Page 106 of Hard Rock Tease

Of course! I’m not going completely MIA.

See, you’re already using code words. You sure you’re not a spy?

If I told you, I’d have to kill you.

***

Iwas dyingto tell Neil all about my new job, but I risked being fired if I told anyone. The tour, the filming, all of it was hush-hush until the label decided to do a big marketing push.

I was allowed to continue posting on my own account as long as I didn’t talk about anything I shouldn’t. I was infinitely glad I’d never fangirled too hard about Jayce online. I liked to think I kept it mostly professional. I doubted I would have gotten the internship if they knew I was halfway in love with one of their rock stars.

“Here’s your new phone and tablet. It’s already set up with all the apps and accounts you need.” Deena handed me the latest model of both, shiny and sleek. “You’re only allowed to use these devices for work. Your own device is for personal use. No overlapping. We can’t risk a personal post accidentally ending up on the band’s account.”

“I’ll be careful,” I promised.

“We’ll be doing a show tonight, then taking off for our next city in the morning. The secret posts have already been sent out. You don’t officially start until tomorrow. We need you to show up at our offices at six a.m. sharp. We’ll be loading up the tour buses and taking off at seven. You know where we’re located?”

“Downtown at Maple and Front.” I nodded. “How much traveling will we be doing?”

“We’ll stay in each city for a few days, but we’ll be on the road for weeks at a time. I assume the travel is okay with you?”

“Yes! Yes, of course. I’m totally cool with traveling.” I got a little car sick sometimes, but there was no way I was telling Deena that.

“I think we’ve covered everything important. If you have any questions, ask. I’d rather you ask than do something wrong and have to fix your mistake. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that sending the wrong post at the wrong time could be a PR disaster.”

I shoved the phone and tablet in my purse. The tablet barely fit. It was one of those huge, laptop-sized ones, not a mini version. I’d have to buy a new bag before tomorrow.

Deena stood up and adjusted her headset, tilting her head, eyes unfocused as if listening to something. “Okay, rehearsal’s over. Time to meet the band.”

I let out a small whimper. Deena paused and gave me a reassuring smile.

“Nervous?”

“Just a little.”

“Don’t worry, the guys are cool. They’re not popular enough to have inflated egos—yet. Well, except for Kell.” Deena let out a small, exasperated sigh. “He’s always had a big head.”

I stifled a laugh. That was exactly what the rumors said. Typical frontman.

Deena took me to a closed, unmarked door, knocking twice before entering. The scene inside should have been casual, laid back, with clothes and bags thrown everywhere. The people I found inside made sure I felt anythingbutlaid back.

The members of Feral Silence lounged on sofas and armchairs. The drummer Morris and the bassist Ren shared a sofa, each with a bottle of water in their hand. Morris wore the same clothes he’d worn on stage, but Ren had taken off his suit jacket and was sitting in his black pants and white shirt. The tie was off, and the first few buttons of the collar were undone. Much more casual than I usually saw on stage.

Kell slouched in an armchair, flipping through a stack of papers, running shoes propped up on a coffee table. I took a covert look around, but didn’t see Jayce.

“Guys, this is Aimee Lee. Oh, sorry.” Deena glanced at me. “You prefer Ailey, right?”

“Either is fine.” They could call me Oscar, and I’d be only too pleased to hear it from their lips.

“She’s our new social media coordinator.”

“Awesome, the internet girl!” Kell grinned, setting the papers on the arm of the chair. His million-watt smile eased some of my fears. Kell seemed just as friendly offstage as he did in interviews. Morris and Ren raised their bottles of water in greeting.

“Welcome aboard the crazy train,” Ren said. His long black hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Morris silently nodded his head. He had a reputation for being the quiet, scary one. He didn’t seem scary to me, just large. Very large. He was even beefier up close and in person. I was glad he was sitting down because I was sure he would tower over all five-feet-four-inches of me.

“I look forward to working with you all.” I was happy to hear my voice was steady.

“Ailey’s going to be the one following you around like a little shadow, so treat her nice. None of your stupid pranks, or she’ll post pictures of you asleep with your bedhead and drool.”