft lips on mine for so long, it makes me ache.
Don’t let him in, my head says. Every time you do, he hurts you.
What my nether regions are saying is another story entirely.
“You’re helping us in return.” I keep my voice cool and formal. “Every day that you’re playing at the fairgrounds, we’re sold out and above capacity. And we’ve signed contracts with several major bands. That never would have happened without you guys.””
“Don’t be like that, Callie. That’s not the only reason you helped us. Is it?”
My heart pulses painfully in my chest. “Why else?”
I can’t look at him when I say that. His silence bears enough pain for both of us.
Finally, I speak again. “I forgot the relationship isn’t real. It won’t happen again.”
“It is real. It has been for weeks. We both agreed to that,” Sebastian says, his tone hurt and angry. “You asked for a relationship. You wanted it as much as I do. Was everything you said to me a lie?”
“Was everything I said a lie?” I echo, my gaze snapping back to his. “How dare you ask me that question?”
“I have not lied to you, Callie.” His voice is heated with anger. “Even back when we first met, I never deliberately misled you. My decision to leave was cowardly and scummy and lousy, but I meant every word I ever said to you. And I have never, ever cheated on you.” He