Point Of View 2 [*Do not read until you've read the same chapter of ATW]

Chapters 172 & 173 Medicate/ Comatose

I turn and spot Casey and Jonah on the couch, their heads close, whispering. Smirking, I make my way over. "I'm surprised you two aren't out in the crowd tonight. Getting tired of the show already?"

Jonah raises an eyebrow, but Casey is quicker to respond. "Not at all!" Her voice is sharp, a little defensive, even though I was only teasing. "Sometimes it's cool to watch it all from backstage."

I nod, understanding. There's something surreal about seeing the machine work from behind the scenes...watching the gears turn instead of just being swept up in the spectacle.

Before I can say anything else, Evan steps up beside me, holding a plate. "Miss Banks, you should eat something." He tilts his head toward the catered tables. He's more than just security these days, he notices things. Takes care of people.  From helping me conquer my fear of driving after the accident to making sure I'm eating, Evan is always on top of things and thinking ahead.

Leslie doesn't even hesitate. Instead of eating, she lines one up right on the counter next to us, sniffs her poison, then exhales like it's nothing. Evan furrows his brows, looking away, while I just roll my eyes. You see all kinds of things on tour. I'm used to Leslie's coke habit by now.

I lower my voice as I plate my food. "You wouldn't believe how many people are on that shit."

"Unreal," Evan murmurs, shaking his head. "Am I gonna see someone shoot up heroin next?"

I glance up, smirking slightly. "Brad...one of the soundcheck guys. And Kelly in wardrobe."

Evan's eyes widen. "Seriously??"

He wasn't around for most of this during the first leg of the tour. We were overseas then, with an entirely different crew. This group...well, they're rougher around the edges. More like truckers than polished industry professionals. But they get the job done, and as long as they don't push their habits on Nate, I couldn't care less.

Evan hesitates, then ticks his chin toward Leslie, who's now on the phone, her back turned to us. "Have you? Ever... you know."

I scoff, shaking my head. "Me? You're kidding, right? No, Scofield." I roll my eyes as I take a bite of my food. "I can get the job done without being high. I don't need to medicate."

"She doesn't look like a druggie," he mutters, more to himself than to me.

I glance at Leslie...flawless skin, toned body, the picture of health aside from the occasional coke binge. He's not wrong. It's always baffled me. But after all these years, I've learned not to question it.

*****

Towards the end of the concert I notice Jonah and Casey squeak out of the Rec Room and have a pretty good idea of what they are planning on doing. One thing about being on tour if you are  a couple....there's no privacy...anywhere. 

One time I caught Nate in the woman's room with some girl! Another time behind one of the tour busses. I've caught Paul a time or two as well over the years but never told him. I think I was more traumatized than anything because Nate and I were so young and Paul was our "adult" figure. When I was 19 Paul was like...30 or 31 or something like that. Nate's age and we all know Nate can't keep his dick in his pants so it was only bound to happen to run into Paul doing the same at that age. 

 I don't even know where they found some of their hookups. Fans, staff, who knows. Again, I've learned not to question anything. So good for Jonah and Casey if that's what they are going to do. Using their time wisely I guess.

"One more song after this one." Leslie announces and I give her a nod. "He did excellent tonight- even under pressure like that with no time before the show."