Abby and the Cute One (Backstage Pass) (4 page)

Chapter Four

Nathan

T
he guys were all talking at once. Nathan tried to quiet the voices both in and out of his head. He hadn’t really thought about what it would mean if Abby won the audition until right now, because right now, he was sure she would win.

She’d been amazing. Better than last night, better than her rendition of “The One” on her YouTube channel. She’d nailed that song. It was more beautiful than the original. And he
loved
the original.

His mind whirred. He never would’ve imagined this, but part of him didn’t want her to win. There was no doubt she deserved to win, but if she did, he’d have to be so careful around her. Her singing alone made him infatuated with her, but the fact he knew she was like him, that they could talk to each other about things he—they—cared about, made it so much worse. He
liked
her.

Around her, he wouldn’t be able to let himself forget what his goal was. Not with everyone counting on him.

Trevin elbowed Nathan in the ribs. “You’re quiet. Wasn’t that girl amazing?”

Miles laughed. “Of course she was, mate. I don’t even think we need to see anyone else. She’s our next opening act.”

“Wait? What?” Nathan found it hard to focus while Abby walked offstage, her gaze firmly fixed on his.

“Were you even listening?” Will asked. “That girl was awesome. If we don’t scoop her up, someone else will.”

“She was bloody brilliant,” Miles added.

Even Ryder seemed jazzed about it. “Let’s take a vote. Who thinks we should just hire this Abby girl and cancel the other auditions? I don’t know about you guys, but I could use an extra hour of downtime.”

One-by-one the rest of the guys, including LJ, raised their hands. Heads whipped around toward Nathan when he didn’t raise his.

Ryder pushed his sunglasses to the top of his head. “What’s got your diaper in a twist?”

“I just don’t think I can vote on this one. I’m torn. She was good, but…” But he couldn’t have her, and if he had to see her every day, it would be the worst kind of torture.

Sensing a confrontation, Trevin intervened. “Torn? She’s got the perfect sound to complement us. She’s our age, she’s new, so she won’t have a chip on her shoulder, and we’ll be helping her out, too. Right now, she hasn’t been fully discovered, but put her in front of thousands of our fans and she’ll be big in no time.”

Nathan hesitated. He’d love to help Abby—even yesterday he’d had that need to give her advice. But he couldn’t vote yes and willingly put himself through the struggle he’d face every day for the rest of the tour if she was their new opening act and therefore, completely off limits. He’d see her in the food tent, backstage, sound check, wardrobe…everywhere.

He sighed. “I’m willing to do what everyone else wants to, but I’m not voting on this one.”

Creases formed between LJ’s narrowing eyes, reminding Nathan why he always wanted to be on the receiving end of LJ’s good moods, not his bad ones. “What?” he asked.

Crap. Apparently being quiet was drawing more suspicion than if he’d just sucked it up and voted for her. He couldn’t just retract what he’d said now, though. That’d make LJ even more suspicious.

Nathan’s gaze fell to the ground. “I just don’t want to vote on this one.”

Ryder pulled his hands through his hair. “Dude. It’s not like we’re asking you to vote on murdering someone. Do we help this girl out or not? That’s all you have to think about.”

“The ones we’ve seen were rubbish compared to her,” Miles added. “I’m not doing it for the extra hour of downtime, but if we know we want her and that’s an added bonus, I say let’s go for it.”

LJ put a hand up, silencing the others. “All right, take a minute. Nathan, you and I are taking a walk.”

He placed his heavy arm around Nathan’s shoulders as they turned from the stage and up the aisle that would soon be filled with hundreds of screaming Seconds to Juliet fans.

Ten rows up, LJ stopped walking and pointed at Nathan’s forehead. “What’s going on in there, Nathan?”

Should he tell LJ he’d already met Abby? The kiss? Why he didn’t want to vote?

No, definitely not. Abby had a chance to make something of herself with this audition. Nathan wouldn’t screw up her chances because he’d gotten so carried away he hadn’t been able to keep his lips to himself. He’d just have to keep what had happened from ever getting out. And from now on, make sure he never let things with Abby get out of hand again.

