Chapter 61

Juno

I tried not to ogle the inside of the plane as Jack led me on, his fingers entwined in mine. Thanks to the earlier conversation about money and contracts, I already felt a little on edge. I was pretty sure Jack had been holding back a lot of stress or anger when he'd first brought it up.

Of course, I didn't want his money at all, but it was clear that he was worried I might. It made me even more glad I'd paid for my own clothes the previous day, even if they'd been a huge expense for me but probably pocket change for him.

Now, I didn't know how to react to the interior of the jet. The softest carpet ran along the floor, far nicer and gentler underfoot than anything I'd felt in a building, let alone a plane. The seats were all cream leather that shone and looked so plush that I wasn't sure I could sit in them.

But the real wealth was clearly in all the gadgets and extras. There was a large TV and sofa arrangement on one side of the jet and a full dining table on the other, the seats around it almost as comfortable and plush.

We had several hostesses on board despite the fact that there were fewer than fifteen of us getting on the plane, including the PAs and security. No sooner were we on board than we were offered drinks, the possibilities seemingly endless and the usual preferences already covered.

Kai was quick to receive his usual brand of soda, and even Jack soon had a drink without even having to mention what he wanted.

I asked for a soda as well, feeling out of place, and then tried to take Jack's lead in deciding where to sit.

He moved toward the back of the plane, so I followed. He went past a small curtain and revealed yet another area. This one had smaller seats arranged on either side of the aisle, some headphones, and a few areas to plug in electronics, such as laptops. There were a few doors behind that, and Jack pointed at them in turn.

"Bathroom and bedroom," he said. "Sometimes Liam likes to take a nap, and he needs it to be super quiet and not in a seat, so we usually give him first crack. If he doesn't want it, feel free to nap. Or nap in here if you think you can. We're quieter back here, and the seats recline."

I nodded, taking it all in while in shock. The plane was so much bigger and more spacious than I'd expected. And it was also well-tailored to the band's requirements.

Jack smirked as I stood in the middle of the aisle a little longer before he sat on one of the seats out of the way. I went to sit beside him, feeling as if quiet and calm might be a great idea after all the chaos of the last few days. I also got the impression this was normal for him when Kai merely poked his head past the curtain, nodded in our direction, and then retreated again.

A moment later, Jack pulled a small sketchbook from his carry-on bag, along with a pen, and paid me little attention. I didn't mind, deciding to pull my e-reader from my purse and read for a while. I'd been so busy for so long that I hadn't had a chance to read in forever, and there were always plenty of books on my device just waiting for me to have a look.

The time slipped by, the staff making us a meal after only an hour or so. I marveled at the numerous options, the menu far more varied than on other flights, especially as they seemed to have anticipated my need for a gluten-free diet.

After eating, Kai and Alma came to the back of the plane as well, the latter curling up on a chair and reclining it so she could get some sleep. Kai also grabbed a book, and we descended into peace and quiet once more.

Not long after that, Liam took the option of using the bedroom. For a moment, I considered joining the others in the front of the plane, just hearing Eve's voice now and then, but instead, I stayed put, beginning to feel dozy as well.

The night sky had darkened while we flew. We were staying in the same time zone, but it was farther south, and that meant the sun set sooner.

I closed my eyes, trying to think of nothing but the hope of a nice vacation with Jack and his band. Of enjoying sandy beaches and starry skies. I drifted awake as a hand ran over my shoulder.

"We're landing," Jack said, his voice gentle as I opened my eyes.

I blinked a few times as my eyes adjusted and sat up. A blanket slipped off my shoulders, someone having put it there while I slept. Immediately, Jack sat back in his own seat, his paper and pen tucked safely away again.

Not sure what else to do, I waited and let my mind feel more awake again. It didn't take long to touch down, and then Jack got up and reached for me. Smiling up at him, I let him lead me out, going down the steps in his wake.

The island we'd landed on was warmer than the New York we'd left, even at night, and I was instantly grateful that I'd bought some clothes for summer conditions.

Despite the late hour, we were quickly inside another car, our passports checked, just me and Jack, with the others following in their own vehicles.

I noticed we didn't pull off right away, as airplane staff and the band's security helped load our luggage into the trunk, some of the smaller items coming in the car with us.

It made me feel a little guilty that we weren't doing anything to help. I noticed Jack was still a lot quieter than normal and tried to think of a way to encourage him to talk.

"When were you last on the island?" I asked. It was the first question that popped into my head, but Jack didn't answer it immediately, instead looking away.

"About six months ago," he said as he looked out the opposite window, the unmoving plane under his gaze.

I frowned, hearing tiredness in his voice. Was he just tired, or was there something else bothering him? I had no way to know. It was late, but he normally sounded like he had plenty of energy.

Before I could think of another question, the luggage was finally loaded, and our driver started the engine.

Leaning toward Jack, I sighed. He put his arm around me in response.

"You okay?" he asked, sounding like himself again.

"I think so. A little nervous about this island of yours, but excited, too. I've never been to the Bahamas," I replied, deciding to be honest. After all, that was what I was asking for from him.

"What makes you nervous?" he asked, turning even more my way.

I exhaled, not sure how to answer the question. Not because I didn't want to tell the truth but because I wasn't entirely sure of the answer myself.

"I think it's a mix of things. A little because it's an unknown place. I also don't feel I know everyone well yet, although everyone has been lovely so far. And because…it's a small island in the middle of nowhere. But it's not just that. I think I always feel a little anxious about unknowns and the expectations of others."

Jack nodded.

"I'm anxious, too," he said a moment later. "I want you to like the place."

"Oh, I'm sure I'll love the island," I replied. "And I'm pretty confident about being on it with you."

At my words, Jack smiled, and then we kissed, the passion he felt clear in the way he pulled me into his arms. Maybe being on his island was going to be all right after all.