*Trisha*

"Shit. Shit! Trisha.... Trish wake up."

I hear the British accent and groan when he opens the curtain to my bunk.

"What is it?" I mutter and roll over to face him. Nate never wakes me up unless it's something important. He hands me his phone and read the article.

"Lovely. Ok... I'm on it. I'll call Elliott right now." I yawn and try to make light of the situation for Nate. He doesn't need this stress. Not today. I know what today is. The hardest fucking day of Nate's life happened today.

The day his father died...seventeen years ago. Ironic the news is posting this stuff about Nate's heart issues on the exact day his dad died of a heart attack.

I throw some clothes on and grab my phone to get right down to business. It's all part of my job. I'm at Nate's exposal 24/7. I signed up for this. There's no sleeping in. No weekends off. No clocking out at the end of the day.  But I love my job. I love the paycheck. I love Nate. So I will do anything to make his life easier.

I iron things out within ten minutes while on the phone with Elliott. Elliott is already on top of it and going to hold a press conference to assure the public Nate is fine. He's not fine. But we will lie.

"Alright, Playboy. Elliott's putting out the fires and taking care of everything. You have your first interview at eleven, so let's go into the venue and have breakfast, ok?" I stretch and pat Nate on the shoulder letting him know it's all taken care of. "Should I wake up one of these two goons to be our bodyguard?"

"No... Let them sleep. We can get from point A to point B just fine this early in the morning." Nate turns to Julia. "You coming?"

"I'll wait for James to wake up so I can help him, then I'll go in."

Nate takes a deep breath while sliding out of the booth to throw clothes on.

"It's all over the internet. Pictures of you holding your chest. You should have told me you were having issues, Nate. I only see the backside of you."

"And you love seeing the backside of me, dontcha darlin." He smirks while pulling up his sweatpants making me roll my eyes.

We leave the tour bus and head to the large stadium where breakfast is set up.

"Seriously, are you ok today?" I ask quietly while the caterers fill our plates. Nate waist until we are seated to respond.

"It's just like, one minute he's here and the next he's gone." His voice cracks. "Then to have this shit posted all over the place on the anniversary of dad's death. The timing is impeccable."

"I know, sweetie." I take his hand from across the table and squeezes it. Nate knows I understand. God, I'm a shit show on the anniversary of my mother's death so I get it.

"Seventeen years. Can you believe it? He's been gone for seventeen years."

I frown and my heart breaks seeing Nate so sad like this. I knew today would be tough. I can also tell Nate is about to cry so I quickly change the subject to help him save face.

"Did you talk to your hot mess this morning?" 

"Yeah. I didn't tell her what today was. She doesn't need to know. We're not together." He rolls his eyes.

"Sooooo.... am I canceling everything for tomorrow? I booked the hotel for tonight, too, so you guys could get an extra day... I booked rooms for everyone. And tomorrow I booked the-"

"Everything is on." He cuts me off. "Keep the rooms. We're still gonna do everything regardless of our situation."

"Good. Because I think the rest of the clan is really excited for the Eiffel Tower tour tomorrow! But are you?" I ask.

"I'll be fine. I'm not gonna ruin the trip for everyone else because of my broken heart. My physically and emotionally broken heart."

"Sounds like your next song in the making, playboy."

*******

*James*

I wake up to feel Julia laying against me crying. She's already having a tough time with her addiction. It's gonna be a long day.

"You ok??" I open my eyes. We both lay on our sides facing each other.

"The Ativan dose isn't working anymore. My body is getting used to it I need more."

I nod and pull her so she is right against my body and let her cry into my chest. I confess to my best friend. James nods and pulls me right up against his body.

"I hate this! What was Jeremy thinking!"

"I know, sweetie. I think he was just thinking of the only way to get you to calm down and breathe. Your panic attack was so bad, remember?" I hold her a little tighter while talking.

"Jesus, I can feel your heart beating hard."

"I need more, James."

"Give it time. Maybe it's just taking a little longer to kick in." I try to console it Julia but it's not what she wants to hear.

"No. It would have worked by now." Julia sits up and wipes her eyes. "I can't do this." She jumps out of the bed and rushes to Jonah who is still sleeping. Maggie starts barking up a storm now, knowing something's up.

"Maggie. Come here girl." I call for my dog and she hurries to me. " Shh. It's ok girl." I pet her and try to calm the pup down.  I can hear Julia frantically waking Jonah up, which in return wakes Casey and Paul up as well. Julia begins having a panic attack, losing control completely.

"Hey, Moretti. Calm down." Paul jumps out of bed to try and help but Julia isn't having it and Maggie starts barking again.

"Shhhh. Mags.... stop. She's fine." I rest my head on Maggie, but she jumps off the bed when Julia begins to cry louder. I stand up and watch it all unfold as the nurses and bodyguards try to calm her down. Nothing's working. She is too hyper focused on the fact her medication isn't working.

"I'm gonna text Nate." Paul says as Julia slides down the wall in the back of the bus, now sobbing and shaking and pulling at her hair.

I don't know if I've ever seen her so out of control.

Not five minutes later and Nate is in the back of the bus trying to calm her down. But there's too many people in here and Julia is freaking out. Nate tells us all to go and we do. Casey helps me get dressed and then once we are all dressed, she takes the dog out while I follow Jonah and Paul into the venue for breakfast.

