Page 34 of Split Decision

Not feeling like I really have a choice, I nod in agreement and follow Travis off the bus.

This will be a long five months at this rate.

My bus is nice. Travis' bus is extravagant. The bedrooms are in the back of the bus, but the living area is arranged differently. He has a huge flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, with every game console known to civilized man. His movie collection is extensive, and there are rows and rows of notebooks on the bookshelves.

As I run my fingers across the spiraled metal coils, he simply says, "For writing songs."

I nod. "That makes sense. A lot of time on the road to come up with the next hit song, right?"

"Something like that," he says. "Inspiration helps."

"I don't know how you come up with the lyrics to your songs. They're just perfect. They flow, one word leads into the meaning of the next, and you tell an entire story within a matter of minutes. It's amazing," I say. I still feel star-struck around him sometimes.

"That's the best compliment I've ever heard, Andi. You have no idea how much I appreciate that. I put a lot of thought into my words and the meaning of my songs."

"My pleasure," I reply. "I honestly mean it, by the way."

Kale boards the bus, walks straight to me, and wraps his arm around my shoulders. "I'm so glad you're joining us, Andi. The road gets very lonely sometimes. I will consider sharing you with Travis, but only after I've had you first."

Laughing at his crazy antics, I playfully shove him away from me. "Shut up, Kale! You should've brought your blow-up girlfriend if you get that lonely."

Travis and Kale both laugh heartily, and Travis points at Kale. "I told you she wouldn't put up with your shit." Turning his gaze to me, Travis explains. "Kale thought you'd be too sweet to put him in his place."

"Oh, please. I'm at home in a gym full of muscular, sweaty boxers who all thought they were God's only gift to women. I face down board meetings, corporate donors, and music moguls before breakfast. There's nothing I haven't heard by now. I can take care of myself," I assert.

"You're just full of surprises, Andi. I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us," Kale says with a wink before he moves on to his bedroom.

Mike and Drew are next to board, and Cami, Leslie, Jade, and Crystal quickly follow them. We all find a seat in the living room, and Travis turns on the TV. We settle into a comfortable, friendly conversation about how we'rebound to get on each other's nerves in such close quarters, and I feel myself relaxing.

"So," Travis instructs, "if you need time away from everyone, there's no shame in retreating to your bedroom and locking the door. If we're all riding on the same bus and you want quiet, any bedroom on the other buses is fair game, except the crew bus. This is the only way we've been able to keep fights to a minimum. We usually congregate on one bus right after the show, but the drivers make a scheduled stop every few hours to stretch or swap. That's your window to break off and get back to your own room if you need it."

Everyone agrees to the rules Travis gives the group, except for one. Pick up after yourself. No strangers in living quarters. Don't steal labeled food. Formal meet-and-greets are scheduled by Katelyn, and backstage passes are for family and close friends only. Use practical jokes sparingly. Bow down and kiss Travis's feet.

That last one got a lot of empty plastic cups thrown at his head. Then we all had to clean it up. It was so worth it, though. I'm already falling in love with my new little family, and I'm looking forward to getting this tour underway.

The bus door closes, and our caravan officially hits the road. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I'm way too happy to find a text message alreadywaiting from Luke.

Left yet?

Just now.

Be careful. Have fun. I love you.

I love you, too. Do I get to see you on Valentine's?

Not sure yet, babe. I hope so.

I'll book as soon as you tell me to. I miss you.

I miss you, too. Gotta go—I'm back in the ring.

Knock 'em out for me!

Everything I do is for you.

"That must be your man,"Cami states. "That smile on your face can only be from one thing."

Everyone’s already ribbing me about sexting with Luke, when we're not even out of Atlanta yet. "We don't sext," I state emphatically.