LJ glanced toward the stage, and Nathan followed his gaze. His four best friends were standing around talking, probably about him. Trevin peered over Miles’s shoulder and shook his head. He wished one of them, any of them, were in his position right now making these huge decisions. He was the youngest—this wasn’t supposed to be his responsibility.

“Listen, kid,” LJ said, “I know this is a big decision and you want to do what’s best for the group. You trust me, don’t you?”

Nathan nodded. Of course he did. LJ was a major part of the success they’d earned over the last two years.

“I’m telling you, I can spot talent when I see it. Abby Curtis is going to be big. What Trevin said was true—we can help her—but she won’t need help for long. Think of the whole new demographic Abby Curtis fans will bring to S2J. Stylistically, she’s a little different, but that’s a good thing for us. The rest of the acts we’ve seen? We’ll have to carry them. With Abby, we’ll be scratching each other’s backs by the time the tour ends, if you know what I mean.”

Nathan massaged his neck. A headache throbbed at his temples just thinking about all the extra crap he had to worry about. “You really believe she’ll be able to help us?”

“Wholeheartedly, son. You know I wouldn’t lie to you. She might even be able to take some of the pressure off you.”

LJ and the guys were completely right. Of course, they didn’t know the whole story, but he was willing to take one for the team. Again. “Let’s do it.”

He’d either made the best decision of his life, or the worst.

Chapter Five

Abby

I
t took time to register that Reeta was jumping up and down.

Abby had never seen her so excited before. Come to think of it, she’d never seen Reeta show
any
emotion, so this was like a fist to the face.

Honestly, she would’ve been way happier about Reeta’s outburst if Nathan hadn’t acted so casual after her song. Hell, even Ryder seemed more excited than he did. What was that about? Why would he kiss her and then act as if he didn’t care? It didn’t make sense.

Reeta was oblivious to it all. She kept babbling on about Abby’s decision to sing a different song. Apparently, Abby had almost given her a heart attack.

“But what came out of your mouth was so beautiful.” Was that a hitch in Reeta’s voice? Was she getting emotional?

Her manager put her hands on Abby’s shoulders. “That was incredible, Abby. I knew you had it in you.”

Suddenly uncomfortable, Abby stared down at her shoes. “Yeah.”

“I got it all on video for your mom, so I’m sure you’ll be hearing from her soon.” Reeta once again rummaged through her bag and brought out Abby’s phone. “She’s going to be one proud mama.”

Abby smiled. “Yeah?”

“You have no idea.” Reeta’s gaze flitted away. “Shh. Here comes Mr. Pearl. Let me do the talking. Absolutely do not say anything unless he talks to you directly.”

Mr. Pearl walked up the stairs to the stage with S2J following close behind. Abby tried not to look at Nathan, which was easier said than done. She just wanted to understand where his head was at, especially if they’d be working together. Though technically, they weren’t going to be working
together
—he’d be her boss…kind of, in a weird roundabout way.

Oh God. She’d kissed her boss. That was probably never a good idea.

Oh no. What if that was why Cherry had been fired? Had one of them kissed someone they shouldn’t have? Someone like Nathan?

Her stomach flipped. She hoped not, partially because she didn’t like the idea of anyone kissing Nathan, and partially because if it was true, she was most definitely on her way out. Had Nathan told Mr. Pearl they’d kissed? She was so screwed. Reeta would be furious…and so disappointed. She thought Abby had it in the bag.

Abby stood as if she were in front of a firing squad, except she didn’t know what would come at her. It could be a good news bullet. It could be a terrible news bullet. Except bullets were always terrible news, weren’t they?

She turned toward Reeta. “Don’t be upset if I don’t get it.”

“Don’t be silly, they loved you.”

“Yeah, but—”

“Shh. Stay calm, okay? Do one of your breathing things or something.”

Abby’s eyes widened. Did Reeta really just say that? Her manager had made it clear from the beginning she thought the breathing technique her mom taught her was a waste of time.

Before Abby could say anything or even start the breathing, Mr. Pearl’s meaty hand reached for hers. She shook it, and they moved down the line. She shook every single one of Seconds to Juliet’s hands. Even Nathan’s, whose hand went limp in hers as if it weren’t familiar with her touch.