"I will help you with your food." Jonah can tell I'm a little nervous now once we are inside. Julia is the one to help me but right now, she's the one that needs help. I need to rely on others for my own basic needs and unfortunately Julia is not reliable. She is an excellent caretaker but when her own mental illness takes over, she can't focus on anything else but what she's going through.

"Hey Hot stuff one two and three..." Trisha says to all three of us guys as we walk in, all looking fairly distraught.

"I've got James if you guys want to go eat. I already had my breakfast." She links her arm around mine and leads me to the buffet.

"You point to what you are in the mood for, and I'll plate it for you. Meanwhile, spill it on what's going on in the tour bus." Trisha wants the scoop. I do as she says, pointing to what I'd like to eat while telling her about Julia's panic attack and medication not working.

Trisha is an excellent caretaker just like Julia. She could sense when I was having trouble with some things and helped me, as well as poured me a cup of coffee and made sure I was ok to hold it.

"What are we gonna do with that girl?" She shakes her head after hearing about Julia.

"She can't help it. But yeah, I feel so bad when she gets like that. I don't know what to do."

"No one does, James. Well...maybe Nate because of his sister's mental health issues, but besides him... we are all still trying to figure it out." Trisha looks at me with sympathy. "And hey, you know whenever things get out of control with Julia, I can help you with whatever you need. I'll alway be there for ya, ok? I don't want you to ever worry about that."

"Thanks Trish. I appreciate that." I nod. And I do. Because I don't know what I would do without this village of people here to not only help with Julia...

 But to help with me as well.

*****

*Trisha*

"You know I'm gonna ask you..." I glance over at Nate as we drive across town to his interview. Paul turns around to look at him from the front seat while Sammy, Nate's hired driver takes us to the studio.

"No.... I don't know what you're gonna ask me until you ask me, dollface." He answers while looking out the window.

"We know today is a hard day for you." I know Paul is aware of the date and from working with Nate for all these years, he knows today is difficult. "Are you ready for this interview? I have no idea what questions will pop up today. It could be about your dad... or Julia.... or your heart thanks to this morning's internet crashing news. I need to make sure you are prepared."

"I'm prepared." He sighs. "Who is the reporter today?" 

"Her name is Hailey Cameron. She is a good reporter and well known but can ask some dicey questions to get info out of celebrities. not as bad as Susan Hardy but still.... reporters are reporters. I just want to make sure your head is in the game." I state.

"Noted. Yeah, I'll be fine, Trish." Nate softens a little and turns to look at me. "I've got my A-game on. You don't have to worry."

We pull up to the building and Paul escorts us in.

"Leslie and Holly are already in the dressing room waiting for you. When you're done, Paul and I will be waiting for you across the hall in the studio." I say as we pick up the pace a little to get down the hall faster before people notice Nate Hollan is in the building. Nate pulls his baseball hat down a little more while we walk by a series of open doors to rooms.

"Why is Leslie waiting for me?"

"She wants to make sure you're on your A-Game too. I told you she notices everything, Nate. She knew some kind of drama was going on lately with you and Julia. She put just as much effort into this tour as I did. She wants the outcome to be perfect." Nate knows exactly what I'm saying, and he nods. The pressure is always on Nate to show up, be perfect, and do the right thing.  It's never ending. One of these days all of this is gonna be too much.  Between his job...Julia drama... everything... I hate even thinking about it.

Once Nate is in his dressing room, Paul and I head across the hall to the studio. That's where the interview will be taken place. We sit down at a small table in the corner to wait for Nate and Hailey to come in. 

"How is he? For real?" Paul asks under his breath while we watch the production team set up.

"He's a mess. I can just tell. Every other year he would drink the day away until he couldn't remember his own name. Today he's feeling it." I frown.

"That's right.  We have to make sure he stays sober today, Banks. He can't afford to slip up."

"Yeah, I know. We will have our work cut out for us. I can tell all this stress with Moretti is getting to him. Then to have the media shit happen as well... all on the same day he is mourning his dad. You remember when I lost my mother, right?  You know that date by heart because I'm a mess every year."

"Oh, we know..." Paul teases. "That's the day Hollan sends you to the spa and drops a thousand bucks to get you out of your hair."

"Ahaa.....haaaa....haaaa." I squint my eyes, and I flip him off.  "Anyway, how's your mom? You've been getting a lot more phone calls lately."

Paul knows I now know a little more if his background from the short time we were together. We talked... a lot. More than I've ever talked to Paul in my life. I also know when Paul stiffens up the minute his phone reads a number from New York.

"Same as Julia."

"That bad?" I raise an eyebrow.

"That bad..." Paul folds his hands on the table and looks down.

"Hey." I put my hand over Paul's and look up at him. "You know if you ever need someone to vent for, I'm your gal. I know you have feelings in there under that big tough bodyguard exterior."

"Umm-hmm." That's all he gives me, but he nods, and I can tell in those sexy smoldering eyes of his he is silently thankful.  I know Paul. Maybe better than anyone else on this tour now. He'll come around and talk...when he's ready. 

Right now, all I can do is be here for everyone.

 For Nate, for James, for Paul...

******

Nate walks in ready to go but the person walking in with him is definitely NOT Hailey Cameron. That's for fucks sure.

