A Prelude to Reprise (Ruby Riot)

Part 2

THREE WEEKS LATER

Crossing the hallway between Tina's office and the large meeting room could be a trek up Mount Everest judging by the effect on my body. However, my elevated heart rate and breathing difficulties aren't due to exertion, but by what waits in the room opposite.

This is the day I hoped to avoid, and Tina dropped the inevitable situation on me a few hours ago. I'm informed as I'm on the Ruby Riot account, and Tina's too busy, I'll join the band and Blue Phoenix on tour.

Tina tried to hide it, but there was a subtle hint to her words that she didn't want to subject herself to touring again. Because this is Ruby Riot and they're hard work or because she doesn't want to travel? I guess I'll find out. She's toured with Blue Phoenix in the past and I imagine after a few experiences like that she's want to avoid repeating them with a new band.

The tour kicks off in Portugal next week and I've no option: I say yes. I'm not looking forward to spending time trawling from one hotel to the next and have no clue what I'm facing. Meeting the band for the first time two days before they head out doesn't help either. Why couldn't SMC make the decision whether I'm definitely joining the tour earlier than two days before the tour kicks off?

Sienna passes me, happy as always, then pauses and touches my arm, her smile dropping. "Are you okay, Riley? You look pale. You're not coming down with this gastro are you?"

I shrug her off. "I'm fine."

Tina's new PA hasn't learned yet I'm not the most open person and avoid any discussion of my private life, even down to whether I share office ailments.

"I heard you're heading on tour with Blue Phoenix and Ruby Riot," she says, brown eyes shining in awe. "How awesome. You're so lucky!"

"I guess." I summon a smile. Most twenty-one year olds at a turning point in their career would leap at the chance and not have sinking doubts. But most twenty-one year olds don't have a three year old son and no partner, and if they did I bet their employers know. Mine don't.

"I'd find it really hard to keep business and pleasure separate," she says in a low voice. "I don't know who I'd start with first!"

I blink at the parted lipped, flushed face and don't want to know what images run through her head.

Then she giggles and I cringe at her childishness. At eighteen, I was a new mum and worlds apart from the girl in front of me the same age. Sienna spends as much time as possible with every client she can. Pretty and outgoing, she wangles her way into many a function she shouldn't strictly attend.

"I'm kidding!" I nod but everyone's heard the rumours how she can become a little too friendly with people she shouldn't.

"I have a lot to organise with the band and I'd better not keep them waiting," I tell her and incline my head to the door between me, Ruby Riot, and a possible shit storm.

"Oh, sure!" She smiles and steps back. "If I don't see you before, have fun on tour."

Uh huh. I zone out of our encounter and stare at the smooth grey door. Summoning breath and courage, I take a step closer to my fate and pull down the handle.

I've sat at the long meeting room table many times in my three years working here, I can tell you exactly where to sit for the best view of others at the table, or which seat should be avoided if you want to stay out of - or under - the air con. On occasion, I've drifted off, tired after a bad night when Josh didn't sleep well, but today is different.

These are the biggest clients I've dealt with and even though Ruby Riot is still only up and coming, if I stay with them and perform well, this could make my career.