“Abby.” Mr. Pearl smiled a toothy grin. “I have some things to talk over with your manager, Miss Paul here, but we’d like to extend the opening act job to you. We think you’ll be a great fit around here, and I speak for all of us when I say how excited we are.”

So much happiness bubbled inside Abby that she couldn’t make her voice work. All she could do was smile and nod. She’d done it. She was actually Seconds to Juliet’s new opening act.

“We know you’re new to the biz side of things, so the guys thought it would be a good idea if you came to their sound check straight through to the concert tonight. It’ll give you a good idea of how we run things.”

Abby swallowed. “That’d be great.”

Reeta shot her a look. Abby ignored it and instead tried to stare Nathan down so he’d look at her. It didn’t work. He kept his stare on the floor. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think he was labeled the shy one.

Mr. Pearl clapped his hands together once. “Good. Now I hate to start off like this, but there’s one rule you need to remember. You’re here as the opening act. That means you’re here to do a job. And that means I don’t want to hear anything about you getting involved with any of the band.”

Miles laughed. “If she gets involved with any of us, it’s our girlfriends who will have something to say to her.”

LJ glared at Miles. “It’s that funny business between you and Paige that made me insist on this rule in the first place.” He leaned in close to Abby. “This is the beginning of something great for you. Be smart and it could last for the rest of your life.” He returned to his business-like stance. “Sound good?”

Abby gulped. No wonder Nathan didn’t want to look at her. She hadn’t even been hired yet and she’d already done something wrong.

“O-okay,” she said.

LJ smiled. “Stick around then. The guys have lunch, then sound check, then interviews where we’ll announce you’re the opening act. Then they have the pre-concert Meet and Greet, and finally the concert.”

Miles must have registered the shock on her face. “It sounds busy, but it goes by quick.”

Nathan looked on without really looking, his face an impassible mask.

Trevin came forward. “We’ll show her to the cantina, LJ.”

She fell in step alongside Trevin, half wishing she could walk alongside Nathan—even if it had to be incognito—and half not even believing she was walking with Seconds to Juliet, her favorite band.

“Don’t let LJ scare you,” Trevin said. “His bark is worse than his bite.”

“I’ll try to remember that,” she said. But she had a feeling LJ was 100 percent serious about his threat. If she so much as looked at Nathan like she wanted to kiss him, LJ would fire her in a heartbeat.

So don’t kiss him.

She glanced at Nathan and his perfect face, his perfect lips, his—

Yeah. This was going to be difficult.

“So, where’re you from?” Trevin asked.

Abby took a calming breath. “Pennsylvania.”

“Really?” the big brother of the group said with a genuine smile. “Nathan’s from Pennsylvania.”

She watched as Trevin glanced behind them, but Nathan only grunted in response. She squared her shoulders and pursed her lips. She wouldn’t let Nathan’s indifference take away from this moment. “I know,” she said. “I’m a big fan of yours.” Her face heated. “I guess I probably should’ve kept that part to myself.”

Trevin knocked her in the shoulder with his own. “No way. I can safely say I think we’re all big fans of yours, too.”

Miles held up his phone in front of them and the first few notes of Abby singing “The One” poured from the tiny cell speakers. “Looked you up on YouTube, Abby.”

They were silent for a few terrifying seconds. It may as well have been a few hours.

“Wow. That’s really good. I think I’ve seen this before. The melody is slower than the original.” He smiled at her. “I like it.”

Before Abby had the chance to get embarrassed, Ryder said, “I thought it was pretty perfect the way it was.”

“Oh, shove off, mate. It’s just different, that’s all. I’m sending this to Aimee. She’ll love it.”

Though Abby already knew, she asked, “Aimee’s your girlfriend, right?”

Miles’s face lit up. “Yeah. She’s perfect.”

She couldn’t help but smile. Ryder made a gagging sound, but he was only teasing—in fact, he was probably thinking about Mia. Even Trevin stared into space with a goofy grin as they made their way outside the main stadium to the food tent.