"Who the hell is that?" I say while my eyes look over the man.

"Not sure but you may want to lift your jaw that just dropped, Banks." Paul laughs at me when I see the VERY attractive......reporter?? I watch him sit in the chair next to Nate and begin the interview.

And what an interview it was. Of course, I was too busy staring at the man instead of listening. When I say he's hot.... He's really hot. Like James hot. Like Nate hot. Like he should be a model hot. did I mention he is fucking HOT?

Not only is the guy good-looking. He's a great reporter. Aaannnd he spoke English. Not a lick of a French accent to him, making it known he is from the U.S. All the questions he asked were very respectful questions. The man genuinely wanted to know about Nate and his music. He didn't bring up the recent news about Nate's heart issues. He didn't bring up Mila Giovanni or Julia. He brought up the tour, the setlist, the music. All things Nate loves to talk about. They hit it off right away and it was seriously the best interview of Nate's I've ever witnessed. Nate was himself, not fake. His loud laugh filling the room. His love for music and playing the guitar. It was the perfect interview!

******

*James*

Jonah and Casey take care of me while Julia sleeps in Nate's dressing room. After a few hours I head to the room to check in on her and see she's starting to wake up.

"I'm thinking the anxiety medication worked." I smile at Julia who seems a little bit confused as to where she is. She looks down at herself and then covers her face with her hands to cry. I sit next to her on the couch and give her a nod.

"Wanna talk about it?" I ask.

"I'm so embarrassed." Julia drops her hands to look at me.

"Embarrassed? Why?"

"My reaction when I noticed the Ativan wasn't working as well. How I couldn't reel it in or control my emotions."

"One, it was your addiction that took over. Two, you're Julia Moretti. You can't control your emotions regardless of your addiction." I nudge her a little and she breaks a smile.

"Can't I just put you and Nate together to make one perfect boyfriend?"

"Um, no. I'm already perfect and Nate would just ruin that for me." I laugh. Julia rolls her eyes at me and rests her head on my shoulder.

"Where is Mr. Celebrity anyway?"

"He had some interview. Paul and Trisha are with him. Jonah and Casey just came back from walking Maggie, so I thought I'd come in and check on you." I nudge her with my nose a little and she lifts her head off my shoulder. When Julia does that, I focus on her lips and feel all sorts of stirring inside from how close we are.

I brush my lips against hers and Julia doesn't back away. So, I go a step further. I lean into her ear to whisper, "I could be the perfect boyfriend..." I pause. "If you gave me the chance."

"James knock it off." Julia whispers but keeps her eyes closed and tilts her neck to give me more access.

"What? I'm not doing anything." I flirt and kiss up her neck and across her jawline. I can tell it's affecting her by the way she stiffens up and squeezes her thighs together. Being this close to her is sure affecting me, that much I can feel.

"That.. what you're doing right now."

"We're just talking." I swipe my lips against hers.

"James..."

"Julia."

"You always have to go that one step too far." She whispers but I stop her by kissing her. She kisses me back.... at first.... but then gains self-control and backs away breathlessly.

"You're trouble, Mr. Gallo." She says, making me laugh as I shift in my seat a little due to the semi she just gave me.

We stopped the flirting just in time as Jonah swings the door open.

"You're awake. How are you feeling?" He asks as he walks in and sits down across from us.

"I need to get off this shit, Jonah. I'm only getting worse. I was doing so good staying away from it for so long. I never asked for this."

"I know. At the time we had no other options, Julia. Jeremy thought maybe you'd be ok on a low dose long term." Jonah replies with a look of regret on his face.

"Jeremy was wrong. I'm not ok. Now my body just wants more and more. You can't just give someone a low dose of what they're addicted to and think they can continue the low dose. That's like giving someone just a little heroin instead of the whole injection." Julia says in frustration.

"You check in with Jeremy daily, correct? Let's sit down together with him today and figure this out. Detoxing while on tour may not be the best idea but maybe we can pick his brain on different ways to get you through this." Jonah has always been willing to help and try to figure things out for Julia. Fingers crossed he can figure this out because she's only gonna get worse.

*****

*Trisha*

I wait in the dressing room with Leslie while Nate wraps up the interview.

"No, really. You should see this reporter, Leslie." I whisper as we sit on the couch together. "Like real hot."

The door opens and Nate and the guy walk in together while in mid-conversation still. Apparently, Nate hit it off with the kid and it's like they're old friends or something. He never walks in with a reporter after the interview is over. Ever.

"Yeah, my older sister. She practically runs this place but is on maternity leave. She was so disappointed she couldn't be the one to interview you, but my baby nephew didn't care about that. Came three weeks early! Healthy as can be."

"That's great to hear. Please send her my best." Nate and the guy sit down in their vanity chairs while the make-up girls go to work taking off all the shit on their faces for the camera. I can see Leslie out of the side of my eye, as well as Holly, both staring at the reporter just like me.

"She didn't want anyone else snagging you for the interview so thought I'd help her out. She's been trying to get me on the screen forever now and I finally gave in." The man continues.

"So you're not a reporter, not an actor, what DO you do? Modeling?" Nate asks.

"No, not at all. I put out fires."

"Oh, a publicist."

"No real ones. I'm a firefighter." Oh shit. I think I'm in love.

