𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑

It would take time to find the right investors or, at least, that's what Monica assured them after their meeting ended and they headed to the dressing room to prepare for the evening. They just had to be patient. Billie told herself this over and over again, as if to distract herself from the looming fear that the right investors would never come, no matter how patient they were.

Ezra had asked her what would become of them after the tour, and the reality of the situation was that she would likely be tied to him for the rest of her career. The girls couldn't pass up the opportunity that Mad Sounds offered them, and if no investors would buy into their venture, they would have to sign. 

And, inevitably, she would have to endure the multiple women streaming in and out of Ezra's life and all the chaos that he brought with him.

As much as she hated it, Billie somehow enjoyed the idea of being stuck with him indefinitely. It was a complete disaster for her career, and she would actively try to pursue any alternative. Yet, a part of her knew that this would be their last months together if girlcrush was able to secure the funds for their label. So, selfishly, it felt nice to live in a fantasy where it wouldn't end, even if she knew it had to. 

She's weighed by these thoughts as the two bands gather in the green room before girlcrush is called out on stage. Those investors wouldn't call back, and everyone knew it. They seemed extremely skeptical of an inexperienced, all girl band running an independent label. Frankly, Billie and the girls didn't want their money even if they gave it, which left them back at square one. 

She takes a long drink from her cup, the liquor burning the back of her throat as she swallows. They should just get used to this tour life and opening band bullshit with the way things were going for them. Cue another gulp. She can't escape Ezra and Grand Motel, even if she wanted to. 

"Boy, you must be thirsty," a familiar voice teases, and it pulls Billie immediately from her thoughts. Her eyes meet those stormy irises, and her heart begins thudding rapidly.

"You're one to talk," she states dryly. There's no smile to back bite tonight. Truthfully, Billie is in such a sour mood that not even banter with Ezra could bring her out of it.

His features fall momentarily, as if she's said something borderline hurtful. "I was looking for you today," he replies in a low tone, his eyes flickering over the preoccupied group chatting away near the refreshments.

"Monica had a meeting arranged for us," she clarifies while trying to ignore the idea of her being in his thoughts all afternoon. "Guess you're not the only hot commodity around here."

"I don't doubt that," he assures with a devilish grin, "I'm sure plenty of people are dying to get a moment with the Billie Fields."

"There's not enough time before we go on," she states matter of factly, lips pressing against her cup once more.

"Didn't come over here for that," he assures, "You seem a bit in your head. Guess I just wanted to know what you were thinking about."

"Nothing," she assures with a small shrug, eyes flickering to the clock above the door. They have fifteen minutes until showtime, and the last thing she needs is to be getting into all her emotional turmoil with the man who is the source of it all.

"Not in the mood for talking, I see," he replies with a careful tone, and the expression on his face exudes a kind of concern she hasn't seen before. Is Ezra actually worried about what's going on in her mind or is he more concerned about when he'll be able to get her alone again?

"I wish I was better company," she admits honestly, "Maybe if I had a few more of these in me, I would be." She shakes the cup in her hand, ice clanking against the plastic. She just needs to loosen up and stop overthinking every little thing that has to do with this tour and him.