Chapter 2: Hidden in the Bunk

POV: Gabby

August 20, 2007

We were in Boise, Idaho for the show at the club, we’d arrived about 10 and it was now one. I was inside setting up the drums, something that the crew seemed to leave to me because I had smaller hands or some shit, I think they did it to piss Zac off or something. I sat down on the stool and tightened the snare up. I didn’t understand why they felt I needed this job, I had plenty of room around the screws.

When they hired me I assumed that I would be the assistant to them all, it really wasn’t taking much time to realize I was basically Zac’s personal slave. Taylor and Isaac rarely asked for anything, Taylor had asked for coffee one morning and only because I was standing there already. Isaac, hadn’t asked for anything. Zac? He asked for drinks, chips, and whatever else even on the bus when we were 20 feet from the kitchen, or even if he went into the truck stop with me, he still had me get it.

There album was titled The Walk and they were doing one mile barefoot walks at each stop, I had gone on the last one and it really took little time to find Zac’s type, he seemed to hang around the blondes with low cut or cropped tops, lots of cleavage, I wasn’t sure if that surprised me or not. Considering what Maxwell had told me about him it really shouldn’t surprise me.

“Gabby! Where are you?” Isaac yelled.

I looked up, was I hidden by some invisible barrier? “I’m right here.”

“Oh, damn, I didn’t think you’d be there. Usually the house crew handles that kind of thing.”

“I think the last venue called and complained about Zac’s twenty minute rampage on how his entire set was put up wrong, but they told me my fingers were smaller and could reach all the screws. I have plenty of room, so I don’t know. But, what’s up?”

“It’s possible they did. Is there any way you can run up the street and grab lunch? We’re doing the walk about three but we’re all starving and we can’t go outside, there are fans around the building already and we’ll be mobbed if we step outside.”

“It’s my job Ike. Write me an order and I’ll go right now, make sure Zac’s order is clearly written.”

“Are you done with everything here?”

“Yeah, there together and unless he loosens the hinges it shouldn’t roll away or anything.”

He laughed. “Hilarious if it does. It did happen before actually, they rolled right off the stage.”

I laughed. “Seriously?”

“Yep. We were younger though. No idea what happened.”

“I would pay to see that happen now, but it wouldn’t be good for the show.”

I got up, hopped off the platform and followed him. Turns out it wasn’t just theirs but like everyone. How was I carrying all that back?!

“I’ll go with her, I’m not known and they won’t mob me.” DJ said.

“Sure? I know you haven’t rested much today, we can’t have you going over on hours.” Isaac said.

“I’m sure. I was going to run and grab lunch and then sleep for a while anyway, besides she shouldn’t be walking alone.”

“I’d be fine.” I said.

“I am sure, but tour safety wise.” He replied.

“Cool. Well, here is my card and cover everyone’s, including yours. Don’t you dare do like you did last.” Taylor said.

I smiled some. I had been sent last stop too and he had said all, but I covered my own meal.“Ok Taylor, are you sure?”

“Yes.”

DJ and I went out the back door and fans screamed the moment we came out, until they saw us and then it was a sigh. Yep, sorry ladies we were not Hanson. We walked quietly up the street to the deli. I handed the lady the mile long order and we sat down to wait for them to prepare the orders and label them. My phone beeped and I looked at the message.

Make sure they don’t screw up the order like last time. I mean, I said NO pickles and I had a ton.

No problem Zac. YOU wrote it down, I’ve been watching them fix them though.

Just saying….

If you had been more clear in your writing last time, I wouldn’t have told them extra pickles! Glad you wrote it clearer this time!

You could read it…

I shook my head, he was definitely an arrogant asshole. I’d caught him staring at me a few times and while it was making me slightly uncomfortable Maxwell assured me he knew what the word no meant, which for me was a good thing. Yet, I had met the rest of the band in Nebraska and Mikey gave me a creepy feeling but he was kind of a loner. Andrew and Demetrius were sweethearts, they acted like Taylor and Isaac and were nice.

“You are so quiet, it’s sometimes hard to know you’re here.”

I looked up. “I’m usually quiet.”

“Is everything going well? I know it’s not your first tour.”

“Yeah. I’m not use to this schedule at all though, I traveled mostly with rock bands and they party long after the show ends and then sleep for like a few hours and repeat the same actions.”

“No, there more goal oriented. I mean there money is tied up with this investment and they know bullshitting things won’t get them far, they party but not daily.”

“I can’t say I disagree with that really. Love their dedication to the craft, it’s kind of rare.”

