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“I may be able to help in that department,” Jordan mutters. “I’ll speak to them tomorrow, hitch a ride on their bus to the next venue when the buses stop for a break. In the meantime, we’re going to get going soon. Take your time, and I’ll walk you back.”

I know part of that is that Jordan doesn’t want to leave her in a darkened parking lot ever again. I feel the same way.

“How are you getting to the next venue, Uncle?” Layla asks, twisting to face him.

“Eloise,” he says, making a face. “She’s my driver through the night while I work and nap in the car.”

“I’m pretty sure our bunks are more comfortable,” Lenny snorts. “Why don’t you stay with us?”

“I really want mac and cheese pork sliders,” Roark groans. “Join us for a late dinner? I’m fucking starving.”

We always are after a performance, and my stomach growls.

Snickering, Jordan nods. “With that kind of invitation, I’d be crazy to say no. I’m going to be annoying and work afterwards, will that bother you?”

“As long as possible crying babies doesn’t bother you,” Lennon chuckles.

“I’ll probably get up and take a turn to help.” He shrugs before he leaves the room. Jordan probably has to deliver the change of plans to his assistant.

I really do love the community feel of our family. Everyone helps to pick the other up when we’re not at our best. I’m going to miss that with Mav and Atlas.

CHAPTERTEN

Lennon

The rest of the tour has a somber air to it as we perform our last two performances as a band. I’m outside in the parking lot, rocking Devlin in the middle of the day when Mav comes to find me.

“Little Valkyrie, what are you doing all alone?” he asks disapprovingly. “Where are the guys?”

"They’re watching me from the window.” I shrug. “Dev is fussy, and being outside sometimes helps.”

There’s a chill in the air, but my son is enjoying it, looking all around. He’s definitely happier being outside right now.

“A little boy who knows what he wants.” Mav grins, looking down at Dev. “He’s perfect, Lenny. You did so good.”

Smiling back, I nod. “He’s the sweetest, and he sleeps reaching out for his sister. I’d let them sleep in the same crib, but I’m not supposed to,” I explain, wrinkling my nose. “During the day I’ll let them sleep together because one of us is usually watching.”

“It’s good that they’re already bonded,” Mav murmurs, reaching out to gently touch Dev’s arm. “Listen, Lenny, I really wish there was another way and we didn’t have to leave the band. It’s just not fair for Layla otherwise.”

“And I wish you’d kept it in your pants or had the courage to fuck her,” I say sweetly with a shrug. “My sister gets this sad look in her eyes every time she sees you. There has to be more to this. You going to tell me, Mav?”

“Lenny, she’s your sister and barely twenty-one,” he groans, rubbing the back of his neck. “There is more to it, but you weren’t as innocent and wide eyed at her age. She’s different.”

“She had a childhood,” I remind him. “I was left with a psychopath. I’ll never begrudge her being able to be a child. You shouldn’t either.”

Tears prick my eyes and I attempt to take a breath. Damnit. Making sure I’m not facing the windows, I close my eyes.

“It is hard to be an adult about this when James came by the house earlier this week,” I admit. “He called me a whore, basically told me that I was a bad influence for being committed to multiple men. Layla got everything that’s good about James Campbell because she followed his view of what she should be like.”

“That’s not living,” he murmurs, his brows drawing down.

“Exactly. Being on this tour has opened her eyes as to what life can be like. She wants to date, make mistakes, and live. I don’t think she can do that if you’re on this tour.” I tell him honestly.

“I… no,” he growls. “I would scare everyone away. Atlas would break people’s faces. Fuck. Why am I so possessive when I can’t fucking have her, Lenny?”

“I don’t know,” I whisper, tears slipping faster down my cheeks. “So as much as I’ll miss you…”

“We have to go,” he agrees. “I love you. Never forget it, okay? Please send me baby photos. I’m still family.”