"Wow. Ok then. Well, I gotta hand it to you. You'd make an outstanding celebrity reporter." Nate continues but I pay no attention to whatever the hell he is yapping about.

"Oh God, don't let my sister know. She's been on me for years saying I missed my calling. I tend to shy away and prefer to be behind the scenes. Hailey is great though. She's been holding a microphone since she was two."

Both Holly and Noah's make-up girl are done, and the two men swivel around in their chairs to face us.

"What's next?" Nate asks. I flip through my binder a little flustered, now. "Oh, sorry. Noah this is my tour producer Leslie and my personal assistant Trisha." Nate finally introduces him, and Noah leans over to shake my hand.

"Nice to meet you both." Noah says but his eyes don't falter from mine. We stare at each other a second too long before I pull my shit together and look away. Ok...... I think he could be into me a little. Maybe.

"And my bodyguard, Paul."

Paul gives Noah a silent nod while standing at the door with his arms folded over his chest in his usual bodyguard stance.

I look back down at the agenda. "Right, so now it's just your concert tonight and then you are off for three days."

"Three days in Paris. Weather is supposed to be excellent too." Noah smiles and I fucking melt from that smile. Jesus Christ, I think I could orgasm right here and now while staring at him.

"Good to know. Well Noah, you're welcome to join us back at the Venue for lunch and tonight's concert. On me. For a great first interview."

Wait. What did he just say???? I throw daggers for eyes at Nate. Rule number one. Never invite a fucking reporter to your venue!! Is he out of his mind?

"Really?? Wow.. I'm actually a fan of your music. Can't say no to that!"

***
"What the hell are you doing, Nate?" I whisper once we walk out of the studio.

"What?" Nate shrugs while we climb into the SUV.

"Inviting that reporter to meet us back at the Venue and giving him concert tickets to a sold-out show?" I slam the door while we wait for Leslie who took a call.

"Oh please, there's always extra seats somewhere. He can take Julia's seat." Nate frowns.

"He's a REPORTER, Nate. What if Julia has one of her... you know... whatever she has going on." I scoff.

"Noooo, he's a firefighter. And his eyes were on you the whole time." Nate winks at me but I give him the finger. Men

Noah pulls up behind our SUV in a silver Toyota Tundra Truck right as Leslie hops in.

"All set, Sammy." Nate tells the driver. The whole way back to the venue I'm thinking of ways to kill Hollan for inviting this guy into our world. So many ways..

*****

*James*

"I wonder what the hotel room will look like." Julia rambles on while helping me with PT. today is trying to pick up a damn pencil which just isn't happening for me

"I'm sure he went above and beyond. Probably booked some huge suite. Is it gonna be awkward for you since you guys aren't together? Damn." I drop the pencil again. "I can't do it, babe."

"Let's try one more time before moving on, ok? No, it won't be awkward. You'll be with us. And the dog."

"He's gonna want you to sleep in his room with him." I remind Julia.

"No. He knows. We're going to do all the fun things planned but we're not together."

"Yeah, you keep saying that, but he literally took care of you completely today, including calming you, dressing you-"

"I know, I know. Listen. I get it ok? He knows how to handle me. He also knows how to hurt me, and we need a break from each other." She tries to convince me, but I see right through her. I also drop the fricken pencil again, officially giving up on this task for today.

"Yeah, I'm done." I rub my sore hands together. Julia takes my hands in hers and begins to massage them for me.

"You'll get there."

"Moretti, Jonah wants you to eat lunch." Paul walks into the rec room which means Nate and Trisha are back until the concert tonight. Yay.

Jonah is taking a shower and Casey is walking the dog for me. Nate walks in with some new guy I've never seen before.

"Hey, this is Noah. He's gonna hang with us and check out the concert tonight." Nate says nonchalantly. Hang with us? I'm suddenly on edge and embarrassed over physical disabilities. Maybe the guy won't notice my coordination is off like I'm some damn stroke patient.

"Hey, nice to meet ya." I shove my hands into my pockets hoping the dude doesn't want to shake hands. Julia catches on right away, rubs my arm in a soothing manner and takes Noah's hand instead, saving me.

"Nice to meet you. This is James. I'm Julia." Julia blushes a little and the man holds in a smile. Please tell me he isn't into Julia. For the love of God be married with twelve kids or something.

"James and Julia. You guys make the perfect couple." Noah smiles and Nate furrows his brows.

"Oh, they're just friends. Here, help yourself." Nate passes a plate over to the guy.

Both me and Julia question who the hell this dude is internally but say nothing.

"Jules are you gonna watch the concert tonight or...." Nate glances over his shoulder at Julia

"I think I'll hang out here." She responds.

"Great. You can take Julia's seat."

"Go for it."Julia huffs and grabs a plate before Jonah gets on her case over eating. "Sorry, Noah, is it? Yes, you can definitely have my ticket. I've already seen enough of his show." She rubs it in Nate's face a little.

"Jule..."

"Nate."

"Sorry man. They were together, now they're not." I fill Noah in who can feel the tension between Julia and Nate. Poor guy has no clue what he walked into, did he?

"I see. Well, thanks for the ticket and lunch. My sister is gonna have a cow when she finds out what she missed." Noah seems unfazed by the tension and smiles at Julia.

"Noah interviewed me today while his sister is on maternity leave and did a great job. His first interview ever."

