Page 58 of Love You Like This

“It’s worth it for the last two weeks in our own beds, though,” Stone says from the front seat.

“Fair.” I put my seatbelt on and try to relax into the supple leather seat.

After ten minutes of continually shifting in the chair, I realize relaxation isn’t happening. I’m going to have to confront the fact that escaping Xander will not be possible starting as soon as we’re brought to the tour buses. If Hazel wasn’t with us, I’d put myself back on the security bus like I always have before, but leaving her alone with the guys feels like leaving a soldier behind on the battlefield. I can’t do that.

Stone turns in his seat and looks at me with a puzzled expression on his face. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Why?” I lean toward the middle of the cabin to get a better look at him.

“Just trying to figure out why you’re so fidgety.”

“Oh.” I shoot a glance at Hazel.

“What’s up?” Stone asks again. “Is there something going on with the band that we should know about?”

“No,” I say quickly. “I’d tell you if there was something you needed to know.”

“Alright,” he draws the word out, still suspicious. “Did Xander do something?”

“Why?” I lean forward. “Has he said anything?”

“Not to me.” He narrows his eyes behind his glasses. “What did he do?”

“Nothing.”

“Jade.”

“Tyler.”

“Don’t government name me,” Stone says, turning back around. “I will find out what’s going on.”

“Let me know when you do because I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I turn to Hazel. “How is your mom doing? How was New York?”

“She’s okay, I think. Stone wants her to move into his townhouse.”

“And retire,” he adds. “The woman is a saint, and we can take care of her from now on.”

Hazel looks over at him with such pure, unadulterated love that my eyes sting. Their love is so powerfully evident to anyone within their radius. Watching her bloom from a shy, anxious woman into this powerhouse of love and talent has been the most incredible thing to watch. And any worries we had about Stone’s sobriety have completely eased. Obviously, there’s always a chance for relapse, but he’s been rock solid this tour.

“Your mom is wonderful,” I agree. I’ve met her several times now, and I see her reflected in Hazel. I only wish I had been able to get to know her grandmother better, too. She was a hoot in Kansas City.

Hazel reaches over and squeezes my hand in thanks. She pulls her phone out after releasing my hand. I go back to trying to relax. My phone lights up with an incoming text notification in my lap. I look down and see a text from Hazel waiting.

Hazel

Xander?

Yeah

Hazel

What happened?

After the last show in LA he asked me to come over and I ended up falling asleep there

Hazel

!!!