14. Chapter 14

Chapter 14

~ Heath ~

I checked my phone again, seeing that the text message was still unread. Which wasn't like Tiff. She was always good at reading them and responding. But ever since dinner two days ago, she's been ignoring me.

I didn't think asking her on tour with me was a big step, especially given the way our relationship was progressing, but maybe it was. And maybe I freaked her out. Which was the last thing I wanted to do. I just wanted to keep her close and get to know her a bit more.

Okay, sure, being wrapped up in her arms every night, even in a smaller bed, wasn't a bad idea.

But I didn't think it was so drastic it would trigger this type of reaction.

All I could say was, I didn't like it. I admit I might be jumping to conclusions here, but something felt off. Way off. And I didn't like it.

With a sigh, I opened my messages and sent another message, this time to Kev.

Hey, you busy?

Only fighting traffic, no biggie though, right?

I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm and glanced at the time. He had plenty of time to get here and it wasn't like he had to be backstage.I didn't need to see him before I opened the show.

If I give you an address, will you check off? It's not like her to ignore me and I can't help but shake that something is up.

Sure man, send me the address.

Which I did and put the phone down for a second, only to pick it back up again.

Hey babe, not sure what's going on, but I would really love to see you before the show tonight. Tickets are still at will call with your name, along with a VIP pass. Don't you want to see backstage?

Hell, I wanted her to see it. I wanted to taint so many other places with her. But if she didn't show, didn't tell me what was up, then I wasn't sure I could.And if she didn't come to this show, something was telling me she wasn't going on tour with me.

I watched as the read notifications changed on the message and then held my breath as the dots appeared and then disappeared. I lifted my head from the phone as I heard voices raised outside the room but ignored them. Whatever females were quietly arguing was no concern of mine.

Finally, the message popped up from her. I frowned as I read it, then reread it again.

Hey Heath.Thanks for the offer, and I'm sorry I didn't message you sooner. But I caught something yesterday and I've been in bed all day. The last thing I want to do is get you sick. Have a great show and I'll talk to you when you're done, or tomorrow.

That felt so cold, so unlike her.

I played with my lip as I read the message one more time, only glancing up as the door opened and the stylist came in to change me and start on my makeup. I shook my head, typing out a quick reply before setting it down.

That sucks, babe. Hope you feel well, let me know. Get rest and I'll check in tomorrow.

I just couldn't buy it. But I didn't want to get Kev sick either, so I sent him another message to just come to the show, that Tiff was sick, and I'll talk to her later.

Twenty minutes later, I bounced my leg, feeling the blood start to flow. The anxious side was kicking in, not wanting to wait for my cue. But the light had just dimmed for the opening act, so I still had some time to kill.

"Dude, you need to chill."

I looked at Kev and shook my head.

"You don't get it. I know that you think texting is stupid and that reading anything from a message is wrong, but Tiff just doesn't talk like that. It's not like her. It almost seemed cold, impersonal. Kind of like the way things used to start feeling before the ex became the ex."

Kev crossed his arms and leaned back against the table, making sure to not knock over the drinks.

"I think you want to read more into this than what's there."

"You would think that man," I told him as I stood, starting to pace. "But that's not the case, not now. I want things to work out with this woman. But I can't shake that this is just odd, even for her. I would show you the phone, and let you read through our text thread, but you still wouldn't get it."

"Would it make you feel better for me to go check it out? You pulled me away but getting out now would be easier and it would seem to put your mind at ease if you knew?"

I couldn't help but look at him. He's right, I should have just had him do it before, but I wasn't focusing so much on the messages then. Now, it was eating away at me. And I still had plenty of time before the show started. It also wasn't like she was that far away.

"I'll owe you one for it."

"I would say more VIP shit, but I get half of it for free." He clapped my back, giving me a smile. "You'll see, it'll be okay."

I nodded in agreement. Or at least, what I hoped was agreement. My gut was telling me that I was being lied to, but I couldn't figure out why. What was Tiff hiding? She had seemed to be so open before. Why now?

I started pacing, stopping only to sip the tea I had before any show.Liquor came after. I prided myself on my vocals and a damn good fucking show, I wouldn't screw it up by going on stage even slightly tipsy.

Ten minutes later, my phone pinged, letting me know I had a message. I quickly snatched it up, my eyes narrowing at Kev's text.

I see no car. Lights all off. Knocked on door, but no one answered. She could be asleep, but pounded pretty hard. I don't think she's home.

So, it was a lie. What the fuck was going on? Why couldn't she be honest? I mean, I figured out she was an exotic dancer and didn't mind. So, what could she be covering up? It didn't feel like she was cheating but now I was wondering what I was missing.

I glanced down at the tea in my hand, figuring I needed something a little stronger to get me through the night.Something to help ease the anger that was coursing through my veins. Because I couldn't talk to her before the show, so there was no way I could fucking text, demanding to know what was going on.

With that, I yanked the door open, literally plowing into someone shorter than me.

"Sorry," I muttered, holding the woman's arms to keep her from falling. I looked down at her, taking in the black halter top, the black leather shorts, the fishnet stockings, and the knee-high boots. The opening dancer outfit that went right along with the leather pants and black button-up I wore.

However, when I got to her face, my eyes flew open wide. The last person I expected to see before me, in that outfit with no makeup on, was the woman who was supposed to be in bed, feeling so damn sick she didn't want to risk giving it to me.

"Tiff?" I asked, seeing the other dancer come up next to her. Both of the ladies were in shock, and I glanced between them before clenching my teeth. "What the fuck is going on?"