Chapter 3

I spend most of the plane ride bouncing off the walls with anxiety and fascination. Despite having an ultrafamous brother, I hardly ever travel, and I’ve never been on the band’s private jet. I’m fascinated by everything inside the jet. I make a fuss over the sleek leather seats and then over all the tiny soaps in the small bathroom. I’m just praising the secret stash of Belgian chocolate bars, when the pilot announces that we are beginning our descent into Los Angeles.

“Oh, good,” Ashley says, sounding relieved. “We’re here.”

I crane my neck, looking out the window. Los Angeles is a patchwork of glittering glass towers and long sweeps of beaches curling around the blue water. The sight of palm trees instead of mountains makes my heart soar.

“It’s so pretty,” I murmur.

“How badly do you want to party on the beach tonight?” Ashley cracks a smile.

“You think the guys will let us?” I ask her with a devious smile.