We idly talked about their mission and when she called us up we got the bags and I paid. I couldn’t believe Taylor trusted me with his debit card, I hadn’t been trusted with that type of information ever. Yet, I also knew that I couldn’t exploit his trust either, he would after all have access to the account to check and verify. We walked back and delivered lunch even got to sit and eat with them. Zac made it a point to sit beside me.

“They didn’t fuck my order up right?”

I glanced at him. “If they fucked up it’s because you wrote it down wrong.”

Taylor and Isaac looked wide eyed and Zac raised his eyebrow. “What, you didn’t call it off to them?”

“No. I handed them the list. Besides, you’ll complain anyway, so just eat.”

It was rather evident that most prior roadies just took his bullshit, but I wasn’t going to do that. He ate his sandwich without bitching about it but he complained about the drink, I guess I couldn’t win them all. When they went to the front for the walk I crept out the back to join them.

“You walking or headed to the bus?” Carrick asked.

“I am walking today, it’s for a good cause and I could use the exercise”

“Bullshit, you’re already thin enough.”

“Me? I weight more than you do soaking wet.”

“That might be true but I need to stretch.”

Carrick got attention from the girls walking, but I was a no name face in the crowd so everyone kind of ignored me. I did remember to put my bus key and passes up, so they couldn’t see them or know I was on the tour. I agreed with the purpose and cause of the walk and was glad that my miles would contribute to the cause, I had even purchased a pair of the Tom’s shoes, because that was a worthy cause as well. Taylor was ahead of me, surrounded by girls and Isaac was somewhere in the rear of the group. I was not sure where Zac was.

“Did anyone ever tell you how sexy you walk?”

I looked to see who it was, was rather shocked it was Zac talking to me. I gave him a raised eyebrow because my hair wasn’t blond and I damn sure didn’t have my tits hanging out of my shirt. He looked shocked when he saw my face.

“Gabby?!?”

“That’s my name, let’s not wear it out. To answer your question though, once or twice.”

“I didn’t…”

Some blonde jumped between us and asked about a song and I just shook my head and lagged back, when we got back I set about to make sure the rugs were clean, the wires were right and listened to the sound check. He seemed confused that there didn’t need to be a thousand adjustments to his set, but I wouldn’t be doing my job well if I didn’t at least pay attention to how and where things should be. I finally got to sit down about 5:30, for 15 minutes and I checked my phone, found a message from Abigail.

Look here missy, I know you are touring and all, but you CAN hit me up sometimes. I miss your face.

I hit reply. Haha, you mean when there not slave driving me?! You know Zac sent me to the store Thursday for a pack of gummy worms?! It couldn’t be *any* brand, no it had to be a very specific brand…

I had to wait a few moments before her name came up, calling me and her ringtone, my god.

“See, I knew I should of just called you when I seen the message.”

“Yes, you should have. He sent you for gummy bears? Fucking seriously?”

“Totally, it was like the Hasbro brand and of course it took three stores before I found them. I’m going to lose eighty pounds just fetching him candy and soda. Taylor and Isaac hardly ask for anything unless it’s lunch, which I mean is normal because when they walk outside for the walks, the screaming is evident.”

“You should buy some for you while you’re at it, candy won’t hurt you at all.”

“Considered it, but really not my card and you know I’m not a candy person. I like my ice cream.”

“Yeah, aside from that are you okay? Max gets like daily updates but I haven’t gotten a lousy text, I see how loved I am.”

“Sorry! I’m…adjusting. The schedule is different and it’s not all parties. We’re usually on the road a few hours after the show, it’s so strange not having wild parties.”

“Maybe this is better for you though, something away from the excessive partying, it’s different Gabs. Max and I have tried to get you to get away from that crowd.”

“Maybe. I felt like I belonged there Abby.”

“But honey you don’t belong to that crowd, you are smarter than that.”

“It’s where I wanted to be Abigail, it’s where I felt like I was needed and wanted. It didn’t matter that I was smarter or better looking. None of that mattered to them.”

“You just fell apart when Max left to go on tour. I’m rather surprised you’re even talking to him, you went so long ignoring him.”

I was seriously not wanting to speak about this subject. “That was all complicated Abigail. I told you then it wasn’t anything he did or didn’t do, it’s just…”

“Honey I know, you fell in love with him and he didn’t feel the same way. You think I didn’t know? I’ve known you longer than he has and I knew a few months after you met him that you were falling.”

Abigail didn’t quite know the whole story there but that was how I wanted it, I didn’t need her to take any additional pity on me. She wasn’t wrong though, I had fallen in love with Maxwell not long after he moved in beside me.

“Well, he still doesn’t feel that way, I asked in March when I went there and when we talked about everything.”