"Hailey would have done better but thanks. I think I'll stick to putting out fires. It was fun though."

"So, you're not a reporter?" Julia raises a brow while grabbing food and helping me with my meal as well. The embarrassment sets in when I see the guy notice I can't hold the plate myself and I feel a little sick to my stomach. I know this is stuff I need to get used to but it's never easy.

"No firefighter. Was just filling in." The guy's a damn firefighter? Yeah.... I bet Julia AND Trisha are drooling over him now.

"So, you guys are not a couple, yet you have a beautiful woman waiting on you hand and foot. How'd you do that?" He chuckles at me while watching Julia plate my food. He really doesn't know who Julia is or about the car accident we were all in?

"You really aren't a reporter, are you? You don't know who we are?" Julia asks as we all sit down together at the table. We have been plastered on the news enough even people in France would know our background by this point.

"Well, I know who Nate Hollan is... but no. Should I?" The man is thoroughly confused.

"Well, sir. You save lives, and James is a survivor. He was in a car accident and was in a coma for a while. He's still recovering from brain surgery. He is doing amazing with it all." Julia smiles up at me like she's proud of me and all embarrassment disappears.

"No shit. Brain surgery. A coma. That's insane! And now you're standing here with us. I never would have guessed. You look good, man. I was about to recruit you to my station. We could use a few strong fellas like you." Noah has a bit of a stunned look to his face now knowing about me a little more. He no longer questions why I'm clumsy with my napkin and need Julia help me hold my food until my grip is good.

"Still have a long way to go, but I can at least talk now." I say.

"You really are a walking miracle..." Julia nudges me a little.

"Jule... eat." Nate says now, seeing Julia eyeing her own food. But it draws attention to her, and I can see the heat rise to her cheeks. I rub her back with my free hand, knowing it's her turn to be embarrassed. Listen, having someone new sitting with you and seeing you struggle with shit isn't easy. Whether it's physical or emotional- it's still hard to swallow.

"We all have our crosses to bear." I say, and both Nate and Noah nod. Noah looks down at his own food, now understanding. When he isn't looking, I nudge Julia a little waiting for her to take a bite.

"Yeah, I know." Julia begins to eat.

"You sure you don't mind giving up your ticket like that?" The firefighter asks.

Julia looks up at Nate while answering Noah.

"Positive."

*****
*Trisha*

Once Nate and Noah are back at the Stadium, Leslie and I head to a vacant room to go over the agenda for the next few concerts. I don't even know why we bother, nothing has gone as planned. Fortunately, only the core group of people know this though and Leslie is not one of them.

I, once again, watch Leslie snort up coke to get her through the rest of the day and wonder where she even gets that shit from. Or how she even got it across borders. I also wonder if she realizes how unattractive it makes this beautiful model of a woman look seeing her get high just to get through the day. For once, I internally pat myself on the back for getting the job done without resorting to uppers or stimulants.

In that same thought, I wonder how much more productive I could be if I snorted a line. I never would but can't help some of the thoughts that go through my head. That...and some of the thoughts I'm thinking about with that guy Noah. Like taking him in a hall closet and having my way with him type of thoughts.

When the meeting with the tour manager is over, I head to Nate's dressing room to make sure he is where he needs to be.

"Soundcheck, Nate." I walk in while looking down at my phone. when I look up, I make eye contact with Noah. "Oh..hi. Sorry, I thought he was in the Rec room with everyone else."

"You're more than welcome to hang out in the rec room with everyone until tonight's concert." Nate stands up to leave the room.

"I can walk him down." I offer and Noah shrugs and follows me out. "Did Nate show ya around a little?"

"He sure did. This lifestyle of the rich and famous is intriguing." Noah smiles down at me, and I melt. Ok, I need to pull myself together a little.

"Well don't get your firehose all wound in a knot, it's not all it's cracked up to be."

Noah laughs and I'm ready to marry him now.

We walk into the venue where everyone is just hanging around and both sit down next to each other on one of the couches. Maggie walks away from Julia and sits down right in front of Noah looking for attention. I look up at James who just shrugs. I remember James telling me his dog senses things. Like people who need help or are sad or going through a tough time. Maggie senses whenever Julia is off, or James isn't feeling well. That's how and why I registered her to be an official therapy dog for James before we left the country. So to see the dog move from JULIA of all people to this new guy, says something.

"Cute dog." Noah smiles down and begins petting Maggie. She licks his hand and then jumps up on his lap, catching him by surprise, making me and James laugh. "Oh, hello!"

"Wow. I've gotta be honest with ya, man. She doesn't usually do that. Maggie, get down." James says to his dog that is paying no attention to her owner. But she does get off Noah's lap and sit on the couch right next to him, waiting for him to pet her more.

"Oh, it's no bother. I love animals. My dog...." Noah stops himself. "I had a dog once." He rubs his palms on his knees nervously and then looks down at Maggie and begins to scruff her ears like a true dog owner does. I wonder if he had a dog that recently passed away or something difficult like that?

"So... you're not from around here, are you?" I change the topic, sensing Noah needing me to.

"Howd' ya guess?" He smirks.

"No accent. Do you live in the U.S.?" I pry a little, but it doesn't seem like the man minds. If anything, he relaxes a little. And don't think I don't notice his thigh touching mine right now as we sit side by side on the couch.

