There are some smiles and general 'good mornings' as they make their way outside, but no one looks at me any different than yesterday - thank goodness.

The lobby gets quiet again and I release the deep breath I had taken. I was worried for nothing.

"I guess we should get going," Steve announces, standing up.

"Sure. I'm ready."

"I'm just going to use the restroom quick and then we can hit the road."

"Okay."

Steve walks away and left standing alone. I pick up a brochure that's sitting on the small table next to the couch and peruse it, attempting to occupy myself.

I hear footsteps and look up. I regret it instantly.

"There she is," Jasmine says snidely to Jesse.

They must have been lagging behind the rest of the crew and making their way outside. Unfortunately for me, they stopped when I looked up.

"Morning," I reply cooly.

"You look exhausted," Jasmine comments, exaggerating the word for effect, "you must have had a late night," she finishes, her words oozing sarcasm.

"Slept like a baby," I reply with a smirk.

"Oh, I'm sure you did," she answers matching my tone.

Jesse holds up his hand and makes a 'peace' sign. He walks away, probably trying to avoid whatever drama he anticipated was coming. At least I won't be tag teamed by the two of them.

"Look, Jasmine, I don't know what your problem is with me, but I'm not here to argue like high school girls. I'm here to do my job. That's it."

She raises her eyebrows, "oh? That's it?"

"That's it. I have no ill intentions toward anyone. You seem to have a problem with me. Why don't we handle it so we can move forward."

She scoffs, "my problem is that apparently part you're job description includes doing Steele."

Ouch. I should have thought this out a little more before opening my mouth.

"That's not part of my job. Steele and I have a history you know nothing about."

"It doesn't matter. The reason they call it 'history' is because it's in the past. We're here now, in the present, and here, in reality, I'm Steele's girl."

I'm taken aback - literally. My body ambers backwards just enough for her to notice. Jasmine smirks, acknowledging her blow.

"Oh, you didn't know. I'm not surprised."

I take a moment to collect my thoughts before speaking again.

"No. I didn't."

"Well, I am. So back the fuck off."

This woman is fierce and intimidating, but she's pissing me off.

"If he's yours, then I don't want him," I say, getting some of my spirit back, "just one question, Jasmine," she looks at me expectantly.

"If you're his girl, why was he with me last night? I mean, he clearly saw you outside my room, but he didn't seem too bothered by it."

Holy shit. I can't believe that just came out of my mouth.

Jasmine looks like she just got punched in the gut. I see Steve ambling back toward us.

"It's complicated. Just stay away from him."

She glares at me, not wanting to continue because Steve is only a couple of feet away now.

"Ladies," he greets us.

Jasmine breaks her stare and gives Steve a forced smile before walking away.

"Have a nice day," I call to her dryly.

I can see her fists clench at her sides. Fuck her. I can be a bitch when I need to - it's not easy though.

I shake my own arms out, trying to will the anger to leave my body.

"Everything okay?" Steve asks curiously. He's aware he interrupted something, he's just not sure what.

"Yes. Fine," I smile, "are you ready?"

He looks at me like he's searching for answers, but there are none right now. I'm not going to be unprofessional and tell him about the drama being stirred up. Especially because it would mean exposing my completely unprofessional behavior last night.

"Okay then, let's hit the road."

He starts walking toward the exit. I follow close behind.

I replay my conversation with Jasmine in my head. She had to be full of shit. If there really was something between her and Steele, wouldn't he have made more of an effort not to be seen last night? I can't imagine he would have been comfortably walking half naked around my room with her in the hallway if she was really 'his girl'. She has to be crazy.

Then again, why would she make it up? Obviously, she can see that Steele and I are close enough that I would just ask him. Maybe she knows he would deny it either way. Maybe she's just trying to get in my head. I hate to admit it, but it's working.

I've only been with the band for a few days. What do I know? There's always the possibility that they're 'together'. Steele could have been feeding me lines just for kicks in the hopes that I would finally give in. Him and Jasmine could very well have some kind of open relationship. Where the hell is Steele this morning anyway? Is he avoiding me?

How did I let myself get tangled up in all of this? I feel so stupid. I worked way too hard to get where I am to throw it all away for a good fuck. What a mess.

I climb into the passenger seat of Steve's car. My mind is racing with thoughts and scenarios. I'm glad I'm not on the bus, but I would love a few minutes with Steele.

Last night was amazing. I actually thought about just giving everything up and running away with him. I could kick myself. Now I remember all of the reasons I chose not to be a part of this crazy life.

Steve turns the radio on. I'm thankful for the distraction. Maybe we'll drive with the music on and not talk for a bit. I don't feel like making conversation. I quickly look up at the buses as we drive away and imagine Jasmine talking about me - telling the story of how I fell for Steele's bullshit and what a loser I am.

I sigh and close my eyes as we head out onto the highway.

Chapter 8.

Steve and I make small talk whenever the radio stations break for commercials. My mind is still wandering with thoughts of Steele and Jasmine. What a bitch. I can't believe I'm even letting her get to me.

