I drop them, and her eyes trail up. My brow arches, my lip curving into a smirk.
More flush hits her cheeks, and she straightens. “Good morning,” she says finally, her hands flying to her mouth.
“There’s mouthwash in the bathroom. Probably a pack of new toothbrushes too.” Her brows dip, questions all over her face.So predictable, Barbie.“Our friends crash here all the time. Travis likes to keep them on hand.”
I can tell she doesn’t quite believe me, but she mumbles ‘thanks’ and shuffles away. I hop up and go to Travis’s bathroom to do the same thing.
After I take care of business, I slip into the kitchen. Olivia is right behind me.
“Want some coffee?” Travis asks her as he hands me a cup.
She shakes her head. I bet she’s the type to put a ton of fancy shit in her coffee. Probably doesn’t even taste like coffee when she’s done with it.
“Penn’s going to take you home,” he tells them.
Olivia’s eyes flit to mine, her expression sour, and I grin over the rim of my cup.
Once I’ve chugged some caffeine, we climb in my truck. Ellie immediately stretches out in the back, leaving her friend no choice but to take the passenger seat. The ride is quiet as I follow Olivia’s directions, which are more precise than I was expecting, but also unsurprising. Instead of pointing and saying ‘here,’ she’s been saying ‘head north on Fifth Ave.’ Sounds exactly like the damn navigation lady in my phone.
I pull up to the curb and whistle, taking in the massive white building with fancy arches, and a doorman out front. “Nice digs.”
She ignores me and turns to wake Ellie.
“Thanks for the ride, Penn,” Ellie says as she hops out.
Olivia opens her door, ready to make a quick escape.
“I enjoyed cuddling last night,” I say. “We should do it again sometime.”
She freezes, one foot hanging from the truck as she twists around to glare at me. I smile at her, showing my teeth.
She scoffs, jumping out. “You wish.”
“Oh, you have no idea.” I wink, and she shakes her head, slamming the door. She rounds the truck, and I roll my window down. “You’re welcome!”
She falters, and for a second, I think she’s going to turn around, but then she picks up her pace, disappearing inside the building.
My phone vibrateson my counter as I’m making food. My stomach is hollow as fuck after an eight-hour shift at Ray’s Garage.
Tanner:
Last-minute cancellation at Bar 101. Ten tonight
I toss the phone down and resume making my sandwich, slapping some Miracle Whip on a slice of bread—yes, Miracle Whip. Fucking mayo is disgusting, and thereisa difference.I glance at the time; it’s after two. I just got home and had enough time to shower. I was going to attempt to take a nap, but I know Tanner, and he’ll want to rehearse even though we played two nights ago.
I type out a response, letting them know I’ll meet them at Travis’s, then I inhale my sandwich and slip out.
The gig went well.The turnout was decent, and the crowd was loud. I’m fucking beat. I can’t wait to go home and lie in my bed. We’re packing up the van when a feminine voice sounds from behind us. “Hi.”
Trav and I turn around, while Liam and Tanner keep at it. Two women stand by the exit, one with dark hair, dressed in all black, and a bleach blonde with a skin-tight dress, leaving nothing to the imagination.
“You guys played great,” the blonde says, batting her lashes.
“Thanks,” Travis responds, smiling at them.
“Is there an after-party?” she asks, looking at me and biting her lip.
Both girls are pretty, but I don’t feel a sliver of interest. I spin around and put my guitar case in the back, letting Travis deal with them. I text my mom to check in, and by the time I look up again, they’re gone. Tanner rounds the van and climbs in the driver’s seat, and Travis and I slide in the back, while Liam takes the passenger seat.