I also notice Julia begin to fidget with her hands and look up at the big clock hanging on the wall. Her time is up isn't it? She needs her medicine, and I can see it happening right before my eyes while Noah is talking. I try not to pay attention to her and continue our conversation.

"Born and raised on the East Coast. I lived in Florida for a while but just relocated here."

"You JUST RELOCATED to Paris France? Must be nice." I joke and he smiles a little.

"Yeah. My sister has lived here for five years. Things back home went south so she is letting me stay with her for a little while till I'm back on my feet." He explains and we all nod at that. Hell, we've all had times we needed help to get back on our feet. I see Noah look over at Jonah who is literally housing a second lunch and Noah laughs a little. "Where the hell do you put it?"

"Tapeworm." We all say in unison to tease Jonah who shakes his head at us all.

"Don't listen to them. I don't have a darn tapeworm. Just a high metabolism." He responds.

"So how long have you been a firefighter?" James asks, now interested in learning more about the guy Maggie is obsessed with.

"Oh gosh, right out of college. I volunteered for a while but then made it my fulltime career. My wi- exwife, wasn't a fan. She said it was too dangerous."

"There it is! That's why Maggie wants his attention. Man's got a story. What's your baggage, Noah?" Julia blurts out and my eyes widen at her lack of a filter. But Noah smiles over at Julia, and I suddenly realize I lost his attention to her, now.

"Well...Julia, right?" Noah gazes at Julia while I sit back and watch it all unfold. Unfortunate. Guy doesn't know what a mess she is though. Give it time.

"Yeah, Julia. The dog is a therapy dog. She can sense when people are going through shit. She went from me to you in a heartbeat." Julia explains and Noah nods. She's got his full attention.

"So, you have baggage too, then?" He flirts and I see James swallow hard a little while sitting next to Julia.

"Yeah, I own a whole strip in Baggage Claim at Logan airport." Ok, so that was actually pretty funny and gained a laugh out of everyone, including Noah.

"You're pretty funny. Logan... are you from the East Coast??"

Oh, here we go. Now they have something in common too.

"Boston."

"Really, I grew up in Quincy, Mass. Small world." Noah smiles and Julia blushes but then focuses on the time again. She looks over at Jonah, like she's waiting for him to finish eating before telling him she's about to explode."

"So. Married... Ex. Wife. Dog... Anything else we need to know about?" Casey asks nonchalantly while sitting next to Jonah.

"I feel like I'm being interrogated." He laughs.

"You are." Jonah says with a mouthful of food. "Don't let them bully you. Hold your ground, man."

"Two kids. Alexa and Andrew." Noah looks over at Maggie and continues to pet her. "And my.....their dog... Max. Black lab." He pauses, knowing we are all invested in his story now. "My five-year-old twins. Now you're gonna ask if I see them, why I got divorced and who gets the dog. Not often enough, addiction, Mindy gets the dog too."

The room falls silent.

"Well, he fits right in, now, doesn't he?" Julia snorts, breaking the tension. "Welcome aboard. Speaking of... Jonah.... it's time." She's waited long enough, and we can all tell it was too long. She is sweating a little and fidgeting with her hands. She scratches the side of her head and her eyes dart from the clock to Jonah. "Jonah..."

Maggie jumps off the couch and heads towards Julia now.

"Is she ok?" Noah whispers under his breath to me while James rubs Julia's back and talks to her a little.

"Nope. She's a mess. But she'll be fine once she gets what SHE'S addicted to." I whisper back so Julia can't hear me. "Long story."

"Jonah..." Julia's eyes water now.

"Yep, ok. C'mon. You need to have your meeting with Jeremy anyway."

"Jeremy?" Noah asks, thinking someone else will be joining the group.

"Her rapist slash therapist."

"TRISHA!" Jonah and James both yell at me.

"What? Jesus Christ." I laugh a little but realize I crossed the line with that one.

"It's fine." Julia says softly, shakes her head and looks down at her hands for a moment before getting up and following Jonah out of the room.

"Really, Trish?" James looks over at me.

"Yeah, sorry. I probably shouldn't have said that." I shrug.

"I can take the dog out for you before the concert if you want, James." Casey is ready to leave the room now too.

"Sure, thanks Casey." James nods.

"So....Julia... " Noah wants to know more about Julia? Why is every guy so intrigued with the crazy lady and her story.

"Her addiction isn't her fault." James gives me a little look and now I feel bad. Like a mean girl in high school or something by the way Gallo is looking at me. "She's been through a lot. A real lot. And is addicted to Ativan, the one medication that is used to calm people with her specific illness. So yeah, things are a little hard right now for her."

"Jeeze. That's awful. So if she's addicted to Benzo's and that's what is used to help her, what does that nurse give her instead?" The guy asks, obviously knowing addiction enough to know Ativan is a Benzo and habit forming.

"Ativan." James says with a sigh.

"Wait. Seriously?" Noah's eyes widen.

*******

*James*

I have no idea what Trisha's deal is but that wasn't cool. I think she can tell by the way the room cleared out a little.

"Soo. Jonah should be back any minute now. I'm gonna get ready for the concert. Are you good in here Hotstuff or should I wait for one of the nurses." Trisha stands up and looks at the time herself now.

Noah laughs a little at Trisha's hot stuff comment, not used to the way she talks sometimes.

