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Chapter 24
Cautiously intrigued, AJ watched a figure in the back of their tour bus flip through a phonebook, separating the pages as quietly as possible. AJ took a few steps closer to get a better look.
Brian paused and skimmed his index finger down a column of names, stopping halfway.
AJ tried to see what he was staring at. With a thud, Brian closed the book, and turned around.
“I didn’t think anyone was awake.” He yawned and passed AJ, heading to the front of the bus.
Still a little on the confused side, AJ followed him, and listened as he asked the driver to make a slight detour.
“Hey, Bri, what are you doing man?” AJ squinted his eyes.
“ I just have something I have to take care of.”
“’C’mon Brian, you haven’t been yourself lately, what’s eating at ya?”
Brian’s eyes seemed to daze off at his question. He sighed. “We’re almost in San Francisco.”
“Yup, we are. But…uh… I already knew that.” AJ smirked at him.
“San Fransico is were Sierra lives.” Brian looked up, meeting A.J.’s stare.
“Oh. I’m sorry man, I didn’t know.”
Brian took a breath. “ I have to see her, AJ. I-- I can’t pass by this opportunity to see her again. I just hope she’ll talk to me.”
AJ shook his head. “I hear ya Bro. But personally, I don’t think she’s gonna be too pleased if you show up at her door at 4 in the morning.”
“Too late.” Brian sighed as the driver stopped their bus in front of a small beach house.
Running fingers through his hair, Brian lingered slowly along the brick walkway and paused just before the door. Reaching out warily, he pushed the bell, and held his breath.
. . .
Sierra felt her heart beat faster as she got out of bed. Who would want something this early in the morning? She looked at the alarm clock as she passed it. 3:54 am.
“It’s too early.” She murmured as she opened the door, and tried to focus her eyes at the person in front of her.
“I’m so sorry to disturb you, ma’am, but it seems you left this in the lobby last night.” The bell-boy handed Sierra a small purse.
“You must have dropped it when you arrived, I’m sorry we didn’t find it sooner.” He smiled at her, and let his eyes flow down her robe.
“Oh.” Sierra felt that familiar sick pang in her stomach. She pulled her belt tighter around her. “Don’t worry, there’s nothing important in here. But thank you for returning it.”
“Anytime” He grinned. “ And thank you for staying at The Roya—“
Sierra faked a quick smile, and shut the door before he could finish. She locked it twice.
For some reason she began to regret leaving her house.
. . .
Brian climbed onto the tour bus, glancing at the time. 4:02am. Letting his body collapse into one of the seats, he closed his eyes and took a breath.
“What happened?” AJ tried not to be too nosy. He failed.
Brian eyes seemed so heavy, he opened them halfway. “Either she’s hiding in there, or she doesn’t live here anymore. I can’t take this…maybe I just got my hopes up or something.”
“It’s not your fault Bri, listen…we’re almost to the city, you just need some sleep man. Try not to think about her.” AJ noticed Brian’s head slowly falling back. “Ooorrr you could take my advice right now.” He laughed.
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