The security guard Abby had seen with Nathan last night waited in line ahead of them, and Trevin left the group to shake his hand.

That’s right. Daisy, Trevin’s girlfriend, was S2J’s security guard’s daughter.

Miles and Ryder turned away to talk on their phones, which left Abby with Will and Nathan. Will quickly stepped back. “As I’m sure you’ve heard, Abby, I eat clean so I don’t go through the usual line. They make my food special. I’m sure Nathan will show you where everything is.”

Will, oblivious to Nathan staring daggers into the back of his head, turned and left.

Abby rolled her eyes. This was ridiculous. “Hey,” she said, finally breaking the silence between them.

It went over like a coughing fit in church. He gazed at her, a scowl on his face. “Follow me.”

“Okay…”

Nathan had two of the world’s longest legs, because Abby had to walk double to keep up with him. On their way through the line, she met a bunch of people whose names she didn’t think she’d be able to memorize, especially since the introductions were quick and short. As soon as Abby met the next person, the previous person’s name slipped from her brain as easily as water through a grate.

When they finally made their way through, Abby sat, mind exhausted. Nathan tore into his pulled pork sandwich, eliminating any possible conversation between them. She didn’t know what his problem was, but she was about to find out. Just because LJ had dropped that bomb on them didn’t mean he had to totally ignore her.

Trying for a little humor at first, she said, “So, Nathan, I get the sense you’re upset.”

Through a mouthful, Nathan said, “Aren’t you the observant one?”

Abby gripped her plastic fork tighter. “Is it because of what happened last night?”

Nathan’s eyes rounded, and he scanned the surrounding area before looking back at Abby. “There are eyes and ears everywhere. Do not talk about that ever, but especially not here.”

“I’m guessing you weren’t expecting me to win.”

Nathan’s eyebrows furrowed. “That’s not it.”

Uh-huh. Sure it wasn’t.

Will plopped his plate on the table, and Abby sealed her lips shut while Nathan shoveled more pulled pork in his mouth. Will, oblivious to it all, sat with a contented smile. A single chicken breast lay in the middle of his plate with heaps of broccoli and green beans surrounding it. She must’ve given it a look, because he said, “Don’t knock it until you try it.”

She raised the salt potato she’d stabbed with her fork. “I’m good. Thanks, though.”

He cut his naked chicken with a butter knife. Behind him, a pretty girl stopped and walked her fingers across his shoulders. He glanced up and smiled. She leaned down and kissed his forehead.

When she left, he stared after her, his face glowing.

A little awkward, Abby fell silent. It was almost as if she’d witnessed a private moment.

Will shook his head. “Sorry, Abby. That’s my girlfriend, Natasha. So, you really started out on YouTube? That’s amazing. How many views do you have?”

And just like that, he’d changed the subject. “A few hundred thousand.” She paused. “Give or take.”

“Whoa. That’s great. What inspired you to do that?”

Abby’s stare drifted toward Nathan. “I just wanted to sing. I come from a small town. There really aren’t many places to sing in public, and I kind of felt better singing alone anyway, so I asked my mom for a webcam one day and just started uploading songs.”

“Do you mainly do covers?”

She nodded. “Yeah, I have a lot of Taylor Swift. I love her. I have a few of your songs, but I don’t like just pop music. Just today, I’ve listened to Taylor Swift and Otis Redding. I like to think I’m eclectic.”

Nathan’s gaze met hers when she said Otis Redding. A wistful look passed between them, but it was quickly replaced with confusion on Nathan’s part.

“And don’t forget Christina Perri,” Will said. “That’s such a beautiful song. I love the way you sang it, too.”

She sneaked a peek at Nathan again—so maybe she
was
searching for a little compliment from him. She wanted him to admit she deserved the opening act spot, but it didn’t look like she would be getting anything from him any time soon. His face had morphed back to impassiveness.

“Thanks, Will. That means a lot.”

Nathan stood, shaking the table. “Listen, I’m going to try and get a few minutes of shut-eye before sound check. I’ll see you guys later.”

Will stared after him as Nathan walked swiftly away, then turned toward Abby and shrugged. “It’s been a long day already.”