"I'm good. He's a firefighter. You're a firefighter, right? He'll know what to do." I give her a wink and suddenly make the dude nervous.

"Are you a pyromaniac? What did I get invited into here?" He jokes and I burst out laughing as Trisha leaves.

"Nah, man. but I do have seizures. One of the side effects of having a brain injury I guess."

"Oh. Well that I'm trained in. You're in good hands. I originally wanted to be an EMT but changed my tune and went into firefighting instead. But hey, I'm sorry to hear about all this... You and being in a coma. That girl with her addiction....and .... eating disorder." Noah says, recalling our little lunch dilemma with Julia. God, if this guy only knew half the shit we deal with in this crazy bunch. Like I said, we all have our crosses to bear.

"There's a lot going on in that little body of hers."

"Why did Trisha say rapist slash therapist? That's um.... concerning?" The firefighter raises his eyebrows.

"You really don't watch the news or anything, huh?" I cross my ankle over my knee and casually sit back on the sofa.

"I don't want much TV at all. I tend to keep to myself in my own little world. There's enough going on in that world to keep me occupied."

Ok, so I can understand that completely and relate to that statement. I nod my head and continue.

"Well ...the rest of the world knows so it's no secret. Long story short.... Her therapist raped her. Twice. Unfortunately, sh-she can't do anything about it." I stutter a little, but Noah doesn't notice. "She was a psychiatric patient, and he is a well-known therapist of a family of doctors and lawyers. By law I can't get into much other than Julia was forced to drop the charges, and the guy continues to be her therapist."

"What the fuck?!" All the color drains from the kid's face.

"So- um. Yeah. There's a lot going on. But she's amazing. Julia. She'd give the shirt off her back for you if you needed it, no questions asked. She's got this big heart."

"I can see that. I saw the way she took care of you at lunch. Anyways, how do you and Nate Hollan know each other?" Noah asks lightly, again not knowing the messed-up history we all have.

"Just from Julia. She was put up in the hotel I worked at while she was on some reality show Nate was part of. We became really good friends fast and ju-just started hanging out every night for hours on end." I stutter a little but again, Noah either doesn't notice or isn't fazed by it.

"Sooo you met Nate from being friends with Julia and then became friends with Nate? So he invited you to tour with him? That's pretty cool."

"Not exactly... it's a long story. Nate and I are friendly towards each other now.... but yeah ... long story." I end it there and the dude can tell there is much more to it but doesn't press on.

"I see."

Julia comes back into the room just in time as I don't want to get into more details on our twisted story. As she's coming in so doesn't Casey and the dog as well as a few members of the production team to hand everyone their lanyards to come and go during the performance without issues.

"You really sure you don't mind?" Noah asks when someone from the production team hands him a backstage pass lanyard to wear around his neck.

"I can watch it from here." Julia points to the three huge screens around the room that broadcast the concert. "I prefer it." She grabs a blanket and curls up on the couch. Maggie lays down on the floor in front of her, tired after a run with Casey.

"Wow. Thanks. God the last time I've been to a concert was...." Noah's voice trails off for moment and he changes his tune. "A while back."

"I take it you didn't like the band very much?" I ask while walking over to Julia to sit on the couch with her.

"Oh...yeah, no. It was a great concert. Ed Sheeran. I just..." Noah runs his fingers through his hair and shrugs his shoulders. "I had bought the tickets to bring my wife but by the time the concert came, we were already separated. We all have our crosses to bear, right?" He repeats what I said earlier and we both nod. Guess this guy Noah fits right in with our clan, baggage and all.

"You ready Fireman Noah?" Trisha comes into the room. She looks amazing wearing a skintight hot pink spaghetti strap little dress with really high heels. "I can show you where to go."

"Thanks! Will you be joining me?" He asks, trying to keep his eyes on hers and not let them falter to her cleavage.

"No, I stay backstage in case Nate needs anything. The job of a PA. But Casey and Jonah will be with you, and you'll have Paul there as a bodyguard, though I don't think you need one." Trisha squeezes Noah's bicep and bats her eyes. She's seriously flirting with the guy! I laugh a little and Julia squeezes my knee under the blanket to shut up. But I can't help it. It's funny seeing Trisha trying to flirt. She doesn't need to work so hard. But she is.

"Thanks again, Julia. Really." Noah says before Trisha takes his arm and shows him the way. But I notice the way he gazes at Julia. The same way EVERY man looks at her. He's interested in her.

"You good here, Moretti?" Paul comes into the room from backstage to check on Julia before the concert starts.

"Yeah. I'm good."

Nate walks by but doesn't say anything. He looks good but also looks.... nervous? That's not like him. I wonder what's up there.

"All right Nate Holland band. Go out and knock em dead." Leslie says to the band as everyone heads out to the main event. Julia gets up to peak out and see the crowds for a second before coming back to me on the couch.

"I hate to say it but I think that guy has a thing for you." I smirk while petting Maggie.

"Who are you talking to, me or Maggie?"

"You, you whack-job! You didn't see the way he was looking at you?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Um no. I'm pretty sure Trisha takes the cake wearing that little number tonight. And no. I'm not interested either so don't even go there."

"Good. You have enough men." I say and get a pillow thrown at my face making me laugh louder.

