Launi

"It's been at least two years," Sean says as he makes sure my room is clear. "I think last time I saw your brother was at that old dive bar by our house. I came home to visit my grandparents over Thanksgiving, and he was there with some friends." He motions for me to enter the room.

"You don't have to do this," I tell him as I set my purse down on the small desk. "I'm not a rockstar."

"It's my job. In case you forgot, you are traveling with one of the biggest bands in the country. I don't know who is aware you're all staying here," he says as he presses his finger to his ear. Something is clearly going on with the band and the update is being relayed to him through a small earpiece. He moves his suit jacket aside and turns a small dial on the radio clipped to his waist.

"Look at you, all grown up," I tell him, kicking my heels off one by one.

"I could say the same for you," he says. His smile reminds me of home.

Sean is one of my brother's oldest friends. When we weren't tucked away at some cabin with the band, my brother and Sean were roaming the neighborhood being complete menaces. I didn't recognize him right away in the rush of the events and with the freshly shaved and clean-cut hair, but as soon as I saw him in the light of the lobby, I couldn't help but watch so many memories flash in my head. I haven't seen my brother in over a year, and it sounds like he's not reaching out to friends either. It's heartbreaking.

"Are you with us for the whole tour?" I ask.

"Yes Ma'am," he replies.

"Ma'am?" I mock. "Sean you're not much older than me and I've watched you eat a cricket on a dare. Don't pretend like you have manners now."

"God it's good to see you, Launi. I miss your family so much. Some of my favorite memories are at your family's place." Sean moves closer to me, pulling the earpiece from his ear. "I'm honored to have this job. I owe your family a lot."

Sean was raised by his grandparents after he was taken from his parents. I was never told the whole story, but I remember my mom telling me to be nice to him and invite him for dinner whenever she was cooking.

"I'm glad you're here. It'll be nice to have another normal person around—someone familiar," I tell him. I open my arms to invite him for a hug. Just because we are both here on a professional matter doesn't mean we don't have history. He hesitates for a brief second but then relents and wraps me in a warm embrace.

"Tell your mom I said hi," he tells me.

"Will do," I say. He doesn't ask me to relay a message to my brother because we both know he's not in touch with the family. That story isn't a secret.

"Will I be seeing a lot of you?" I ask as he pulls away.

"I can't be sure," he says. "I just got here this evening, and I wasn't able to get my brief on the plans as there were two crew members unaccounted for," he says with a knowing look.

"I didn't realize I had to tell everyone where I'm going all the time," I tell him, rolling my eyes.

"Launi," he warns, his voice low and commanding. "There are some really crazed fans out there who would do anything for a piece of Free Pony...and you're a very important piece. I know you've been hiding away at school, but you're in the light now."

I nod. He's right. I've had the privilege of being a nobody for a long time and it's made me relax perhaps a little too much when it comes to security.

"Thanks, Sean," I say as he makes his way to the door.

"I'm going to be right outside if you need me until 4am. After that someone else will be watching the floor. Get some rest," he says.

I turn the deadbolt on the door after he leaves and start the hot water for a shower. What have I signed up for? A few hours ago, I was a regular student, free to roam the campus and be in charge of myself. In the last few hours, I have somehow fell under the rule of two different men. I pull my phone out of my bra. Parker is not going to believe this.

ME: Guess who is working security for the tour?

I don't wait for her to reply. The night is flying by, and I only have a few hours to wash this day off me and get some sleep.  

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