Chapter 14

The car stopped then and when Abigail looked out the window, she saw a long bus with the words ‘Bayside Boys Black and White Tour’ emblazed on it.

“Wow.” She commented with wide eyes, “That’s really cool.”

He smiled as he looked at her.

“Wait until you see inside.”

She turned to look at him then and caught him looking at her.

“What?” she asked, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

He shook his head at her before he opened his door.

“Come on.”

The both got out then and after taking Abigail’s bags out of the trunk, Rick thanked the driver and they headed towards the bus.

“Where is everybody?” Abigail asked as they hadn’t seen anyone outside the bus, yet there were tons of bags there.

Rick shrugged.

“They’re probably inside.” He told her.

They heard laughing then and Rick knew he was right. He started up the stairs to the bus then and motioned for her to follow.

When they were inside, they found AJ, Sara, Ryan and his wife, Lena, all sitting around a table at the side of the bus. The conversation ceased and they looked up at the two.

Rick made the introductions quickly.

“Guys, this is Abigail. She’s coming on tour with us.” He said.

AJ smirked as if he’d already predicted that and Sara nudged him with her elbow.

“Abigail, you already met AJ and Sara.” He said nodding at the two and ignoring their interlude before turning to Ryan and Lena.

“This is Ryan and his wife Lena.” He told her.

“It’s nice to meet you Abigail.” Lena told her politely with a smile as she took the younger girl’s hand. Ryan did the same.

“So how long will you be on tour with us for?” Ryan asked.

“Uh..” Abigail said, “About a week, maybe more.”

When they looked at her confused, she added.

“I’m on two weeks’ vacation right now so as long as Rick can stand me during that time, I’ll be here.”

Rick laughed.

“Stand you?” he asked, “Baby, I was having a hard enough time leaving you behind, that’s why I had to bring you with me!” he put an arm around her waist and pulled her close. Abigail merely smiled at her audience before pulling away from him gently so as not to arouse curiosity.

“What is it you do exactly?” AJ asked looking at her.

“I uh…” Abigail’s mind started racing as she tried to think of an occupation.

“She’s a model.” Rick informed AJ and watched as his eyebrows shot up. “And can you blame her with legs like that!”

If looks could looks could kill, Rick would have been dead then with the glare Abigail gave him. She swore, when she got him alone, she was going to give him a piece of her mind.

No one seemed to notice Abigail’s expression except Sara, who had been watching her very closely ever since she came onto the bus. AJ, who had been doing the same, now had his attention turned to Abigail’s legs trying to see what Rick was talking about.

“I used to model.” Lena said then making Abigail focus her attention on her. “Now I’m more into acting. You ever thought of acting?” she asked her.

“Not really.” Abigail replied honestly.

“Well, if you do, just give us a call. Me and Rye have our own production company.” She added, then as if it were an afterthought said, “You’re really beautiful, if you don’t mind me saying so.” She stated quickly with a laugh. “I think you would look good in front the camera.”

Rick opened his mouth to say something but Abigail cut him off.

“Thank you. Rick, why don’t you show me where I can put my stuff?” she said turning to him expectantly.

“Sure.” He said walking her lower down the bus where the bunks were.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Abigail grabbed his arm and turned him towards her.

“What the hell was that?” she hissed.

“What?” Rick asked innocently.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about!” she retorted, “The whole, baby this and putting your arm around me.”

He shrugged.

“I was just acting my part like we’re supposed to be doing.”

Abigail put her fingers to her temples and counted to three. He was right. This was her case. She was undercover. She was supposed to act like his girlfriend.

Which reminded her…

“A model Rick?” she asked him, “Me a model? Is that the best you could have done?”

“What? You couldn’t think of anything!” he countered, “Besides, you’re gorgeous. It fits.” His voice lowered then and he could see her eyes softening. He hadn’t meant to tell her what he thought of her, but damn was she prettier when she was angry.

Abigail sighed and she shook her head as a thought occurred to her.

“And another thing.” She began, placing her hands on her hips as was her habit. He looked at her expectantly, “What do you mean ‘With legs like that’ Rick, you’ve never even seen my legs!”

He grinned mischievously.

“I know, but I’m sure they’re great.” His eyes trailed down her body then, lingering on her legs making her shift uncomfortably. She saw the twinkle in his eyes just before he turned around and walked over to a bunk where he dropped her bags.

“You can put your stuff here.” He said turning to her, “Don’t worry. No one would interfere with it.” He added when she looked around and saw some stuff already there.

“Someone else’s bags are already there.” She said.

He waved his hand dismissively.

“That’s my stuff. Just ignore it.” He said about to walk back to the others, but she put a hand on his arm stopping him.

“I can’t share a bunk with you.” She said suddenly nervous.

He grinned.

“Why not?”

“Because..”

She looked so nervous, Rick gave up teasing her.

“Relax.” He said, facing her again, “We don’t sleep on the bus, except for like a quick nap, but we’re going to a hotel. We basically use the bunks to put our stuff.”

Abigail was relieved.

“Oh.” Then feeling embarrassed about what she thought he meant added. “I knew that.”

“Sure you did.” He replied smiling, “You know, for someone undercover you’re really very tense. You need to loosen up a bit.”

Abigail glared at him.

“I AM loose!” she exclaimed and watched as he rolled his eyes, “It’s just that you make me..” her voice trailed off.

“Nervous” he supplied.

The glare turned fierce.

“Annoyed.” She corrected.

“Why is that?” he asked, leaning against one of the upper bunks.

“I don’t know.” She said frustrated.

Rick looked at her and sighed then.

“Look Abby, I’m sorry.” He said sincerely as she looked up at him, “I shouldn’t be giving you such a hard time. After all, you are here to help me out.”

She folded her arms.

“That’s right. You should be giving me all the co-operation I need.” She said.

He smiled and put out a hand. “Come on, let’s get back there before they start getting ideas.”

Abigail swatted him as she put her hand in his.