Chapter 7.

Juliette pulled up outside the first venue of the tour. Emily and Glenn accompanied her as they went to rehearsal and sound check. She met her band and dancers and backing singers, most of which she had worked with before. Zoey, who she had not properly met was there and looked on nervously, as Juliette made her entrance.

Juliette shouted a quick hello to everyone, gave them her welcome speech and then everyone got to work on preparing for the show. As everyone settled in Juliette looked to Zoey, who she knew was a friend of Avery's and sang with him in the band he was in.

Juliette walked over to her confidently, but inside she was nervous. She really hoped this wasn't going to be too awkward. She wanted Zoey to like her, she really did. As she approached her the curly haired girl looked up and smiled, shy but friendly.

"Hey, and you are Zoey, right?"

Zoey nodded. "Yes I am."

Juliette put her hand out and gave Zoey's hand a firm shake.

"I've seen you sing with Avery, I know you are really talented. I'm really glad you're here."

Zoey smiled. "Thank you. I'm really glad to be here."

"Well, if there's anything you need, just ask. Any friend of Avery Barkley's is a friend of mine."

The girls exchanged smiles. "Thanks so much," replied Zoey.

Juliette then turned on her heels and spoke to the rest of the crew again.

"Okay, everyone, get yourselves together, we are going to have a run through the order of the set list, then we will run through the first few songs before we take a break. Thanks, everyone."

After a successful rehearsal, Juliette headed back to her hotel room for something to eat, and to get ready for the show. She sat eating with Emily and Glen buzzing around her and she looked at her phone screen. She wondered whether to call Avery and check in, but she decided against it.

The first night of the tour went great. The after party was good, everyone was having fun off the first night buzz. But Juliette felt unwell. She was dizzy and just felt "off". She steered clear of the drink and got chatting to Zoey.

"Ugh, I don't feel well at all tonight. I wonder if I'm coming down with something."

"You don't look too good to be honest." Zoey said, cautiously. She did not want to make her boss mad on her first day, but she seriously didn't look too good.

"Thanks a lot," said Juliette, sarcastically. But Zoey could tell she was just joking around.

"By the way, you did great in the show tonight," she told her new backing singer, smiling.

"Oh, thanks," said Zoey. "I loved the show, you are a great performer." Juliette smiled. Zoey had a nice way about her that had instantly put her at ease the moment she had met her. She actually felt really comfortable around her. That was not a feeling Juliette felt often.

"It's no use, I'm going to have to call it a night, and go to bed. Try and sleep whatever this thing is off," Juliette said, regretfully. "Sorry to leave this early."

Zoey smiled sympathetically. "No you must go and get your rest. You are going to need it for another show tomorrow."

Juliette left the party and found her way back to her hotel room. She was also concerned, as she had her next therapy session, early the next day and she wanted to be strong and ready for that.

It was 11:30pm and she was in bed already. She was just about to lie down and go to sleep, when Avery text her.

How was the show? You enjoying the after party?

Juliette text him straight back.

I'm in bed already. Show was great, but not feeling well, so I'm going to try and get some sleep before my next therapy session, early, and the show tomorrow. Are you ok?

He replied

I'm ok. Woah, you must be ill, not like you to leave your after party this early! Get some rest and I'll call you tomorrow and see how you are. Good luck for therapy session. Call me before or after, whenever, if you need to. Goodnight. X

She replied.

Ok. I'm sure I'll be fine. Thanks. Goodnight X