He and I hadn’t parted ways before well and I’d pretty much erased him from my life after he left, I felt so betrayed and alone and he hadn’t understood why. Talking had helped us but nothing had changed, I still loved him and I always would but he and I wouldn’t work as a couple.

“I know honey, when Shawn…”

“Don’t. Don’t even say his name Abby you know better. I’m too far away from you and Maxwell to go there and not a single person knows or has any clue about that, they won’t know how to react. Let’s just change the subject and find something else.”

“Oh, okay, so…how do you feel about this Zac?”

Her voice was teasing as if she thought I’d want to be with him or something.

“The arrogant prick? Don’t even entertain that idea Abby.”

“I’ve heard some stories, I am sure you can handle him Gabs, just don’t overdo it. The boy might be a bit of a whore but let’s not tease him relentlessly.”

“Trying not too but I do have to go, I’m working merchandise too and it’s close to when I have to go up.”

“Okay. Love you Gabs.”

“Love you too. Have a good afternoon.”

Truthfully, I needed to hang up because she knew better! I sat there, she knew better than to mention him, why she felt it was needed now was beyond me and I wanted to just slap her but I couldn’t. She was a hundred miles or more away and I really didn’t want to bother Maxwell either. I sat here calming myself down, his name brought back memories from when I was younger.

“You okay?” Andrew asked.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”

He sat down and smiled. “I have a couple younger female family members, pretty sure that look was something being wrong.”

“Really, nothing is wrong. Just talked to Abby and reminiscing about memories.”

He smiled. “Okay, doors are about to open.”

“I need to get to the front then.”

We got up and he went down the hall and I headed to the front and that’s where I stayed during the show. It was different and it gave me the sense of purpose I lacked before. Fans were often nice, treated me with respect and they were nothing like rock band fans who felt entitled. When the show was over and the last of the fans had left, I packed up the remaining merchandise and went ahead and got it moved. I then helped breakdown the equipment and ensured everything was packed. It was labor that I liked doing and by the time I was done and on the bus I just wanted to sleep. Which is what I did, I only poked my head in to say goodnight and then I climbed into my bunk. I brought up Maxwell’s name and hit the message button.

Day 9: I’m alive and haven’t hurt anyone, myself included. It’s different but maybe this is good. Thank you J

See – I told you they’d be good for you Gabs. No complaint of Zac tonight, was he decent today?

Haha, define decent…If decent includes staring at me sure he was, least he couldn’t bitch about lunch. But dude, so wish I had time to play the video game I brought, I’m just way too tired to bother.

It lulls some, I saw their schedule. You get some rest though because you need it.

I am in bed now. Seriously…thank you. I don’t know what I would have done if you had turned me away...

Gabrielle I would –never- turn you away, no matter what you do I will always be here for you. You better remember that!

I’m glad you wouldn’t.

I told you before, I’m always here for you. *hugs* Now, get your butt to sleep.

I laid the phone above me and stared at the ceiling. Sure I was tired but there were nights where sleep simply didn’t come. It was that whole adjustment thing because I was use to having parties after the shows that lasted until the sun came up, they didn’t do that. So, here I was just staring at the ceiling. I heard everyone head to bed and around 4 am I got back up. I got a bottle of water and went to the back, where Zac was sitting in the corner facing the TV and he was playing my game! As if he didn’t bring enough of his own! I took a seat as far away as possible, wondered why I even came here. I was actually about to get back up when he spoke.

“Odd that you’re awake.” He said.

I glanced at the screen and saw him run off the road and he sighed. I started to say something but didn’t, instead I looked at him.

“I just couldn’t sleep, happens sometimes.”

He glanced at me and that smirk, which I couldn’t deny was a bit sexy. “I’m pretty sure a good vibrator would handle that problem quite well. I’m sure you have one hidden somewhere in that bunk of yours.”

I raised an eyebrow at that. “What did you do? You did not look for one did you? That’s seriously creepy if you did.”

“I didn’t need to look to know Gabby. I have known enough women to just know they have at least one.”

“For your information, I don’t own one. Funny, if men knew what they were doing we wouldn’t need them at all.”

That got his attention. “Are you trying to say that men don’t know what to do when it comes to sex?”

“If they did, vibrators wouldn’t exist.”

“Going to assume you own a few then.”

I got up, headed to the door, heard him snort and I turned around. “No, never had a reason to own one. Why spend the money on a vibrating piece of plastic when I have my own hands that know exactly what to do?”

His eyes grew wide and I went back to bed, arrogant asshole. Assuming that I’d have a vibrator because I was a woman? Should have asked if he had one. I was still awake when he came to bed an hour later, muttering and I smiled to myself before sleep finally took over.