"So, who have you interviewed so far?" Steve asks.

I let him know who I spoke to and what was discussed. Steve listens and shakes his head like he's taking notes.

"So it's mostly Jesse and Jasmine who aren't budging?" he asks, "not that I'm surprised." He follows up with an exaggerated eye roll, "those two can be bad news."

Shocker.

"They aren't the only ones, but they seem to be leading the resistance," I joke.

"Yeah, they're both very good at what they do, but slightly..." he pauses to think of the right words, "rough around the edges."

I chuckle, "that would be one way to put it. Jasmine actually sat down and spoke to me already, but I can't say she was very forthcoming - or pleasant - but at least she did it. She just doesn't seem to want me here, which is fine. I get it."

"I saw you and Jasmine in the lobby earlier. Was she giving you a hard time?"

"Something like that." I'm not going to get into details with Steve. I don't want to bad mouth her, but I also don't want to incriminate myself.

"Well, she's pretty territorial. She's probably just marking her territory."

"I'm sure," I reply nonchalantly.

I wonder though, what does Steve mean by 'territory'? Is he talking about the band or just Steele? I really want to ask, but don't want to sound catty or unprofessional so I just let it be.

"How about we get together with Steele. Maybe the three of us can come up with something together and come to them as a united front."

The mention of Steele's name makes me stiffen. I want to have my own words with him first.

"I appreciate that, Steve. I'm used to this kind of push back though. It's always an uncomfortable situation, but I understand the band and crew not wanting me around. They expect me to cause some kind of upset - and let's be honest, they're right."

"I'm here to help, Annika. Not to sound like an asshole, but as long as my job is secure, I'll do what I can to help you. I know what you were hired to do and it only benefits me to make things easier for you."

Steve's assurance puts me slightly at ease. It's always nice to have someone on my side in this kind of situation - especially someone respected on the inside.

"Thanks."

"When we get to New York, we'll talk to Steele. The show isn't until tomorrow night, so we have some time."

"Perfect," I say, but I'm not certain I mean it.

We continue to drive and listen to music. I put my notebook on my lap and send Jayne an email with all the information I've gathered so far.

I make it look like I'm doing something important - which I should be - but I'm preoccupied with my thoughts of Steele. I don't know what I'm going to say when I see him. We only spent one night together, I can't get crazy on him. We may have history, but Jasmine is right about one thing, that was the past. What's happening now, who we are, what we want, might all be totally different.

Maybe I shouldn't think so much about it. I ought to just let it be and see what happens when we get to our next stop. I'm overthinking everything - typical. I'll just play it cool and live in the now like I said I was going to do. I'll focus on what I came here to do, which is clean up the band's financial mess, not the mess I created. Nice work on my part. I roll my eyes at my own thought.

My phone rings and I see Jayne's number on the screen. I pick up on the first ring.

"Hey, Jayne."

"Hi, Annika."

"Hey, Jayne. What's up? Did you get my emails?"

"Yes, I did."

I take a breath, hoping she'll just continue.

"Well, as I'm sure you may have guessed - you're going to have to let someone go."

"I know," I sigh.

"Jesse," she states.

I wince.

"He's not cooperating and we don't have time to deal with people like that. If he wanted to keep his job, he would be a little more responsive. Someone has to go and he made my decision very easy. Agree?"

"Yes." I do agree. I just wish I wasn't the one that had to break the news. "Should I wait to speak to him tonight and see how it goes? I still have a few others to talk to as well."

"You can wait, but we've both been around long enough to know that he's going to be a dick about it. Make an example of him. Flex your muscles. You know what to do."

"Yup. I know."

There's going to be an absolute shit storm when I tell Jesse. The fallout isn't going to be pretty - especially with Jasmine as his partner in crime. They're going to be out for blood - mine.

Jayne and I go over a few more details. As bothered as I am about what I have to do later, I'm also relieved she didn't mention anything about Steele and I. I'm glad she doesn't know anything about that or I would be dealing with a shit storm of my own. I need to end things between us before we get in any deeper. That is, if there even is anything, which according to Jasmine, there's not.

I hang up the phone. Steve and I chit chat some more to make the drive go by faster. Thankfully, he doesn't inquire what I was speaking about with Jayne. It's nice to talk about something else for now. It helps keep my mind off of the last couple of days with Steele - and this morning with Jasmine.

I see the highway getting more congested signaling that we're getting closer to the city. We're a good distance ahead of the busses which makes me feel a little better. I'll be able to get settled and maybe have a drink before I have to see Steele again. I would prefer to just hide in my room - but that would be silly.

I couldn't hide even if I wanted to. I have to finish talking to the few people I have left on my list. I also need to reevaluate my financial analysis. From what I've seen so far, it would probably be in the band's best interest to let someone go - as a start anyway. It's also a kind of power play we have used on many occasions. It's not the nicest thing to do, but this is business and what we're here to do.