[Hey. Next chapter. And from now on, there's something I like to call a 'guest author' on this story. She has other stories under her own pen name, but is doing her friend a gigantic favor anonymously. Well, her friend knows who she is, but that's it. Unless you can guess what other FF.net author this chapter sounds like. A little challenge if you will.]
My God. I've come to the frightening realization that I'm never going to sleep again.
Seriously, Mia's a sweet girl, but was I out of my mind when I agreed to let her bring a friend along? ON MY BAND'S FIRST TOUR?!
For a long time, Lilly's been firm in her belief that I'm mentally unstable, and I'm beginning to agree with her.
How, you ask? Something has actually driven me to CONCUR WITH THE DEVIL? I was stunned myself. But you haven't heard Mia and Emily when they start giggling. And, believe me, they can giggle. For hours on end.
I may be exaggerating a bit. I mean, once I banned the Lifetime movies, everything was OK. Well, Mia was a little angry, but I planned to cure that when we met at the back of the bus.
"What's the big deal, Michael?" Mia pouted, her lower lip protruding sexily, thought that's probably not how she meant it. "Midwest Obsession is a fantastic movie. I really think it'd enhance your cinematic experience if you'd just watch it once."
"Maybe one day I'll watch Midwest Obsession with you. But not right now. Not when I'm under so much stress with all this touring business. Being a rock god isn't easy."
Mia snorted. "Well, no one ever said being the girlfriend of a rock god was easy either."
"What are you talking about?" I asked incredulously, "Don't tell me it's not great to be wrapped in a bear hug by a sweaty man. And what about my hoarse voice? Isn't it downright sexy?"
"Oh, but it is," she grinned, wrapping her arms around my neck. But just as I was leaning in, we were interrupted.
"Mia?" Emily called, strolling into the back room. "Oh!" she exclaimed, throwing a hand up to her chest. "I'm sorry; I didn't know you were with Michael. It's just...Taylor and Chris are playing Grand Theft Auto, which isn't really my thing. And Andrew's conked out on the sofa…"
To my disappointment, Mia slipped out of my grasp. "Don't worry, Em," she said, "I'll come hang out with you. Want to come, Michael?"
"Nah," I said, waving a hand, "You go on. I've got songs to sing and lyrics to write…" But Mia was already gone.
I sighed and sank back onto the couch, closing my eyes. I must have drifted off, but I was jerked awake by someone whispering in my ear.
"Mia?" I mumbled, reaching for her, but I opened my eyes to see Emily, watching me closely.
"Nope, she's in the shower," said Emily, scooting closer. I slowly moved back, starting to feel uncomfortable.
"So…what's up?" I asked, picking up my guitar and fiddling with the strings.
"Well, I just wanted to make sure you were OK with me being here. I mean, at the Boston show, you didn't seem too happy when I was trying to keep from those groupies that Mia was your girlfriend."
"That's because she is," I stated emphatically.
"I know that!" Emily laughed, "But can you imagine what they would have done to her if they'd known she was your girlfriend? The recipient of all the hot rock star's kisses?"
I was a bit unsettled by the hungry look in Emily's eyes as she said these last few words and was extremely relieved when Mia walked into the room, rubbing her hair with a towel.
"Hey, you guys," she smiled, sitting down on my other side. I put my arm around her, but Mia cleared her throat, and I followed her gaze to Emily.
"Um, let's all watch a movie," Mia said cheerfully, "How about Dirty Dancing?"
"That's my absolute favorite!" Emily squealed and Mia jumped up to go to the front of the bus, where I guess the movie was. I groaned at the thought of having to watch this again, as I had only seen it about fifteen or twenty times since I started dating Mia. What would make this situation far better is if the movie was viewed on the privacy of my mini-TV, with just Mia and me in my bed. And we wouldn't do much movie-watching. But, no, ever since Emily joined the tour, it's been all about catering to her interests and not hurting Emily's feelings. If Emily wants to hook up, she can have Andrew, Chris, or Taylor! Though I've seen them wince when she and Mia start cackling, so I don't know how soon that will be happening.
The thing is Emily didn't leave with Mia. She just stayed sitting by me, which I suppose isn't a crime or anything, as Mia would be back in a few minutes, but it should be illegal to make a move on your friend's boyfriend, which is what she did next.
"Emily," I said through clenched teeth when I felt her hand on my knee, "What are you doing?"
"What's who doing?" called Mia and Emily jerked back her hand.
"I don't know," she told Mia, who had reappeared with the video, "He's just been acting really strangely around me. I just wanted to see his song and he flipped out."
Emily's lip was trembling as she stood up and walked over to Mia. How does she do it? I thought, gaping. One minute, she's coming on to me, and the next she's crying to MY GIRLFRIEND about what a loser I AM.
This is so screwed up.
"Don't get too upset, Emily," Mia said soothingly, "Musicians have their tempers."
She threw me an apologetic look, but I still couldn't shake the feeling that Emily was going to be the downfall of a lot of things. Since when did I have a temper? I've been pretty darn patient lately.
"Maybe I shouldn't be on this tour," Emily whimpered. Damn right. I should have put my foot down in the first place. "It was stupid of me to come along."
"No!" Mia exclaimed, to my chagrin, "It's been so much fun! I'll deal with Michael, all right? Why don't you go take a shower?"
I just adore how Mia's talking about me like I'm not even here.
Emily sniffled and walked off, muttering something unintelligible. As soon as she was gone, Mia whipped around.
"I thought you said you were fine with her coming on tour!" she said, her hands on her hips.
I sighed. The truth or Mia's feelings? "I want you to have someone to hang out with," I finally said, hanging my head a bit. Why am I doing this to myself? To Mia? This girl is a little groupie who just wants my ass. I don't see the big deal. Maybe it's years of Lilly's insults, but I just don't see anything spectacular when I look in the mirror.
"Well, you haven't been very nice."
"I'll try harder, OK? Believe me, Mia, I'm looking out for your best interests."
"How is freaking out on my friend looking out for me?" she asked, looking as if I had just given her twenty algebraic equations to solve. God, I can't do anything right. I'm not so sure Mia will be too amused when my politeness to Emily turns into a tempestuous love affair.
But it won't, because I love Mia. "Come on, Mia. I'll be nicer, OK? I'm just tired right now. And I can't get the next line of this new song. I need a muse," I said, rubbing the spot on the couch beside me.
Mia relented, coming to sit on my right side. "So, what do I do now? Just how will I inspire you?" she giggled.
But I didn't let her finish, as my mouth was covering hers.