*****

*Trisha*

This is it. I know this is the moment Nate has been anxious about. The moment he dedicates a song to his dad. I stand backstage with Leslie with my stomach tied in a tight knot for Nate.

"Tonight, we are changing things up just a little. As some of you may know. Today is the anniversary of my father's death..." He begins and a lump forms in my throat hearing the emotion in his voice.

The crowd quiets down to the point you could hear a pin drop now, out of respect as Nate talks. He talks about his dad a little and has the entire room's attention.

"So, yeah. It's been seventeen years, and it just doesn't get easier. Anyways... a friend of mine gave me permission to sing this song tonight. This one's for you dad." Nate looks up at the ceiling and a few people in the crowd give him a little whistle to cheer him during a silent moment. Some fans are already crying.

Then....

He plays the song.

Into The Stars by Benson Boone. A perfect song for this. It took us awhile to get ahold of the singer to get permission to sing this but when he heard it was "Nate Hollan' wanting to sing his song, he immediately said yes.

Nate sings his heart out and his eyes fill up with tears. He sounds amazing and the crowd is completely hypnotized by him. Even that guy Noah looks to be completely into it. The song ends and the stadium is quiet for a moment.

"Thank you. Miss you dad." Nate stands up and heads backstage and the lights go out.

The sudden uproar from the crowd cheering is unbelievable. The second Nate sees me when he walks behind the stage, he buries his face in my shoulder, and I throw my arms around him.

"You did great, playboy." I whisper, trying to keep my own tears inside for him. He cries into my shoulder, and I cover his face a little so no one else sees him break down. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks Trish." He says while his head leaning on me. "I didn't know it'd be this hard." He whispers so only I can hear him, and I nod. "I know, sweetie."

A minute goes by before I finally have to help pull him together now before people notice. He still has to finish the concert.

"Ok, you have a minute to take a breather while the band sets up the next set. A few more songs to go, ok? You've got this, sweetie." I encourage Nate and pull him up. Holly fixes his hair, and he takes a sip of water before heading back out to the stage.

He finishes strong and it is the best performance, the best concert of the tour so far. It was perfect. Nate and the band bow at the end and soak in the standing ovation before walking off the stage for the night.

"I'll shower and head right back here. You look nice, by the way." He rushes past me, with Paul right behind him to go get ready. I head into the main room and see James sleeping on the couch. Poor guy must have been tired to sleep through this noisy concert. Jonah, Casey and Noah all come.

"Should I wake him?" Casey asks, also seeing James is asleep.

"Maybe. This room is gonna fill up fast. We can check into the hotel, but the driver won't be here for another hour. He can sleep on the tour bus if he wants." I say.

Casey wakes James up, but he decides to stay instead of going to the tour bus. She helps him with getting some food and a drink since Julia is not in the room. I don't know where the hell she went built that's not my problem.

I find a seat and that guy Noah decides to sit next to me.

"Do you think I should leave now?" He asks nervously, not really knowing what to expect.

"Nah, you're welcome to stay for the afterparty. If you'd like. Fair warning though, for the most part it's a dry event. Some people bring their own booze but with Nate being a recovering alcoholic- I make them drink in the other room." I say thinking Noah already knows this and now realizing he really doesn't know much at all, does he? He really is just a firefighter who looks like a fucking model filling in for his sister, now having quite the experience and day of his life with a celebrity.

"Oh thank God." Noah relaxes into the couch a little more and a look of relief washes over him. "I am as well and was wondering how the hell I was gonna do here."

He's a recovering alcoholic. Now it all makes sense with the wife and kids and custody thing. He fucked up and now is trying to get back on his feet. I nod and pat his knee to let him know I understand.

"I got ya. I'll make sure no one comes around you with that shit. I don't drink at all... and Jonah is like You and Nate, so between all of us... we've got ya covered." I assure Nate's new friend he's only known for a day.

"So now what? You guys stay here for a while?" He looks around the room as the caterers' rush to get more food out before the production team arrives.

"Tonight? Yeah, just an hour or so. Then we are staying at the Ritz Paris for a few days so we can sight see before we have to travel again. Julia, Casey and Jonah have never been to France before.

"THE Ritz Paris?? Holy shit. It's like three thousand Euro for one night!" Noah's eyes bug out of his head. Does he not realize how much Nate made from this concert night alone??? Millions.

"Actually, Nate got the presidential suite that's more like five thousand dollars per night. But he is also paying for the rest of us to stay and booked rooms for all. He's a very generous man.

"Wait. So he booked..." I can see Noah counting core group he met today. " SEVEN rooms at the Ritz?!"

"Welllllll, not exactly." I pause while trying to think of the best way to describe the situation. "He booked four rooms. The two private nurses, Jonah and Casey, are a couple so they will have one room, Me and Paul, the bodyguard share another room because he's been my bodyguard for a while, long story."

"I've heard that a lot today."

"Yeah. And .. Well, Nate and Julia were once together. Engaged actually. But broke up as few days ago. So that's a messy situation. Him, Julia, James and the dog will stay in Nate's suite. Julia takes care of James...from his-"

"Yeah, he told me a little about that. So, Julia is single and gonna stay in the same room as her ex? Interesting."

"Yeah, the dynamics are amazing right?"

"I feel like I'm in some kind of weird Soap opera." Noah laughs. He has a great laugh.

He has a great everything.

*******